Revistas
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0939-6411
Año:
2023
Vol.:
184
Págs.:
83 - 91
Nanomedicine offers great potential for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and particulate systems have the capacity to markedly improve bioavailability of therapeutics. The delivery of pro-angiogenic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and pro-survival and pro-myogenic insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) encapsulated in Alginate-Sulfate nanoparticles (AlgS-NP) might improve left ventricular (LV) functional recovery after myocardial infarction (MI). In a porcine ischemia-reperfusion model, MI is induced by 75 min balloon occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion. After 1 week, pigs (n = 12) with marked LV-dysfunction (LV ejection fraction, LVEF < 45%) are randomized to fusion imaging-guided intramyocardial injections of 8 mg AlgS-NP prepared with 200 µg HGF and IGF-1 (HGF/IGF1-NP) or PBS (Control). Intramyocardial injection is safe and pharmacokinetic studies of Cy5-labeled NP confirm superior cardiac retention compared to intracoronary infusion. Seven weeks after intramyocardial-injection of HGF/IGF1-NP, infarct size, measured using magnetic resonance imaging, is significantly smaller than in controls and is associated with increased coronary flow reserve. Importantly, HGF/IGF1-NP-treated pigs show significantly increased LVEF accompanied by improved myocardial remodeling. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of using AlgS-NP as a delivery system for growth factors and offer the prospect of innovative treatment for refractory ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Autores:
Stoelzel, F. (Autor de correspondencia); Fordham, S. E.; Nandana, D.; et al.
Revista:
JCI INSIGHT
ISSN:
2379-3708
Año:
2023
Vol.:
8
N°:
2
Págs.:
e150368
Precision medicine can significantly improve outcomes for patients with cancer, but implementation requires comprehensive characterization of tumor cells to identify therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities. Here, we describe somatic biallelic TET2 mutations in an elderly patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that was chemoresistant to anthracycline and cytarabine but acutely sensitive to 5 '-azacitidine (5 '-Aza) hypomethylating monotherapy, resulting in long-term morphological remission. Given the role of TET2 as a regulator of genomic methylation, we hypothesized that mutant TET2 allele dosage affects response to 5 '-Aza. Using an isogenic cell model system and an orthotopic mouse xenograft, we demonstrate that biallelic TET2 mutations confer sensitivity to 5 '-Aza compared with cells with monoallelic mutations. Our data argue in favor of using hypomethylating agents for chemoresistant disease or as first-line therapy in patients with biallelic TET2-mutated AML and demonstrate the importance of considering mutant allele dosage in the implementation of precision medicine for patients with cancer.
Autores:
Costa, M. H. G.; Costa, M. S.; Painho, B. ; et al.
Revista:
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
ISSN:
0006-3592
Año:
2023
Vol.:
120
N°:
9
Págs.:
2725 - 2741
xtracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) act as signaling mediators of cellular responses. However, despite representing a promising alternative to cell-based therapies, clinical translation of EVs is currently limited by their lack of scalability and standardized bioprocessing. Herein, we integrated scalable downstream processing protocols with standardized expansion of large numbers of viable cells in stirred-tank bioreactors to improve EV production. Higher EV yields were linked to EV isolation by tangential flow filtration followed by size exclusion chromatography, rendering 5 times higher number of EVs comparatively to density gradient ultracentrifugation protocols. Additionally, when compared to static culture, EV manufacture in bioreactors resulted in 2.2 higher yields. Highlighting the role of operating under optimal cell culture conditions to maximize the number of EVs secreted per cell, MSCs cultured at lower glucose concentration favored EV secretion. While offline measurements of metabolites concentration can be performed, in this work, Raman spectroscopy was also applied to continuously track glucose levels in stirred-tank bioreactors, contributing to streamline the selection of optimal EV collection timepoints. Importantly, MSC-derived EVs retained their quality attributes and were able to stimulate angiogenesis in vitro, therefore highlighting their promising therapeutic potential.
Autores:
Marin-Bejar, O.; Romero-Moya, D.; Rodriguez-Ubreva, J.; et al.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA-THE HEMATOLOGY JOURNAL
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2023
Vol.:
108
N°:
9
Págs.:
2551 - 2557
Revista:
MOLECULAR THERAPY
ISSN:
1525-0016
Año:
2023
Vol.:
31
N°:
1
Págs.:
48 - 65
Regulatory T cells overwhelm conventional T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) thanks to a FOXP3-driven metabolic program that allows them to engage different metabolic pathways. Using a melanoma model of adoptive T cell therapy (ACT), we show that FOXP3 overexpression in mature CD8 T cells improved their antitumor efficacy, favoring their tumor recruitment, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. FOXP3-overexpressing (Foxp3UP) CD8 T cells exhibited features of tissue-resident memory-like and effector T cells, but not suppressor activity. Transcriptomic analysis of tumor-infiltrating Foxp3UP CD8 T cells showed positive enrichment in a wide variety of metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, fatty acid (FA) metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Intratumoral Foxp3UP CD8 T cells exhibited an enhanced capacity for glucose and FA uptake as well as accumulation of intracellular lipids. Interestingly, Foxp3UP CD8 T cells compensated for the loss of mitochondrial respiration-driven ATP production by activating aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, in limiting nutrient conditions these cells engaged FA oxidation to drive OXPHOS for their energy demands. Importantly, their ability to couple glycolysis and OXPHOS allowed them to sustain proliferation under glucose restriction. Our findings demonstrate a hitherto unknown role for FOXP3 in the adaptation of CD8 T cells to TME that may enhance their efficacy in ACT.
Revista:
BLOOD ADVANCES
ISSN:
2473-9529
Año:
2023
Vol.:
7
N°:
1
Págs.:
167 - 173
Clonal evolution in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) originates long before diagnosis and is a dynamic process that may affect survival. However, it remains uninvestigated during routine diagnostic workups. We hypothesized that the mutational status of bone marrow dysplastic cells and leukemic blasts, analyzed at the onset of AML using integrated multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC) immunophenotyping and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with next-generation sequencing (NGS), could reconstruct leukemogenesis. Dysplastic cells were detected by MFC in 285 of 348 (82%) newly diagnosed patients with AML. Presence of dysplasia according to MFC and World Health Organization criteria had no prognostic value in older adults. NGS of dysplastic cells and blasts isolated at diagnosis identified 3 evolutionary patterns: stable (n= 12 of 21), branching (n= 4 of 21), and clonal evolution (n= 5 of 21). In patients achieving complete response (CR), integrated MFC and FACS with NGS showed persistent measurable residual disease (MRD) in phenotypically normal cell types, as well as the acquisition of genetic traits associated with treatment resistance. Furthermore, whole-exome sequencing of dysplastic and leukemic cells at diagnosis and of MRD uncovered different clonal involvement in dysplastic myelo-erythropoiesis, leukemic transformation, and chemoresistance. Altogether, we showed that it is possible to reconstruct leukemogenesis in 80% of patients with newly diagnosed AML, using techniques other than single-cell multiomics.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
ISSN:
2296-634X
Año:
2023
Vol.:
11
Págs.:
1128534
Aged muscles accumulate satellite cells with a striking decline response to damage. Although intrinsic defects in satellite cells themselves are the major contributors to aging-associated stem cell dysfunction, increasing evidence suggests that changes in the muscle-stem cell local microenvironment also contribute to aging. Here, we demonstrate that loss of the matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) in young mice alters the composition of the muscle extracellular matrix (ECM), and specifically disrupts the extracellular matrix of the satellite cell niche. This situation causes premature features of aging in the satellite cells, contributing to their functional decline and a predisposition to enter senescence under proliferative pressure. Similarly, reduction of MMP-10 levels in young satellite cells from wild type animals induces a senescence response, while addition of the protease delays this program. Significantly, the effect of MMP-10 on satellite cell aging can be extended to another context of muscle wasting, muscular dystrophy. Systemic treatment of mdx dystrophic mice with MMP-10 prevents the muscle deterioration phenotype and reduces cellular damage in the satellite cells, which are normally under replicative pressure. Most importantly, MMP-10 conserves its protective effect in the satellite cell-derived myoblasts isolated from a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient by decreasing the accumulation of damaged DNA. Hence, MMP-10 provides a previously unrecognized therapeutic opportunity to delay satellite cell aging and overcome satellite cell dysfunction in dystrophic muscles.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
ISSN:
1661-6596
Año:
2023
Vol.:
24
N°:
12
Págs.:
10123
The deposition of stem cells at sites of injury is a clinically relevant approach to facilitate tissue repair and angiogenesis. However, insufficient cell engraftment and survival require the engineering of novel scaffolds. Here, a regular network of microscopic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) filaments was investigated as a promising biodegradable scaffold for human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (hADSC) tissue integration. Via soft lithography, three different microstructured fabrics were realized where 5 x 5 and 5 x 3 & mu;m PLGA 'warp' and 'weft' filaments crossed perpendicularly with pitch distances of 5, 10 and 20 & mu;m. After hADSC seeding, cell viability, actin cytoskeleton, spatial organization and the secretome were characterized and compared to conventional substrates, including collagen layers. On the PLGA fabric, hADSC re-assembled to form spheroidal-like structures, preserving cell viability and favoring a nonlinear actin organization. Moreover, the secretion of specific factors involved in angiogenesis, the remodeling of the extracellular matrix and stem cell homing was favored on the PLGA fabric as compared to that which occurred on conventional substrates. The paracrine activity of hADSC was microstructure-dependent, with 5 & mu;m PLGA fabric enhancing the expression of factors involved in all three processes. Although more studies are needed, the proposed PLGA fabric would represent a promising alternative to conventional collagen substrates for stem cell implantation and angiogenesis induction.
Autores:
Mateos, M. V. (Autor de correspondencia); Prosper, F.; Sánchez, J. M.; et al.
Revista:
CANCER MEDICINE
ISSN:
2045-7634
Año:
2023
Vol.:
12
Págs.:
3999 - 4009
Previous studies showed antitumor activity for plitidepsin plus dexamethasone (DXM) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/r MM), and in vitro synergism with bortezomib (BTZ) or DXM against MM cells. This phase I trial evaluated plitidepsin (3-h intravenous infusion Day 1 and 15), BTZ (subcutaneous bolus Day 1, 4, 8, and 11), and DXM (orally Day 1, 8, 15, and 22), every 4 weeks in 36 r/r MM patients. Twenty-two patients were treated using a standard dose escalation design (10 at the recommended dose [RD] cohort), and 14 additional patients were treated to expand the RD cohort. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) occurred during dose escalation. The highest dose level evaluated (plitidepsin 5.0 mg/m(2), BTZ 1.3 mg/m(2), DXM 40.0 mg) was the RD for phase II studies. Results shown herein are focused on this RD. Two patients had DLTs (grade 3 diarrhea, and grade 3 nausea/vomiting refractory to antiemetic therapy). Grade >= 3 hematological toxicity (thrombocytopenia 46%, anemia 33%, and neutropenia 17%) was manageable and did not result in treatment discontinuation. Transient and manageable grade 3 ALT increase (26%) was the most common biochemical abnormality. At the RD cohort, overall response rate was 22.2% (95%CI, 6.4%-47.6%), including one stringent complete response, one very good partial response, and two partial responses in r/r patients to BTZ and/or lenalidomide. The clinical benefit rate was 77.8% (95%CI, 52.4-93.6%). No major pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction was found. In conclusion, the triple combination of plitidepsin, BTZ, and DXM showed an acceptable safety profile and had moderate activity in adult patients with r/r MM.
Revista:
NATURE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1078-8956
Año:
2023
Vol.:
29
N°:
3
Págs.:
632 - 645
The historical lack of preclinical models reflecting the genetic heterogeneity of multiple myeloma (MM) hampers the advance of therapeutic discoveries. To circumvent this limitation, we screened mice engineered to carry eight MM lesions (NF-kappa B, KRAS, MYC, TP53, BCL2, cyclin D1, MMSET/NSD2 and c-MAF) combinatorially activated in B lymphocytes following T cell-driven immunization. Fifteen genetically diverse models developed bone marrow (BM) tumors fulfilling MM pathogenesis. Integrative analyses of similar to 500 mice and similar to 1,000 patients revealed a common MAPK-MYC genetic pathway that accelerated time to progression from precursor states across genetically heterogeneous MM. MYC-dependent time to progression conditioned immune evasion mechanisms that remodeled the BM microenvironment differently. Rapid MYC-driven progressors exhibited a high number of activated/exhausted CD8(+) T cells with reduced immunosuppressive regulatory T (T-reg) cells, while late MYC acquisition in slow progressors was associated with lower CD8(+) T cell infiltration and more abundant T-reg cells. Single-cell transcriptomics and functional assays defined a high ratio of CD8(+) T cells versus T-reg cells as a predictor of response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). In clinical series, high CD8(+) T/T-reg cell ratios underlie early progression in untreated smoldering MM, and correlated with early relapse in newly diagnosed patients with MM under Len/Dex therapy. In ICB-refractory MM models, increasing CD8(+) T cell cytotoxicity or depleting T-reg cells reversed immunotherapy resistance and yielded prolonged MM control. Our experimental models enable the correlation of MM genetic and immunological traits with preclinical therapy responses, which may inform the next-generation immunotherapy trials.
New experimental models provide much-needed tools for understanding how genetically diverse multiple myeloma progresses and evolves in response to therapy.
Revista:
STEM CELL REPORTS
ISSN:
2213-6711
Año:
2023
Vol.:
18
N°:
1
Págs.:
64 - 80
Naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are defined as the in vitro counterpart of the human preimplantation embryo's epiblast and are used as a model system to study developmental processes. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of distinct cell populations coexisting with epiblast-like cells in 5iLAF naive human induced PSC (hiPSC) cultures. It is noteworthy that these populations closely resemble different cell types of the human embryo at early developmental stages. While epiblast-like cells represent the main cell population, interestingly we detect a cell population with gene and transposable element expression profile closely resembling the totipotent eight-cell (8C)-stage human embryo, and three cell populations analogous to trophectoderm cells at different stages of their maturation process: transition, early, and mature stages. Moreover, we reveal the presence of cells resembling primitive endoderm. Thus, 5iLAF naive hiPSC cultures provide an excellent opportunity to model the earliest events of human embryogenesis, from the 8C stage to the peri-implantation period.
Autores:
Ozkan, H.; Di Francesco, M.; Willcockson, H.; et al.
Revista:
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
ISSN:
2190-393X
Año:
2023
Vol.:
13
N°:
2
Págs.:
689 - 701
Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is mostly treated via corticosteroid administration, and total joint arthroplasty continues to be the sole effective intervention in severe conditions. To assess the therapeutic potential of CCR2 targeting in PTOA, we used biodegradable microplates (mu PLs) to achieve a slow and sustained intraarticular release of the CCR2 inhibitor RS504393 into injured knees and followed joint damage during disease progression. RS504393-loaded mu PLs (RS-mu PLs) were fabricated via a template-replica molding technique. A mixture of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and RS504393 was deposited into 20 x 10 mu m (length x height) wells in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) square-patterned template. After physicochemical and toxicological characterizations, the RS504393 release profile from mu PL was assessed in PBS buffer. C57BL/6 J male mice were subjected to destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)/sham surgery, and RS-mu PLs (1 mg/kg) were administered intraarticularly 1 week postsurgery. Administrations were repeated at 4 and 7 weeks post-DMM. Drug free-mu PLs (DF-mu PLs) and saline injections were performed as controls. Mice were euthanized at 4 and 10 weeks post-DMM, corresponding to the early and severe PTOA stages, respectively. Knees were evaluated for cartilage structure score (ACS, H&E), matrix loss (safranin O score), osteophyte formation and maturation from cartilage to bone (cartilage quantification), and subchondral plate thickness. The RS-mu PL architecture ensured the sustained release of CCR2 inhibitors over several weeks, with similar to 20% of RS504393 still available at 21 days. This prolonged release improved cartilage structure and reduced bone damage and synovial hyperplasia at both PTOA stages. Extracellular matrix loss was also attenuated, although with less efficacy. The results indicate that local sustained delivery is needed to optimize CCR2-targeted therapies.
Autores:
Perucho, L.; Icardi, L.; Di Simone, E.; et al.
Revista:
EMBO REPORTS
ISSN:
1469-221X
Año:
2023
Vol.:
24
N°:
5
Págs.:
e55326
The Sin3 transcriptional regulator homolog A (Sin3A) is the core member of a multiprotein chromatin-modifying complex. Its inactivation at the CD4/CD8 double-negative stage halts further thymocyte development. Among various functions, Sin3A regulates STAT3 transcriptional activity, central to the differentiation of Th17 cells active in inflammatory disorders and opportunistic infections. To further investigate the consequences of conditional Sin3A inactivation in more mature precursors and post-thymic T cell, we have generated CD4-Cre and CD4-CreERT2 Sin3AF/F mice. Sin3A inactivation in vivo hinders both thymocyte development and peripheral T-cell survival. In vitro, in Th17 skewing conditions, Sin3A-deficient cells proliferate and acquire memory markers and yet fail to properly upregulate Il17a, Il23r, and Il22. Instead, IL-2+ and FOXP3+ are mostly enriched for, and their inhibition partially rescues IL-17A+ T cells. Notably, Sin3A deletion also causes an enrichment of genes implicated in the mTORC1 signaling pathway, overt STAT3 activation, and aberrant cytoplasmic ROR¿t accumulation. Thus, together our data unveil a previously unappreciated role for Sin3A in shaping critical signaling events central to the acquisition of immunoregulatory T-cell phenotypes.
Revista:
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
ISSN:
0007-1048
Año:
2023
Vol.:
201
N°:
6
Págs.:
1239 - 1244
Revista:
ELIFE
ISSN:
2050-084X
Año:
2023
Vol.:
12
Págs.:
e79363
Early hematopoiesis is a continuous process in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) gradually differentiate toward specific lineages. Aging and myeloid malignant transformation are characterized by changes in the composition and regulation of HSPCs. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize an enriched population of human HSPCs obtained from young and elderly healthy individuals.
Based on their transcriptional profile, we identified changes in the proportions of progenitor compartments during aging, and differences in their functionality, as evidenced by gene set enrichment analysis. Trajectory inference revealed that altered gene expression dynamics accompanied cell differentiation, which could explain aging-associated changes in hematopoiesis. Next, we focused on key regulators of transcription by constructing gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and detected regulons that were specifically active in elderly individuals. Using previous findings in healthy cells as a reference, we analyzed scRNA-seq data obtained from patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and detected specific alterations of the expression dynamics of genes involved in erythroid differentiation in all patients with MDS such as TRIB2. In addition, the comparison between transcriptional programs and GRNs regulating normal HSPCs and MDS HSPCs allowed identification of regulons that were specifically active in MDS cases such as SMAD1, HOXA6, POU2F2, and RUNX1 suggesting a role of these transcription factors (TFs) in the pathogenesis of the disease.
In summary, we demonstrate that the combination of single-cell technologies with computational analysis tools enable the study of a variety of cellular mechanisms involved in complex biological systems such as early hematopoiesis and can be used to dissect perturbed differentiation trajectories associated with perturbations such as aging and malignant transformation. Furthermore, the identification of abnormal regulatory mechanisms associated with myeloid malignancies could be exploited for personalized therapeutic approaches in individual patients.
Autores:
Urtaza, U. (Autor de correspondencia); Guaresti, O.; Gorronogoitia, I.; et al.
Revista:
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
ISSN:
1748-6041
Año:
2022
Vol.:
17
N°:
4
Págs.:
045028
This work identifies and describes different material-scaffold geometry combinations for cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). Previously reported potentially interesting scaffold geometries were tuned and printed using bioresorbable polycaprolactone and poly(lactide-b-ethylene) block copolymer. Medical grades of both polymers were 3D printed with fused filament fabrication technology within an ISO 7 classified cleanroom. Resulting scaffolds were then optically, mechanically and biologically tested. Results indicated that a few material-scaffold geometry combinations present potential for excellent cell viability as well as for an enhance of the chondrogenic properties of the cells, hence suggesting their suitability for CTE applications.
Autores:
Garreta, E.; Prado, P.; Stanifer, M. L.; et al.
Revista:
CELL METABOLISM
ISSN:
1550-4131
Año:
2022
Vol.:
34
N°:
6
Págs.:
857 - 873.e9
It is not well understood why diabetic individuals are more prone to develop severe COVID-19. To this, we here established a human kidney organoid model promoting early hallmarks of diabetic kidney disease development. Upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, diabetic-like kidney organoids exhibited higher viral loads compared with their control counterparts. Genetic deletion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in kidney organoids under control or diabetic-like conditions prevented viral detection. Moreover, cells isolated from kidney biopsies from diabetic patients exhibited altered mitochondrial respiration and enhanced glycolysis, resulting in higher SARS-CoV-2 infections compared with non-diabetic cells. Conversely, the exposure of patient cells to dichloroacetate (DCA), an inhibitor of aerobic glycolysis, resulted in reduced SARS-CoV-2 infections. Our results provide insights into the identification of diabetic-induced metabolic programming in the kidney as a critical event increasing SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility, opening the door to the identification of new interventions in COVID-19 pathogenesis targeting energy metabolism.
Revista:
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1553-7358
Año:
2022
Vol.:
18
N°:
3
Págs.:
e1009395
Synthetic Lethality (SL) is currently defined as a type of genetic interaction in which the loss of function of either of two genes individually has limited effect in cell viability but inactivation of both genes simultaneously leads to cell death. Given the profound genomic aberrations acquired by tumor cells, which can be systematically identified with -omics data, SL is a promising concept in cancer research. In particular, SL has received much attention in the area of cancer metabolism, due to the fact that relevant functional alterations concentrate on key metabolic pathways that promote cellular proliferation. With the extensive prior knowledge about human metabolic networks, a number of computational methods have been developed to predict SL in cancer metabolism, including the genetic Minimal Cut Sets (gMCSs) approach. A major challenge in the application of SL approaches to cancer metabolism is to systematically integrate tumor microenvironment, given that genetic interactions and nutritional availability are interconnected to support proliferation. Here, we propose a more general definition of SL for cancer metabolism that combines genetic and environmental interactions, namely loss of gene functions and absence of nutrients in the environment. We extend our gMCSs approach to determine this new family of metabolic synthetic lethal interactions. A computational and experimental proof-of-concept is presented for predicting the lethality of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibition in different environments. Finally, our approach is applied to identify extracellular nutrient dependences of tumor cells, elucidating cholesterol and myo-inositol depletion as potential vulnerabilities in different malignancies.
Revista:
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1553-7358
Año:
2022
Vol.:
18
N°:
5
Págs.:
e1010180
With the frenetic growth of high-dimensional datasets in different biomedical domains, there is an urgent need to develop predictive methods able to deal with this complexity. Feature selection is a relevant strategy in machine learning to address this challenge. We introduce a novel feature selection algorithm for linear regression called BOSO (Bilevel Optimization Selector Operator). We conducted a benchmark of BOSO with key algorithms in the literature, finding a superior accuracy for feature selection in high-dimensional datasets. Proof-of-concept of BOSO for predicting drug sensitivity in cancer is presented. A detailed analysis is carried out for methotrexate, a well-studied drug targeting cancer metabolism.
Autores:
Dorr, D.; Obermayer, B.; Weiner, J. M.; et al.
Revista:
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
2470-9468
Año:
2022
Vol.:
7
N°:
75
Págs.:
eabj0140
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a syndrome characterized by accumulation of surfactant lipoproteins within the lung alveoli. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are crucial for surfactant clearance, and their differentiation depends on colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), which regulates the establishment of an AM-characteristic gene regulatory network. Here, we report that the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ss (C/EBP ss) is essential for the development of the AM identity, as demonstrated by transcriptome and chromatin accessibility analysis. Furthermore, C/EBP ss-deficient AMs showed severe defects in proliferation, phagocytosis, and lipid metabolism, collectively resulting in a PAP-like syndrome. Mechanistically, the long C/EBP ss protein variants LAP* and LAP together with CSF2 signaling induced the expression of Pparg isoform 2 but not Pparg isoform 1, a molecular regulatory mechanism that was also observed in other CSF2-primed macrophages. These results uncover C/EBP ss as a key regulator of AM cell fate and shed light on the molecular networks controlling lipid metabolism in macrophages.
Revista:
SCIENCE ADVANCES
ISSN:
2375-2548
Año:
2022
Vol.:
8
N°:
39
Págs.:
eabo0514
Identification of new markers associated with long-term efficacy in patients treated with CAR T cells is a current medical need, particularly in diseases such as multiple myeloma. In this study, we address the impact of CAR density on the functionality of BCMA CAR T cells. Functional and transcriptional studies demonstrate that CAR T cells with high expression of the CAR construct show an increased tonic signaling with up-regulation of exhaustion markers and increased in vitro cytotoxicity but a decrease in in vivo BM infiltration. Characterization of gene regulatory networks using scRNA-seq identified regulons associated to activation and exhaustion up-regulated in CARHigh T cells, providing mechanistic insights behind differential functionality of these cells. Last, we demonstrate that patients treated with CAR T cell products enriched in CARHigh T cells show a significantly worse clinical response in several hematological malignancies. In summary, our work demonstrates that CAR density plays an important role in CAR T activity with notable impact on clinical response.
Autores:
Termini, R.; Zihala, D.; Terpos, E.; et al.
Revista:
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
ISSN:
1557-3265
Año:
2022
Vol.:
28
N°:
21
Págs.:
4771 - 4781
PURPOSE: Early intervention in smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) requires optimal risk stratification to avoid under- and overtreatment. We hypothesized that replacing bone marrow (BM) plasma cells (PC) for circulating tumor cells (CTC), and adding immune biomarkers in peripheral blood (PB) for the identification of patients at risk of progression due to lost immune surveillance, could improve the International Myeloma Working Group 20/2/20 model.EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We report the outcomes of 150 patients with SMM enrolled in the iMMunocell study, in which serial assessment of tumor and immune cells in PB was performed every 6 months for a period of 3 years since enrollment.RESULTS: Patients with >0.015% versus ¿0.015% CTCs at baseline had a median time-to-progression of 17 months versus not reached (HR, 4.9; P<0.001). Presence of >20% BM PCs had no prognostic value in a multivariate analysis that included serum free light-chain ratio >20, >2 g/dL M-protein, and >0.015% CTCs. The 20/2/20 and 20/2/0.015 models yielded similar risk stratification (C-index of 0.76 and 0.78). The combination of the 20/2/0.015 model with an immune risk score based on the percentages of SLAN+ and SLAN- nonclassical monocytes, CD69+HLADR+ cytotoxic NK cells, and CD4+CXCR3+ stem central memory T cells, allowed patient' stratification into low, intermediate-low, intermediate-high, and high-risk disease with 0%, 20%, 39%, and 73% rates of progression at 2 years.CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that CTCs outperform BM PCs for assessing tumor burden. Additional analysis in larger series are needed to define a consensus cutoff of CTCs for minimally invasive stratification of SMM.
Revista:
BIOMEDICINES
ISSN:
2227-9059
Año:
2022
Vol.:
10
N°:
10
Págs.:
2350
Several Cre recombinase transgenic mouse models have been generated for cardiac fibroblast (CF) tracking and heart regulation. However, there is still no consensus on the ideal mouse model to optimally identify and/or regulate these cells. Here, a comparative evaluation of the efficiency and specificity of the indirect reporter Cre-loxP system was carried out in three of the most commonly used fibroblast reporter transgenic mice (Pdgfra-CreERT2, Col1a1-CreERT2 and PostnMCM) under healthy and ischemic conditions, to determine their suitability in in vivo studies of cardiac fibrosis. We demonstrate optimal Cre recombinase activity in CF (but also, although moderate, in endothelial cells (ECs)) derived from healthy and infarcted hearts in the PDGFRa-creERT2 mouse strain. In contrast, no positive reporter signal was found in CF derived from the Col1a1-CreERT2 mice. Finally, in the PostnMCM line, fluorescent reporter expression was specifically detected in activated CF but not in EC, which leads us to conclude that it may be the most reliable model for future studies on cardiovascular disease. Importantly, no lethality or cardiac fibrosis were induced after tamoxifen administration at the established doses, either in healthy or infarcted mice of the three fibroblast reporter lineages. This study lays the groundwork for future efficient in vivo CF tracking and functional analyses.
Revista:
ISCIENCE
ISSN:
2589-0042
Año:
2022
Vol.:
25
N°:
5
Págs.:
104225
Understanding the regulation of normal and malignant human hematopoiesis requires comprehensive cell atlas of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulatory microenvironment. Here, we develop a tailored bioinformatic pipeline to integrate public and proprietary single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets. As a result, we robustly identify for the first time 14 intermediate cell states and 11 stages of differentiation in the endothelial and mesenchymal BM compartments, respectively. Our data provide the most comprehensive description to date of the murine HSC-regulatory microenvironment and suggest a higher level of specialization of the cellular circuits than previously anticipated. Furthermore, this deep characterization allows inferring conserved features in human, suggesting that the layers of microenvironmental regulation of hematopoiesis may also be shared between species. Our resource and methodology is a stepping-stone toward a comprehensive cell atlas of the BM microenvironment.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0378-5173
Año:
2022
Vol.:
629
Págs.:
122356
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized pArtículos with attractive therapeutic potential for cardiac repair. However, low retention and stability after systemic administration limit their clinical translation. As an alternative, the combination of EVs with biomaterial-based hydrogels (HGs) is being investigated to increase their exposure in the myocardium and achieve an optimal therapeutic effect. In this study, we developed and characterized a novel injectable in-situ forming HG based on alginate and collagen as a cardiac delivery vehicle for EVs. Different concentrations of alginate and collagen crosslinked with calcium gluconate were tested. Based on injectability studies, 1% alginate, 0.5 mg/mL collagen and 0.25% calcium gluconate HG was selected as the idoneous combination for cardiac administration using catheter-based systems. Rheological examination revealed that the HG possessed an internal gel structure, weak mechanical properties and low viscosity, facilitating an easy administration. In addition, EVs were successfully incorporated and homogeneously distributed in the HG. After administration in a rat model of myocardial infarction, the HG showed long-term retention in the heart and allowed for a sustained release of EVs for at least 7 days. Thus, the combination of HGs and EVs represents a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial repair. Besides EVs delivery, the developed HG could represent a useful platform for cardiac delivery of multiple therapeutic agents.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
1664-3224
Año:
2022
Vol.:
13
Págs.:
977358
Artificial intelligence (AI) can unveil novel personalized treatments based on drug screening and whole-exome sequencing experiments (WES). However, the concept of "black box" in AI limits the potential of this approach to be translated into the clinical practice. In contrast, explainable AI (XAI) focuses on making AI results understandable to humans. Here, we present a novel XAI method -called multi-dimensional module optimization (MOM)- that associates drug screening with genetic events, while guaranteeing that predictions are interpretable and robust. We applied MOM to an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cohort of 319 ex-vivo tumor samples with 122 screened drugs and WES. MOM returned a therapeutic strategy based on the FLT3, CBF beta-MYH11, and NRAS status, which predicted AML patient response to Quizartinib, Trametinib, Selumetinib, and Crizotinib. We successfully validated the results in three different large-scale screening experiments. We believe that XAI will help healthcare providers and drug regulators better understand AI medical decisions.
Revista:
BIOFABRICATION
ISSN:
1758-5082
Año:
2022
Vol.:
14
N°:
4
Págs.:
045017
Biofabrication of human tissues has seen a meteoric growth triggered by recent technical advancements such as human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and additive manufacturing. However, generation of cardiac tissue is still hampered by lack of adequate mechanical properties and crucially by the often unpredictable post-fabrication evolution of biological components. In this study we employ melt electrowriting (MEW) and hiPSC-derived cardiac cells to generate fibre-reinforced human cardiac minitissues. These are thoroughly characterized in order to build computational models and simulations able to predict their post-fabrication evolution. Our results show that MEW-based human minitissues display advanced maturation 28 post-generation, with a significant increase in the expression of cardiac genes such as MYL2, GJA5, SCN5A and the MYH7/MYH6 and MYL2/MYL7 ratios. Human iPSC-cardiomyocytes are significantly more aligned within the MEW-based 3D tissues, as compared to conventional 2D controls, and also display greater expression of C x43. These are also correlated with a more mature functionality in the form of faster conduction velocity. We used these data to develop simulations capable of accurately reproducing the experimental performance. In-depth gauging of the structural disposition (cellular alignment) and intercellular connectivity (C x43) allowed us to develop an improved computational model able to predict the relationship between cardiac cell alignment and functional performance. This study lays down the path for advancing in the development of in silico tools to predict cardiac biofabricated tissue evolution after generation, and maps the route towards more accurate and biomimetic tissue manufacture.
Autores:
Moreira-Silva, F.; Outeiro-Pinho, G.; Lobo, J.; et al.
Revista:
BIOMEDICINE AND PHARMACOTHERAPY
ISSN:
0753-3322
Año:
2022
Vol.:
150
Págs.:
113031
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an incurable form of prostate cancer (PCa), with DNMT1 and G9a being reported as overexpressed, rendering them highly attractive targets for precision medicine. CM-272 is a dual inhibitor of both methyltransferases' activity. Herein, we assessed the response of different PCa cell lines to CM-272, in both 2D and 3D models, and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying CM-272 inhibitory effects.CRPC tissues displayed significantly higher DNMT1, G9a and H3K9me2 expression than localized PCa. In vitro, CM-272 caused a significant decrease in PCa cell viability and proliferation alongside with increased apoptotic levels. We disclose that, under the evaluated dose, CM-272 led to G9a activity inhibition, while not significantly affecting DNMT1 activity. Upon G9a knockdown, DU145 and PC3 showed decreased cell viability. Remarkably, DU145 cells treated with CM-272 or with G9a knockdown displayed no differences in viability, suggesting a SET dependent mechanism. Contrarily, PC3 cell viability impact was higher in G9a knockdown, compared with CM 272 treatment, suggesting an additional G9a function. Moreover, DU145 cells overexpressing catalytically functional G9a disclosed higher resistance to CM-272 treatment, reinforcing that the drug mechanism of action is dependent on G9a catalytic function.Importantly, we successfully assembled spheroids from several prostate cell lines. Our results showed that CM 272 retained its anti-tumoral effects in 3D PCa models, leading to a clear reduction in cancer cell survival. We concluded that inhibition of G9a methyltransferase activity by CM-272 has anti-tumor effect in PCa cells, holding therapeutic potential against CRPC.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
ISSN:
2296-634X
Año:
2022
Vol.:
9
Págs.:
797927
Direct cardiac reprogramming has emerged as an interesting approach for the treatment and regeneration of damaged hearts through the direct conversion of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes or cardiovascular progenitors. However, in studies with human cells, the lack of reporter fibroblasts has hindered the screening of factors and consequently, the development of robust direct cardiac reprogramming protocols.In this study, we have generated functional human NKX2.5(GFP) reporter cardiac fibroblasts. We first established a new NKX2.5(GFP) reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using a CRISPR-Cas9-based knock-in approach in order to preserve function which could alter the biology of the cells. The reporter was found to faithfully track NKX2.5 expressing cells in differentiated NKX2.5(GFP) hiPSC and the potential of NKX2.5-GFP + cells to give rise to the expected cardiac lineages, including functional ventricular- and atrial-like cardiomyocytes, was demonstrated. Then NKX2.5(GFP) cardiac fibroblasts were obtained through directed differentiation, and these showed typical fibroblast-like morphology, a specific marker expression profile and, more importantly, functionality similar to patient-derived cardiac fibroblasts. The advantage of using this approach is that it offers an unlimited supply of cellular models for research in cardiac reprogramming, and since NKX2.5 is expressed not only in cardiomyocytes but also in cardiovascular precursors, the detection of both induced cell types would be possible. These reporter lines will be useful tools for human direct cardiac reprogramming research and progress in this field.
Autores:
Armes, H.; Bewicke-Copley, F.; Rio-Machin, A.; et al.
Revista:
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
ISSN:
0007-1048
Año:
2022
Vol.:
199
N°:
5
Págs.:
754 - 764
Despite the inclusion of inherited myeloid malignancies as a separate entity in the World Health Organization Classification, many established predisposing loci continue to lack functional characterization. While germline mutations in the DNA repair factor ERCC excision repair 6 like 2 (ERCC6L2) give rise to bone marrow failure and acute myeloid leukaemia, their consequences on normal haematopoiesis remain unclear. To functionally characterise the dual impact of germline ERCC6L2 loss on human primary haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), we challenged ERCC6L2-silenced and patient-derived cells ex vivo. Here, we show for the first time that ERCC6L2-deficiency in HSPCs significantly impedes their clonogenic potential and leads to delayed erythroid differentiation. This observation was confirmed by CIBERSORTx RNA-sequencing deconvolution performed on ERCC6L2-silenced erythroid-committed cells, which demonstrated higher proportions of polychromatic erythroblasts and reduced orthochromatic erythroblasts versus controls. In parallel, we demonstrate that the consequences of ERCC6L2-deficiency are not limited to HSPCs, as we observe a striking phenotype in patient-derived and ERCC6L2-silenced MSCs, which exhibit enhanced osteogenesis and suppressed adipogenesis. Altogether, our study introduces a valuable surrogate model to study the impact of inherited myeloid mutations and highlights the importance of accounting for the influence of germline mutations in HSPCs and their microenvironment.
Revista:
CANCERS
ISSN:
2072-6694
Año:
2022
Vol.:
14
N°:
13
Págs.:
3251
Simple Summary This work shows that the predictions of lethal dependencies (LEDs) between genes can be dramatically improved by incorporating the "HUb effect in Genetic Essentiality" (HUGE) of gene alterations. In three genome-wide loss-of-function screens-Project Score, CERES score and DEMETER score-LEDs are identified with 75 times larger statistical power than using state-of-the-art methods. In AML, we identified LEDs not recalled by previous pipelines, including FLT3-mutant genotypes sensitive to FLT3 inhibitors. Interestingly, in-vitro validations confirm lethal de-pendencies of either NRAS or PTPN11 depending on the NRAS mutational status. Recent functional genomic screens-such as CRISPR-Cas9 or RNAi screening-have fostered a new wave of targeted treatments based on the concept of synthetic lethality. These approaches identified LEthal Dependencies (LEDs) by estimating the effect of genetic events on cell viability. The multiple-hypothesis problem is related to a large number of gene knockouts limiting the statistical power of these studies. Here, we show that predictions of LEDs from functional screens can be dramatically improved by incorporating the "HUb effect in Genetic Essentiality" (HUGE) of gene alterations. We analyze three recent genome-wide loss-of-function screens-Project Score, CERES score and DEMETER score-identifying LEDs with 75 times larger statistical power than using state-of-the-art methods. Using acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, lung adenocarcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma as disease models, we validate that our predictions are enriched in a recent harmonized knowledge base of clinical interpretations of somatic genomic variants in cancer (AUROC > 0.87). Our approach is effective even in tumors with large genetic heterogeneity such as acute myeloid leukemia, where we identified LEDs not recalled by previous pipelines, including FLT3-mutant genotypes sensitive to FLT3 inhibitors. Interestingly, in-vitro validations confirm lethal dependencies of either NRAS or PTPN11 depending on the NRAS mutational status. HUGE will hopefully help discover novel genetic dependencies amenable for precision-targeted therapies in cancer. All the graphs showing lethal dependencies for the 19 tumor types analyzed can be visualized in an interactive tool.
Revista:
MOLECULAR THERAPY. METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
ISSN:
2329-0501
Año:
2022
Vol.:
25
Págs.:
137 - 146
Genome-editing strategies, especially CRISPR-Cas9 systems, have substantially increased the efficiency of innovative therapeutic approaches for monogenic diseases such as primary hyperoxalurias (PHs). We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of glycolate oxidase using CRISPR-Cas9 systems represents a promising therapeutic option for PH type I (PH1). Here, we extended our work evaluating the efficacy of liver-specific inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a key enzyme responsible for converting glyoxylate to oxalate; this strategy would not be limited to PH1, being applicable to other PH subtypes. In this work, we demonstrate a liver-specific inhibition of LDH that resulted in a drastic reduction of LDH levels in the liver of PH1 and PH3 mice after a single-dose delivery of AAV8 vectors expressing the CRISPR-Cas9 system, resulting in reduced urine oxalate levels and kidney damage without signs of toxicity. Deep sequencing analysis revealed that this approach was safe and specific, with no off-targets detected in the liver of treated animals and no on-target/off-tissue events. Altogether, our data provide evidence that in vivo genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 systems would represent a valuable tool for improved therapeutic approaches for PH.
Autores:
De Beck, L.; Awad, R. M.; Basso, V.; et al.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
1664-3224
Año:
2022
Vol.:
13
Págs.:
799636
Immunotherapy has improved the treatment of malignant skin cancer of the melanoma type, yet overall clinical response rates remain low. Combination therapies could be key to meet this cogent medical need. Because epigenetic hallmarks represent promising combination therapy targets, we studied the immunogenic potential of a dual inhibitor of histone methyltransferase G9a and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the preclinical B16-OVA melanoma model. Making use of tumor transcriptomic and functional analyses, methylation-targeted epigenetic reprogramming was shown to induce tumor cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro coinciding with transient tumor growth delay and an IFN-I response in immune-competent mice. In consideration of a potential impact on immune cells, the drug was shown not to interfere with dendritic cell maturation or T-cell activation in vitro. Notably, the drug promoted dendritic cell and, to a lesser extent, T-cell infiltration in vivo, yet failed to sensitize tumor cells to programmed cell death-1 inhibition. Instead, it increased therapeutic efficacy of TCR-redirected T cell and dendritic cell vaccination, jointly increasing overall survival of B16-OVA tumor-bearing mice. The reported data confirm the prospect of methylation-targeted epigenetic reprogramming in melanoma and sustain dual G9a and DNMT inhibition as a strategy to tip the cancer-immune set-point towards responsiveness to active and adoptive vaccination against melanoma.
Autores:
Vilarrasa-Blasi, R. (Autor de correspondencia); Verdaguer-Dot, N.; Belver, L.; et al.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2022
Vol.:
36
N°:
2
Págs.:
583 - 587
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0939-6411
Año:
2022
Vol.:
170
Págs.:
187 - 196
Since the discovery of the beneficial therapeutical effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs), these agents have been attracting great interest as next-generation therapies. EVs are nanosized membrane bodies secreted by all types of cells that mediate cell-cell communication. Although the classification of different subpopulations of EVs can be complex, they are broadly divided into microvesicles and exosomes based on their biogenesis and in large and small EVs based on their size. As this is an emerging field, current investigations are focused on basic aspects such as the more convenient method for EV isolation. In the present paper, we used cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) to study and compare different cell culture conditions for EV isolation as well as two of the most commonly employed purification methods: ultracentrifugation (UC) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Large and small EVs were separately analysed. We found that serum starvation of cells during the EV collecting period led to a dramatic decrease in EV secretion and major cell death. Regarding the isolation method, our findings suggest that UC and SEC gave similar EV recovery rates. Separation of large and small EV-enriched subpopulations was efficiently achieved with both purification protocols although certain difference in sample heterogeneity was observed. Noteworthy, while calnexin was abundant in large EVs, ALIX and CD63 were mainly found in small EVs. Finally, when the functionality of EVs was assessed on primary culture of adult murine cardiac fibroblasts, we found that EVs were taken up by these cells, which resulted in a pronounced reduction in the proliferative and migratory capacity of the cells. Specifically, a tendency towards a larger effect of SEC-related EVs was observed. No differences could be found between large and small EVs. Altogether, these results contribute to establish the basis for the use of EVs as therapeutic platforms, in particular in regenerative fields.
Revista:
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
ISSN:
0361-8609
Año:
2022
Vol.:
97
N°:
3
Págs.:
E113 - E117
Autores:
Mateos, M. V. (Autor de correspondencia); Hernández, M. T.; Salvador, C.; et al.
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
ISSN:
0959-8049
Año:
2022
Vol.:
174
Págs.:
243 - 250
SMM randomized to treatment or observation. Treatment consisted of nine 4-week induction cycles (lenalidomide [Rd], 25 mg on days 1-21 plus dexamethasone, 20 mg on days 1-4 and 12-15), followed by maintenance (R, 10 mg on days 1-21) for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP) to myeloma based on per protocol population. Secondary end-points were overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. An update of the trial after a long-term follow-up is presented here. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00480363). Findings: After a median follow-up time of 12.5 years (range: 10.4-13.6), the median TTP to MM was 2.1 years in the observation arm and 9.5 years in the Rd arm (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.18 -0.44, p < 0.0001). The median OS was 8.5 years in the abstention arm and not reached in the Rd group (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.95, p = 0.032). Patients who progressed received optimized treatments according to the standards of care, and the OS from progression was comparable in both arms (p = 0.96). Interpretation: This analysis confirms that early treatment with Rd for high-risk SMM translates into a sustained benefit in both TTP and OS. Funding: Pethema (Spanish Program for the Treatment of Hematologic Diseases), Spain.
Autores:
Gil-Melgosa, L.; Grasa, J.; Urbiola, A.; et al.
Revista:
BIOMEDICINES
ISSN:
2227-9059
Año:
2022
Vol.:
10
N°:
1
Págs.:
19
Achilles tendon rupture is a frequent injury with an increasing incidence. After clinical surgical repair, aimed at suturing the tendon stumps back into their original position, the repaired Achilles tendon is often plastically deformed and mechanically less strong than the pre-injured tissue, with muscle fatty degeneration contributing to function loss. Despite clinical outcomes, pre-clinical research has mainly focused on tendon structural repair, with a lack of knowledge regarding injury progression from tendon to muscle and its consequences on muscle degenerative/regenerative processes and function. Here, we characterize the morphological changes in the tendon, the myotendinous junction and muscle belly in a mouse model of Achilles tendon complete rupture, finding cellular and fatty infiltration, fibrotic tissue accumulation, muscle stem cell decline and collagen fiber disorganization. We use novel imaging technologies to accurately relate structural alterations in tendon fibers to pathological changes, which further explain the loss of muscle mechanical function after tendon rupture. The treatment of tendon injuries remains a challenge for orthopedics. Thus, the main goal of this study is to bridge the gap between clinicians' knowledge and research to address the underlying pathophysiology of ruptured Achilles tendon and its consequences in the gastrocnemius. Such studies are necessary if current practices in regenerative medicine for Achilles tendon ruptures are to be improved.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
ISSN:
1756-9966
Año:
2022
Vol.:
41
N°:
1
Págs.:
183
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is still a deadly tumour. Histological and molecular aspects of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) in rats mimic those of human iCCA. Carcinogenic changes and therapeutic vulnerabilities in CCA may be captured by molecular investigations in bile, where we performed bile proteomic and metabolomic analyses that help discovery yet unknown pathways relevant to human iCCA. Methods Cholangiocarcinogenesis was induced in rats (TAA) and mice (Jnk(Delta hepa) + CCl4 + DEN model). We performed proteomic and metabolomic analyses in bile from control and CCA-bearing rats. Differential expression was validated in rat and human CCAs. Mechanisms were addressed in human CCA cells, including Huh28-KRAS(G12D) cells. Cell signaling, growth, gene regulation and [U-C-13]-D-glucose-serine fluxomics analyses were performed. In vivo studies were performed in the clinically-relevant iCCA mouse model. Results Pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress and glucose metabolism were identified by proteomic analysis. Oxidative stress and high amounts of the oncogenesis-supporting amino acids serine and glycine were discovered by metabolomic studies. Most relevant hits were confirmed in rat and human CCAs (TCGA). Activation of interleukin-6 (IL6) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways, and key genes in cancer-related glucose metabolic reprogramming, were validated in TAA-CCAs. In TAA-CCAs, G9a, an epigenetic pro-tumorigenic writer, was also increased. We show that EGFR signaling and mutant KRAS(G12D) can both activate IL6 production in CCA cells. Furthermore, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), the rate-limiting enzyme in serine-glycine pathway, was upregulated in human iCCA correlating with G9a expression. In a G9a activity-dependent manner, KRAS(G12D) promoted PHGDH expression, glucose flow towards serine synthesis, and increased CCA cell viability. KRAS(G12D) CAA cells were more sensitive to PHGDH and G9a inhibition than controls. In mouse iCCA, G9a pharmacological targeting reduced PHGDH expression. Conclusions In CCA, we identified new pro-tumorigenic mechanisms: Activation of EGFR signaling or KRAS mutation drives IL6 expression in tumour cells; Glucose metabolism reprogramming in iCCA includes activation of the serine-glycine pathway; Mutant KRAS drives PHGDH expression in a G9a-dependent manner; PHGDH and G9a emerge as therapeutic targets in iCCA.
Revista:
ANIMALS
ISSN:
2076-2615
Año:
2022
Vol.:
12
N°:
14
Págs.:
1829
Simple Summary One of the latest goals in regenerative medicine is to use pluripotent stem cells to generate whole organs in vivo through the blastocyst complementation technique. This method consists of the microinjection of pluripotent stem cells into preimplantation embryos that have been genetically modified to ablate the development of a target organ. By taking advantage of the spatiotemporal clues present in the developing embryo, pluripotent stem cells are able to colonize the empty developmental niche and create the missing organ. Combining human pluripotent stem cells with genetically engineered pig embryos, it would be possible to obtain humanized organs that could be used for transplantation, and, therefore, solve the worldwide issue of insufficient availability of transplantable organs. As endothelial cells play a critical role in xenotransplantation rejection in all organs, in this study, we optimized a protocol to generate a vascular-disabled preimplantation pig embryo using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This protocol could be used to generate avascular embryos for blastocyst complementation experiments and work towards the generation of rejection-free humanized organs in pigs. Each year, tens of thousands of people worldwide die of end-stage organ failure due to the limited availability of organs for use in transplantation. To meet this clinical demand, one of the last frontiers of regenerative medicine is the generation of humanized organs in pigs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) via blastocyst complementation. For this, organ-disabled pig models are needed. As endothelial cells (ECs) play a critical role in xenotransplantation rejection in every organ, we aimed to produce hematoendothelial-disabled pig embryos targeting the master transcription factor ETV2 via CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome modification. In this study, we designed five different guide RNAs (gRNAs) against the DNA-binding domain of the porcine ETV2 gene, which were tested on porcine fibroblasts in vitro. Four out of five guides showed cleavage capacity and, subsequently, these four guides were microinjected individually as ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) into one-cell-stage porcine embryos. Next, we combined the two gRNAs that showed the highest targeting efficiency and microinjected them at higher concentrations. Under these conditions, we significantly improved the rate of biallelic mutation. Hence, here, we describe an efficient one-step method for the generation of hematoendothelial-disabled pig embryos via CRISPR-Cas9 microinjection in zygotes. This model could be used in experimentation related to the in vivo generation of humanized organs.
Revista:
ONCOIMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
2162-402X
Año:
2022
Vol.:
11
N°:
1
Págs.:
2070337
The high metabolic activity and insufficient perfusion of tumors leads to the acidification of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that may inhibit the antitumor T cell activity. We found that pharmacological inhibition of the acid loader chloride/bicarbonate anion exchanger 2 (Ae2), with 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonicacid (DIDS) enhancedCD4(+) andCD8(+) T cell function upon TCR activation in vitro, especially under low pH conditions. In vivo, DIDS administration delayed B16OVA tumor growth in immunocompetent mice as monotherapy or when combined with adoptive T cell transfer of OVA-specificT cells. Notably, genetic Ae2 silencing in OVA-specificT cells improvedCD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell function in vitro as well as their antitumor activity in vivo. Similarly, genetic modification of OVA-specificT cells to overexpress Hvcn1, a selectiveH(+) outward current mediator that prevents cell acidification, significantly improved T cell function in vitro, even at low pH conditions. The adoptive transfer of OVA-specificT cells overexpressing Hvcn1 exerted a better antitumor activity in B16OVA tumor-bearingmice. Hvcn1 overexpression also improved the antitumor activity of CAR T cells specific for Glypican 3 (GPC3) in mice bearing PM299L-GPC3tumors. Our results suggest that preventing intracellular acidification by regulating the expression of acidifier ion channels such as Ae2 or alkalinizer channels like Hvcn1 in tumor-specificlymphocytes enhances their antitumor response by making them more resistant to the acidic TME.
Revista:
SCIENCE ADVANCES
ISSN:
2375-2548
Año:
2022
Vol.:
8
N°:
3
Págs.:
eabl4644
Normal cell counterparts of solid and myeloid tumors accumulate mutations years before disease onset; whether this occurs in B lymphocytes before lymphoma remains uncertain. We sequenced multiple stages of the B lineage in elderly individuals and patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, a singular disease for studying lymphomagenesis because of the high prevalence of mutated MYD88. We observed similar accumulation of random mutations in B lineages from both cohorts and unexpectedly found MYD88(L265P) in normal precursor and mature B lymphocytes from patients with lymphoma. We uncovered genetic and transcriptional pathways driving malignant transformation and leveraged these to model lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in mice, based on mutated MYD88 in B cell precursors and BCL2 overexpression. Thus, MYD88(L265P) is a preneoplastic event, which challenges the current understanding of lymphomagenesis and may have implications for early detection of B cell lymphomas.
Autores:
Saumell, S.; Fernández-Serrano, M.; Mesa, A.; et al.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA
ISSN:
1042-8194
Año:
2022
Vol.:
63
N°:
5
Págs.:
1227 - 1235
Micromegakaryocytes (microMKs) are considered a myelodysplastic feature of myeloid neoplasms in adults, with an adverse prognosis connotation. However, this notion in MDS has not been well proved. In our cohort of 287 MDS, patients with microMKs showed lower overall survival (OS) (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.47-3.06; p = 0.000036) and higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) evolution (HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.9-11.01; p = 0.00021). Results were validated with an independent cohort. In multivariate analysis, the presence of microMKs maintained its independent association with OS (HR, 1.54, 95% CI, 1.13-2.1, p = 0.0059) and AML transformation (HR, 2.28, 95% CI, 1.2-4.4, p = 0.014). Moreover, by adding 1 point to the IPSS-R score in patients with microMKs, we improved the IPSS-R accuracy. Interestingly, adding that 1-point, 29% of intermediate IPSS-R risk group patients were upgraded to the high-risk group. In summary, we confirmed that the presence of microMKs implies worse outcomes in MDS and suggested a modification improving IPSS-R.
Revista:
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
ISSN:
2399-3642
Año:
2022
Vol.:
5
N°:
1
Págs.:
351
Single-cell RNA-Sequencing has the potential to provide deep biological insights by revealing complex regulatory interactions across diverse cell phenotypes at single-cell resolution. However, current single-cell gene regulatory network inference methods produce a single regulatory network per input dataset, limiting their capability to uncover complex regulatory relationships across related cell phenotypes. We present SimiC, a single-cell gene regulatory inference framework that overcomes this limitation by jointly inferring distinct, but related, gene regulatory dynamics per phenotype. We show that SimiC uncovers key regulatory dynamics missed by previously proposed methods across a range of systems, both model and non-model alike. In particular, SimiC was able to uncover CAR T cell dynamics after tumor recognition and key regulatory patterns on a regenerating liver, and was able to implicate glial cells in the generation of distinct behavioral states in honeybees. SimiC hence establishes a new approach to quantitating regulatory architectures between distinct cellular phenotypes, with far-reaching implications for systems biology.
Revista:
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
ISSN:
2051-1426
Año:
2022
Vol.:
10
N°:
8
Págs.:
e004479
Background One of the main difficulties of adoptive cell therapies with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in solid tumors is the identification of specific target antigens. The tumor microenvironment can present suitable antigens for CAR design, even though they are not expressed by the tumor cells. We have generated a CAR specific for the splice variant extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, which is highly expressed in the tumor stroma of many types of tumors but not in healthy tissues. Methods EDA expression was explored in RNA-seq data from different human tumor types and by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies. Murine and human anti-EDA CAR-T cells were prepared using recombinant retro/lentiviruses, respectively. The functionality of EDA CAR-T cells was measured in vitro in response to antigen stimulation. The antitumor activity of EDA CAR-T cells was measured in vivo in C57BL/6 mice challenged with PM299L-EDA hepatocarcinoma cell line, in 129Sv mice-bearing F9 teratocarcinoma and in NSG mice injected with the human hepatocarcinoma cell line PLC. Results EDA CAR-T cells recognized and killed EDA-expressing tumor cell lines in vitro and rejected EDA-expressing tumors in immunocompetent mice. Notably, EDA CAR-T cells showed an antitumor effect in mice injected with EDA-negative tumor cells lines when the tumor stroma or the basement membrane of tumor endothelial cells express EDA. Thus, EDA CAR-T administration delayed tumor growth in immunocompetent 129Sv mice challenged with teratocarcinoma cell line F9. EDA CAR-T treatment exerted an antiangiogenic effect and significantly reduced gene signatures associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix organization as well as IL-6-STAT5 and KRAS pathways. Importantly, the human version of EDA CAR, that includes the human 41BB and CD3 zeta endodomains, exerted strong antitumor activity in NSG mice challenged with the human hepatocarcinoma cell line PLC, which expresses EDA in the tumor stroma and the endothelial vasculature. EDA CAR-T cells exhibited a tropism for EDA-expressing tumor tissue and no toxicity was observed in tumor bearing or in healthy mice. Conclusions These results suggest that targeting the tumor-specific fibronectin splice variant EDA with CAR-T cells is feasible and offers a therapeutic option that is applicable to different types of cancer.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2022
Vol.:
36
N°:
8
Págs.:
1969 - 1979
Eradicating leukemia requires a deep understanding of the interaction between leukemic cells and their protective microenvironment. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis has been postulated as a critical pathway dictating leukemia stem cell (LSC) chemoresistance in AML due to its role in controlling cellular egress from the marrow. Nevertheless, the cellular source of CXCL12 in the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) microenvironment and the mechanism by which CXCL12 exerts its protective role in vivo remain unresolved. Here, we show that CXCL12 produced by Prx1+ mesenchymal cells but not by mature osteolineage cells provide the necessary cues for the maintenance of LSCs in the marrow of an MLL::AF9-induced AML model. Prx1+ cells promote survival of LSCs by modulating energy metabolism and the REDOX balance in LSCs. Deletion of Cxcl12 leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in LSCs, impairing their ability to perpetuate leukemia in transplantation experiments, a defect that can be attenuated by antioxidant therapy. Importantly, our data suggest that this phenomenon appears to be conserved in human patients. Hence, we have identified Prx1+ mesenchymal cells as an integral part of the complex niche-AML metabolic intertwining, pointing towards CXCL12/CXCR4 as a target to eradicate parenchymal LSCs in AML.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2022
Vol.:
13
N°:
1
Págs.:
7619
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) malignancies characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, with increased incidence in older individuals. Here we analyze the transcriptome of human HSCs purified from young and older healthy adults, as well as MDS patients, identifying transcriptional alterations following different patterns of expression. While aging-associated lesions seem to predispose HSCs to myeloid transformation, disease-specific alterations may trigger MDS development. Among MDS-specific lesions, we detect the upregulation of the transcription factor DNA Damage Inducible Transcript 3 (DDIT3). Overexpression of DDIT3 in human healthy HSCs induces an MDS-like transcriptional state, and dyserythropoiesis, an effect associated with a failure in the activation of transcriptional programs required for normal erythroid differentiation. Moreover, DDIT3 knockdown in CD34+ cells from MDS patients with anemia is able to restore erythropoiesis. These results identify DDIT3 as a driver of dyserythropoiesis, and a potential therapeutic target to restore the inefficient erythroid differentiation characterizing MDS patients. © 2022, The Author(s).
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
ISSN:
2234-943X
Año:
2022
Vol.:
12
Págs.:
1054458
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the elderly remains a clinical challenge, with a five-year overall survival rate below 10%. The current ELN 2017 genetic risk classification considers cytogenetic and mutational characteristics to stratify fit AML patients into different prognostic groups. However, this classification is not validated for elderly patients treated with a non-intensive approach, and its performance may be suboptimal in this context. Indeed, the transcriptomic landscape of AML in the elderly has been less explored and it might help stratify this group of patients. In the current study, we analyzed the transcriptome of 224 AML patients > 65 years-old at diagnosis treated in the Spanish PETHEMA-FLUGAZA clinical trial in order to identify new prognostic biomarkers in this population. We identified a specific transcriptomic signature for high-risk patients with mutated TP53 or complex karyotype, revealing that low expression of B7H3 gene with high expression of BANP gene identifies a subset of high-risk AML patients surviving more than 12 months. This result was further validated in the BEAT AML cohort. This unique signature highlights the potential of transcriptomics to identify prognostic biomarkers in in elderly AML.
Autores:
Ontoria-Oviedo, I.; Amaro-Prellezo, E.; Castellano, D.; et al.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
ISSN:
1422-0067
Año:
2022
Vol.:
23
N°:
17
Págs.:
9918
Impaired wound healing in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which delays wound closure. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) are bioactive molecules produced from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), principally omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). SPMs are potent regulators of inflammation and have been used to suppress chronic inflammation in peripheral artery disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and central nervous system syndromes. LIPINOVA® is a commercially available safe-grade nutritional supplement made from a fractionated marine lipid concentrate derived from anchovy and sardine oil that is rich in SPMs and EPA, as well as DHA precursors. Here, we assessed the effect of LIPINOVA® in wound dressing applications. LIPINOVA® showed biocompatibility with keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory macrophages (M¿1), and promoted in vitro wound closure. Daily application of the marine oil to open wounds made by punch biopsy in db/db mice promoted wound closure by accelerating the resolution of inflammation, inducing neoangiogenesis and M¿1/M¿2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, LIPINOVA® displays pro-resolutive properties and could be exploited as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.
Revista:
BIOINFORMATICS
ISSN:
1367-4803
Año:
2022
Vol.:
38
N°:
14
Págs.:
3645 - 3647
Diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire is central to adaptive immunity. The TCR is composed of alpha and beta chains, encoded by the TRA and TRB genes, of which the variable regions determine antigen specificity. To generate novel biological insights into the complex functioning of immune cells, combined capture of variable regions and single-cell transcriptomes provides a compelling approach. Recent developments enable the enrichment of TRA and TRB variable regions from widely used technologies for 3'-based single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). However, a comprehensive computational pipeline to process TCR-enriched data from 3' scRNA-seq is not available. Here, we present an analysis pipeline to process TCR variable regions enriched from 3' scRNA-seq cDNA. The tool reports TRA and TRB nucleotide and amino acid sequences linked to cell barcodes, enabling the reconstruction of T-cell clonotypes with associated transcriptomes. We demonstrate the software using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a healthy donor and detect TCR sequences in a high proportion of single T cells. Detection of TCR sequences is low in non-T-cell populations, demonstrating specificity. Finally, we show that TCR clones are larger in CD8 Memory T cells than in other T-cell types, indicating an association between T-cell clonotypes and differentiation states.
Autores:
Català-Moll, F.; Ferreté-Bonastre, A. G.; Li, T. L.; et al.
Revista:
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
ISSN:
0305-1048
Año:
2021
Vol.:
49
N°:
9
Págs.:
5057 - 5073
Activation-induced deaminase (AID) initiates antibody diversification in germinal center B cells by deaminating cytosines, leading to somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination. Loss-of-function mutations in AID lead to hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 (HIGM2), a rare human primary antibody deficiency. AID-mediated deamination has been proposed as leading to active demethylation of 5-methycytosines in the DNA, although evidence both supports and casts doubt on such a role. In this study, using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of HIGM2 B cells, we investigated direct AID involvement in active DNA demethylation. HIGM2 naive and memory B cells both display widespread DNA methylation alterations, of which similar to 25% are attributable to active DNA demethylation. For genes that undergo active demethylation that is impaired in HIGM2 individuals, our analysis indicates that AID is not directly involved. We demonstrate that the widespread alterations in the DNA methylation and expression profiles of HIGM2 naive B cells result from premature overstimulation of the B-cell receptor prior to the germinal center reaction. Our data support a role for AID in B cell central tolerance in preventing the expansion of autoreactive cell clones, affecting the correct establishment of DNA methylation patterns.
Autores:
Zawislak, A. (Autor de correspondencia); Wozniak, K.; Agirre, X; et al.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
ISSN:
1661-7827
Año:
2021
Vol.:
18
N°:
21
Págs.:
11483
Background: Non-syndromic cleft lip with/without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital condition with a complex aetiology reflecting multiple genetic and environmental factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCA4 have been associated with NSCL/P in several studies, although there are some inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate whether two SNPs in ABCA4, namely rs4147811 and rs560426, are associated with NSCL/P occurrence in the Polish population. Methods: The study included 627 participants: 209 paediatric patients with NSCL/P and 418 healthy newborn controls. DNA was isolated from the saliva of NSCL/P patients and from umbilical cord blood in the controls. Genotyping of rs4147811 and rs560426 was performed using quantitative PCR. Results: The rs4147811 (AG genotype) SNP in ABCA4 was associated with a decreased risk of NSCL/P (odds ratio (OR) 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.84; p = 0.004), whereas the rs560426 (GG genotype) SNP was associated with an increased risk of NSCL/P (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.31-3.48; p = 0.002). Limitations: This study-based on the correlation between single genetic variants and the occurrence of different phenotypes-might have limited power in detecting relevant, complex inheritance patterns. ORs are often low to moderate when investigating the association of single genes with the risk of a complex trait. Another limitation was the small number of available NSCL/P samples. Conclusions: The results suggest that genetic variations in ABCA4 are important risk markers of NSCL/P in the Polish population. Further investigation in a larger study group is warranted.</p>
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2021
Vol.:
35
N°:
5
Págs.:
1438 - 1450
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease, whose clinical heterogeneity makes its management challenging, highlighting the need for biological features to guide improved therapies. Deregulation of specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been shown in MM, nevertheless, the complete lncRNA transcriptome has not yet been elucidated. In this work, we identified 40,511 novel lncRNAs in MM samples. lncRNAs accounted for 82% of the MM transcriptome and were more heterogeneously expressed than coding genes. A total of 10,351 overexpressed and 9,535 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in MM patients when compared with normal bone-marrow plasma cells. Transcriptional dynamics study of lncRNAs in the context of normal B-cell maturation revealed 989 lncRNAs with exclusive expression in MM, among which 89 showed de novo epigenomic activation. Knockdown studies on one of these lncRNAs, SMILO (specific myeloma intergenic long non-coding RNA), resulted in reduced proliferation and induction of apoptosis of MM cells, and activation of the interferon pathway. We also showed that the expression of lncRNAs, together with clinical and genetic risk alterations, stratified MM patients into several progression-free survival and overall survival groups. In summary, our global analysis of the lncRNAs transcriptome reveals the presence of specific lncRNAs associated with the biological and clinical behavior of the disease.
Revista:
LIFE
ISSN:
2075-1729
Año:
2021
Vol.:
11
N°:
12
Págs.:
1398
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the progression of muscular dystrophy, and recent studies have reported the role of MMP-10 in skeletal muscle pathology of young dystrophic mice. Nevertheless, its involvement in dystrophin-deficient hearts remains unexplored. Here, we aimed to investigate the involvement of MMP-10 in the progression of severe muscular dystrophy and to characterize MMP-10 loss in skeletal and cardiac muscles of aged dystrophic mice. We examined the histopathological effect of MMP-10 ablation in aged mdx mice, both in the hind limb muscles and heart tissues. We found that MMP-10 loss compromises survival rates of aged mdx mice, with skeletal and cardiac muscles developing a chronic inflammatory response. Our findings indicate that MMP-10 is implicated in severe muscular dystrophy progression, thus identifying a new area of research that could lead to future therapies for dystrophic muscles.
Revista:
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
ISSN:
1742-7061
Año:
2021
Vol.:
126
Págs.:
394 - 407
Despite tremendous progress in cell-based therapies for heart repair, many challenges still exist. To enhance the therapeutic potential of cell therapy one approach is the combination of cells with biomaterial delivery vehicles. Here, we developed a biomimetic and biodegradable micro-platform based on polymeric microparticles (MPs) capable of maximizing the therapeutic potential of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) and explored its efficacy in a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction. The transplantation of CPCs adhered to MPs within the infarcted myocardial microenvironment improved the long-term engraftment of transplanted cells for up to one month. Furthermore, the enhancement of cardiac cellular retention correlated with an increase in functional recovery. In consonance, better tissue remodeling and vasculogenesis were observed in the animals treated with cells attached to MPs, which presented smaller infarct size, thicker right ventricular free wall, fewer deposition of periostin and greater density of vessels than animals treated with CPCs alone. Finally, we were able to show that part of this beneficial effect was mediated by CPC derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Taken together, these findings indicate that the biomimetic microcarriers support stem cell survival and increase cardiac function in chronic myocardial infarction through modulation of cardiac remodeling, vasculogenesis and CPCs-EVs mediated therapeutic effects. The biomimetic microcarriers provide a solution for biomaterial-assisted CPC delivery to the heart.
Statement of significance
In this study, we evaluate the possibility of using a biomimetic and biodegradable micro-platform to improve cardiovascular progenitor therapy. The strategy reported herein serves as an injectable scaffold for adherent cells due to their excellent injectability through cardiac catheters, capacity for biomimetic threedimensional stem cell support and controllable biodegradability. In a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction, the biomimetic microcarriers improved cardiac function, reduced chronic cardiac remodeling and increased vasculogenesis through the paracrine signaling of CPCs. We have also shown that extracellular vesicles derived from CPCs cultured on biomimetic substrates display antifibrotic effects, playing an important role in the therapeutic effects of our tissue-engineered approach. Therefore, biomimetic microcarriers represent a promising and effective strategy for biomaterial-assisted CPC delivery to the heart.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
ISSN:
0022-2623
Año:
2021
Vol.:
64
N°:
6
Págs.:
3392 - 3426
Concomitant inhibition of key epigenetic pathways involved in silencing tumor suppressor genes has been recognized as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Herein, we report a first-in-class series of quinoline-based analogues that simultaneously inhibit histone deacetylases (from a low nanomolar range) and DNA methyltransferase-1 (from a mid-nanomolar range, IC50 < 200 nM). Additionally, lysine methyltransferase G9a inhibitory activity is achieved (from a low nanomolar range) by introduction of a key lysine mimic group at the 7-position of the quinoline ring. The corresponding epigenetic functional cellular responses are observed: histone-3 acetylation, DNA hypomethylation, and decreased histone-3 methylation at lysine-9. These chemical probes, multitarget epigenetic inhibitors, were validated against the multiple myeloma cell line MM1.S, demonstrating promising in vitro activity of 12a (CM-444) with GI(50) of 32 nM, an adequate therapeutic window (>1 log unit), and a suitable pharmacokinetic profile. In vivo, 12a achieved significant antitumor efficacy in a xenograft mouse model of human multiple myeloma.
Revista:
HEPATOLOGY
ISSN:
0270-9139
Año:
2021
Vol.:
73
N°:
6
Págs.:
2380 - 2396
Background and Aims Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease often detected at advanced stages when surgery cannot be performed. Conventional and targeted systemic therapies perform poorly, and therefore effective drugs are urgently needed. Different epigenetic modifications occur in CCA and contribute to malignancy. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms may thus open therapeutic opportunities. However, modifications such as DNA and histone methylation often coexist and cooperate in carcinogenesis. We tested the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of a class of dual G9a histone-methyltransferase and DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitors. Approach and Results Expression of G9a, DNMT1, and their molecular adaptor, ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains-1 (UHRF1), was determined in human CCA. We evaluated the effect of individual and combined pharmacological inhibition of G9a and DNMT1 on CCA cell growth. Our lead G9a/DNMT1 inhibitor, CM272, was tested in human CCA cells, patient-derived tumoroids and xenograft, and a mouse model of cholangiocarcinogenesis with hepatocellular deletion of c-Jun-N-terminal-kinase (Jnk)-1/2 and diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN) plus CCl4 treatment (Jnk(Delta hepa) + DEN + CCl4 mice). We found an increased and correlative expression of G9a, DNMT1, and UHRF1 in CCAs. Cotreatment with independent pharmacological inhibitors G9a and DNMT1 synergistically inhibited CCA cell growth. CM272 markedly reduced CCA cell proliferation and synergized with Cisplatin and the ERBB-targeted inhibitor, Lapatinib. CM272 inhibited CCA tumoroids and xenograft growth and significantly antagonized CCA progression in Jnk(Delta hepa) + DEN + CCl4 mice without apparent toxicity. Mechanistically, CM272 reprogrammed the tumoral metabolic transcriptome and phenotype toward a differentiated and quiescent status. Conclusions Dual targeting of G9a and DNMT1 with epigenetic small molecule inhibitors such as CM272 is a potential strategy to treat CCA and/or enhance the efficacy of other systemic therapies.
Autores:
Vilarrasa-Blasi, R.; Soler-Vila, P.; Verdaguer-Dot, N.; et al.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
To investigate the three-dimensional (3D) genome architecture across normal B cell differentiation and in neoplastic cells from different subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma patients, here we integrate in situ Hi-C and nine additional omics layers. Beyond conventional active (A) and inactive (B) compartments, we uncover a highly-dynamic intermediate compartment enriched in poised and polycomb-repressed chromatin. During B cell development, 28% of the compartments change, mostly involving a widespread chromatin activation from naive to germinal center B cells and a reversal to the naive state upon further maturation into memory B cells. B cell neoplasms are characterized by both entity and subtype-specific alterations in 3D genome organization, including large chromatin blocks spanning key disease-specific genes. This study indicates that 3D genome interactions are extensively modulated during normal B cell differentiation and that the genome of B cell neoplasias acquires a tumor-specific 3D genome architecture.
Revista:
ERJ OPEN RESEARCH
ISSN:
2312-0541
Año:
2021
Vol.:
7
N°:
2
Págs.:
00773 - 2020
Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has a dismal prognosis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown benefit in other inflammatory diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of endobronchial administration of bone marrow autologous MSCs (BM-MSC) in patients with mild-to-moderate IPF. Methods: A phase I multicentre clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01919827) with a single endobronchial administration of autologous adult BM-MSCs in patients diagnosed with mild-to-moderate IPF. In a first escalating-dose phase, three patients were included sequentially in three dose cohorts (10×106, 50×106 and 100×106 cells). In a second phase, nine patients received the highest tolerated dose. Follow-up with pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk test and St George¿s Respiratory Questionnaire was done at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months, and with computed tomography at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: 21 bone marrow samples were obtained from 17 patients. Three patients were excluded from treatment due to chromosome aberrations detected in MSCs after culture, and one patient died before treatment. Finally, 13 patients received the BM-MSC infusion. No treatment-related severe adverse events were observed during follow-up. Compared to baseline, the mean forced vital capacity showed an initial decline of 8.1% at 3 months. The number of patients without functional progression was six (46%) at 3 months and three (23%) at 12 months. Conclusions: The endobronchial infusion of BM-MSCs did not cause immediate serious adverse events in IPF patients, but a relevant proportion of patients suffered clinical and/or functional progression. Genomic instability of BM-MSCs during culture found in three patients may be troublesome for the use of autologous MSCs in IPF patients
Revista:
CANCER DISCOVERY
ISSN:
2159-8274
Año:
2021
Vol.:
11
N°:
5
Págs.:
1268 - 1285
For millions of years, endogenous retroelements have remained transcriptionally silent within mammalian genomes by epigenetic mechanisms. Modern anticancer therapies targeting the epigenetic machinery awaken retroelement expression, inducing antiviral responses that eliminate tumors through mechanisms not completely understood. Here, we find that massive binding of epigenetically activated retroelements by RIG-I and MDA5 viral sensors promotes ATP hydrolysis and depletes intracellular energy, driving tumor killing independently of immune signaling. Energy depletion boosts compensatory ATP production by switching glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thereby reversing the Warburg effect. However, hyperfunctional succinate dehydrogenase in mitochondrial electron transport chain generates excessive oxidative stress that unleashes RIP1-mediated necroptosis. To maintain ATP generation, hyperactive mitochondrial membrane blocks intrinsic apoptosis by increasing BCL2 dependency. Accordingly, drugs targeting BCL2 family proteins and epigenetic inhibitors yield synergistic responses in multiple cancer types. Thus, epigenetic therapy kills cancer cells by rewiring mitochondrial metabolism upon retroelement activation, which primes mitochondria to apoptosis by BH3-mimetics. SIGNIFICANCE: The state of viral mimicry induced by epigenetic therapies in cancer cells remodels mitochondrial metabolism and drives caspase-independent tumor cell death, which sensitizes to BCL2...
Revista:
GUT
ISSN:
0017-5749
Año:
2021
Vol.:
70
N°:
2
Págs.:
388 - 400
Objective Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts is central to fibrogenesis. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone and DNA methylation, play a key role in this process. Concerted action between histone and DNA-mehyltransferases like G9a and DNMT1 is a common theme in gene expression regulation. We aimed to study the efficacy of CM272, a first-in-class dual and reversible G9a/DNMT1 inhibitor, in halting fibrogenesis. Design G9a and DNMT1 were analysed in cirrhotic human livers, mouse models of liver fibrosis and cultured mouse HSC. G9a and DNMT1 expression was knocked down or inhibited with CM272 in human HSC (hHSC), and transcriptomic responses to transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1) were examined. Glycolytic metabolism and mitochondrial function were analysed with Seahorse-XF technology. Gene expression regulation was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylation-specific PCR. Antifibrogenic activity and safety of CM272 were studied in mouse chronic CCl4 administration and bile duct ligation (BDL), and in human precision-cut liver slices (PCLSs) in a new bioreactor technology. Results G9a and DNMT1 were detected in stromal cells in areas of active fibrosis in human and mouse livers. G9a and DNMT1 expression was induced during mouse HSC activation, and TGF beta 1 triggered their chromatin recruitment in hHSC. G9a/DNMT1 knockdown and CM272 inhibited TGF beta 1 fibrogenic responses in hHSC. TGF beta 1-mediated profibrogenic metabolic reprogramming was abrogated by CM272, which restored gluconeogenic gene expression and mitochondrial function through on-target epigenetic effects. CM272 inhibited fibrogenesis in mice and PCLSs without toxicity. Conclusions Dual G9a/DNMT1 inhibition by compounds like CM272 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating liver fibrosis.
Autores:
Valcárcel, L. V.; Amundarain, A.; Kulis, M.; et al.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2021
Vol.:
35
N°:
10
Págs.:
3012 - 3016
Clinical and genetic risk factors are currently used in multiple myeloma (MM) to stratify patients and to design specific therapies. However, these systems do not capture the heterogeneity of the disease supporting the development of new prognostic factors. In this study, we identified active promoters and alternative active promoters in 6 different B cell subpopulations, including bone-marrow plasma cells, and 32 MM patient samples, using RNA-seq data. We find that expression initiated at both regular and alternative promoters was specific of each B cell subpopulation or MM plasma cells, showing a remarkable level of consistency with chromatin-based promoter definition. Interestingly, using 595 MM patient samples from the CoMMpass dataset, we observed that the expression derived from some alternative promoters was associated with lower progression-free and overall survival in MM patients independently of genetic alterations. Altogether, our results define cancer-specific alternative active promoters as new transcriptomic features that can provide a new avenue for prognostic stratification possibilities in patients with MM.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2021
Vol.:
35
N°:
1
Págs.:
245 - 249
Autores:
Grigorian-Shamagian, L.; Sanz-Ruiz, R.; Climent, A.; et al.
Revista:
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
ISSN:
0008-6363
Año:
2021
Vol.:
117
N°:
6
Págs.:
1428 - 1433
Great expectations have been set around the clinical potential of regenerative and reparative medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases [i.e. in particular, heart failure (HF)]. Initial excitement, spurred by encouraging preclinical data, resulted in a rapid translation into clinical research. The sobering outcome of the resulting clinical trials suggests that preclinical testing may have been insufficient to predict clinical outcome. A number of barriers for clinical translation include the inherent variability of the biological products and difficulties to develop potency and quality assays, insufficient rigour of the preclinical research and reproducibility of the results, manufacturing challenges, and scientific irregularities reported in the last years. The failure to achieve clinical success led to an increased scrutiny and scepticism as to the clinical readiness of stem cells and gene therapy products among clinicians, industry stakeholders, and funding bodies. The present impasse has attracted the attention of some of the most active research groups in the field, which were then summoned to analyse the position of the field and tasked to develop a strategy, to re-visit the undoubtedly promising future of cardiovascular regenerative and reparative medicine, based on lessons learned over the past two decades. During the scientific retreat of the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Regenerative and Reparative Medicine (CARE) in November 2018, the most relevant and timely research aspects in regenerative and/or reparative medicine were presented and critically discussed, with the aim to lay out a strategy for the future development of the field. We report herein the main ideas and conclusions of that meeting.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
ISSN:
1422-0067
Año:
2021
Vol.:
22
N°:
17
Págs.:
9126
The success of cell therapy for the treatment of myocardial infarction depends on finding novel approaches that can substantially implement the engraftment of the transplanted cells. In order to enhance cell engraftment, most studies have focused on the pretreatment of transplantable cells. Here we have considered an alternative approach that involves the preconditioning of infarcted heart tissue to reduce endogenous cell activity and thus provide an advantage to our exogenous cells. This treatment is routinely used in other tissues such as bone marrow and skeletal muscle to improve cell engraftment, but it has never been taken in cardiac tissue. To avoid long-term cardiotoxicity induced by full heart irradiation we developed a rat model of a catheter-based heart irradiation system to locally impact a delimited region of the infarcted cardiac tissue. As proof of concept, we transferred ZsGreen(+) iPSCs in the infarcted heart, due to their ease of use and detection. We found a very significant increase in cell engraftment in preirradiated rats. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that preconditioning the infarcted cardiac tissue with local irradiation can substantially enhance cell engraftment.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
1479-5876
Año:
2021
Vol.:
19
N°:
1
Págs.:
506
Knee osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease and a frequent cause of pain, functional loss and disability. Conventional treatments have demonstrated only modest clinical benefits whereas cell-based therapies have shown encouraging results, but important details, such as dose needed, long-term evolution or number of applications required are scarcely known. Here we have reanalyzed results from two recent pilot trials with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells using the Huskisson plot to enhance quantification of efficacy and comparability. We find that cell doses of 10, 40 and 100 million autologous cells per knee provided quite similar healing results and that much of the effect attained 1 year after cell application remained after 2 and 4 years. These results are encouraging because they indicate that, apart from safety and simplicity: (i) the beneficial effect is both significant and sizeable, (ii) it can be achieved with a single injection of cells, and (iii) the effect is perdurable for years.
Revista:
BLOOD ADVANCES
ISSN:
2473-9529
Año:
2021
Vol.:
5
N°:
3
Págs.:
760 - 770
The value of measurable residual disease (MRD) in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is inconsistent between those treated with intensive vs hypomethylating drugs, and unknown after semi-intensive therapy. We investigated the role of MRD in refining complete remission (CR) and treatment duration in the phase 3 FLUGAZA clinical trial, which randomized 283 elderly AML patients to induction and consolidation with fludarabine plus cytarabine (FLUGA) vs 5-azacitidine. After consolidation, patients continued treatment if MRD was ¿0.01% or stopped if MRD was <0.01%, as assessed by multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC). On multivariate analysis including genetic risk and treatment arm, MRD status in patients achieving CR (N = 72) was the only independent prognostic factor for relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR, 3.45;P= .002). Achieving undetectable MRD significantly improved RFS of patients with adverse genetics (HR, 0.32;P= .013). Longer overall survival was observed in patients with undetectable MRD after induction though not after consolidation. Although leukemic cells from most patients displayed phenotypic aberrancies vs their normal counterpart (N = 259 of 265), CD34 progenitors from cases with undetectable MRD by MFC carried extensive genetic abnormalities identified by whole-exome sequencing. Interestingly, the number of genetic alterations significantly increased from diagnosis to MRD stages in patients treated with FLUGA vs 5-azacitidine (2.2-fold vs 1.1-fold;P
Revista:
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
ISSN:
0884-0431
Año:
2021
Vol.:
36
N°:
11
Págs.:
2203 - 2213
The remodeling of the extracellular matrix is a central function in endochondral ossification and bone homeostasis. During secondary fracture healing, vascular invasion and bone growth requires the removal of the cartilage intermediate and the coordinate action of the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, produced by hypertrophic chondrocytes, and the gelatinase MMP-9, produced by cells of hematopoietic lineage. Interfering with these MMP activities results in impaired fracture healing characterized by cartilage accumulation and delayed vascularization. MMP-10, Stromelysin 2, a matrix metalloproteinase with high homology to MMP-3 (Stromelysin 1), presents a wide range of putative substrates identified in vitro, but its targets and functions in vivo and especially during fracture healing and bone homeostasis are not well defined. Here, we investigated the role of MMP-10 through bone regeneration in C57BL/6 mice. During secondary fracture healing, MMP-10 is expressed by hematopoietic cells and its maximum expression peak is associated with cartilage resorption at 14 days post fracture (dpf). In accordance with this expression pattern, when Mmp10 is globally silenced, we observed an impaired fracture-healing phenotype at 14 dpf, characterized by delayed cartilage resorption and TRAP-positive cell accumulation. This phenotype can be rescued by a non-competitive transplant of wild-type bone marrow, indicating that MMP-10 functions are required only in cells of hematopoietic linage. In addition, we found that this phenotype is a consequence of reduced gelatinase activity and the lack of proMMP-9 processing in macrophages. Our data provide evidence of the in vivo function of MMP-10 during endochondral ossification and defines the macrophages as the lead cell population in cartilage removal and vascular invasion. (c) 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Revista:
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1044-1549
Año:
2021
Vol.:
64
N°:
4
Págs.:
465 - 476
Fibroblast activation includes differentiation to myofibroblasts and is a key feature of organ fibrosis. The Notch pathway has been involved in myofibroblast differentiation in several tissues, including the lung. Here, we identify a subset of collagen-expressing cells in the lung that exhibit Notch3 activity at homeostasis. After injury, this activation increases, being found in alpha SMA-expressing myofibroblasts in the mouse and human fibrotic lung. Although previous studies suggest a contribution of Notch3 in stromal activation, in vivo evidence of the role of Notch3 in lung fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we examine the effects of Notch3 deletion in pulmonary fibrosis and demonstrate that Notch3-deficient lungs are protected from lung injury with significantly reduced collagen deposition after bleomycin administration. The induction of profibrotic genes is reduced in bleomycin-treated Notch3-knockout lungs that consistently present fewer alpha SMA-positive myofibroblasts. As a result, the volume of healthy lung tissue is higher and lung function is improved in the absence of Notch3. Using in vitro cultures of lung primary fibroblasts, we confirmed that Notch3 participates in their survival and differentiation. Thus, Notch3 deficiency mitigates the development of lung fibrosis because of its role in mediating fibroblast activation. Our findings reveal a previously unidentified mechanism underlying lung fibrogenesis and provide a potential novel therapeutic approach to target pulmonary fibrosis.
Autores:
Isidro, I. A. (Autor de correspondencia); Vicente, P.; Pais, D. A. M.; et al.
Revista:
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
ISSN:
0006-3592
Año:
2021
Vol.:
118
N°:
9
Págs.:
3610 - 3617
Hepatocyte-like cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-HLC) are expected to have important applications in drug screening and regenerative medicine. However, hiPSC-HLC are difficult to produce on a large-scale to obtain relevant numbers for such applications. The aim of this study was to implement a novel integrated strategy for scalable production of hiPSC-HLC and demonstrate the applicability of dielectric spectroscopy to monitor hiPSC expansion/differentiation processes. We cultured hiPSC as three-dimensional (3D) aggregates in stirred-tank bioreactors (STB) operated in perfusion with an in situ capacitance probe. Dissolved oxygen concentration and dilution rate were controlled along the process and after 5 days of cell expansion, the hepatic differentiation was integrated in sequential steps for 28 days. The hiPSC were able to grow as 3D aggregates and the expression of hepatic markers and albumin production after differentiation confirmed that hepatocyte differentiation improved when compared to 2D culture. These hiPSC-HLC exhibited functional characteristics of hepatocytes including glycogen storage and drug metabolization capacity. Our results also show a good correlation between the cell permittivity measured online and the aggregate biovolume measured by standard offline methods, demonstrating for the first time the potential of dielectric spectroscopy to monitor hiPSC expansion and differentiation in STB.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
1664-3224
Año:
2021
Vol.:
12
Págs.:
767376
Evidence supports a role of complement anaphylatoxin C5a in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. However, information about the evolution and impact of C5a levels after hospital discharge is lacking. We analyzed the association between circulating C5a levels and the clinical evolution of hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Serum C5a levels were determined in 32 hospitalized and 17 non-hospitalized patients from Clinica Universidad de Navarra. One hundred and eighty eight serial samples were collected during the hospitalization stay and up to three months during the follow-up. Median C5a levels were 27.71 ng/ml (25th to 75th percentile: 19.35-34.96) for samples collected during hospitalization, versus 16.76 ng/ml (12.90-25.08) for samples collected during the follow-up (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between serum C5a levels and the number of days from symptom onset (p<0.001). C5a levels also correlated with a previously validated clinical risk score (p<0.001), and was associated with the severity of the disease (p<0.001). An overall reduction of C5a levels was observed after hospital discharge. However, elevated C5a levels persisted in those patients with high COVID-19 severity (i.e. those with a longest stay in the hospital), even after months from hospital discharge (p=0.020). Moreover, high C5a levels appeared to be associated with the presence of long-term respiratory symptoms (p=0.004). In conclusion, serum C5a levels remain high in severe cases of COVID-19, and are associated with the presence of respiratory symptoms after hospital discharge. These results may suggest a role for C5a in the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection.
Revista:
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
ISSN:
2222-1751
Año:
2021
Vol.:
10
N°:
1
Págs.:
1931 - 1946
Identification of relevant epitopes is crucial for the development of subunit peptide vaccines inducing neutralizing and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Our aim was the characterization of epitopes in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein to generate a peptide vaccine. Epitope mapping using a panel of 10 amino acid overlapped 15-mer peptides covering region 401-515 from RBD did not identify linear epitopes when tested with sera from infected individuals or from RBD-immunized mice. However, immunization of mice with these 15-mer peptides identified four peptides located at region 446-480 that induced antibodies recognizing the peptides and RBD/S1 proteins. Immunization with peptide 446-480 from S protein formulated with Freund's adjuvant or with CpG oligodeoxinucleotide/Alum induced polyepitopic antibody responses in BALB/c and C56BL/6J mice, recognizing RBD (titres of 3 x 10(4)-3 x 10(5), depending on the adjuvant) and displaying neutralizing capacity (80-95% inhibition capacity; p < 0.05) against SARS-CoV-2. Murine CD4 and CD8T-cell epitopes were identified in region 446-480 and vaccination experiments using HLA transgenic mice suggested the presence of multiple human T-cell epitopes. Antibodies induced by peptide 446-480 showed broad recognition of S proteins and S-derived peptides belonging to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Revista:
PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
1999-4923
Año:
2021
Vol.:
13
N°:
8
Págs.:
1269
The use of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (alloADSCs) represents an attractive approach for treating myocardial infarction (MI). Furthermore, adding a natural support improves alloADSCs engraftment and survival in heart tissues, leading to a greater therapeutic effect. We aimed to examine the safety and immunological reaction induced by epicardial implantation of a clinical-grade collagen scaffold (CS) seeded with alloADSCs for its future application in humans. Thus, cellularized scaffolds were myocardially or subcutaneously implanted in immunosuppressed rodent models. The toxicological parameters were not significantly altered, and tumor formation was not found over the short or long term. Furthermore, biodistribution analyses in the infarcted immunocompetent rats displayed cell engraftment in the myocardium but no migration to other organs. The immunogenicity of alloADSC-CS was also evaluated in a preclinical porcine model of chronic MI; no significant humoral or cellular alloreactive responses were found. Moreover, CS cellularized with human ADSCs cocultured with human allogeneic immune cells produced no alloreactive response. Interestingly, alloADSC-CS significantly inhibited lymphocyte responses, confirming its immunomodulatory action. Thus, alloADSC-CS is likely safe and does not elicit any alloreactive immunological response in the host. Moreover, it exerts an immunomodulatory action, which supports its translation to a clinical setting.
Autores:
Garcia-Gomez, A. (Autor de correspondencia); Li, T.; de la Calle-Fabregat, C.; et al.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2021
Vol.:
12
N°:
1
Págs.:
421
Multiple myeloma (MM) progression and myeloma-associated bone disease (MBD) are highly dependent on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MM-MSCs exhibit abnormal transcriptomes, suggesting the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms governing their tumor-promoting functions and prolonged osteoblast suppression. Here, we identify widespread DNA methylation alterations of bone marrow-isolated MSCs from distinct MM stages, particularly in Homeobox genes involved in osteogenic differentiation that associate with their aberrant expression. Moreover, these DNA methylation changes are recapitulated in vitro by exposing MSCs from healthy individuals to MM cells. Pharmacological targeting of DNMTs and G9a with dual inhibitor CM-272 reverts the expression of hypermethylated osteogenic regulators and promotes osteoblast differentiation of myeloma MSCs. Most importantly, CM-272 treatment prevents tumor-associated bone loss and reduces tumor burden in a murine myeloma model. Our results demonstrate that epigenetic aberrancies mediate the impairment of bone formation in MM, and its targeting by CM-272 is able to reverse MBD. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to support multiple myeloma (MM) development. Here, MSCs isolated from the bone marrow of MM patients are shown to have altered DNA methylation patterns and a methyltransferase inhibitor reverts MM-associated bone loss and reduces tumour burden in MM murine models.
Autores:
Dhillon, P.; Park, J. (Autor de correspondencia); del-Pozo, C. H.; et al.
Revista:
CELL METABOLISM
ISSN:
1550-4131
Año:
2021
Vol.:
33
N°:
2
Págs.:
379 - 394.e8
Kidney disease is poorly understood because of the organ's cellular diversity. We used single-cell RNA sequencing not only in resolving differences in injured kidney tissue cellular composition but also in cell type-specific gene expression in mouse models of kidney disease. This analysis highlighted major changes in cellular diversity in kidney disease, which markedly impacted whole-kidney transcriptomics outputs. Cell type-specific differential expression analysis identified proximal tubule (PT) cells as the key vulnerable cell type. Through unbiased cell trajectory analyses, we show that PT cell differentiation is altered in kidney disease. Metabolism (fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation) in PT cells showed the strongest and most reproducible association with PT cell differentiation and disease. Coupling of cell differentiation and the metabolism was established by nuclear receptors (estrogen-related receptor alpha [ESRRA] and peroxisomal proliferation-activated receptor alpha [PPARA]) that directly control metabolic and PT-cell-specific gene expression in mice and patient samples while protecting from kidney disease in the mouse model.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2021
Vol.:
138
N°:
17
Págs.:
1583 - 1589
Although light-chain amyloidosis (AL) and multiple myeloma (MM) are characterized by tumor plasma cell (PC) expansion in bone marrow (BM), their clinical presentation differs. Previous attempts to identify unique pathogenic mechanisms behind such differences were unsuccessful, but there are no studies investigating the differentiation stage of tumor PCs in patients with AL and MM. We sought to define a transcriptional atlas of normal PC development (n=11) in secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), peripheral blood (PB) and BM for comparison with the transcriptional programs (TPs) of tumor PCs in AL (n=37), MM (n=46) and MGUS (n=6). Based on bulk and single-cell RNAseq, we observed thirteen TPs during transition of normal PCs throughout SLO, PB and BM; that CD39 outperforms CD19 to discriminate new-born from long-lived BM-PCs; that tumor PCs expressed the most advantageous TPs of normal PC differentiation; that AL shares greater similarity to SLO-PCs whereas MM is transcriptionally closer to PB-PCs and new-born BM-PCs; that AL and MM patients enriched in immature TPs had inferior survival; and that TPs related with protein N-linked glycosylation are upregulated in AL. Collectively, we provide a novel resource to understand normal PC development and the transcriptional reorganization of AL and other monoclonal gammopathies.
Revista:
CANCER LETTERS
ISSN:
0304-3835
Año:
2020
Vol.:
468
Págs.:
1 - 13
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease associated with very poor prognosis. Most patients are older than 60 years, and in this group only 5-15% of cases survive over 5 years. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more effective targeted therapies. Inactivation of protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) is a recurrent event in AML, and overexpression of its endogenous inhibitor SET is detected in similar to 30% of patients. The PP2A activating drug FTY720 has potent anti-leukemic effects; nevertheless, FTY720 induces cardiotoxicity at the anti-neoplastic dose. Here, we have developed a series of non-phosphorylable FTY720 analogues as a new therapeutic strategy for AML. Our results show that the lead compound CM-1231 re-activates PP2A by targeting SET-PP2A interaction, inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Notably, CM-1231 did not induce cardiac toxicity, unlike FTY720, in zebrafish models, and reduced the invasion and aggressiveness of AML cells more than FTY720 in zebrafish xenograft models. In conclusion, CM-1231 is safer and more effective than FTY720; therefore, this compound could represent a novel and promising approach for treating AML patients with SET overexpression.
Autores:
Sanchez-Guijo, F.; Garcia-Arranz, M.; Lopez-Parra, M.; et al.
Revista:
ECLINICALMEDICINE
ISSN:
2589-5370
Año:
2020
Vol.:
25
Págs.:
100454
Background: Identification of effective treatments in severe cases of COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation represents an unmet medical need. Our aim was to determine whether the administration of adipose-tissue derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSC) is safe and potentially useful in these patients.
Methods: Thirteen COVID-19 adult patients under invasive mechanical ventilation who had received previous antiviral and/or anti-inflammatory treatments (including steroids, lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine and/or tocilizumab, among others) were treated with allogeneic AT-MSC. Ten patients received two doses, with the second dose administered a median of 3 days (interquartile range-IQR- 1 day) after the first one. Two patients received a single dose and another patient received 3 doses. Median number of cells per dose was 0.98 × 106 (IQR 0.50 × 106) AT-MSC/kg of recipient's body weight. Potential adverse effects related to cell infusion and clinical outcome were assessed. Additional parameters analyzed included changes in imaging, analytical and inflammatory parameters.
Findings: First dose of AT-MSC was administered at a median of 7 days (IQR 12 days) after mechanical ventilation. No adverse events were related to cell therapy. With a median follow-up of 16 days (IQR 9 days) after the first dose, clinical improvement was observed in nine patients (70%). Seven patients were extubated and discharged from ICU while four patients remained intubated (two with an improvement in their ventilatory and radiological parameters and two in stable condition). Two patients died (one due to massive gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to MSC therapy). Treatment with AT-MSC was followed by a decrease in inflammatory parameters (reduction in C-reactive protein, IL-6, ferritin, LDH and d-dimer) as well as an increase in lymphocytes, particularly in those patients with clinical improvement.
Interpretation: Treatment with intravenous administration of AT-MSC in 13 severe COVID-19 pneumonia under mechanical ventilation in a small case series did not induce significant adverse events and was followed by clinical and biological improvement in most subjects.
Autores:
Aguirre, P.; Ariceta, B.; Viguria, M. C.; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
2077-0383
Año:
2020
Vol.:
9
N°:
12
Págs.:
3818
Patients with myeloid neoplasms who relapsed after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) have poor prognosis. Monitoring of chimerism and specific molecular markers as a surrogate measure of relapse is not always helpful; therefore, improved systems to detect early relapse are needed. We hypothesized that the use of next generation sequencing (NGS) could be a suitable approach for personalized follow-up post-HSCT. To validate our hypothesis, we analyzed by NGS, a retrospective set of peripheral blood (PB) DNA samples previously evaluated by high-sensitive quantitative PCR analysis using insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indel-qPCR) chimerism engraftment. Post-HCST allelic burdens assessed by NGS and chimerism status showed a similar time-course pattern. At time of clinical relapse in 8/12 patients, we detected positive NGS-based minimal residual disease (NGS-MRD). Importantly, in 6/8 patients, we were able to detect NGS-MRD at time points collected prior to clinical relapse. We also confirmed the disappearance of post-HCST allelic burden in non-relapsed patients, indicating true clinical specificity. This study highlights the clinical utility of NGS-based post-HCST monitoring in myeloid neoplasia as a complementary specific analysis to high-sensitive engraftment testing. Overall, NGS-MRD testing in PB is widely applicable for the evaluation of patients following HSCT and highly valuable to personalized early treatment intervention when mixed chimerism is detecte
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2020
Vol.:
15
N°:
1
Págs.:
e0227986
The diagnosis of myeloid neoplasms (MN) has significantly evolved through the last few decades. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is gradually becoming an essential tool to help clinicians with disease management. To this end, most specialized genetic laboratories have implemented NGS panels targeting a number of different genes relevant to MN. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the performance of four different targeted NGS gene panels based on their technical features and clinical utility. A total of 32 patient bone marrow samples were accrued and sequenced with 3 commercially available panels and 1 custom panel. Variants were classified by two geneticists based on their clinical relevance in MN. There was a difference in panel¿s depth of coverage. We found 11 discordant clinically relevant variants between panels, with a trend to miss long insertions. Our data show that there is a high risk of finding different mutations depending on the panel of choice, due both to the panel design and the data analysis method. Of note, CEBPA, CALR and FLT3 genes, remains challenging the use of NGS for diagnosis of MN in compliance with current guidelines. Therefore, conventional molecular testing might need to be kept in place for the correct diagnosis of MN for now.
Autores:
Garcia-Arranz, M. (Autor de correspondencia); Garda-Olmo, D.; Herreros, M. D.; et al.
Revista:
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
2157-6564
Año:
2020
Vol.:
9
N°:
3
Págs.:
295 - 301
The aim of this clinical trial (ID Number NCT01803347) was to determine the safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for treatment of cryptoglandular fistula. This research was conducted following an analysis of the mistakes of a same previous phase III clinical trial. We designed a multicenter, randomized, single-blind clinical trial, recruiting 57 patients. Forty-four patients were categorized as belonging to the intent-to-treat group. Of these, 23 patients received 100 million ASCs plus intralesional fibrin glue (group A) and 21 received intralesional fibrin glue (group B), both after a deeper curettage of tracks and closure of internal openings. Fistula healing was defined as complete re-epithelialization of external openings. Those patients in whom the fistula had not healed after 16 weeks were eligible for retreatment. Patients were evaluated at 1, 4, 16, 36, and 52 weeks and 2 years after treatment. Results were assessed by an evaluator blinded to the type of treatment. After 16 weeks, the healing rate was 30.4% in group A and 42.8% in group B, rising to 55.0% and 63.1%, respectively, at 52 weeks. At the end of the study (2 years after treatment), the healing rate remained at 50.0% in group A and had reduced to 26.3% in group B. The safety of the cellular treatment was confirmed and no impact on fecal continence was detected. The main conclusion was that autologous ASCs for the treatment of cryptoglandular perianal fistula is safe and can favor long-term and sustained fistula healing.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2020
Vol.:
135
N°:
26
Págs.:
2375 - 2387
Risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is significantly increased in both multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, suggesting that it is therapy independent. However, the incidence and sequelae of dysplastic hematopoiesis at diagnosis are unknown. Here, we used multidimensional flow cytometry (MFC) to prospectively screen for the presence of MDS-associated phenotypic alterations (MDS-PA) in the bone marrow of 285 patients with MM enrolled in the PETHEMA/GEM2012MENOS65 trial (#NCT01916252). We investigated the clinical significance of monocytic MDS-PA in a larger series of 1252 patients enrolled in 4 PETHEMA/GEM protocols. At diagnosis, 33 (11.6%) of 285 cases displayed MDS-PA. Bulk and single-cell-targeted sequencing of MDS recurrently mutated genes in CD34+ progenitors (and dysplastic lineages) from 67 patients revealed clonal hematopoiesis in 13 (50%) of 26 cases with MDS-PA vs 9 (22%) of 41 without MDS-PA; TET2 and NRAS were the most frequently mutated genes. Dynamics of MDS-PA at diagnosis and after autologous transplant were evaluated in 86 of 285 patients and showed that in most cases (69 of 86 [80%]), MDS-PA either persisted or remained absent in patients with or without MDS-PA at diagnosis, respectively. Noteworthy, MDS-associated mutations infrequently emerged after high-dose therapy. Based on MFC profiling, patients with MDS-PA have altered hematopoiesis and T regulatory cell distribution in the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, the presence of monocytic MDS-PA at diagnosis anticipated greater risk of hematologic toxicity and was independently associated with inferior progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.5; P = .02) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.7; P = .01). This study reveals the biological and clinical significance of dysplastic hematopoiesis in newly diagnosed MM, which can be screened with moderate sensitivity using cost-effective MFC.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2020
Vol.:
105
N°:
9
Págs.:
E470 - E473
Revista:
GENOME RESEARCH
ISSN:
1088-9051
Año:
2020
Vol.:
30
N°:
9
Págs.:
1217 - 1227
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm associated with a broad variety of genetic lesions. In spite of this genetic heterogeneity, MMs share a characteristic malignant phenotype whose underlying molecular basis remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we examined plasma cells from MM using a multi-epigenomics approach and demonstrated that, when compared to normal B cells, malignant plasma cells showed an extensive activation of regulatory elements, in part affecting coregulated adjacent genes. Among target genes up-regulated by this process, we found members of the NOTCH, NF-kB, MTOR signaling, and TP53 signaling pathways. Other activated genes included sets involved in osteoblast differentiation and response to oxidative stress, all of which have been shown to be associated with the MM phenotype and clinical behavior. We functionally characterized MM-specific active distant enhancers controlling the expression of thioredoxin (TXN), a major regulator of cellular redox status and, in addition, identified PRDM5 as a novel essential gene for MM. Collectively, our data indicate that aberrant chromatin activation is a unifying feature underlying the malignant plasma cell phenotype.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2020
Vol.:
34
N°:
11
Págs.:
3007 - 3018
Multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergo repetitive bone marrow (BM) aspirates for genetic characterization. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are detectable in peripheral blood (PB) of virtually all MM cases and are prognostic, but their applicability for noninvasive screening has been poorly investigated. Here, we used next-generation flow (NGF) cytometry to isolate matched CTCs and BM tumor cells from 53 patients and compared their genetic profile. In eight cases, tumor cells from extramedullary (EM) plasmacytomas were also sorted and whole-exome sequencing was performed in the three spatially distributed tumor samples. CTCs were detectable by NGF in the PB of all patients with MM. Based on the cancer cell fraction of clonal and subclonal mutations, we found that similar to 22% of CTCs egressed from a BM (or EM) site distant from the matched BM aspirate. Concordance between BM tumor cells and CTCs was high for chromosome arm-level copy number alterations (>= 95%) though not for translocations (39%). All high-risk genetic abnormalities except one t(4;14) were detected in CTCs whenever present in BM tumor cells. Noteworthy, >= 82% mutations present in BM and EM clones were detectable in CTCs. Altogether, these results support CTCs for noninvasive risk-stratification of MM patients based on their numbers and genetic profile.
Autores:
Soria-Juan, B.; Escacena, N. ; Capilla-Gonzalez, V.; et al.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
1664-3224
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1932-6254
Año:
2020
Vol.:
14
N°:
1
Págs.:
123 - 134
Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have become one of the most promising tools for gene transfer in clinics. Among all the serotypes, AAV9 has been described as the most efficient for cardiac transduction. In order to achieve optimal therapeutic delivery in heart disease, we have explored AAV9 transduction efficiency in an infarcted heart using different routes of administration and promoters, including a cardiac-specific one. AAV9 vectors carrying luciferase or green fluorescence protein under the control of the ubiquitous elongation-factor-1-alpha or the cardiac-specific troponin-T (TnT) promoters were administered by intramyocardial or intravenous injection, either in healthy or myocardial-infarcted mice. The transduction efficacy and specificity, the time-course expression, and the safety of each vector were tested. High transgene expression levels were found in the heart, but not in the liver, of mice receiving AAV-TnT, which was significantly higher after intramyocardial injection regardless of ischemia-induction. On the contrary, high hepatic transgene expression levels were detected with the elongation-factor-1-alpha-promoter, independently of the administration route and heart damage. Moreover, tissue-specific green fluorescence protein expression was found in cardiomyocytes with the TnT vector, whereas minimal cardiac expression was detected with the ubiquitous one. Interestingly, we found that myocardial infarction greatly increased the transcriptional activity of AAV genomes. Our findings show that the use of cardiac promoters allows for specific and stable cardiac gene expression, which is optimal and robust when intramyocardially injected. Furthermore, our data indicate that the pathological status of the tissue can alter the transcriptional activity of AAV genomes, an aspect that should be carefully evaluated for clinical applications.
Revista:
CANCERS
ISSN:
2072-6694
Año:
2020
Vol.:
12
N°:
8
Págs.:
2205
Despite the bone marrow microenvironment being widely recognised as a key player in cancer research, the current animal models that represent a human haematopoietic system lack the contribution of the humanised marrow microenvironment. Here we describe a murine model that relies on the combination of an orthotopic humanised tissue-engineered bone construct (ohTEBC) with patient-specific bone marrow (BM) cells to create a humanised bone marrow (hBM) niche capable of supporting the engraftment of human haematopoietic cells. Results showed that this model supports the engraftment of human CD34+ cells from a healthy BM with human haematopoietic cells migrating into the mouse BM, human BM compartment, spleen and peripheral blood. We compared these results with the engraftment capacity of human CD34+ cells obtained from patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We demonstrated that CD34+ cells derived from a diseased BM had a reduced engraftment potential compared to healthy patients and that a higher cell dose is required to achieve engraftment of human haematopoietic cells in peripheral blood. Finally, we observed that hematopoietic cells obtained from the mobilised peripheral blood of patients yields a higher number of CD34+, overcoming this problem. In conclusion, this humanised mouse model has potential as a unique and patient-specific pre-clinical platform for the study of tumour-microenvironment interactions, including human bone and haematopoietic cells, and could, in the future, serve as a drug testing platform.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
ISSN:
2001-3078
Año:
2020
Vol.:
9
N°:
1
Págs.:
1729646
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events and death and is postulated to be a critical socioeconomic cost in the future. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potential candidates for new biomarker discovery related to their protein and nucleic acid cargo. In search of new prognostic and therapeutic targets in PAD, we determined the prothrombotic activity, the cellular origin and the transcriptomic profile of circulating EVs. This prospective study included control and PAD patients. Coagulation time (Procoag-PPL kit), EVs cellular origin and phosphatidylserine exposure were determined by flow cytometry in platelet-free plasma (n = 45 PAD). Transcriptomic profiles of medium/large EVs were generated using the MARS-Seq RNA-Seq protocol (n = 12/group). The serum concentration of the differentially expressed gene S100A9, in serum calprotectin (S100A8/A9), was validated by ELISA in control (n = 100) and PAD patients (n = 317). S100A9 was also determined in EVs and tissues of human atherosclerotic plaques (n = 3). Circulating EVs of PAD patients were mainly of platelet origin, predominantly Annexin V positive and were associated with the procoagulant activity of platelet-free plasma. Transcriptomic analysis of EVs identified 15 differentially expressed genes. Among them, serum calprotectin was elevated in PAD patients (p < 0.05) and associated with increased amputation risk before and after covariate adjustment (mean follow-up 3.6 years, p < 0.01). The combination of calprotectin with hs-CRP in the multivariate analysis further improved risk stratification (p < 0.01). Furthermore, S100A9 was also expressed in femoral plaque derived EVs and tissues. In summary, we found that PAD patients release EVs, mainly of platelet origin, highly positive for AnnexinV and rich in transcripts related to platelet biology and immune responses. Amputation risk prediction improved with calprotectin and was significantly higher when combined with hs-CRP. Our results suggest that EVs can be a promising component of liquid biopsy to identify the molecular signature of PAD patients.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2020
Vol.:
136
N°:
2
Págs.:
199 - 209
Granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) promote tumor growth and immunosuppression in multiple myeloma (MM). However, their phenotype is not well established for accurate monitoring or clinical translation. We aimed to provide the phenotypic profile of G-MDSCs based on their prognostic significance in MM, immunosuppressive potential, and molecular program. The preestablished phenotype of G-MDSCs was evaluated in bone marrow samples from controls and MM patients using multidimensional flow cytometry; surprisingly, we found that CD11b+CD14-CD15+CD33+HLADR- cells overlapped with common eosinophils and neutrophils, which were not expanded in MM patients. Therefore, we relied on automated clustering to unbiasedly identify all granulocytic subsets in the tumor microenvironment: basophils, eosinophils, and immature, intermediate, and mature neutrophils. In a series of 267 newly diagnosed MM patients (GEM2012MENOS65 trial), only the frequency of mature neutrophils at diagnosis was significantly associated with patient outcome, and a high mature neutrophil/T-cell ratio resulted in inferior progression-free survival (P < .001). Upon fluorescence-activated cell sorting of each neutrophil subset, T-cell proliferation decreased in the presence of mature neutrophils (0.5-fold; P = .016), and the cytotoxic potential of T cells engaged by a BCMA×CD3-bispecific antibody increased notably with the depletion of mature neutrophils (fourfold; P = .0007). Most interestingly, RNA sequencing of the 3 subsets revealed that G-MDSC-related genes were specifically upregulated in mature neutrophils from MM patients vs controls because of differential chromatin accessibility. Taken together, our results establish a correlation between the clinical significance, immunosuppressive potential, and transcriptional network of well-defined neutrophil subsets, providing for the first time a set of optimal markers (CD11b/CD13/CD16) for accurate monitoring of G-MDSCs in MM.
Revista:
CELLS
ISSN:
2073-4409
Año:
2020
Vol.:
9
N°:
3
Págs.:
637
Oxidative stress is a main molecular mechanism that underlies cardiovascular diseases. A close relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity and the prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis pathway has been described. However, little information is available about the interaction between NOX5 homolog-derived ROS and the PG pathway in the cardiovascular context. Our main goal was to characterize NOX5-derived ROS effects in PG homeostasis and their potential relevance in cardiovascular pathologies. For that purpose, two experimental systems were employed: an adenoviral NOX5-beta overexpression model in immortalized human aortic endothelial cells (TeloHAEC) and a chronic infarction in vivo model developed from a conditional endothelial NOX5 knock-in mouse. NOX5 increased cyclooxygenase-2 isoform (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) production through nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappa B) in TeloHAEC. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation and intracellular calcium level (Ca++) mobilization increased ROS production and NOX5 overexpression, which promoted a COX-2/PGE(2) response in vitro. In the chronic infarction model, mice encoding endothelial NOX5 enhanced the cardiac mRNA expression of COX-2 and PGES, suggesting a COX-2/PGE(2) response to NOX5 presence in an ischemic situation. Our data support that NOX5-derived ROS may modulate the COX-2/PGE(2) axis in endothelial cells, which might play a relevant role in the pathophysiology of heart infarction.
Autores:
Monteil, V.; Kwon, H.; Prado, P.; et al.
Revista:
CELL
ISSN:
0092-8674
Año:
2020
Vol.:
181
N°:
4
Págs.:
905 - 913.e7
We have previously provided the first genetic evidence that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the critical receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and ACE2 protects the lung from injury, providing a molecular explanation for the severe lung failure and death due to SARS-CoV infections. ACE2 has now also been identified as a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infections, and it has been proposed that inhibiting this interaction might be used in treating patients with COVID-19. However, it is not known whether human recombinant soluble ACE2 (hrsACE2) blocks growth of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we show that clinical grade hrsACE2 reduced SARS-CoV-2 recovery from Vero cells by a factor of 1,000-5,000. An equivalent mouse rsACE2 had no effect. We also show that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect engineered human blood vessel organoids and human kidney organoids, which can be inhibited by hrsACE2. These data demonstrate that hrsACE2 can significantly block early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
1479-5876
Año:
2020
Vol.:
18
N°:
1
Págs.:
356
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells are a safe and promising option to treat knee osteoarthritis as previously demonstrated in different clinical trials. However, their efficacy, optimal dose and addition of adjuvants must be determined. Here, we evaluated the clinical effects of a dose of 100 x 10(6)bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) in combination with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRGF (R)) as adjuvant in a randomized clinical trial. Methods A phase II, multicenter, randomized clinical trial with active control was conducted. Sixty patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned to 3 weekly doses of PRGF (R) or intraarticular administration of 100 x 10(6)cultured autologous BM-MSCs plus PRGF (R). Patients were followed up for 12 months, and pain and function were assessed using VAS and WOMAC and by measuring the knee range of motion range. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging analyses were performed to analyze joint damage. Results No adverse effects were reported after BM-MSC administration or during follow-up. According to VAS, the mean value (SD) for PRGF (R) and BM-MSC with PRGF (R) went from 5 (1.8) to 4.5 (2.2) (p = 0.389) and from 5.3 (1.9) to 3.5 (2.5) (p = 0.01), respectively at 12 months. In WOMAC, the mean (SD) baseline and 12-month overall WOMAC scores in patients treated with PRGF (R) was 31.9 (16.2) and 22.3 (15.8) respectively (p = 0.002) while that for patients treated with BM-MSC plus PRGF (R) was 33.4 (18.7) and 23.0 (16.6) (p = 0.053). Although statistical significances between groups have been not detected, only patients being treated with BM-MSC plus PRGF (R) could be considered as a OA treatment responders following OARSI criteria. X-ray and MRI (WORMS protocol) revealed no changes in knee joint space width or joint damage. Conclusions Treatment with BM-MSC associated with PRGF (R) was shown to be a viable therapeutic option for osteoarthritis of the knee, with clinical improvement at the end of follow-up. Further phase III clinical trials would be necessary to confirm the efficacy. Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov identifier NCT02365142. No EudraCT: 2011-006036-23
Revista:
CIRCULATION
ISSN:
0009-7322
Año:
2020
Vol.:
142
N°:
19
Págs.:
1831 - 1847
BACKGROUND: Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) have a central role in the ventricular remodeling process associated with different types of fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that fibroblasts do not respond homogeneously to heart injury. Because of the limited set of bona fide fibroblast markers, a proper characterization of fibroblast population heterogeneity in response to cardiac damage is lacking. The purpose of this study was to define CF heterogeneity during ventricular remodeling and the underlying mechanisms that regulate CF function. METHODS: Collagen1 alpha 1-GFP (green fluorescent protein)-positive CFs were characterized after myocardial infarction (MI) by single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing, and functional assays. Swine and patient samples were studied using bulk RNA sequencing. RESULTS: We identified and characterized a unique CF subpopulation that emerges after MI in mice. These activated fibroblasts exhibit a clear profibrotic signature, express high levels of Cthrc1 (collagen triple helix repeat containing 1), and localize into the scar. Noncanonical transforming growth factor-beta signaling and different transcription factors including SOX9 are important regulators mediating their response to cardiac injury. Absence of CTHRC1 results in pronounced lethality attributable to ventricular rupture. A population of CFs with a similar transcriptome was identified in a swine model of MI and in heart tissue from patients with MI and dilated cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: We report CF heterogeneity and their dynamics during the course of MI and redefine the CFs that respond to cardiac injury and participate in myocardial remodeling. Our study identifies CTHRC1 as a novel regulator of the healing scar process and a target for future translational studies.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA RESEARCH
ISSN:
0145-2126
Myeloid neoplasms (MN) are usually sporadic late-onset cancers; nevertheless, growing evidence suggests that similar to 5% of the cases could emerge as a consequence of inherited predisposition. Distinguishing somatic from germline variants is of vital importance, in order to establish an appropriate individualized management and counsel the patients and their relatives. Since many of the genes associated with myeloid neoplasm germline predisposition (MNGP) are also affected in sporadic MN, we intended to design a strategy to identify potentially inherited variants in a tumor only NGS panel in a cohort of 299 patients with a variety of MN. We considered as indicative of potential inherited origin, variants detected in BM sample at a similar to 50% VAF classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic or of unknown significance detected in MNGP-related genes. A total of 104 suspicious variants from 90 patients were filtered-in in tumor samples. Mutational patterns, follow-up data, and sequencing of a range of non-myeloid tissues were used for narrowing down the list of suspicious variants, and ultimately discriminate their nature. Our data supports the importance of considering variants found upon tumor-only sequencing as potentially of germline origin, and we offer a pipeline to define the nature of the variants.
Autores:
Chatonnet, F. ; Pignarre, A.; Serandour, A. A.; et al.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2020
Vol.:
105
N°:
3
Págs.:
774 - 783
Cell identity relies on the cross-talk between genetics and epigenetics and their impact on gene expression. Oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is the first step of an active DNA demethylation process occurring mainly at enhancers and gene bodies and, as such, participates in processes governing cell identity in normal and pathological conditions. Although genetic alterations are well documented in multiple myeloma (MM), epigenetic alterations associated with this disease have not yet been thoroughly analyzed. To gain insight into the biology of MM, genome-wide 5hmC profiles were obtained and showed that regions enriched in this modified base overlap with MM enhancers and super enhancers and are close to highly expressed genes. Through the definition of a MM-specific 5hmC signature, we identified FAM72D as a poor prognostic gene located on 1q21, a region amplified in high risk myeloma. We further uncovered that FAM72D functions as part of the FOXM1 transcription factor network controlling cell proliferation and survival and we evidenced an increased sensitivity of cells expressing high levels of FOXM1 and FAM72 to epigenetic drugs targeting histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases.
Autores:
Duran-Ferrer, M. (Autor de correspondencia); Clot, G.; Nadeu, F.; et al.
Revista:
NATURE CANCER
ISSN:
2662-1347
Año:
2020
Vol.:
1
N°:
11
Págs.:
1066 - 1081
We report a systematic analysis of the DNA methylation variability in 1,595 samples of normal cell subpopulations and 14 tumor subtypes spanning the entire human B-cell lineage. Differential methylation among tumor entities relates to differences in cellular origin and to de novo epigenetic alterations, which allowed us to build an accurate machine learning-based diagnostic algorithm. We identify extensive individual-specific methylation variability in silenced chromatin associated with the proliferative history of normal and neoplastic B cells. Mitotic activity generally leaves both hyper- and hypomethylation imprints, but some B-cell neoplasms preferentially gain or lose DNA methylation. We construct a DNA-methylation-based mitotic clock, called epiCMIT, whose lapse magnitude represents a strong independent prognostic variable in B-cell tumors and is associated with particular driver genetic alterations. Our findings reveal DNA methylation as a holistic tracer of B-cell tumor developmental history, with implications in differential diagnosis and the prediction of clinical outcome. Martin-Subero and colleagues analyze DNA methylation patterns in B-cell tumors and their normal cells of origin, and develop epiCMIT, a methylation-based mitotic clock with prognostic relevance.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2020
Vol.:
34
N°:
2
Págs.:
589 - 603
The reason why a few myeloma cells egress from the bone marrow (BM) into peripheral blood (PB) remains unknown. Here, we investigated molecular hallmarks of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to identify the events leading to myeloma trafficking into the bloodstream. After using next-generation flow to isolate matched CTCs and BM tumor cells from 32 patients, we found high correlation in gene expression at single-cell and bulk levels (r¿¿¿0.94, P¿=¿10-16), with only 55 genes differentially expressed between CTCs and BM tumor cells. CTCs overexpressed genes involved in inflammation, hypoxia, or epithelial-mesenchymal transition, whereas genes related with proliferation were downregulated in CTCs. The cancer stem cell marker CD44 was overexpressed in CTCs, and its knockdown significantly reduced migration of MM cells towards SDF1-¿ and their adhesion to fibronectin. Approximately half (29/55) of genes differentially expressed in CTCs were prognostic in patients with newly-diagnosed myeloma (n¿=¿553; CoMMpass). In a multivariate analysis including the R-ISS, overexpression of CENPF and LGALS1 was significantly associated with inferior survival. Altogether, these results help understanding the presence of CTCs in PB and suggest that hypoxic BM niches together with a pro-inflammatory microenvironment induce an arrest in proliferation, forcing tumor cells to circulate in PB and seek other BM niches to continue growing.
Autores:
Sevilla-Movilla, S.; Arellano-Sanchez, N. ; Martinez-Moreno, M.; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
ISSN:
0022-3417
Año:
2020
Vol.:
252
N°:
1
Págs.:
29 - 40
The interaction of multiple myeloma (MM) cells with the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment promotes MM cell retention, survival, and resistance to different anti-MM agents, including proteasome inhibitors (PIs) such as bortezomib (BTZ). The alpha 4 beta 1 integrin is a main adhesion receptor mediating MM cell-stroma interactions and MM cell survival, and its expression and function are downregulated by BTZ, leading to inhibition of cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) and MM cell apoptosis. Whether decreased alpha 4 beta 1 expression and activity are maintained or recovered upon development of resistance to BTZ represents an important question, as a potential rescue of alpha 4 beta 1 function could boost MM cell survival and disease progression. Using BTZ-resistant MM cells, we found that they not only rescue their alpha 4 beta 1 expression, but its levels were higher than in parental cells. Increased alpha 4 beta 1 expression in resistant cells correlated with enhanced alpha 4 beta 1-mediated cell lodging in the BM, and with disease progression. BTZ-resistant MM cells displayed enhanced NF-kappa B pathway activation relative to parental counterparts, which contributed to upregulated alpha 4 expression and to alpha 4 beta 1-dependent MM cell adhesion. These data emphasize the upregulation of alpha 4 beta 1 expression and function as a key event during resistance to BTZ in MM, which might indirectly contribute to stabilize this resistance, as stronger MM cell ...
Revista:
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART L-JOURNAL OF MATERIALS-DESIGN AND APPLICATIONS
ISSN:
1464-4207
Año:
2019
Vol.:
233
N°:
8
Págs.:
1594 - 1603
Unlike other organs, skeletal muscle is endowed with a remarkable potential for regeneration that depends on the presence of satellite cells. Histological and functional (force generation) recoveries after muscle damage are not parallel processes. The aim of this study is to examine the in vivo contractile properties and in vitro passive stress-stretch behavior of muscle during degeneration-regeneration processes. Notexin was injected into rat tibialis anterior muscle, and functional recovery and histological changes were compared. We found that histological improvement of damaged muscle is delayed in comparison with its capacity to generate force. The elastic properties of muscle were not altered in agreement with the unchanged cross-linking index, probably as a consequence of the unaltered deposition of total collagen during degeneration-regeneration processes together with the maintenance of the ratio of collagens type I and III.
Revista:
MATERIALS
ISSN:
1996-1944
Año:
2019
Vol.:
12
N°:
19
Págs.:
3105
In the treatment of bone non-unions, an alternative to bone autografts is the use of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), e.g., BMP-2, BMP-7, with powerful osteoinductive and osteogenic properties. In clinical settings, these osteogenic factors are applied using absorbable collagen sponges for local controlled delivery. Major side effects of this strategy are derived from the supraphysiological doses of BMPs needed, which may induce ectopic bone formation, chronic inflammation, and excessive bone resorption. In order to increase the efficiency of the delivered BMPs, we designed cryostructured collagen scaffolds functionalized with hydroxyapatite, mimicking the structure of cortical bone (aligned porosity, anisotropic) or trabecular bone (random distributed porosity, isotropic). We hypothesize that an anisotropic structure would enhance the osteoconductive properties of the scaffolds by increasing the regenerative performance of the provided rhBMP-2. In vitro, both scaffolds presented similar mechanical properties, rhBMP-2 retention and delivery capacity, as well as scaffold degradation time. In vivo, anisotropic scaffolds demonstrated better bone regeneration capabilities in a rat femoral critical-size defect model by increasing the defect bridging. In conclusion, anisotropic cryostructured collagen scaffolds improve bone regeneration by increasing the efficiency of rhBMP-2 mediated bone healing.
Revista:
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1079-5642
Año:
2019
Vol.:
39
N°:
3
Págs.:
E106 - E106
Autores:
Soria-Juan, B.; Escanea, N.; Capilla-González, V.; et al.
Revista:
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN:
1664-3224
Año:
2019
Vol.:
10
Págs.:
1151
Cell therapy is a progressively growing field that is rapidly moving from preclinical model development to clinical application. Outcomes obtained from clinical trials reveal the therapeutic potential of stem cell-based therapy to deal with unmet medical treatment needs for several disorders with no therapeutic options. Among adult stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the leading cell type used in advanced therapies for the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory and vascular diseases. To date, the safety and feasibility of autologous MSC-based therapy has been established; however, their indiscriminate use has resulted in mixed outcomes in preclinical and clinical studies. While MSCs derived from diverse tissues share common properties depending on the type of clinical application, they markedly differ within clinical trials in terms of efficacy, resulting in many unanswered questions regarding the application of MSCs. Additionally, our experience in clinical trials related to critical limb ischemia pathology (CLI) shows that the therapeutic efficacy of these cells in different animal models has only been partially reproduced in humans through clinical trials. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new research to identify pitfalls, to optimize procedures and to clarify the repair mechanisms used by these cells, as well as to be able to offer a next generation of stem cell that can be routinely used in a cost-effective and safe manner in stem cell-based therapies targeting CLI.
Revista:
HEPATOLOGY
ISSN:
0270-9139
Año:
2019
Vol.:
69
N°:
2
Págs.:
587 - 603
Epigenetic modifications such as DNA and histone methylation functionally cooperate in fostering tumor growth, including that of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Pharmacological targeting of these mechanisms may open new therapeutic avenues. We aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of action of our dual G9a histone-methyltransferase and DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) inhibitor in human HCC cells and their crosstalk with fibrogenic cells. The expression of G9a and DNMT1, along with that of their molecular adaptor ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains-1 (UHRF1), was measured in human HCCs (n = 268), peritumoral tissues (n = 154), and HCC cell lines (n = 32). We evaluated the effect of individual and combined inhibition of G9a and DNMT1 on HCC cell growth by pharmacological and genetic approaches. The activity of our lead compound, CM-272, was examined in HCC cells under normoxia and hypoxia, human hepatic stellate cells and LX2 cells, and xenograft tumors formed by HCC or combined HCC+LX2 cells. We found a significant and correlative overexpression of G9a, DNMT1, and UHRF1 in HCCs in association with poor prognosis. Independent G9a and DNMT1 pharmacological targeting synergistically inhibited HCC cell growth. CM-272 potently reduced HCC and LX2 cells proliferation and quelled tumor growth, particularly in HCC+LX2 xenografts. Mechanistically, CM-272 inhibited the metabolic adaptation of HCC cells to hypoxia and induced a differentiated phenotype in HCC and fibrogenic cells. The expression of the metabolic tumor suppressor gene fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1), epigenetically repressed in HCC, was restored by CM-272. Conclusion: Combined targeting of G9a/DNMT1 with compounds such as CM-272 is a promising strategy for HCC treatment. Our findings also underscore the potential of differentiation therapy in HCC.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2019
Vol.:
104
N°:
8
Págs.:
1572 - 1579
In this study we interrogated the DNA methylome of myelofibrosis patients using high-density DNA methylation arrays. We detected 35,215 differentially methylated CpG, corresponding to 10,253 genes, between myelofibrosis patients and healthy controls. These changes were present both in primary and secondary myelofibrosis, which showed no differences between them. Remarkably, most differentially methylated CpG were located outside gene promoter regions and showed significant association with enhancer regions. This aberrant enhancer hypermethylation was negatively correlated with the expression of 27 genes in the myelofibrosis cohort. Of these, we focused on the ZFP36L1 gene and validated its decreased expression and enhancer DNA hypermethylation in an independent cohort of patients and myeloid cell-lines. In vitro reporter assay and 5'-azacitidine treatment confirmed the functional relevance of hypermethylation of ZFP36L1 enhancer. Furthermore, in vitro rescue of ZFP36L1 expression had an impact on cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in SET-2 cell line indicating a possible role of ZFP36L1 as a tumor suppressor gene in myelofibrosis. Collectively, we describe the DNA methylation profile of myelofibrosis, identifying extensive changes in enhancer elements and revealing ZFP36L1 as a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2019
Vol.:
33
N°:
5
Págs.:
1256 - 1267
Early diagnosis and risk stratification are key to improve outcomes in light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Here we used multidimensional-flow-cytometry (MFC) to characterize bone marrow (BM) plasma cells (PCs) from a series of 166 patients including newly-diagnosed AL amyloidosis (N = 9 4) , MGUS (N = 20) and multiple myeloma (MM, N = 52) vs. healthy adults (N= 30). MFC detected clonality in virtually all AL amyloidosis (99%) patients. Furthermore, we developed an automated risk-stratification system based on BMPCs features, with independent prognostic impact on progression-free and overall survival of AL amyloidosis patients (hazard ratio: >= 2.9;P <= .03). Simultaneous assessment of the clonal PCs immunophenotypic protein expression profile and the BM cellular composition, mapped AL amyloidosis in the crossroad between MGUS and MM; however, lack of homogenously-positive CD56 expression, reduction of B-cell precursors and a predominantly-clonal PC compartment in the absence of an MM-like tumor PC expansion, emerged as hallmarks of AL amyloidosis (ROC-AUC = 0.74;P < .001), and might potentially be used as biomarkers for the identification of MGUS and MM patients, who are candidates for monitoring pre-symptomatic organ damage related to AL amyloidosis. Altogether, this study addressed the need for consensus on how to use flow cytometry in AL amyloidosis, and proposes a standardized MFCbased automated risk classification ready for implementation in clinical practice.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2019
Vol.:
41
Págs.:
101626
Primary Hyperoxaluria Type I (PH1) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized by defects in enzymes involved in glyoxylate metabolism. PH1 is a life-threatening disease caused by the absence, deficiency or mistargeting of the hepatic alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) enzyme. A human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line was generated from dermal fibroblasts of a PH1 patient being compound heterozygous for the most common mutation c.508G>A (G170R), a mistargeting mutation, and c.364C>T (R122*), a previously reported nonsense mutation in AGTX. This iPSC line offers a useful resource to study the disease pathophysiology and a cell-based model for drug development.
Revista:
CANCERS
ISSN:
2072-6694
Año:
2019
Vol.:
11
N°:
11
Págs.:
1794
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, differentiation arrest, and accumulation of immature myeloid progenitors. Although clinical advances in AML have been made, especially in young patients, long-term disease-free survival remains poor, making this disease an unmet therapeutic challenge. Epigenetic alterations and mutations in epigenetic regulators contribute to the pathogenesis of AML, supporting the rationale for the use of epigenetic drugs in patients with AML. While hypomethylating agents have already been approved in AML, the use of other epigenetic inhibitors, such as histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi), is under clinical development. HDACi such as Panobinostat, Vorinostat, and Tricostatin A have been shown to promote cell death, autophagy, apoptosis, or growth arrest in preclinical AML models, yet these inhibitors do not seem to be effective as monotherapies, but rather in combination with other drugs. In this review, we discuss the rationale for the use of different HDACi in patients with AML, the results of preclinical studies, and the results obtained in clinical trials. Although so far the results with HDACi in clinical trials in AML have been modest, there are some encouraging data from treatment with the HDACi Pracinostat in combination with DNA demethylating agents.
Revista:
NATURE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1078-8956
Año:
2019
Vol.:
25
N°:
7
Págs.:
1073 - 1081
Bladder cancer is lethal in its advanced, muscle-invasive phase with very limited therapeutic advances(1,2). Recent molecular characterization has defined new (epi) genetic drivers and potential targets for bladder cancer(3,4). The immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown remarkable efficacy but only in a limited fraction of bladder cancer patients(5-8). Here, we show that high G9a (EHMT2) expression is associated with poor clinical outcome in bladder cancer and that targeting G9a/DNMT methyltransferase activity with a novel inhibitor (CM-272) induces apoptosis and immunogenic cell death. Using an immunocompetent quadruple-knockout (Pten(loxP/loxP); Trp53(loxP/loxP); Rb1(loxP/loxP); Rbl1(-/-)) transgenic mouse model of aggressive metastatic, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, we demonstrate that CM-272 + cisplatin treatment results in statistically significant regression of established tumors and metastases. The antitumor effect is significantly improved when CM-272 is combined with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1, even in the absence of cisplatin. These effects are associated with an endogenous antitumor immune response and immunogenic cell death with the conversion of a cold immune tumor into a hot tumor. Finally, increased G9a expression was associated with resistance to programmed cell death protein 1 inhibition in a cohort of patients with bladder cancer. In summary, these findings support new and promising opportunities for the treatment of bladder cancer using a combination of epigenetic inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2019
Vol.:
10
Págs.:
821
lncRNAs make up a majority of the human transcriptome and have key regulatory functions. Here we perform unbiased de novo annotation of transcripts expressed during the human humoral immune response to find 30% of the human genome transcribed during this process, yet 58% of these transcripts manifest striking differential expression, indicating an lncRNA phylogenetic relationship among cell types that is more robust than that of coding genes. We provide an atlas of lncRNAs in naive and GC B-cells that indicates their partition into ten functionally categories based on chromatin features, DNase hypersensitivity and transcription factor localization, defining lncRNAs classes such as enhancer-RNAs (eRNA), bivalent-lncRNAs, and CTCF-associated, among others. Specifically, eRNAs are transcribed in 8.6% of regular enhancers and 36.5% of super enhancers, and are associated with coding genes that participate in critical immune regulatory pathways, while plasma cells have uniquely high levels of circular-RNAs accounted for by and reflecting the combinatorial clonal state of the Immunoglobulin loci.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
ISSN:
0022-3565
Año:
2019
Vol.:
370
N°:
3
Págs.:
761 - 771
Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) are a promising cell source for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI) because they offer several advantages such as potential to remuscularize infarcted tissue, integration in the host myocardium, and paracrine therapeutic effects. However, cell delivery issues have limited their potential application in clinical practice, showing poor survival and engraftment after transplantation. In this work, we hypothesized that the combination of hiPSC-CMs with microparticles (MPs) could enhance long-term cell survival and retention in the heart and consequently improve cardiac repair. CMs were obtained by differentiation of hiPSCs by small-molecule manipulation of the Wnt pathway and adhered to biomimetic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) MPs covered with collagen and poly(D-lysine). The potential of the system to support cell survival was analyzed in vitro, demonstrating a 1.70-fold and 1.99-fold increase in cell survival after 1 and 4 days, respectively. The efficacy of the system was tested in a mouse MI model. Interestingly, 2 months after administration, transplanted hiPSC-CMs could be detected in the peri-infarct area. These cells not only maintained the cardiac phenotype but also showed in vivo maturation and signs of electrical coupling. Importantly, cardiac function was significantly improved, which could be attributed to a paracrine effect of cells. These findings suggest that MPs represent an excellent platform for cell delivery in the field of cardiac repair, which could also be translated into an enhancement of the potential of cell-based therapies in other medical applications.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF DRUG TARGETING
ISSN:
1061-186X
Año:
2019
Vol.:
27
N°:
43987
Págs.:
573 - 581
Neuregulin-1 loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles hold great promise for treating acute myocardial infarction, as they have been proved to recover heart function and induce positive heart remodelling in preclinical studies. More recently, the inflammatory response of the heart after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been identified as one of the major mechanisms in cardiac tissue remodelling and repair. However, the connection between neuregulin-1 PLGA microparticles and inflammation is still not well characterised. In the present study we assessed this relationship in a mouse AMI model. First, in vitro evidence indicated that neuregulin-1 PLGA microparticles induced a macrophage polarisation toward a regenerative phenotype (CD206+ cells), preventing macrophages from evolving toward the inflammatory phenotype (B7-2+ cells). This correlated with in vivo experiments, where neuregulin-1 PLGA microparticles locally improved the CD206+/B7-2+ ratio. Moreover, neuregulin-1 PLGA microparticles were administered at different time points (15¿min, 24, 72 and 168¿h) after infarction induction without causing secondary inflammatory issues. The time of treatment administration did not alter the inflammatory response. Taken together, these results suggest that neuregulin-1 PLGA microparticles can be administered depending on the therapeutic window of the encapsulated drug and that they enhance the heart's reparative inflammatory response after acute myocardial infarction, helping cardiac tissue repair.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1932-6254
Año:
2019
Vol.:
13
N°:
5
Págs.:
742 - 752
An attractive alternative to bone autografts is the use of autologous mesenchymal progenitor cells (MSCs) in combination with biomaterials. We compared the therapeutic potential of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells in combination with biomaterials in a bone nonunion model. A critical-size defect was created in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were divided into six groups, depending on the treatment to be applied: bone defect was left empty (CTL); treated with live bone allograft (LBA); hrBMP-2 in collagen scaffold (CSBMP2); acellular polycaprolactone scaffold (PCL group); PCL scaffold containing periosteum-derived MSCs (PCLPMSCs) and PCL containing bone marrow-derived MSCs (PCLBMSCs). To facilitate cell tracking, both MSCs and bone graft were isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic rats. CTL group did not show any signs of healing during the radiological follow-up (n = 6). In the LBA group, all the animals showed bone bridging (n = 6) whereas in the CSBMP2 group, four out of six animals demonstrated healing. In PCL and PCLPMSCs groups, a reduced number of animals showed radiological healing, whereas no healing was detected in the PCLBMSCs group. Using microcomputed tomography, the bone volume filling the defect was quantified, showing significant new bone formation in the LBA, CSBMP2, and PCLPMSCs groups when compared with the CTL group. At 10 weeks, GFP positive cells were detected only in the LBA group and restricted to the outer cortical bone in close contact with the periosteum. Tracking of cellular implants demonstrated significant survival of the PMSCs when compared with BMSCs. In conclusion, PMSCs improve bone regeneration being suitable for mimetic autograft design.
Revista:
MOLECULAR THERAPY. METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
ISSN:
2329-0501
Año:
2019
Vol.:
15
Págs.:
403 - 417
Revista:
CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS
ISSN:
2198-7866
Año:
2019
Vol.:
5
N°:
1
Págs.:
1 - 10
Purpose of Review Stem cells reside in specialized anatomical locations called niches where supportive stromal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate their self-renewal and differentiation. This review explores the critical roles of the ECM in stem cell maintenance in tissue homeostasis, aging, and disease.
Recent Findings It is well established that ECM proteins and their biomechanical properties control stem cell fate. In addition to specific molecular interactions, the ECM composition determines the topology and stiffness of the substrate, which also regulate stem cell behavior. Changes in the ECM during aging and disease can impair cell-ECM interactions and ultimately contribute to aging and disease pathogenesis.
Summary A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which the ECM regulates stem cell behavior in health, as well as during aging and in disease states, will facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies. These therapies should focus on recovering normal matrix synthesis and deposition aiming at promoting endogenous repair.
Revista:
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
ISSN:
1078-0432
Año:
2019
Vol.:
25
N°:
10
Págs.:
3176 - 3187
Purpose: Knowledge about the mechanism of action (MoA) of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) is required to understand which patients with multiple myeloma (MM) benefit the most from a given mAb, alone or in combination therapy. Although there is considerable research about daratumumab, knowledge about other anti-CD38 mAbs remains scarce.
Experimental Design: We performed a comprehensive analysis of the MoA of isatuximab.
Results: Isatuximab induces internalization of CD38 but not its significant release from MMcell surface. In addition, we uncovered an association between levels of CD38 expression and different MoA: (i) Isatuximab was unable to induce direct apoptosis on MM cells with CD38 levels closer to those in patients with MM, (ii) isatuximab sensitized CD38(hi) MMcells to bortezomib plus dexamethasone in the presence of stroma, (iii) antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was triggered by CD38(lo) and CD38(hi) tumor plasma cells (PC), (iv) antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) was triggered only by CD38(hi) MM cells, whereas (v) complement-dependent cytotoxicity could be triggered in less than half of the patient samples (those with elevated levels of CD38). Furthermore, we showed that isatuximab depletes CD38(hi) B-lymphocyte precursors and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes ex vivo-the latter through activation followed by exhaustion and eventually phagocytosis.
Conclusions: This study provides a framework to understand response determinants in patients treated with isatuximab based on the number of MoA triggered by CD38 levels of expression, and for the design of effective combinations aimed at capitalizing disrupted tumor-stroma cell protection, augmenting NK lymphocyte-mediated ADCC, or facilitating ADCP in CD38(lo) MM patients.
Autores:
Willekens, B.; Presas-Rodríguez, S. ; Mansilla, M. J. ; et al.
Revista:
BMJ OPEN
ISSN:
2044-6055
Año:
2019
Vol.:
9
N°:
9
Págs.:
e030309
Introduction: Based on the advances in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), currently available disease-modifying treatments (DMT) have positively influenced the disease course of MS. However, the efficacy of DMT is highly variable and increasing treatment efficacy comes with a more severe risk profile. Hence, the unmet need for safer and more selective treatments remains. Specifically restoring immune tolerance towards myelin antigens may provide an attractive alternative. In this respect, antigen-specific tolerisation with autologous tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) is a promising approach.
Methods and analysis: Here, we will evaluate the clinical use of tolDC in a well-defined population of MS patients in two phase I clinical trials. In doing so, we aim to compare two ways of tolDC administration, namely intradermal and intranodal. The cells will be injected at consecutive intervals in three cohorts receiving incremental doses of tolDC, according to a best-of-five design. The primary objective is to assess the safety and feasibility of tolDC administration. For safety, the number of adverse events including MRI and clinical outcomes will be assessed. For feasibility, successful production of tolDC will be determined. Secondary endpoints include clinical and MRI outcome measures. The patients' immune profile will be assessed to find presumptive evidence for a tolerogenic effect in vivo.
Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval was obtained for the two phase I clinical trials. The results of the trials will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at scientific conferences and to patient associations.
Trial registration numbers: NCT02618902 and NCT02903537; EudraCT numbers: 2015-002975-16 and 2015-003541-26.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2018
Vol.:
103
N°:
7
Págs.:
E318 - E321
Autores:
Garate, A.; Sanchez, P.; Delgado, D.; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
ISSN:
1549-3296
Año:
2018
Vol.:
106
N°:
2
Págs.:
377 - 385
In the field of tissue engineering, diverse types of bioscaffolds are being developed currently for osteochondral defect applications. In this work, a novel scaffold based on platelet rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been evaluated to observe its effect on immobilized cells. The bioscaffolds were prepared by mixing different volumes of synovial fluid (SF) with PRP from patients obtaining three formulations at PRP-SF ratios of 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3 (v/v). The live/dead staining revealed that although the cell number of each type of bioscaffold was different, these this constructs provide cells with a suitable environment for their viability and proliferation. Moreover, immobilized MSCs showed their ability to secrete fibrinolytic enzymes, which vary depending on the fibrin amount of the scaffold. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the positive staining for collagen type II in all cases, proving the biologic action of SF derived MSCs together with the suitable characteristics of the bioscaffold for chondrogenic differentiation. Considering all these aspects, this study demonstrates that these cells-based constructs represent an attractive method for cell immobilization, achieving completely autologous and biocompatible scaffolds. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 377-385, 2018.
Revista:
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1079-5642
Año:
2018
Vol.:
38
N°:
9
Págs.:
2160 - 2173
Objective Cardiac progenitor cells reside in the heart in adulthood, although their physiological relevance remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that after myocardial infarction, adult Bmi1(+) (B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog [PCGF4]) cardiac cells are a key progenitor-like population in cardiac neovascularization during ventricular remodeling.
Approach and Results These cells, which have a strong in vivo differentiation bias, are a mixture of endothelial- and mesenchymal-related cells with in vitro spontaneous endothelial cell differentiation capacity. Genetic lineage tracing analysis showed that heart-resident Bmi1(+) progenitor cells proliferate after acute myocardial infarction and differentiate to generate de novo cardiac vasculature. In a mouse model of induced myocardial infarction, genetic ablation of these cells substantially deteriorated both heart angiogenesis and the ejection fraction, resulting in an ischemic-dilated cardiac phenotype.
Conclusions These findings imply that endothelial-related Bmi1(+) progenitor cells are necessary for injury-induced neovascularization in adult mouse heart and highlight these cells as a suitable therapeutic target for preventing dysfunctional left ventricular remodeling after injury.
Revista:
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ONCOLOGY
ISSN:
2372-3556
Año:
2018
Vol.:
30
N°:
5
Págs.:
e1389672.
The identification of therapeutic strategies exploiting the metabolic alterations of malignant cells is a relevant area in cancer research. Here, we discuss a novel computational method, based on the COBRA (COnstraint-Based Reconstruction and Analysis) framework for metabolic networks, to perform this task. Current and future steps are presented.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2018
Vol.:
9
Págs.:
5454
CRISPR/Cas9 technology offers novel approaches for the development of new therapies for many unmet clinical needs, including a significant number of inherited monogenic diseases. However, in vivo correction of disease-causing genes is still inefficient, especially for those diseases without selective advantage for corrected cells. We reasoned that substrate reduction therapies (SRT) targeting non-essential enzymes could provide an attractive alternative. Here we evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of an in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SRT to treat primary hyperoxaluria type I (PH1), a rare inborn dysfunction in glyoxylate metabolism that results in excessive hepatic oxalate production causing end-stage renal disease. A single systemic administration of an AAV8-CRISPR/Cas9 vector targeting glycolate oxidase, prevents oxalate overproduction and kidney damage, with no signs of toxicity in Agxt1(-/-) mice. Our results reveal that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SRT represents a promising therapeutic option for PH1 that can be potentially applied to other metabolic diseases caused by the accumulation of toxic metabolites.
Revista:
ONCOTARGET
ISSN:
1949-2553
Año:
2018
Vol.:
9
N°:
16
Págs.:
12842 - 12852
Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are functional RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides in length. Several lncRNAs are involved in cell proliferation and are deregulated in several human tumors. Few lncRNAs have been described to play a role in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). In this study, we carried out a genome wide lncRNA expression profiling in ALL samples and peripheral blood samples obtained from healthy donors. We detected 43 lncRNAs that were aberrantly expressed in ALL. Interestingly, among them, linc-PINT showed a significant downregulation in T and B-ALL. Re-expression of linc-PINT in ALL cells induced inhibition of leukemic cell growth that was associated with apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. linc-PINT induced the transcription of HMOX1 which reduced the viability of ALL cells. Intriguingly, we observed that treatment with anti-tumoral epigenetic drugs like LBH-589 (Panobinostat) and Curcumin induced the expression of linc-PINT and HMOX1 in ALL. These results indicate that the downregulation of linc-PINT plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of ALL, and linc-PINT re-expression may be one of the mechanisms exerted by epigenetic drugs to reduce cell proliferation in ALL.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
ISSN:
0022-2623
Año:
2018
Vol.:
61
N°:
15
Págs.:
6546-6573
Epigenetic regulators that exhibit aberrant enzymatic activities or expression profiles are potential therapeutic targets for cancers. Specifically, enzymes responsible for methylation at histone-3 lysine-9 (like G9a) and aberrant DNA hypermethylation (DNMTs) have been implicated in a number of cancers. Recently, molecules bearing a 4-aminoquinoline scaffold were reported as dual inhibitors of these targets and showed a significant in vivo efficacy in animal models of hematological malignancies. Here, we report a detailed exploration around three growing vectors born by this chemotype. Exploring this chemical space led to the identification of features to navigate G9a and DNMT1 biological spaces: not only their corresponding exclusive areas, selective compounds, but also common spaces. Thus, we identified from selective G9a and first-in-class DNMT1 inhibitors, >1 log unit between their IC50 values, with IC50 < 25 nM (e.g., 43 and 26, respectively) to equipotent inhibitors with IC50 < 50 nM for both targets (e.g., 13). Their ADME/Tox profiling and antiproliferative efficacies, versus some cancer cell lines, are also reported.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
ISSN:
0022-2623
Año:
2018
Vol.:
61
N°:
15
Págs.:
6518-6545
Using knowledge- and structure-based approaches, we designed and synthesized reversible chemical probes that simultaneously inhibit the activity of two epigenetic targets, histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferase (G9a) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), at nanomolar ranges. Enzymatic competition assays confirmed our design strategy: substrate competitive inhibitors. Next, an initial exploration around our hit 11 was pursued to identify an adequate tool compound for in vivo testing. In vitro treatment of different hematological neoplasia cell lines led to the identification of molecules with clear antiproliferative efficacies (GI50 values in the nanomolar range). On the basis of epigenetic functional cellular responses (levels of lysine 9 methylation and 5-methylcytosine), an acceptable therapeutic window (around 1 log unit) and a suitable pharmacokinetic profile, 12 was selected for in vivo proof-of-concept ( Nat. Commun. 2017 , 8 , 15424 ). Herein, 12 achieved a significant in vivo efficacy: 70% overall tumor growth inhibition of a human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) xenograft in a mouse model.
Autores:
Montes-Medina, L. ; Hernandez-Fernandez, A.; Gutierrez-Rivera, A. ; et al.
Revista:
INJURY-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE CARE OF THE INJURED
ISSN:
0020-1383
Año:
2018
Vol.:
49
N°:
11
Págs.:
1979 - 1986
Acceleration of the consolidation of the distracted bone is a relevant medical need. As a platform to improve in vivo bone engineering, we developed a novel distraction osteogenesis (DO) model in a rabbit large bone (femur) and tested if the application of cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) immediately after the osteotomy promotes the formation of bone. This report consists of two components, an animal study to evaluate the quality of the regenerate following different treatments and an in vitro study to evaluate osteogenic potential of BMSC cultures. To illuminate the mechanism of action of injected cells, we tested stem cell cultures enriched in osteogenic-BMSCs (O-BMSCs) as compared with cultures enriched in non-osteogenic BMSCs (NO-BMSCs). Finally, we included a group of animals treated with biomaterials (fibrin and ground cortical bone) in addition to cells. Injection of O-BMSCs promoted the maturity of distracted callus and decreased fibrosis. When combined with biomaterials, O-BMSCs modified the ossification pattern from endochondral to intramembranous type. The use of NO-BMSCs not only did not increase the maturity but also increased porosity of the bone. These preclinical results indicate that the BMSC cultures must be tested in vitro prior to clinical use, since a number of factors may influence their outcome in bone formation. We hypothesize that the use of osteogenic BMSCs and biomaterials could be clinically beneficial to shorten the consolidation period of the distraction and the total period of bone lengthening. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Autores:
Castellano, D.; Sanchis, A.; Blanes, M.; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1932-6254
Año:
2018
Vol.:
12
N°:
2
Págs.:
E983 - E994
Human dermo-epidermal skin equivalents (DE) comprising in vitro expanded autologous keratinocytes and fibroblasts are a good option for massive burn treatment. However, the lengthy expansion time required to obtain sufficient surface to cover an extensive burn together with the challenging surgical procedure limits their clinical use. The integration of DE and biodegradable scaffolds has been proposed in an effort to enhance their mechanical properties. Here, it is shown that poly(hydroxybutyrate) electrospun scaffolds (PHB) present good biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo and are superior to poly-epsilon-caprolactone electrospun scaffolds as a substrate for skin reconstruction. Implantation of PHB scaffolds in healthy rats polarized macrophages to an M2-type that promoted constructive in vivo remodelling. Moreover, implantation of DE-PHB composites in a NOD/SCID mouse xenograft model resulted in engraftment accompanied by an increase in angiogenesis that favoured the survival of the human graft. Thus, PHB scaffolds are an attractive substrate for further exploration in skin reconstruction procedures, probably due in part to their greater angiogenic and M2 macrophage polarization properties. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2018
Vol.:
33
Págs.:
125 - 129
Islet-1 (Isl1) is a transcription factor essential for life expressed in specific cells with different developmental origins. We have generated iPSC lines from fibroblasts of the transgenic Ai6 x Isl1-Cre (Ai6IslCre) mouse. Here we describe the complete characterization of four iPSC lines: ATCi-Ai6IslCre10, ATCi-Ai6IslCre35, ATCi-Ai6IslCre74 and ATCi-Ai6IslCre80.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
1479-5876
Año:
2018
Vol.:
16
Págs.:
213
Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising option to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA). Their safety and usefulness have been reported in several short-term clinical trials but less information is available on the long-term effects of MSC in patients with osteoarthritis. We have evaluated patients included in our previous randomized clinical trial (CMM-ART, NCT02123368) to determine their long-term clinical effect. Materials: A phase I/II multicenter randomized clinical trial with active control was conducted between 2012 and 2014. Thirty patients diagnosed with knee OA were randomly assigned to Control group, intraarticularly administered hyaluronic acid alone, or to two treatment groups, hyaluronic acid together with 10 x 10(6) or 100 x 10(6) cultured autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), and followed up for 12 months. After a follow up of 4 years adverse effects and clinical evolution, assessed using VAS and WOMAC scorings are reported. Results: No adverse effects were reported after BM-MSCs administration or during the follow-up. BM-MSCs-administered patients improved according to VAS, median value (IQR) for Control, Low-dose and High-dose groups changed from 5 (3, 7), 7 (5, 8) and 6 (4, 8) to 7 (6, 7), 2 (2, 5) and 3 (3, 4), respectively at the end of follow up (Low-dose vs Control group, p = 0.01; High-dose vs Control group, p = 0.004). Patients receiving BM-MSCs also improved clinically according to WOMAC. Control group showed an increase median value of 4 points (-11;10) while Low-dose and High-dose groups exhibited values of -18 (-28;-9) and -10 (-21;-3) points, respectively (Low-dose vs Control group p = 0.043). No clinical differences between the BM-MSCs receiving groups were found. Conclusions: Single intraarticular injection of in vitro expanded autologous BM-MSCs is a safe and feasible procedure that results in long-term clinical and functional improvement of knee OA.
Revista:
M.L.T.J. MUSCLES, LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS JOURNAL
ISSN:
2240-4554
Año:
2018
Vol.:
8
N°:
2
Págs.:
261-275
Conclusion: Animal models for muscular degeneration after rotator cuff tears have been well established and described. The next challenge is the achievement of a therapeutic target that could be transferred to the clinical setting.
Revista:
BLOOD CANCER JOURNAL
ISSN:
2044-5385
Año:
2018
Vol.:
8
Págs.:
117
Here, we investigated for the first time the frequency and number of circulating tumor plasma cells (CTPC) in peripheral blood (PB) of newly diagnosed patients with localized and systemic plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) using next-generation flow cytometry (NGF) and correlated our findings with the distinct diagnostic and prognostic categories of the disease. Overall, 508 samples from 264 newly diagnosed PCN patients, were studied. CTPC were detected in PB of all active multiple myeloma (MM; 100%), and smoldering MM (SMM) patients (100%), and in more than half (59%) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) cases (p < 0.0001); in contrast, CTPC were present in a small fraction of solitary plasmacytoma patients (18%). Higher numbers of CTPC in PB were associated with higher levels of BM infiltration and more adverse prognostic features, together with shorter time to progression from MGUS to MM (p < 0.0001) and a shorter survival in MM patients with active disease requiring treatment (p <= 0.03). In summary, the presence of CTPC in PB as assessed by NGF at diagnosis, emerges as a hallmark of disseminated PCN, higher numbers of PB CTPC being strongly associated with a malignant disease behavior and a poorer outcome of both MGUS and MM.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
ISSN:
0022-3417
Año:
2018
Vol.:
245
N°:
1
Págs.:
61 - 73
The increased risk of Richter transformation (RT) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy with fludarabine other targeted agents remains controversial. Among 31 RT cases classified as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), seven (23%) showed EBV expression. In contrast to EBV- tumours, EBV+ DLBCLs derived predominantly from IGVH-hypermutated CLL, and they also showed CLL-unrelated IGVH sequences more frequently. Intriguingly, despite having different cellular origins, clonally related and unrelated EBV+ DLBCLs shared a previous history of immunosuppressive chemo-immunotherapy, a non-germinal centre DLBCL phenotype, EBV latency programme type II or III, and very short survival. These data suggested that EBV reactivation during therapy-related immunosuppression can transform either CLL cells or non-tumoural B lymphocytes into EBV+ DLBCL. To investigate this hypothesis, xenogeneic transplantation of blood cells from 31 patients with CLL and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) was performed in Rag2(-/-) IL2c(-/-) mice. Remarkably, the recipients' impaired immunosurveillance favoured the spontaneous outgrowth of EBV+ B-cell clones from 95% of CLL and 64% of MBL patients samples, but not from healthy donors. Eventually, these cells generated monoclonal tumours (mostly CLL-unrelated but also CLL-related), recapitulating the principal features of EBV+ DLBCL in patients. Accordingly, clonally related and unrelated EBV+ DLBCL xenografts showed indistinguishable cellular, virological and molecular features, and synergistically responded to combined inhibition of EBV replication with ganciclovir and B-cell receptor signalling with ibrutinib in vivo. Our study underscores the risk of RT driven by EBV in CLL patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, and provides the scientific rationale for testing ganciclovir and ibrutinib in EBV+ DLBCL. Copyright (c) 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revista:
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
ISSN:
0049-3848
Año:
2018
Vol.:
170
Págs.:
1 - 9
Introduction: Wound healing after myocardial infarction (MI) is mediated by different cell types, secreted proteins, components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and, as increasing evidences suggest, extracellular vesicles (EVs). We aim to determine the dynamics of release and origin of EVs after MI, as well as their biological activity on endothelial cells (ECs).
Methods: MI was induced in WT mice and blood and tissues collected at baseline, 3, 15 and 30 days post-ligation for cardiac function (echocardiography) and histological evaluation. Circulating EVs subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry in mouse, and in a small cohort of patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI, n= 6). In vitro, EVs were isolated from a cardiomyocyte cell line (HL1) and their function assayed on ECs.
Results: Leukocyte and endothelial EVs increased concomitant to inflammatory and angiogenic processes triggered by ischemia. More strikingly, cardiomyocyte EVs (connexin43+) were detected in STEMI patients and in murine MI, where a significant increase in their levels was reported at day 15 post-ischemia (p < 0.05 vs baseline). In vitro, HL1EVs induced ECs migration (p= 0.05) and proliferation (p < 0.05), but impaired tube formation. These apparent contradictory results could be partially explained by the upregulation of MMP3, and the apoptosis and senescence genes, p53 and p16, induced by HL1EVs on ECs (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: MI induces the release of different EVs subpopulations, including those of cardiac origin, in a preclinical model of MI and STEMI patients. In vitro, cardiomyocyte derived EVs are able to modulate endothelial function, suggesting their active role in heart repair after ischemia.
Autores:
Beekman R; Chapaprieta V; Russiñol N; et al.
Revista:
NATURE MEDICINE
ISSN:
1078-8956
Año:
2018
Vol.:
24
N°:
6
Págs.:
868-880
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a frequent hematological neoplasm in which underlying epigenetic alterations are only partially understood. Here, we analyze the reference epigenome of seven primary CLLs and the regulatory chromatin landscape of 107 primary cases in the context of normal B cell differentiation. We identify that the CLL chromatin landscape is largely influenced by distinct dynamics during normal B cell maturation. Beyond this, we define extensive catalogues of regulatory elements de novo reprogrammed in CLL as a whole and in its major clinico-biological subtypes classified by IGHV somatic hypermutation levels. We uncover that IGHV-unmutated CLLs harbor more active and open chromatin than IGHV-mutated cases. Furthermore, we show that de novo active regions in CLL are enriched for NFAT, FOX and TCF/LEF transcription factor family binding sites. Although most genetic alterations are not associated with consistent epigenetic profiles, CLLs with MYD88 mutations and trisomy 12 show distinct chromatin configurations. Furthermore, we observe that non-coding mutations in IGHV-mutated CLLs are enriched in H3K27ac-associated regulatory elements outside accessible chromatin. Overall, this study provides an integrative portrait of the CLL epigenome, identifies extensive networks of altered regulatory elements and sheds light on the relationship between the genetic and epigenetic architecture of the disease.
Autores:
Stuckensen, K.; Schwab, A.; Knauer, M.; et al.
Revista:
ADVANCED MATERIALS
ISSN:
0935-9648
Año:
2018
Vol.:
30
N°:
28
Págs.:
e1706754
An integral approach toward in situ tissue engineering through scaffolds that mimic tissue with regard to both tissue architecture and biochemical composition is presented. Monolithic osteochondral and meniscus scaffolds are prepared with tissue analog layered biochemical composition and perpendicularly oriented continuous micropores by a newly developed cryostructuring technology. These scaffolds enable rapid cell ingrowth and induce zonal-specific matrix synthesis of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells solely through their design without the need for supplementation of soluble factors such as growth factors.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
1479-5876
Año:
2017
Vol.:
15
N°:
1
Págs.:
Article number 104
Background: Prognosis of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains dismal, with median overall survival (OS) of about 15 months. It is therefore crucial to search alternative strategies that improve these results obtained with conventional treatments. In this context, immunotherapy seems to be a promising therapeutic option. We hypothesized that the addition of tumor lysate-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DCs) vaccination to maximal safe resection followed by radiotherapy and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide could improve patients' survival.
Methods: We conducted a phase-II clinical trial of autologous DCs vaccination in patients with newly diagnosed patients GBM who were candidates to complete or near complete resection. Candidates were finally included if residual tumor volume was lower than 1 cc on postoperative radiological examination. Autologous DCs were generated from peripheral blood monocytes and pulsed with autologous whole tumor lysate. The vaccination calendar started before radiotherapy and was continued during adjuvant chemotherapy. Progression free survival (PFS) and OS were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Immune response were assessed in blood samples obtained before each vaccines.
Results: Thirty-two consecutive patients were screened, one of which was a screening failure due to insufficient resection. Median age was 61 years (range 42-70). Karnofsky performance score (KPS) was 90-100 in 29%, 80 in 35.5% and 60-70 in 35.5% of cases. MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase) promoter was methylated in 45.2% of patients. No severe adverse effects related to immunotherapy were registered. Median PFS was 12.7 months (CI 95% 7-16) and median OS was 23.4 months (95% CI 16-33.1). Increase in post-vaccination tumor specific immune response after vaccines (proliferation or cytokine production) was detected in 11/27 evaluated patients. No correlation between immune response and survival was found.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that the addition of tumor lysate-pulsed autologous DCs vaccination to tumor resection and combined radio-chemotherapy is feasible and safe. A multicenter randomized clinical trial is warranted to evaluate the potential survival benefit of this therapeutic approach. Trial registration This phase-II trial was registered as EudraCT: 2009-009879-35 and ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01006044 retrospectively registered.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2017
Vol.:
8
N°:
1
Págs.:
459
Synthetic lethality is a promising concept in cancer research, potentially opening new possibilities for the development of more effective and selective treatments. Here, we present a computational method to predict and exploit synthetic lethality in cancer metabolism. Our approach relies on the concept of genetic minimal cut sets and gene expression data, demonstrating a superior performance to previous approaches predicting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer. Our genetic minimal cut set computational framework is applied to evaluate the lethality of ribonucleotide reductase catalytic subunit M1 (RRM1) inhibition in multiple myeloma. We present a computational and experimental study of the effect of RRM1 inhibition in four multiple myeloma cell lines. In addition, using publicly available genome-scale loss-of-function screens, a possible mechanism by which the inhibition of RRM1 is effective in cancer is established. Overall, our approach shows promising results and lays the foundation to build a novel family of algorithms to target metabolism in cancer.
Revista:
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY AND VISUAL SCIENCE
ISSN:
0146-0404
Año:
2017
Vol.:
58
N°:
2
Págs.:
745-754
We demonstrated that the combined activation of PI3K/Akt and Smad2 results in in vitro expansion of phenotypic and functional CEC. Expanded cells were able to contribute to restoration of corneal endothelium in a rabbit model. These findings may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating corneal endothelial diseases
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0378-5173
Año:
2017
Vol.:
523
N°:
2
Págs.:
531 - 533
Neuregulin (NRG1) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) are well known growth factors implicated in cardiomyocyte proliferation and survival, as well as in angiogenesis, the development of adult heart and the maintenance of cardiac function. NRG1 and FGF1 have become promising therapeutic agents to treat myocardial infarction (MI) disorder. Unfortunately, clinical trials performed so far reported negative efficacy results, because growth factors are rapidly degraded and eliminated from the biological tissues once administered. In order to increase their bioavailability and favour their therapeutic effects, they have been combined with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyethylene glycol microparticles (PLGA MPs and PEG-PLGA MPs). Here we compare both types of microparticles loaded with NRG1 or FGF1 in terms of efficacy in a rat MI model. Our results showed that intramyocardial injection of NRG1 or FGF1-loaded PLGA and PEG-PLGA MPs brought about similar improvements in the ejection fraction, angiogenesis and arteriogenesis after administration into the infarcted hearts. PEG coating did not add any effect regarding MP efficacy. Both PLGA and PEG-PLGA MPs were equally phagocyted in the heart. To our knowledge, this is the first study analysing the opsonisation process in heart tissue. The results allow us to conclude that the opsonisation process is different in heart tissue compared to blood. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2017
Vol.:
31
N°:
2
Págs.:
382 - 392
The notion that plasma cells (PCs) are terminally differentiated has prevented intensive research in multiple myeloma (MM) about their phenotypic plasticity and differentiation. Here, we demonstrated in healthy individuals (n = 20) that the CD19 - CD81 expression axis identifies three bone marrow (BM) PC subsets with distinct age- prevalence, proliferation, replication- history, immunoglobulin- production, and phenotype, consistent with progressively increased differentiation from CD19+ CD81+ into CD19 - CD81+ and CD19 - CD81 - BMPCs. Afterwards, we demonstrated in 225 newly diagnosed MM patients that, comparing to normal BMPC counterparts, 59% had fully differentiated (CD19 - CD81 -) clones, 38% intermediate- differentiated (CD19 - CD81+) and 3% less- differentiated (CD19+ CD81+) clones. The latter patients had dismal outcome, and PC differentiation emerged as an independent prognostic marker for progression- free (HR: 1.7; P = 0.005) and overall survival (HR: 2.1; P = 0.006). Longitudinal comparison of diagnostic vs minimal- residual- disease samples (n = 40) unraveled that in 20% of patients, less- differentiated PCs subclones become enriched after therapy- induced pressure. We also revealed that CD81 expression is epigenetically regulated, that less- differentiated clonal PCs retain high expression of genes related to preceding B- cell stages (for example: PAX5), and show distinct mutation profile vs fully differentiated PC clones within individual patients. Together, we shed new light into PC plasticity and demonstrated that MM patients harbouring less- differentiated PCs have dismal survival, which might be related to higher chemoresistant potential plus different molecular and genomic profiles.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2017
Vol.:
8
Págs.:
15424
The indisputable role of epigenetics in cancer and the fact that epigenetic alterations can be reversed have favoured development of epigenetic drugs. In this study, we design and synthesize potent novel, selective and reversible chemical probes that simultaneously inhibit the G9a and DNMTs methyltransferase activity. In vitro treatment of haematological neoplasia (acute myeloid leukaemia-AML, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia-ALL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-DLBCL) with the lead compound CM-272, inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis, inducing interferon-stimulated genes and immunogenic cell death. CM-272 significantly prolongs survival of AML, ALL and DLBCL xenogeneic models. Our results represent the discovery of first-in-class dual inhibitors of G9a/DNMTs and establish this chemical series as a promising therapeutic tool for unmet needs in haematological tumours.
Revista:
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ONCOLOGY
ISSN:
2372-3556
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
ISSN:
0902-4441
Año:
2017
Vol.:
98
N°:
1
Págs.:
38 - 43
This retrospective study evaluates the impact of rituximab on PTLD response and survival in a single-centre cohort. PTLD cases between 1984 and 2009, including heart, kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients, were included. Survival was analysed taking into account the type of PTLD (monomorphic vs. polymorphic), EBV infection status, IPI score, Ann Arbor stage and use of rituximab. Among 1335 transplanted patients, 24 developed PTLD. Median age was 54 yr (range 29-69), median time to diagnosis 50 months (range 0-100). PTLD type was predominantly late/monomorphic (79% and 75%), mostly diffuse large B-cell type. Overall response rate (ORR) was 62% (66% rituximab vs. 50% non-rituximab; P = 0.5). R-CHOP-like regimens were used most frequently (72% of patients treated with rituximab). Median overall survival was 64 months (CI 95% 31-96). OS was significantly increased in patients treated with rituximab (P = 0.01; CI 95% rituximab 58-79 months; non-rituximab 1-30 months). Post-transplant immunosuppression regimen had no effect on survival or time to PTLD, except for cyclosporine A (CyA), which associated with increased time to PTLD (P = 0.02). Rituximab was associated with increased survival in our single-centre series, and it should be considered as first-line therapy for PTLD patients. The possible protective effect of CyA for development of PTLD should be prospectively evaluated.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2017
Vol.:
21
N°:
47-50
We generated a rat iPSC line called ATCi-rSD95 from transgenic Sprague-Dawley GFP fetal fibroblasts. Established ATCi-rSD95 cells present a normal karyotype, silencing of the transgenes and express pluripotency-associated markers. Additionally, ATCi-rSD95 cells are able to form teratoma with differentiated cells derived from the three germ-layers that maintain the GFP expression.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2017
Vol.:
21
Págs.:
1-4
We generated ATCi-MF1 induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line from Macaca fascicularis adult skin fibroblasts using non-integrative Sendai viruses carrying OCT3/4, KLF4, SOX2 and c-MYC. Once established, ATCi-MF1 cells present a normal karyotype, are Sendai virus-free and express pluripotency associated markers. Microsatellite markers analysis confirmed the origin of the iPS cells from the parental fibroblasts. Pluripotency was tested with the in vivo teratoma formation assay. ATCi-MF1 cell line may be a useful primate iPS cell model to test different experimental conditions where the use of human cells can imply ethical issues, as microinjection of pluripotent stem cells in pre-implantational embryos.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0378-5173
Año:
2017
Vol.:
523
N°:
2
Págs.:
454 - 475
Heart failure still represents the leading cause of death worldwide. Novel strategies using stem cells and growth factors have been investigated for effective cardiac tissue regeneration and heart function recovery. However, some major challenges limit their translation to the clinic. Recently, biomaterials have emerged as a promising approach to improve delivery and viability of therapeutic cells and proteins for the regeneration of the damaged heart. In particular, hydrogels are considered one of the most promising vehicles. They can be administered through minimally invasive techniques while maintaining all the desirable characteristics of drug delivery systems. This review discusses recent advances made in the field of hydrogels for cardiac tissue regeneration in detail, focusing on the type of hydrogel (conventional, injectable, smart or nano-and micro-gel), the biomaterials used for its manufacture (natural, synthetic or hybrid) and the therapeutic agent encapsulated (stem cells or proteins). We expect that these novel hydrogel-based approaches will open up new possibilities in drug delivery and cell therapies. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
ISSN:
2045-2322
Constraint-based modeling for genome-scale metabolic networks has emerged in the last years as a promising approach to elucidate drug targets in cancer. Beyond the canonical biosynthetic routes to produce biomass, it is of key importance to focus on metabolic routes that sustain the proliferative capacity through the regulation of other biological means in order to improve in-silico gene essentiality analyses. Polyamines are polycations with central roles in cancer cell proliferation, through the regulation of transcription and translation among other things, but are typically neglected in in silico cancer metabolic models. In this study, we analysed essential genes for the biosynthesis of polyamines. Our analysis corroborates the importance of previously known regulators of the pathway, such as Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase 1 (AMD1) and uncovers novel enzymes predicted to be relevant for polyamine homeostasis. We focused on Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) and demonstrated the detrimental consequence of APRT gene silencing on different leukaemia cell lines. Our results highlight the importance of revisiting the metabolic models used for in-silico gene essentiality analyses in order to maximize the potential for drug target identification in cancer.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2017
Vol.:
21
Págs.:
40-43
We generated two rat embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines: ATCe-SD7.8 from Sprague-Dawley strain and ATCe-WK1 from Wistar Kyoto strain. Cells were marked with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) by transduction with a lentiviral vector. Cells present a normal karyotype and express pluripotency-associated markers. Pluripotency was tested in vivo with the teratoma formation assay. Cells maintain eGFP expression upon differentiation to the three-germ layers. These cells can be a useful tool for cell therapy studies and chimera generation as they can be easily tracked by eGFP expression.
Revista:
MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS
ISSN:
2162-2531
Año:
2017
Vol.:
15
N°:
9
Págs.:
1-11
Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a potent antiangiogenic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective molecule that is the endogenous inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the retina. An ex vivo gene therapy approach based on transgenic overexpression of PEDF in the eye is assumed to rebalance the angiogenic-antiangiogenic milieu of the retina, resulting in growth regression of choroidal blood vessels, the hallmark of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Here, we show that rat pigment epithelial cells can be efficiently transfected with the PEDF-expressing non-viral hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposon system delivered in a form free of antibiotic resistance marker miniplasmids. The engineered retinal and iris pigment epithelium cells secrete high (141 ± 13 and 222 ± 14 ng) PEDF levels in 72 hr in vitro. In vivo studies showed cell survival and insert expression during at least 4 months. Transplantation of the engineered cells to the subretinal space of a rat model of choroidal neovascularization reduces almost 50% of the development of new vessels.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
1479-5876
Año:
2017
Vol.:
15
N°:
1
Págs.:
56
PET/CT imaging of 18F-FDG-labeled CSC allows quantifying biodistribution and acute retention of implanted cells in a clinically relevant pig model of chronic myocardial infarction. Similar levels of acute retention are achieved when cells are IM or IC administered. However, acute cell retention does not correlate with cell engraftment, which is improved by IM injection.
Revista:
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1931-5244
Año:
2017
Vol.:
188
Págs.:
80 - 91.e2
The aim of this nonrandomized, open label, phase 1 clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and the feasibility of the treatment with autologous bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in decompensated liver cirrhosis. In addition, the changes in liver function and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and their relation with the characteristics of the cellular product were analyzed. Twelve patients with Child-Pugh ¿8 liver cirrhosis underwent bone marrow harvest for ex vivo differentiation of EPC. The final product was administered through the hepatic artery in a single administration. Patients underwent clinical and radiologic follow-up for 12 months. The phenotype and the ability to produce cytokines and growth factors of the final cellular suspension were analyzed. Eleven patients were treated (feasibility 91%). No treatment-related severe adverse events were observed as consequence of any study procedure or treatment. Model for end-stage liver disease score improved significantly (P 0.042) in the first 90 days after cells administration and 5 of the 9 patients alive at 90 days showed a decreased of HVPG. There was a direct correlation between the expression of acetylated-low density lipoprotein and von Willebrand factor in the cellular product and the improvement in liver function and HVPG. The treatment with EPCs in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis is safe and feasible and might have therapeutic potential. Patients receiving a higher amount
Revista:
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1931-5244
Año:
2017
Vol.:
188
Págs.:
80 - 91
The aim of this nonrandomized, open label, phase 1 clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and the feasibility of the treatment with autologous bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in decompensated liver cirrhosis. In addition, the changes in liver function and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and their relation with the characteristics of the cellular product were analyzed. Twelve patients with Child-Pugh ¿8 liver cirrhosis underwent bone marrow harvest for ex vivo differentiation of EPC. The final product was administered through the hepatic artery in a single administration. Patients underwent clinical and radiologic follow-up for 12 months. The phenotype and the ability to produce cytokines and growth factors of the final cellular suspension were analyzed. Eleven patients were treated (feasibility 91%). No treatment-related severe adverse events were observed as consequence of any study procedure or treatment. Model for end-stage liver disease score improved significantly (P 0.042) in the first 90 days after cells administration and 5 of the 9 patients alive at 90 days showed a decreased of HVPG. There was a direct correlation between the expression of acetylated-low density lipoprotein and von Willebrand factor in the cellular product and the improvement in liver function and HVPG. The treatment with EPCs in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis is safe and feasible and might have therapeutic potential. Patients receiving a higher amount
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2017
Vol.:
12
N°:
12
Págs.:
e0190275
The combination of defined factors with small molecules targeting epigenetic factors is a strategy that has been shown to enhance optimal derivation of iPSCs and could be used for disease modelling, high throughput screenings and/or regenerative medicine applications. In this study, we showed that a new first-in-class reversible dual G9a/DNMT1 inhibitor compound (CM272) improves the efficiency of human cell reprogramming and iPSC generation from primary cells of healthy donors and patient samples, using both integrative and non-integrative methods. Moreover, CM272 facilitates the generation of human iPSC with only two factors allowing the removal of the most potent oncogenic factor cMYC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that mechanistically, treatment with CM272 induces heterochromatin relaxation, facilitates the engagement of OCT4 and SOX2 transcription factors to OSKM refractory binding regions that are required for iPSC establishment, and enhances mesenchymal to epithelial transition during the early phase of cell reprogramming. Thus, the use of this new G9a/DNMT reversible dual inhibitor compound may represent an interesting alternative for improving cell reprogramming and human iPSC derivation for many different applications while providing interesting insights into reprogramming mechanism
Revista:
CANCER CELL
ISSN:
1535-6108
Año:
2017
Vol.:
31
N°:
3
Págs.:
396 - 410
We identified B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a potential therapeutic target in 778 newly diagnosed and relapsed myeloma patients. We constructed an IgG-based BCMA-T cell bispecific antibody (EM801) and showed that it increased CD3(+) T cell/myeloma cell crosslinking, followed by CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell activation, and secretion of interferon-gamma, granzyme B, and perforin. This effect is CD4 and CD8 T cell mediated. EM801 induced, at nanomolar concentrations, myeloma cell death by autologous T cells in 34 of 43 bone marrow aspirates, including those from high-risk patients and patients after multiple lines of treatment, tumor regression in six of nine mice in a myeloma xenograft model, and depletion of BCMA(+) cells in cynomolgus monkeys. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics indicate weekly intravenous/subcutaneous administration.
Revista:
CELL REPORTS
ISSN:
2211-1247
Año:
2017
Vol.:
19
N°:
1
Págs.:
218 - 224
The development of sensitive and non-invasive "liquid biopsies'' presents new opportunities for longitudinal monitoring of tumor dissemination and clonal evolution. The number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is prognostic in multiple myeloma (MM), but there is little information on their genetic features. Here, we have analyzed the genomic landscape of CTCs from 29 MM patients, including eight cases with matched/paired bone marrow (BM) tumor cells. Our results show that 100% of clonal mutations in patient BM were detected in CTCs and that 99% of clonal mutations in CTCs were present in BM MM. These include typical driver mutations in MM such as in KRAS, NRAS, or BRAF. These data suggest that BM and CTC samples have similar clonal structures, as discordances between the two were restricted to subclonal mutations. Accordingly, our results pave the way for potentially less invasive mutation screening of MM patients through characterization of CTCs.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
ISSN:
0168-3659
Año:
2017
Vol.:
249
Págs.:
23 - 31
Tissue engineering is a promising strategy to promote heart regeneration after a myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, we investigated the reparative potential of a system that combines adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) with microparticles (MPs) loaded with neuregulin (NRG), named ADSC-NRG-MPs, on a rat MI model. First, cells were attached to the surface of MPs encapsulating NRG and coated with a 1:1 mixture of collagen and poly-D-lysine. One week after in vivo administration, the system favored the shift of macrophage expression from a pro-inflammatory to a regenerative phenotype. At long-term, the adhesion of ADSCs to MPs resulted in an increased cell engraftment, with cells being detectable in the tissue up to three months. In consonance, better tissue repair was observed in the animals treated with cells attached to MPs, which presented thicker left ventricles than the animals treated with ADSCs alone. Moreover, the presence of NRG in the system promoted a more complete regeneration, reducing the infarct size and stimulating cardiomyocyte proliferation. Regarding vasculogenesis, the presence of ADSCs and NRG-MPs alone stimulated vessel formation when compared to the control group, but the combination of both induced the largest vasculogenic effect, promoting the formation of both arterioles and capillaries. Importantly, only when ADSCs were administered adhered to MPs, they were incorporated into newly formed vessels. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the combination of ADSCs, MPs and NRG favored a synergy for inducing a greater and more complete improvement in heart regeneration and provided strong evidence to move forward with preclinical studies with this strategy. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
ISSN:
2045-2322
Año:
2016
Vol.:
6
Págs.:
25932
Cardiovascular protein therapeutics such as neuregulin (NRG1) and acidic-fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) requires new formulation strategies that allow for sustained bioavailability of the drug in the infarcted myocardium. However, there is no FDA-approved injectable protein delivery platform due to translational concerns about biomaterial administration through cardiac catheters. We therefore sought to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous intramyocardial injection of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles (MPs) loaded with NRG1 and FGF1 using the NOGA MYOSTAR injection catheter in a porcine model of ischemia-reperfusion. NRG1- and FGF1-loaded MPs were prepared using a multiple emulsion solvent-evaporation technique. Infarcted pigs were treated one week after ischemia-reperfusion with MPs containing NRG1, FGF1 or non-loaded MPs delivered via clinically-translatable percutaneous transendocardial-injection. Three months post-treatment, echocardiography indicated a significant improvement in systolic and diastolic cardiac function. Moreover, improvement in bipolar voltage and decrease in transmural infarct progression was demonstrated by electromechanical NOGA-mapping. Functional benefit was associated with an increase in myocardial vascularization and remodeling. These findings in a large animal model of ischemia-reperfusion demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of using MPs as a delivery system for growth factors and provide strong evidence to move forward with clinical studies using therapeutic proteins combined with catheter-compatible biomaterials.
Autores:
Sanchez, M.; Delgado, D.; Sanchez, P. ; et al.
Revista:
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
ISSN:
2314-6133
The aim of this study was to assess a novel approach to treating severe knee osteoarthritis by targeting synovial membrane, superficial articular cartilage, synovial fluid, and subchondral bone by combining intra-articular injections and intraosseous infiltrations of platelet rich plasma. We explored a new strategy consisting of intraosseous infiltrations of platelet rich plasma into the subchondral bone in combination with the conventional intra-articular injection in order to tackle several knee joint tissues simultaneously. We assessed the clinical outcomes through osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and the inflammatory response by quantifying mesenchymal stem cells in synovial fluid. There was a significant pain reduction in the KOOS from baseline (61.55 +/- 14.11) to week 24 (74.60 +/- 19.19), after treatment (p = 0.008), in the secondary outcomes (symptoms, p = 0.004; ADL, p = 0.022; sport/rec., p = 0.017; QOL, p = 0.012), as well as VAS score (p < 0.001) and Lequesne Index (p = 0.008). The presence of mesenchymal stem cells in synovial fluid and colony-forming cells one week after treatment decreased substantially from 7.98 +/- 8.21 MSC/mu L to 4.04 +/- 5.36 MSC/mu L (p = 0.019) and from 601.75 +/- 312.30 to 139.19 +/- 123.61 (p = 0.012), respectively. Intra-articular injections combined with intraosseous infiltrations of platelet rich plasma reduce pain and mesenchymal stem cells in synovial fluid, besides significantly improving knee joint function in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered on EudraCT with the number 2013-003982-32.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2016
Vol.:
16
N°:
1
Págs.:
20 - 23
In this work, mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSCs) were used for the generation of the human-induced pluripotent stem cell line G15.AO. Cell reprogramming was performed using retroviral vectors containing the Yamanaka factors, and the generated G15.AO hiPSC line showed normal karyotype, silencing of the exogenous reprogramming factors, induction of the typical pluripotency-associated markers, alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity, and in vivo and in vitro differentiation ability to the three germ layers.
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2016
Vol.:
16
N°:
1
Págs.:
116 - 119
In this work we describe for the first time the generation and characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dermal fibroblasts of a Primary Hyperoxaluria Type I (PH1)-diagnosed patient with p.I244T mutation, which is highly prevalent in Canary Islands due to founder effect. Cell reprogramming was performed using non-integrative Sendai viruses containing the Yamanaka factors and the generated PH1-hiPSC lines (PH1-PBMCs-hiPSC4F1 and PH1-Fib-hiPSC4F1) showed normal karyotypes, silencing of the exogenous reprogramming factors, induction of the typical pluripotency-associated markers and in vivo differentiation ability to the three germ layers
Revista:
STEM CELL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1873-5061
Año:
2016
Vol.:
16
N°:
3
Págs.:
617 - 621
Mef2c Anterior Heart Field (AHF) enhancer is activated during embryonic heart development and it is expressed in multipotent cardiovascular progenitors (CVP) giving rise to endothelial and myocardial components of the outflow tract, right ventricle and ventricular septum. Here we have generated iPSC from transgenic Mef2c-AHF-Cre x Ai6(RCLZsGreen) mice. These iPSC will provide a novel tool to investigate the AHF-CVP and their cell progeny. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Revista:
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
ISSN:
2041-1723
Año:
2016
Vol.:
7
Págs.:
11889
NKX2 homeobox family proteins have a role in cancer development. Here we show that NKX2-3 is overexpressed in tumour cells from a subset of patients with marginal-zone lymphomas, but not with other B-cell malignancies. While Nkx2-3-deficient mice exhibit the absence of marginal-zone B cells, transgenic mice with expression of NKX2-3 in B cells show marginal-zone expansion that leads to the development of tumours, faithfully recapitulating the principal clinical and biological features of human marginal-zone lymphomas. NKX2-3 induces B-cell receptor signalling by phosphorylating Lyn/Syk kinases, which in turn activate multiple integrins (LFA-1, VLA-4), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, MadCAM-1) and the chemokine receptor CXCR4. These molecules enhance migration, polarization and homing of B cells to splenic and extranodal tissues, eventually driving malignant transformation through triggering NF-¿B and PI3K-AKT pathways. This study implicates oncogenic NKX2-3 in lymphomagenesis, and provides a valid experimental mouse model for studying the biology and therapy of human marginal-zone B-cell lymphomas
Revista:
STEM CELLS
ISSN:
1066-5099
Año:
2016
Vol.:
34
N°:
9
Págs.:
2342 - 2353
Fracture nonunion is a major complication of bone fracture regeneration and repair. The molecular mechanisms that result in fracture nonunion appearance are not fully determined. We hypothesized that fracture nonunion results from the failure of hypoxia and hematoma, the primary signals in response to bone injury, to trigger Bmp2 expression by mesenchymal progenitor cells (MSCs). Using a model of nonstabilized fracture healing in transgenic 5'Bmp2BAC mice we determined that Bmp2 expression appears in close association with hypoxic tissue and hematoma during the early phases of fracture healing. In addition, BMP2 expression is induced when human periosteum explants are exposed to hypoxia ex vivo. Transient interference of hypoxia signaling in vivo with PX-12, a thioredoxin inhibitor, results in reduced Bmp2 expression, impaired fracture callus formation and atrophic-like nonunion by a HIF-1 alpha independent mechanism. In isolated human periosteum-derived MSCs, BMP2 expression could be induced with the addition of platelets concentrate lysate but not with hypoxia treatment, confirming HIF-1 alpha-independent BMP2 expression. Interestingly, in isolated human periosteum-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells, inhibition of BMP2 expression by PX-12 is accomplished only under hypoxic conditions seemingly through dis-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In conclusion, we provide evidence of a molecular mechanism of hypoxia-dependent BMP2 expression in MSCs where interference with ROS homeostasis specifies fracture nonunion-like appearance in vivo through inhibition of Bmp2 expression.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2016
Vol.:
127
N°:
9
Págs.:
1151 - 1162
There is significant interest in immunotherapy for the treatment of high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), but no available data on the immune status of this particular disease stage. Such information is important to understand the interplay between immunosurveillance and disease transformation, but also to define whether patients with high-risk SMM might benefit from immunotherapy. Here, we have characterized T lymphocytes (including CD4, CD8, T-cell receptor ¿¿, and regulatory T cells), natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells from 31 high-risk SMM patients included in the treatment arm of the QUIREDEX trial, and with longitudinal peripheral blood samples at baseline and after 3 and 9 cycles of lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone (LenDex). High-risk SMM patients showed at baseline decreased expression of activation-(CD25/CD28/CD54), type 1 T helper-(CD195/interferon-¿/tumor necrosis factor-¿/interleukin-2), and proliferation-related markers (CD119/CD120b) as compared with age-matched healthy individuals. However, LenDex was able to restore the normal expression levels for those markers and induced a marked shift in T-lymphocyte and NK-cell phenotype. Accordingly, high-risk SMM patients treated with LenDex showed higher numbers of functionally active T lymphocytes. Together, our results indicate that high-risk SMM patients have an impaired immune system that could be reactivated by the immunomodulatory effects of lenalidomide, even when combined with low-dos
Revista:
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
ISSN:
1479-5876
Año:
2016
Vol.:
14
N°:
1
Págs.:
246
The single intraarticular injection of in vitro expanded autologous BM-MSCs together with HA is a safe and feasible procedure that results in a clinical and functional improvement of knee OA, especially when 100 × 10(6) cells are administered. These results pave the way for a future phase III clinical trial.
Autores:
Mateos, M. V. ; Hernandez, M. T. ; Giraldo, P.; et al.
Revista:
LANCET ONCOLOGY
ISSN:
1470-2045
Año:
2016
Vol.:
17
N°:
8
Págs.:
1127 - 1136
Background The standard of care for smouldering multiple myeloma is observation. We did the QuiRedex study to compare early treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone with observation in patients with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma. Here we report the long-term follow-up results of the trial. Methods We did this open-label, randomised, controlled phase 3 study at 19 centres in Spain and three centres in Portugal. Patients aged 18 years or older with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma were randomly assigned (1: 1), via a computerised random number generator, to receive either early treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone or observation, with dynamic balancing to maintain treatment balance within the two groups. Randomisation was stratified by time from diagnosis of smouldering multiple myeloma to study enrolment (<= 6 months vs >6 months). Patients in the treatment group received nine 4-week induction cycles (lenalidomide 25 mg per day on days 1-21, plus dexamethasone 20 mg per day on days-1-4 and days 12-15), followed by maintenance therapy (lenalidomide 10 mg per day on days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle) up to 2 years. Group allocation was not masked from study investigators or patients. The primary endpoint was time from randomisation to progression to symptomatic myeloma. The primary analysis was based on the per-protocol population, restricted to patients who fulfilled the protocol in terms of eligibility. Safety assessments were based on the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00480363. Findings Between Nov 8, 2007, and June 9, 2010, 125 patients were enrolled and underwent randomisation. 119 patients comprised the per-protocol population and were randomly assigned to receive either lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (n=57) or observation (n=62). The cutoff date for this update was June 30, 2015. Median follow-up for surviving patients was 75 months (IQR 67-85). Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone continued to provide a benefit on time to progression compared with observation (median time to progression not reached [95% CI 47 months-not reached] vs 23 months [16-31]; hazard ratio [HR] 0.24 [95% CI 0.14-0.41]; p<0.0001). Progression to multiple myeloma occurred in 53 (86%) of 62 patients in the observation group compared with 22 (39%) of 57 patients in the treatment group. At data cutoff, ten (18%) patients had died in the treatment group and 22 (36%) patients had died in the observation group; median overall survival from the time of study entry had not been reached in either group (95% CI 65 months-not reached vs 53 months-not reached; HR 0.43 [95% CI 0.21-0.92], p=0.024). Survival in patients who had received subsequent treatments at the time of progression to active disease did not differ between groups (HR 1.34 [95% CI 0.54-3.30]; p=0.50). The most frequently reported grade 3 adverse events in patients given lenalidomide plus dexamethasone were infection (four [6%]), asthenia (four [6%]), neutropenia (three [5%]), and skin rash (two [3%]); these events all occurred during induction therapy. No grade 4 adverse events occurred, but one (2%) patient in the lenalidomide plus dexamethasone group died from a respiratory infection during induction therapy The frequency of second primary malignancies was higher in patients in the treatment group than in those in the observation group (six [10%] of 62 patients vs one [2%] of 63 patients), but the cumulative risk of development did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.070). Interpretation This study is, to our knowledge, the first randomised trial in which early treatment has been assessed in selected patients with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma. Positive results from ongoing trials would support the use of early treatment for patients with high-risk disease in the near future.
Revista:
STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL
ISSN:
1687-966X
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-articular (IA) or a combination of intra-articular and intraosseous (IO) infiltration of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on the cellular content of synovial fluid (SF) of osteoarthritic patients. Thirty-one patients received a single infiltration of PRP either in the IA space (n=14) or in the IA space together with two IO infiltrations, one in the medial femoral condyle and one in the tibial plateau (n=17). SF was collected before and after one week of the infiltration. The presence in the SF of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), monocytes, and lymphocytes was determined and quantified by flow cytometry. The number and identity of the MSCs were further confirmed by colony-forming and differentiation assays. PRP infiltration into the subchondral bone (SB) and the IA space induced a reduction in the population of MSCs in the SF. This reduction in MSCs was further confirmed by colony-forming (CFU-F) assay. On the contrary, IA infiltration alone did not cause variations in any of the cellular populations by flow cytometry or CFU-F assay. The SF of osteoarthritic patients contains a population of MSCs that can be modulated by PRP infiltration of the SB compartment.
Revista:
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. JOURNAL. CARDIOVASCULAR AND CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE
ISSN:
2047-9980
Año:
2016
Vol.:
5
N°:
4
Págs.:
e002288
BOECs can be successfully culture-expanded from patients with ICMP. In contrast to impaired functionality of ICMP-derived bone marrow MNCs, BOECs retain a robust proangiogenic profile, both in vitro and in vivo, with therapeutic potential for targeting ischemic disease.
Revista:
DIFFERENTIATION
ISSN:
0301-4681
Año:
2016
Vol.:
92
N°:
5
Págs.:
249 - 256
Efficient induction of defined lineages in pluripotent stem cells constitutes the determinant step for the generation of therapeutically relevant replacement cells to potentially treat a wide range of diseases, including diabetes. Pancreatic differentiation has remained an important challenge in large part because of the need to differentiate uncommitted pluripotent stem cells into highly specialized hormone-secreting cells, which has been shown to require a developmentally informed step-by-step induction procedure. Here, in the framework of using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate pancreatic cells for pancreatic diseases, we have generated and characterized iPSCs from Pdxl-GFP transgenic mice. The use of a GFP reporter knocked into the endogenous Pdxl promoter allowed us to monitor pancreatic induction based on the expression of Pdxl, a pancreatic master transcription factor, and to isolate a pure Pdxl-GFP(+) population for downstream applications. Differentiated cultures timely expressed markers specific to each stage and end-stage progenies acquired a rather immature beta-cell phenotype, characterized by polyhormonal expression even among cells highly expressing the Pdxl-GFP reporter. Our findings highlight the utility of employing a fluorescent protein reporter under the control of a master developmental gene in order to devise novel differentiation protocols for relevant cell types for degenerative diseases such as pancreatic beta cells for diabetes. (C) 2016 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2016
Vol.:
127
N°:
24
Págs.:
3035 - 3039
Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) and multiple myeloma (MM) are 2 distinct monoclonal gammopathies that involve the same cellular compartment: clonal plasma cells (PCs). Despite the fact that knowledge about MM PC biology has significantly increased in the last decade, the same does not apply for AL. Here, we used an integrative phenotypic, molecular, and genomic approach to study clonal PCs from 24 newly diagnosed patients with AL. Through principal-component-analysis, we demonstrated highly overlapping phenotypic profiles between AL and both monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and MM PCs. However, in contrast to MM, highly purified fluorescence-activated cell-sorted clonal PCs from AL (n = 9) showed almost normal transcriptome, with only 38 deregulated genes vs normal PCs; these included a few tumor-suppressor (CDH1, RCAN) and proapoptotic (GLIPR1, FAS) genes. Notwithstanding, clonal PCs in AL (n=11) were genomically unstable, with a median of 9 copy number alterations (CNAs) per case, many of such CNAs being similar to those found in MM. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) performed in 5 AL patients revealed a median of 15 nonrecurrent mutations per case. Altogether, our results show that in the absence of a unifying mutation by WES, clonal PCs in AL display phenotypic and CNA profiles similar to MM, but their transcriptome is remarkably similar to that of normal PCs.
Autores:
Moschetta, M.; Mishima, Y.; Kawano, Y. ; et al.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2016
Vol.:
30
N°:
5
Págs.:
1103 - 1115
The role of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-mediated vasculogenesis in hematological malignancies is not well explored. Here, we showed that EPCs are mobilized from the bone marrow (BM) to the peripheral blood at early stages of multiple myeloma (MM); and recruited to MM cell-colonized BM niches. Using EPC-defective ID1+/- ID3-/- mice, we found that MM tumor progression is dependent on EPC trafficking. By performing RNA-sequencing studies, we confirmed that endothelial cells can enhance proliferation and favor cell-cycle progression only in MM clones that are smoldering-like and have dependency on endothelial cells for tumor growth. We further confirmed that angiogenic dependency occurs early and not late during tumor progression in MM. By using a VEGFR2 antibody with anti-vasculogenic activity, we demonstrated that early targeting of EPCs delays tumor progression, while using the same agent at late stages of tumor progression is ineffective. Thus, although there is significant angiogenesis in myeloma, the dependency of the tumor cells on EPCs and vasculogenesis may actually precede this step. Manipulating vasculogenesis at an early stage of disease may be examined in clinical trials in patients with smoldering MM, and other hematological malignancies with precursor conditions.
Revista:
CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY
ISSN:
1749-4478
Año:
2016
Vol.:
41
N°:
5
Págs.:
606-611
Autores:
Gurruchaga, H.; Ciriza , J.; Saenz del Burgo, L.; et al.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0378-5173
Año:
2015
Vol.:
485
N°:
1 - 2
Págs.:
15 - 24
The ability to cryopreserve and store for long term the structure and function of therapeutic cells and tissues plays a pivotal role in clinical medicine. In fact, it is an essential pre-requisite for the commercial and clinical application of stem cells since preserves cells at low temperature and creates a reserve for future uses. This requisite may also affect the encapsulated stem cells. Several parameters should be considered on encapsulated cell cryopreservation such as the time and temperature during the cryopreservation process, or the cryoprotectant solutions used. In this study, we have compared the influence of penetrating and nonpenetrating cryoprotectants on the viability and functionality of encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells genetically modified to secrete erythropoeitin. Several cryoprotectant solutions combining DMSO, glycerol and trehalose at different concentrations were studied. Although almost no differences among the studied cryoprotectant solutions were observed on the differentiation potential of encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells, the penetrating cryoprotectant DMSO at a concentration of 10% displayed the best viability and erythropoietin secretion profile compared to the other cryoprotectant solutions. These results were confirmed after subcutaneous implantation of thawed encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells secreting erythropoeitin on Balb/c mice. The hematocrit levels of these animals increased to similar levels of those detected on animals transplanted with noncryopreserved encapsulated cells. Therefore, DMSO 10% represents the most suitable cryoprotectant solution among the solutions here studied, for encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells cryopreservation and its translation into the clinic. Similar studies should be performed for the encapsulation of other cell types before they can be translated into the clinic.
Revista:
JAMA DERMATOLOGY
ISSN:
2168-6068
Año:
2015
Vol.:
151
N°:
8
Págs.:
897 - 899
Autores:
Garate, Z.; Quintana-Bustamante, O. ; Crane, A. M. ; et al.
Revista:
STEM CELL REPORTS
ISSN:
2213-6711
Año:
2015
Vol.:
5
N°:
6
Págs.:
1053 - 1066
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is a rare erythroid metabolic disease caused by mutations in the PKLR gene. Erythrocytes from PKD patients show an energetic imbalance causing chronic non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia, as pyruvate kinase defects impair ATP production in erythrocytes. We generated PKD induced pluripotent stem cells (PKDiPSCs) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs) of PKD patients by non-integrative Sendai viral vectors. PKDiPSCs were gene edited to integrate a partial codon-optimized R-type pyruvate kinase cDNA in the second intron of the PKLR gene by TALEN-mediated homologous recombination (HR). Notably, we found allele specificity of HR led by the presence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism. High numbers of erythroid cells derived from gene-edited PKDiPSCs showed correction of the energetic imbalance, providing an approach to correct metabolic erythroid diseases and demonstrating the practicality of this approach to generate the large cell numbers required for comprehensive biochemical and metabolic erythroid analyses.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
ISSN:
0168-3659
Año:
2015
Vol.:
202
Págs.:
31 - 39
PRGF is a platelet concentrate within a plasma suspension that forms an in situ-generated fibrin-matrix delivery system, releasing multiple growth factors and other bioactive molecules that play key roles in tissue regeneration. This study was aimed at exploring the angiogenic and myogenic effects of PRGF on in vitro endothelial cells (HUVEC) and skeletal myoblasts (hSkMb) as well as on in vivo mouse subcutaneously implanted matrigel and on limb muscles after a severe ischemia. Human PRGF was prepared and characterized. Both proliferative and anti-apoptotic responses to PRGF were assessed in vitro in HUVEC and hSkMb. In vivo murine matrigel plug assay was conducted to determine the angiogenic capacity of PRGF, whereas in vivo ischemic hind limb model was carried out to demonstrate PRGF-driven vascular and myogenic regeneration. Primary HUVEC and hSkMb incubated with PRGF showed a dose dependent proliferative and anti-apoptotic effect and the PRGF matrigel plugs triggered an early and significant sustained angiogenesis compared with the control group. Moreover, mice treated with PRGF intramuscular infiltrations displayed a substantial reperfusion enhancement at day 28 associated with a fibrotic tissue reduction. These findings suggest that PRGF-induced angiogenesis is functionally effective at expanding the perfusion capacity of the new vasculature and attenuating the endogenous tissue fibrosis after a severe-induced skeletal muscle ischemia. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
ISSN:
0735-1097
Año:
2015
Vol.:
65
N°:
19
Págs.:
2057 - 2066
BACKGROUND Although efforts continue to find new therapies to regenerate infarcted heart tissue, knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved remains poor. OBJECTIVES This study sought to identify the origin of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in the infarcted heart to better understand the pathophysiology of ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS Permanent genetic tracing of epicardium-derived cell (EPDC) and bone marrow-derived blood cell (BMC) lineages was established using Cre/LoxP technology. In vivo gene and protein expression studies, as well as in vitro culture assays, were developed to characterize EPDC and BMC interaction and properties. RESULTS EPDCs, which colonize the cardiac interstitium during embryogenesis, massively differentiate into CFs MI. This response is disease-specific, because angiotensin II-induced pressure overload does not trigger significant fibroblastic differentiation. The expansion of epicardial-derived CFs follows BMC infiltration into the infarct site; the number of EPDCs equals that of BMCs 1 week post-infarction. BMC-EPDC interaction leads to cell polarization, massive collagen deposition, and scar formation. Moreover, epicardium-derived CFs display stromal properties with respect to BMCs, contributing to the sustained recruitment of circulating cells to the damaged zone and the cardiac persistence of hematopoietic progenitors/stem cells after MI. CONCLUSIONS EPDCs, but not BMCs, are the main origin of CFs in the ischemic heart. Adult resident EPDC contribution to the CF compartment is time-and disease-dependent. Our findings are relevant to the understanding of postventricular remodeling and may contribute to the development of new therapies to treat this disease. (C) 2015 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
Revista:
CIRCULATION
ISSN:
0009-7322
Año:
2015
Vol.:
131
N°:
9
Págs.:
815 - 826
Background-Microvascular endothelium in different organs is specialized to fulfill the particular needs of parenchymal cells. However, specific information about heart capillary endothelial cells (ECs) is lacking.
Methods and Results-Using microarray profiling on freshly isolated ECs from heart, brain, and liver, we revealed a genetic signature for microvascular heart ECs and identified Meox2/Tcf15 heterodimers as novel transcriptional determinants. This signature was largely shared with skeletal muscle and adipose tissue endothelium and was enriched in genes encoding fatty acid (FA) transport-related proteins. Using gain-and loss-of-function approaches, we showed that Meox2/Tcf15 mediate FA uptake in heart ECs, in part, by driving endothelial CD36 and lipoprotein lipase expression and facilitate FA transport across heart ECs. Combined Meox2 and Tcf15 haplodeficiency impaired FA uptake in heart ECs and reduced FA transfer to cardiomyocytes. In the long term, this combined haplodeficiency resulted in impaired cardiac contractility.
Conclusions-Our findings highlight a regulatory role for ECs in FA transfer to the heart parenchyma and unveil 2 of its intrinsic regulators. Our insights could be used to develop new strategies based on endothelial Meox2/Tcf15 targeting to modulate FA transfer to the heart and remedy cardiac dysfunction resulting from altered energy substrate usage.
Revista:
STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT
ISSN:
1547-3287
Año:
2015
Vol.:
24
N°:
4
Págs.:
484 - 496
Stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) are often electrophysiologically immature and heterogeneous, which represents a major barrier to their in vitro and in vivo application. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether Neuregulin-1 beta (NRG-1 beta) treatment could enhance in vitro generation of mature "working-type" CMs from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and assess the regenerative effects of these CMs on cardiac tissue after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). With that purpose, adult mouse fibroblast-derived iPS from alpha-MHC-GFP mice were derived and differentiated into CMs through NRG-1 beta and/or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment. Cardiac specification and maturation of the iPS was analyzed by gene expression array, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and patch-clamp techniques. In vivo, the iPS-derived CMs or culture medium control were injected into the peri-infarct region of hearts after coronary artery ligation, and functional and histology changes were assessed from 1 to 8 weeks post-transplantation. On differentiation, the iPS displayed early and robust in vitro cardiogenesis, expressing cardiac-specific genes and proteins. More importantly, electrophysiological studies demonstrated that a more mature ventricular-like cardiac phenotype was achieved when cells were treated with NRG-1 beta and DMSO compared with DMSO alone. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrated that iPS-derived CMs were able to engraft and electromechanically couple to heart tissue, ultimately preserving cardiac function and inducing adequate heart tissue remodeling. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that combined treatment with NRG-1 beta and DMSO leads to efficient differentiation of iPS into ventricular-like cardiac cells with a higher degree of maturation, which are capable of preserving cardiac function and tissue viability when transplanted into a mouse model of AMI.
Revista:
TISSUE ENGINEERING
ISSN:
1076-3279
Año:
2015
Vol.:
21
N°:
9-10
Págs.:
1654 - 1661
Cardiovascular disease represents one of the major health challenges in modern times and is the number one cause of death globally. Thus, numerous studies are under way to identify effective cell- and/or growth factor-based therapies for repairing damaged cardiac tissue. In this regard, improving the engraftment or survival of regenerative cells and prolonging growth factor exposure have become fundamental goals in advancing these therapeutic approaches. Therefore, biomaterials have emerged as innovative scaffolds for the delivery of both cells and proteins in tissue engineering applications. In the present study, electrospinning was used to generate smooth homogenous polymeric fibers, which consisted of a PLGA/NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO) polymer blend encapsulating the cardioactive growth factor, Neuregulin-1 (Nrg). We evaluated the biocompatibility and degradation of this Nrg-containing biomaterial in a rat model of myocardial ischemia. Following implantation, histological analysis revealed the presence of an initial acute inflammatory response, which was followed by a chronic inflammatory phase, characterized by the presence of giant cells. Notably, the scaffold remained in the heart after 3 months. Furthermore, increase in the M2:M1 macrophage ratio following implantation suggested the induction of constructive tissue remodeling. Taken together, the combination of Nrg-encapsulating scaffolds with cells capable of inducing cardiac regeneration could represent an ambitious and promising therapeutic strategy for repairing diseased or damaged myocardial tissue.
Revista:
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
ISSN:
1937-3341
Año:
2015
Vol.:
21
N°:
43017
Págs.:
1633 - 1641
Substrate stiffness, biochemical composition, and matrix topography deeply influence cell behavior, guiding motility, proliferation, and differentiation responses. The aim of this work was to determine the effect that the stiffness and protein composition of the underlying substrate has on the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and the potential synergy with specific soluble cues. With that purpose, murine iPS-derived embryoid bodies (iPS-EBs) were seeded on fibronectin- or collagen I-coated polyacrylamide (pAA) gels of tunable stiffness (0.6, 14, and 50 kPa) in the presence of basal medium; tissue culture polystyrene plates were employed as control. Specification of iPS cells toward the three germ layers was analyzed, detecting an increase of tissue-specific gene markers in the pAA matrices. Interestingly, soft matrix (0.6 kPa) coated with fibronectin favored differentiation toward cardiac and neural lineages and, in the case of neural differentiation, the effect was potentiated by the addition of specific soluble factors. The generation of mature astrocytes, neural cells, and cardiomyocytes was further proven by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. In summary, this work emphasizes the importance of using biomimetic matrices to accomplish a more specific and mature differentiation of stem cells for future therapeutic applications.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
ISSN:
0168-3659
Año:
2015
Vol.:
220
Págs.:
388 - 396
The growth factor neuregulin (NRG) is one of the most promising candidates in protein therapy as potential treatment for myocardial infarction (MI). In the last few years, biomaterial based delivery systems, such as polymeric microparticles (MPs) made of poly(lactic co glycolic acid) and polyethylene glycol (PLGA and PEG-PLGA MPs), have improved the efficacy of protein therapy in preclinical studies. However, no cardiac treatment based on MPs has yet been commercialized since this is a relatively new field and total characterization of polymeric MPs remains mandatory before they reach the clinical arena. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the in vivo release, bioactivity and biodegradation of PLGA and PEG-PLGA MPs loaded with biotinylated NRG in a rat model of MI. The effect of PEGylation in the clearance of the particles from the cardiac tissue was also evaluated. Interestingly, MPs were detected in the cardiac tissue for up to 12 weeks after administration. In vivo release analysis showed that bNRG was released in a controlled manner throughout the twelve week study. Moreover, the biological cardiomyocyte receptor (ErbB4) for NRG was detected in its activated form only in those animals treated with bNRG loaded MPs. On the other hand, the PEGylation strategy was effective in diminishing phagocytosis of these MPs compared to noncoated MPs in the long term(12 weeks after injection). Taking all this together, we report new evidence in favor of the use of polymeric PLGA and PEG-PLGA MPs as delivery systems for treating MI, which could be soon included in clinical trials. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Autores:
Agirre, X; Castellano, G.; Pascual, M.; et al.
Revista:
GENOME RESEARCH
ISSN:
1088-9051
Año:
2015
Vol.:
25
N°:
4
Págs.:
478 - 487
While analyzing the DNA methylome of multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell neoplasm, by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and high-density arrays, we observed a highly heterogeneous pattern globally characterized by regional DNA hypermethylation embedded in extensive hypomethylation. In contrast to the widely reported DNA hypermethylation of promoter-associated CpG islands (CGIs) in cancer, hypermethylated sites in MM, as opposed to normal plasma cells, were located outside CpG islands and were unexpectedly associated with intronic enhancer regions defined in normal B cells and plasma cells. Both RNA-seq and in vitro reporter assays indicated that enhancer hypermethylation is globally associated with down-regulation of its host genes. ChIP-seq and DNase-seq further revealed that DNA hypermethylation in these regions is related to enhancer decommissioning. Hypermethylated enhancer regions overlapped with binding sites of B cell-specific transcription factors (TFs) and the degree of enhancer methylation inversely correlated with expression levels of these TFs in MM. Furthermore, hypermethylated regions in MM were methylated in stem cells and gradually became demethylated during normal B-cell differentiation, suggesting that MM cells either reacquire epigenetic features of undifferentiated cells or maintain an epigenetic signature of a putative myeloma stem cell progenitor. Overall, we have identified DNA hypermethylation of developmentally regulated enhancers as a new type of epigenetic modification associated with the pathogenesis of MM.
Autores:
Kulis, M.; Merkel, A.; Heath, S.; et al.
Revista:
NATURE GENETICS
ISSN:
1061-4036
Año:
2015
Vol.:
47
N°:
7
Págs.:
746 -56
We analyzed the DNA methylome of ten subpopulations spanning the entire B cell differentiation program by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and high-density microarrays. We observed that non-CpG methylation disappeared upon B cell commitment, whereas CpG methylation changed extensively during B cell maturation, showing an accumulative pattern and affecting around 30% of all measured CpG sites. Early differentiation stages mainly displayed enhancer demethylation, which was associated with upregulation of key B cell transcription factors and affected multiple genes involved in B cell biology. Late differentiation stages, in contrast, showed extensive demethylation of heterochromatin and methylation gain at Polycomb-repressed areas, and genes with apparent functional impact in B cells were not affected. This signature, which has previously been linked to aging and cancer, was particularly widespread in mature cells with an extended lifespan. Comparing B cell neoplasms with their normal counterparts, we determined that they frequently acquire methylation changes in regions already undergoing dynamic methylation during normal B cell differentiation.
Autores:
Castellano, D. ; Blanes, M. ; Marco, B.; et al.
Revista:
STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT
ISSN:
1547-3287
Año:
2014
Vol.:
23
N°:
13
Págs.:
1479 - 1490
The development of biomaterials for myocardial tissue engineering requires a careful assessment of their performance with regards to functionality and biocompatibility, including the immune response. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL), silk, poly-lactic acid (PLA), and polyamide (PA) scaffolds were generated by electrospinning, and cell compatibility in vitro, and immune response and cardiac function in vitro and in vivo were compared with a noncrosslinked collagen membrane (Col) control material. Results showed that cell adhesion and growth of mesenchymal stem cells, cardiomyocytes, and cardiac fibroblasts in vitro was dependent on the polymer substrate, with PHB and PCL polymers permitting the greatest adhesion/growth of cells. Additionally, polymer substrates triggered unique expression profiles of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Implantation of PCL, silk, PLA, and PA patches on the epicardial surface of healthy rats induced a classical foreign body reaction pattern, with encapsulation of polymer fibers and induction of the nonspecific immune response, whereas Col and PHB patches were progressively degraded. When implanted on infarcted rat heart, Col, PCL, and PHB reduced negative remodeling, but only PHB induced significant angiogenesis. Importantly, Col and PHB modified the inflammatory response to an M2 macrophage phenotype in cardiac tissue, indicating a more beneficial reparative process and remodeling. Collectively, these results identify PHB as a superior substrate for cardiac repair.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
ISSN:
0168-3659
Año:
2014
Vol.:
173
Págs.:
132 - 139
Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) and neuregulin-1 (NRG1) are growth factors involved in cardiac development and regeneration. Microparticles (MPs) mediate cytokine sustained release, and can be utilized to overcome issues related to the limited therapeutic protein stability during systemic administration. We sought to examine whether the administration of microparticles (MPs) containing FGF1 and NRG1 could promote cardiac regeneration in a myocardial infarction (MI) rat model. We investigated the possible underlying mechanisms contributing to the beneficial effects of this therapy, especially those linked to endogenous regeneration. FGF1- and NRG1-loaded MPs were prepared using a multiple emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Seventy-three female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, and MPs were intramyocardially injected in the peri-infarcted zone four days later. Cardiac function, heart tissue remodeling, revascularization, apoptosis, cardiomyocyte proliferation, and stem cell homing were evaluated one week and three months after treatment. MPs were shown to efficiently encapsulate FGF1 and NRG1, releasing the bioactive proteins in a sustained manner. Three months after treatment, a statistically significant improvement in cardiac function was detected in rats treated with growth factor-loaded MPs (FGF1, NRG1, or FGF1/NRG1). The therapy led to inhibition of cardiac remodeling with smaller infarct size, a lower fibrosis degree and induction of tissue revascularization. Cardiomyocyte proliferation and progenitor cell recruitment were detected. Our data support the therapeutic benefit ofNRG1 and FGF1 when combined with protein delivery systems for cardiac regeneration. This approach could be scaled up for use in pre-clinical and clinical studies. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
BIOMATERIALS
ISSN:
0142-9612
Año:
2014
Vol.:
35
N°:
1
Págs.:
143 - 151
Although transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) in chronic myocardial infarction (MI) models is associated with functional improvement, its therapeutic value is limited due to poor long-term cell engraftment and survival. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine whether transplantation of collagen patches seeded with ADSC could enhance cell engraftment and improve cardiac function in models of chronic MI. With that purpose, chronically infarcted Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 58) were divided into four groups and transplanted with media, collagen scaffold (CS), rat ADSC, or CS seeded with rat ADSC (CS-rADSC). Cell engraftment, histological changes, and cardiac function were assessed 4 months after transplantation. In addition, Gottingen minipigs (n = 18) were subjected to MI and then transplanted 2 months later with CS or CS seeded with autologous minipig ADSC (CS-pADSC). Functional and histological assessments were performed 3 months post-transplantation. Transplantation of CS-rADSC was associated with increased cell engraftment, significant improvement in cardiac function, myocardial remodeling, and revascularization. Moreover, transplantation of CS-pADSC in the pre-clinical swine model improved cardiac function and was associated with decreased fibrosis and increased vasculogenesis. In summary, transplantation of CS-ADSC resulted in enhanced cell engraftment and was associated with a significant improvement in cardiac function and myocardial remodeling. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Revista:
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
ISSN:
1742-7061
Año:
2014
Vol.:
10
N°:
7
Págs.:
3235 - 3242
Infarcted hearts are macroscopically stiffer than healthy organs. Nevertheless, although cell behavior is mediated by the physical features of the cell niche, the intrinsic micromechanical properties of healthy and infarcted heart extracellular matrix (ECM) remain poorly characterized. Using atomic force microscopy, we studied ECM micromechanics of different histological regions of the left ventricle wall of healthy and infarcted mice. Hearts excised from healthy (n = 8) and infarcted mice (n = 8) were decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate and cut into 12 gm thick slices. Healthy ventricular ECM revealed marked mechanical heterogeneity across histological regions of the ventricular wall with the effective Young's modulus ranging from 30.2 +/- 2.8 to 74.5 +/- 8.7 kPa in collagen- and elastin-rich regions of the myocardium, respectively. Infarcted ECM showed a predominant collagen composition and was 3-fold stiffer than collagen-rich regions of the healthy myocardium. ECM of both healthy and infarcted hearts exhibited a solid-like viscoelastic behavior that conforms to two power-law rheology. Knowledge of intrinsic micromechanical properties of the ECM at the length scale at which cells sense their environment will provide further insight into the cell-scaffold interplay in healthy and infarcted hearts.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
ISSN:
1756-8722
Año:
2014
Vol.:
7
N°:
4
Págs.:
1 - 11
Background: Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is over-expressed in numerous cancers with respect to normal cells, and has either a tumor suppressor or oncogenic role depending on cellular context. This gene is associated with numerous alternatively spliced transcripts, which initiate from two different unique first exons within the WT1 and the alternative (A) WT1 promoter intervals. Within the hematological system, WT1 expression is restricted to CD34+/ CD38- cells and is undetectable after differentiation. Detectable expression of this gene is an excellent marker for minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the underlying epigenetic alterations are unknown.
Methods: To determine the changes in the underlying epigenetic landscape responsible for this expression, we characterized expression, DNA methylation and histone modification profiles in 28 hematological cancer cell lines and confirmed the methylation signature in 356 cytogenetically well-characterized primary hematological malignancies.
Results: Despite high expression of WT1 and AWT1 transcripts in AML-derived cell lines, we observe robust hypermethylation of the AWT1 promoter and an epigenetic switch from a permissive to repressive chromatin structure between normal cells and AML cell lines. Subsequent methylation analysis in our primary leukemia and lymphoma cohort revealed that the epigenetic signature identified in cell lines is specific to myeloid-lineage malignancies, irrespective of underlying mutational status or translocation. In addition to being a highly specific marker for AML diagnosis (positive predictive value 100%; sensitivity 86.1%; negative predictive value 89.4%), we show that AWT1 hypermethylation also discriminates patients that relapse from those achieving complete remission after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with similar efficiency to WT1 expression profiling.
Conclusions: We describe a methylation signature of the AWT1 promoter CpG island that is a promising marker for classifying myeloid-derived leukemias. In addition AWT1 hypermethylation is ideally suited to monitor the recurrence of disease during remission in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transfer.
Revista:
STEM CELL
ISSN:
1945-4570
Año:
2014
Vol.:
32
N°:
2
Págs.:
447 - 461
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of endopeptidases that are involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components, have been implicated in skeletal muscle regeneration. Among the MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are upregulated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal X-linked muscle disorder. However, inhibition or overexpression of specific MMPs in a mouse model of DMD (mdx) has yielded mixed results regarding disease progression, depending on the MMP studied. Here, we have examined the role of MMP-10 in muscle regeneration during injury and muscular dystrophy. We found that skeletal muscle increases MMP-10 protein expression in response to damage (notexin) or disease (mdx mice), suggesting its role in muscle regeneration. In addition, we found that MMP-10-deficient muscles displayed impaired recruitment of endothelial cells, reduced levels of extracellular matrix proteins, diminished collagen deposition, and decreased fiber size, which collectively contributed to delayed muscle regeneration after injury. Also, MMP-10 knockout in mdx mice led to a deteriorated dystrophic phenotype. Moreover, MMP-10 mRNA silencing in injured muscles (wild-type and mdx) reduced muscle regeneration, while addition of recombinant human MMP-10 accelerated muscle repair, suggesting that MMP-10 is required for efficient muscle regeneration. Furthermore, our data suggest that MMP-10-mediated muscle repair is associated with VEGF/Akt signaling. Thus, our findings indicate that MMP-10 is
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
ISSN:
2222-3959
Año:
2014
Vol.:
7
N°:
6
Págs.:
988 - 995
AIM: To assess cultured limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency by analyzing and quantifying corneal neovascularization.
METHODS: This retrospective, interventional case series included eight eyes with total limbal stem cell deficiency. Ex vivo limbal epithelial stem cells were cultured on human amniotic membrane using an animal-free culture method. The clinical parameters of limbal stem cell deficiency, impression cytology, and quantification of corneal neovascularization were evaluated before and after cultured limbal stem cell transplantation. The area of corneal neovascularization, vessel caliber (VC), and invasive area (IA) were analyzed before and after stem cell transplantation by image analysis software. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), epithelial transparency, and impression cytology were also measured.
RESULTS: One year after surgery, successful cases showed a reduction (improvement) of all three parameters of corneal neovascularization [neovascular area (NA), VC, IA], while failed cases did not. NA decreased a mean of 32.31% (P=0.035), invasion area 29.37% (P=0.018) and VC 14.29% (P=0.072). BCVA improved in all eyes (mean follow-up, 76±21mo). Epithelial transparency improved significantly from 2.00±0.93 to 0.88±1.25 (P=0.014). Impression cytology showed that three cases failed after limbal epithelial stem cell therapy before 1y of follow-up.
CONCLUSION: This method of analyzing and monitoring surface vessels is useful for evaluating the epithelial status during follow-up, as successful cases showed a bigger reduction in corneal neovascularization parameters than failed cases. Using this method, successful cases could be differentiated from failed cases.
Autores:
Fermín Sánchez-Guijo; Teresa Caballero-Velázquez; Olga López-Villar; et al.
Revista:
BIOLOGY OF BLOOD AND MARROW TRANSPLANTATION
ISSN:
1083-8791
Año:
2014
Vol.:
20
N°:
10
Págs.:
1580 - 1585
We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the administration of 4 sequential doses (intravenously administered on days 1, 4, 11, and 18) of cryopreserved bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) expanded with platelet lysate and obtained from third-party donors as a second-line treatment for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host (aGVHD) disease in a series of 25 patients. All patients received at least 2 doses of MSC, whereas 21 received 3 doses and 18 received the initially planned 4 doses. Because of the achievement of partial response, 4 patients received additional doses of MSC. Median single cell dose administered was 1.1 × 10(6) MSC/kg of recipient body weight. There were no adverse events related to the MSC infusion in the 99 procedures performed, with the exception of a cardiac ischemic event that occurred twice in a patient with prior history of cardiac ischemia. Response to MSC at 60 days after the first dose was evaluable in 24 patients. Seventeen patients (71%) responded (11 complete and 6 partial responses), with a median time to response of 28 days after the first MSC dose, whereas 7 patients did not respond. In summary, we can conclude that sequential cryopreserved third-party MSC therapy administered on days 1, 4, 11, and 18 is a safe procedure for patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD. This strategy may provide a high rate of overall responses of aGVHD with a low toxicity profile.
Revista:
STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT
ISSN:
1547-3287
Año:
2014
Vol.:
23
N°:
12
Págs.:
1417-1427
The CXCR4/SDF1 axis participates in various cellular processes, including cell migration, which is essential for skeletal muscle repair. Although increasing evidence has confirmed the role of CXCR4/SDF1 in embryonic muscle development, the function of this pathway during adult myogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. In addition, a role for CXCR4 signaling in muscle maintenance and repair has only recently emerged. Here, we have demonstrated that CXCR4 and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1) are up-regulated in injured muscle, suggesting their involvement in the repair process. In addition, we found that notexin-damaged muscles showed delayed muscle regeneration on treatment with CXCR4 agonist (AMD3100). Accordingly, small-interfering RNA-mediated silencing of SDF1 or CXCR4 in injured muscles impaired muscle regeneration, whereas the addition of SDF1 ligand accelerated repair. Furthermore, we identified that CXCR4/SDF1-regulated muscle repair was dependent on matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) activity. Thus, our findings support a model in which MMP-10 activity modulates CXCR4/SDF1 signaling, which is essential for efficient skeletal muscle regeneration.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA-THE HEMATOLOGY JOURNAL
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2013
Vol.:
98
N°:
9
Págs.:
1414 - 1420
Most DNA methylation studies in classic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms have been performed on a gene-by-gene basis. Therefore, a more comprehensive methylation profiling is needed to study the implications of this epigenetic marker in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Here, we have analyzed 71 chronic (24 polycythemia vera, 23 essential thrombocythemia and 24 primary myelofibrosis) and 13 transformed myeloproliferative neoplasms using genome-wide DNA methylation arrays. The three types of chronic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms showed a similar aberrant DNA methylation pattern when compared to control samples. Differentially methylated regions were enriched in a gene network centered on the NF-¿B pathway, indicating that they may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In the case of transformed myeloproliferative neoplasms, we detected an increased number of differentially methylated regions with respect to chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. Interestingly, these genes were enriched in a list of differentially methylated regions in primary acute myeloid leukemia and in a gene network centered around the IFN pathway. Our results suggest that alterations in the DNA methylation landscape play an important role in the pathogenesis and leukemic transformation of myeloproliferative neoplasms. The therapeutic modulation of epigenetically-deregulated pathways may allow us to design targeted therapies for these patients.
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0939-6411
Año:
2013
Vol.:
85
N°:
1
Págs.:
143 - 150
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and extensive research has therefore been performed to find a cure. Neuregulin-1 (NRG) is a growth factor involved in cardiac repair after MI. We previously described how biocompatible and biodegradable microparticles, which are able to release NRG in a sustained manner, represent a valuable approach to avoid problems related to the short half-life after systemic administration of proteins. The effectiveness of this strategy could be improved by combining NRG with several cytokines involved in cardiac regeneration. The present study investigates the potential feasibility of using NRG-releasing particle scaffold combined with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) as a multiple growth factor delivery-based tissue engineering strategy for implantation in the infarcted myocardium. NRG-releasing particle scaffolds with a suitable size for intramyocardial implantation were prepared by TROMS. Next, ADSC were adhered to particle scaffolds and their potential for heart administration was assessed in a MI rat model. NRG was successfully encapsulated reaching encapsulation efficiencies of 92.58±3.84%. NRG maintained its biological activity after the microencapsulation process. ADSCs adhered efficiently to particle scaffolds within a few hours. The ADSC-cytokine delivery system developed proved to be compatible with intramyocardial administration in terms of injectability through a 23-gauge needle and tissue response. Interestingly, ADSC-scaffolds were present in the peri-infarted tissue 2weeks after implantation. This proof of concept study provides important evidence required for future effectiveness studies and for the translation of this approach.
Revista:
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0939-6411
Año:
2013
Vol.:
85
N°:
3
Págs.:
665 - 672
Poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) microparticles emerged as one of the most promising strategies to achieve site-specific drug delivery. Although these microparticles have been demonstrated to be effective in several wound healing models, their potential in cardiac regeneration has not yet been fully assessed. The present work sought to explore PLGA microparticles as cardiac drug delivery systems. PLGA microparticles were prepared by Total Recirculation One-Machine System (TROMS) after the formation of a multiple emulsion. Microparticles of different size were prepared and characterized to select the most suitable size for intramyocardial administration. Next, the potential of PLGA microparticles for administration in the heart was assessed in a MI rat model. Particle biodegradation over time and myocardial tissue reaction were studied by routine staining and confocal microscopy. Results showed that microparticles with a diameter of 5¿m were the most compatible with intramyocardial administration in terms of injectability through a 29-gauge needle and tissue response. Particles were present in the heart tissue for up to 3months post-implantation and no particle migration toward other solid organs was observed, demonstrating good myocardial retention. CD68 immunolabeling revealed 31%, 47% and below 4% microparticle uptake by macrophages 1week, 1month, and 3months after injection, respectively (P<0.001). Taken together, these findings support the feasibility of the developed PLGA microparticles as vehicles for delivering growth factors in the infarcted myocardium.
Revista:
DIABETOLOGIA
ISSN:
0012-186X
Año:
2013
Vol.:
56
N°:
4
Págs.:
838 - 846
Cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1) is a recently described cytokine originally isolated from the heart where it has been shown to play an important role in apoptotic protection of cardiomyocytes and heart hypertrophy. Its beneficial properties have also been described in other organs such as liver and neuromuscular tissue. In the present study, we investigated whether CT-1 can confer protection against pro-apoptotic stimuli in pancreatic beta cells, and its role in insulin secretion and diabetes development. The effects of CT-1 on apoptosis and function were studied using MIN6B1 cells and freshly isolated murine pancreatic islets. The impact on the development of diabetes was evaluated in Ct1-null (Ct1 (-/-)) mice (the gene Ct1 is also known as Ctf1) using two streptozotocin (STZ)-induced models of diabetes. CT-1 has a protective effect in MIN6B1 cells and murine islets under the pro-apoptotic stimulus of serum deprivation, which correlates with the expression of B cell lymphoma-extra large, or following exposure to a mixture of cytokines. In addition, CT-1 enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6B1 cells and this was repressed by inhibitors of phospholipase C. Furthermore, Ct1 (-/-) mice were more prone to develop diabetes, and their glucose tolerance test showed impaired plasma glucose clearance which correlated with decreased pancreatic insulin secretion. The results obtained from both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that CT-1 improves beta cell function and survival, and protects mice against STZ-induced diabetes.
Autores:
Rio-Machin, A.; Ferreira, B. I.; Henry, T.; et al.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2013
Vol.:
27
N°:
4
Págs.:
925 - 931
Currently, multiple myeloma (MM) patients are broadly grouped into a non-hyperdiploid (nh-MM) group, highly enriched for IgH translocations, or into a hyperdiploid (h-MM) group, which is typically characterized by trisomies of some odd-numbered chromosomes. We compared the micro RNA (miRNA) expression profiles of these two groups and we identified 16 miRNAs that were downregulated in the h-MM group, relative to the nh-MM group. We found that target genes of the most differentially expressed miRNAs are directly involved in the pathogenesis of MM; specifically, the inhibition of hsa-miR-425, hsa-miR-152 and hsa-miR-24, which are all downregulated in h-MM, leads to the overexpression of CCND1, TACC3, MAFB, FGFR3 and MYC, which are the also the oncogenes upregulated by the most frequent IgH chromosomal translocations occurring in nh-MM. Importantly, we showed that the downregulation of these specific miRNAs and the upregulation of their targets also occur simultaneously in primary cases of h-MM. These data provide further evidence on the unifying role of cyclin D pathways deregulation as the key mechanism involved in the development of both groups of MM. Finally, they establish the importance of miRNA deregulation in the context of MM, thereby opening up the potential for future therapeutic approaches based on this molecular mechanism.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0378-5173
Año:
2013
Vol.:
454
N°:
2
Págs.:
784 -790
Autores:
Mateos, M. V.; Hernandez, M. T.; Giraldo, P.; et al.
Revista:
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
ISSN:
0028-4793
Año:
2013
Vol.:
369
N°:
5
Págs.:
438 - 447
Background For patients with smoldering multiple myeloma, the standard of care is observation until symptoms develop. However, this approach does not identify high-risk patients who may benefit from early intervention. Methods In this randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 119 patients with high-risk smoldering myeloma to treatment or observation. Patients in the treatment group received an induction regimen (lenalidomide at a dose of 25 mg per day on days 1 to 21, plus dexamethasone at a dose of 20 mg per day on days 1 to 4 and days 12 to 15, at 4-week intervals for nine cycles), followed by a maintenance regimen (lenalidomide at a dose of 10 mg per day on days 1 to 21 of each 28-day cycle for 2 years). The primary end point was time to progression to symptomatic disease. Secondary end points were response rate, overall survival, and safety. Results After a median follow-up of 40 months, the median time to progression was significantly longer in the treatment group than in the observation group (median not reached vs. 21 months; hazard ratio for progression, 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09 to 0.32; P<0.001). The 3-year survival rate was also higher in the treatment group (94% vs. 80%; hazard ratio for death, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.91; P=0.03). A partial response or better was achieved in 79% of patients in the treatment group after the induction phase and in 90% during the maintenance phase. Toxic effects were mainly grade 2 or lower. Conclusions Early treatment for patients with high-risk smoldering myeloma delays progression to active disease and increases overall survival.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
ISSN:
1422-0067
Año:
2013
Vol.:
14
N°:
8
Págs.:
15386 - 15422
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are functional RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides in length. LncRNAs are as diverse as mRNAs and they normally share the same biosynthetic machinery based on RNA polymerase II, splicing and polyadenylation. However, lncRNAs have low coding potential. Compared to mRNAs, lncRNAs are preferentially nuclear, more tissue specific and expressed at lower levels. Most of the lncRNAs described to date modulate the expression of specific genes by guiding chromatin remodelling factors; inducing chromosomal loopings; affecting transcription, splicing, translation or mRNA stability; or serving as scaffolds for the organization of cellular structures. They can function in cis, cotranscriptionally, or in trans, acting as decoys, scaffolds or guides. These functions seem essential to allow cell differentiation and growth. In fact, many lncRNAs have been shown to exert oncogenic or tumor suppressor properties in several cancers including haematological malignancies. In this review, we summarize what is known about lncRNAs, the mechanisms for their regulation in cancer and their role in leukemogenesis, lymphomagenesis and hematopoiesis. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of lncRNAs in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy in cancer, with special attention to haematological malignancies
Revista:
GENE EXPRESSION PATTERNS
ISSN:
1567-133X
Año:
2013
Vol.:
13
N°:
1-2
Págs.:
12-20
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that fine-tune gene expression, play multiple roles in the cell, including cell fate specification. We have analyzed the differential expression of miRNAs during fibroblast reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and endoderm induction from iPSCs upon treatment with high concentrations of Activin-A. The reprogrammed iPSCs assumed an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like miRNA signature, marked by the induction of pluripotency clusters miR-290-295 and miR-302/367 and conversely the downregulation of the let-7 family. On the other hand, endoderm induction in iPSCs resulted in the upregulation of 13 miRNAs. Given that the liver and the pancreas are common derivatives of the endoderm, analysis of the expression of these 13 upregulated miRNAs in hepatocytes and pancreatic islets revealed a tendency for these miRNAs to be expressed more in pancreatic islets than in hepatocytes. These observations provide insights into how differentiation may be guided more efficiently towards the endoderm and further into the liver or pancreas. Moreover, we also report novel miRNAs enriched for each of the cell types analyzed.
Revista:
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
ISSN:
1078-0432
Año:
2013
Vol.:
19
N°:
17
Págs.:
4770 - 4779
Purpose: Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease. New approaches to develop better tools for improving patient prognostication and monitoring treatment efficacy are very much needed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of metabolomics by H-1-NMR to provide information on metabolic profiles that could be useful in the management of multiple myeloma. Experimental Design: Serum samples were collected from multiple myeloma patients at the time of diagnosis and after achieving complete remission. A matched control set of samples was also included in the study. The H-1-NMR measurements used to obtain the metabolic profile for each patient were followed by the application of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to determine significant differences. Results: Metabolic profiles of multiple myeloma patients at diagnosis exhibited higher levels of isoleucine, arginine, acetate, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, and decreased levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate, lysine, glutamine, and some lipids compared with the control set. A similar analysis conducted in multiple myeloma patients after achieving complete remission indicated that some of the metabolic changes (i.e., glutamine, cholesterol, lysine) observed at diagnosis displayed a variation in the opposite direction upon responding to treatment, thus contributing to multiple myeloma patients having a closer metabolic profile to those of healthy individuals after the disappearance of major disease manifestations. Conclusions: The results highlight the potential of metabolic profiles obtained by H-1-NMR in identifying multiple myeloma biomarkers that may be useful to objectively discriminate individuals with and without multiple myeloma, and monitor response to treatment. (C)2013 AACR.
Revista:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
ISSN:
0378-5173
Año:
2013
Vol.:
440
N°:
1
Págs.:
13 - 18
The potential of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microparticles as carriers for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated in a previous study by our group, where we found improved angiogenesis and heart remodeling in a rat myocardial infarction model (Formiga et al., 2010). However, the observed accumulation of macrophages around the injection site suggested that the efficacy of treatment could be reduced due to particle phagocytosis. The aim of the present study was to decrease particle phagocytosis and consequently improve protein delivery using stealth technology. PEGylated microparticles were prepared by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method using TROMS (Total Recirculation One Machine System). Before the uptake studies in monocyte-macrophage cells lines (J774 and Raw 264.7), the characterization of the microparticles developed was carried out in terms of particle size, encapsulation efficiency, protein stability, residual poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and in vitro release. Microparticles of suitable size for intramyocardial injection (5 mu m) were obtained by TROMS by varying the composition of the formulation and TROMS conditions with high encapsulation efficiency (70-90%) and minimal residual PVA content (0.5%). Importantly, the bioactivity of the protein was fully preserved. Moreover, PEGylated microparticles released in phosphate buffer 50% of the entrapped protein within 4 h, reaching a plateau within the first day of the in vitro study. Finally, the use of PLGA microparticles coated with PEG resulted in significantly decreased uptake of the carriers by macrophages, compared with non PEGylated microparticles, as shown by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. On the basis of these results, we concluded that PEGylated microparticles loaded with VEGF could be used for delivering growth factors in the myocardium. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Revista:
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
ISSN:
1742-7061
Año:
2013
Vol.:
9
N°:
4
Págs.:
6075 - 6083
The use of scaffolds composed of natural biodegradable matrices represents an attractive strategy to circumvent the lack of cell engraftment, a major limitation of stem cell therapy in cardiovascular diseases. Bovine-derived non-porous collagen scaffolds with different degrees of cross-linking (C0, C2, C5 and C10) were produced and tested for their mechanical behavior, in vitro biocompatibility with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and tissue adhesion and inflammatory reaction. Uniaxial tensile tests revealed an anisotropic behavior of collagen scaffolds (2 x 0.5 cm) and statistically significant differences in the mechanical behavior between cross-linked and non-cross-linked scaffolds (n = 5). In vitro, ADSCs adhered homogenously and showed a similar degree of proliferation on all four types of scaffolds (cells x 10(3) cm(-2) at day 7: C0: 94.7 +/- 37.1; C2: 91.7 +/- 25.6; C5: 88.2 +/- 6.8; C10: 72.8 +/- 10.7; P = n.s.; n = 3). In order to test the in vivo biocompatibility, a chronic myocardial infarction model was performed in rats and 1.2 x 1.2 cm size collagen scaffolds implanted onto the heart I month post-infarction. Six animals per group were killed 2, 7 and 30 days after transplant. Complete and long-lasting adhesion to the heart was only observed with the non-cross-linked scaffolds with almost total degradation 1 month post-transplantation. After 7 and 30 days post-implantation, the degree of inflammation was significantly lower in the hearts treated with non-cross-linked scaffolds (day 7: C0: 10.2 +/- 2.1%; C2: 163 +/- 2.9%; C5: 15.9 +/- 4.8%; C10: 17.4 +/- 4.1%; P < 0.05 vs. C0; day 30: C0: 1.3 +/- 1.3%; C2: 9.4 +/- 3.0%; C5: 7.0 +/- 2.1%; C10: 9.8 +/- 2.5%; P < 0.01 vs. C0). In view of the results, the non-cross-linked scaffold (C0) was chosen as an ADSC-carrier sheet and tested in vivo. One week post-implantation, 25.3 +/- 7.0% of the cells transplanted were detected in those animals receiving the cell-carrier sheet whereas no cells were found in animals receiving cells alone (n = 3 animals/group). We conclude that the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of the non-cross-linked collagen scaffolds make them a useful cell carrier that greatly favors tissue cell engraftment and may be exploited for cell transplantation in models of cardiac disease. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Autores:
Kumar, A.; Lo Nigro, A. ; Gysemans, C.; et al.
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2013
Vol.:
8
N°:
5
Págs.:
e63491
beta-cell replacement may efficiently cure type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients whose insulin-secreting beta-cells have been selectively destroyed by autoantigen-reactive T cells. To generate insulin-secreting cells we used two cell sources: rat multipotent adult progenitor cells (rMAPC) and the highly similar rat extra-embryonic endoderm precursor (rXEN-P) cells isolated under rMAPC conditions from blastocysts (rHypoSC). rMAPC/rHypoSC were sequentially committed to definitive endoderm, pancreatic endoderm, and beta-cell like cells. On day 21, 20% of rMAPC/rHypoSC progeny expressed Pdx1 and C-peptide. rMAPCr/HypoSC progeny secreted C-peptide under the stimulus of insulin agonist carbachol, and was inhibited by the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker nifedipine. When rMAPC or rHypoSC differentiated d21 progeny were grafted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nude mice, hyperglycemia reversed after 4 weeks in 6/10 rMAPC-and 5/10 rHypoSC-transplanted mice. Hyperglycemia recurred within 24 hours of graft removal and the histological analysis of the retrieved grafts revealed presence of Pdx1-, Nkx6.1- and C-peptide-positive cells. The ability of both rMAPC and HypoSC to differentiate to functional beta-cell like cells may serve to gain insight into signals that govern beta-cell differentiation and aid in developing culture systems to commit other (pluripotent) stem cells to clinically useful beta-cells for cell therapy of T1D.
Autores:
Davies, C.; Yip, B. H. ; Fernandez Mercado, M. ; et al.
Revista:
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
ISSN:
0007-1048
Año:
2013
Vol.:
160
N°:
6
Págs.:
842 - 850
The ASXL1 gene encodes a chromatin-binding protein involved in epigenetic regulation in haematopoietic cells. Loss-of-function ASXL1 mutations occur in patients with a range of myeloid malignancies and are associated with adverse outcome. We have used lentiviral-based shRNA technology to investigate the effects of ASXL1 silencing on cell proliferation, apoptosis, myeloid differentiation and global gene expression in human CD34+ cells differentiated along the myeloid lineage in vitro. ASXL1-deficient cells showed a significant decrease in the generation of CD11b+ and CD15+ cells, implicating impaired granulomonocytic differentiation. Furthermore, colony-forming assays showed a significant increase in the number of multipotent mixed lineage colony-forming unit (CFU-GEMM) colonies and a significant decrease in the numbers of granulocyte-macrophage CFU (CFU-GM) and granulocyte CFU (CFU-G) colonies in ASXL1-deficient cells. Our data suggests that ASXL1 knockdown perturbs human granulomonocytic differentiation. Gene expression profiling identified many deregulated genes in the ASXL1-deficient cells differentiated along the granulomonocytic lineage, and pathway analysis showed that the most significantly deregulated pathway was the LXR/RXR activation pathway. ASXL1 may play a key role in recruiting the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) to specific loci, and we found over-representation of PRC2 targets among the deregulated genes in ASXL1-deficient cells. These findings shed light on the functional role of ASXL1 in human myeloid differentiation.
Autores:
Fernandez Mercado, M. ; Burns, A. ; Pellagatti, A.; et al.
Revista:
HAEMATOLOGICA
ISSN:
0390-6078
Año:
2013
Vol.:
98
N°:
12
Págs.:
1856 - 1864
Interstitial deletion of chromosome 5q is the most common chromosomal abnormality in myelodysplastic syndromes. The catalogue of genes involved in the molecular pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes is rapidly expanding and next-generation sequencing technology allows detection of these mutations at great depth. Here we describe the design, validation and application of a targeted next-generation sequencing approach to simultaneously screen 25 genes mutated in myeloid malignancies. We used this method alongside single nucleotide polymorphism-array technology to characterize the mutational and cytogenetic profile of 43 cases of early or advanced del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes. A total of 29 mutations were detected in our cohort. Overall, 45% of early and 66.7% of advanced cases had at least one mutation. Genes with the highest mutation frequency among advanced cases were TP53 and ASXL1 (25% of patients each). These showed a lower mutation frequency in cases of 5q-syndrome (4.5% and 13.6%, respectively), suggesting a role in disease progression in del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes. Fifty-two percent of mutations identified were in genes involved in epigenetic regulation (ASXL1, TET2, DNMT3A and JAK2). Six mutations had allele frequencies <20%, likely below the detection limit of traditional sequencing methods. Genomic array data showed that cases of advanced del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome had a complex background of cytogenetic aberrations, often encompassing genes involved in myeloid disorders. Our study is the first to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of early and advanced del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes using next-generation sequencing technology on a large panel of genes frequently mutated in myeloid malignancies, further illuminating the molecular landscape of del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2013
Vol.:
122
N°:
24
Págs.:
3982 - 3992
Endothelial cells (ECs) lining arteries and veins have distinct molecular/functional signatures. The underlying regulatory mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we established a specific fingerprint of freshly isolated arterial and venous ECs from human umbilical cord comprising 64 arterial and 12 venous genes, representing distinct functions/pathways. Among the arterial genes were 8 transcription factors (TFs), including Notch target HEY2, the current "gold standard" determinant for arterial EC (aEC) specification. Culture abrogated differential gene expression in part due to gradual loss of canonical Notch activity and HEY2 expression. Notably, restoring HEY2 expression or Delta-like4-induced Notch signaling in cultured ECs only partially reinstated the aEC gene signature, whereas combined overexpression of the 8 TFs restored this fingerprint more robustly. Whereas some TFs stimulated few genes, others boosted a large proportion of arterial genes. Although there was some overlap and crossregulation, the TFs largely complemented each other in regulating the aEC gene profile. Finally, overexpression of the 8 TFs in human umbilical vein ECs conveyed an arterial-like behavior upon their implantation in a Matrigel plug in vivo. Thus, our study shows that Notch signaling determines only part of the aEC signature and identifies additional novel and complementary transcriptional players in the complex regulation of human arteriovenous EC identity. (Blood. 2013;122(24):3982-3992)
Autores:
Fernandez, A. F.; Assenov, Y.; Martin-Subero, J. I. ; et al.
Revista:
GENOME RESEARCH
ISSN:
1088-9051
Año:
2012
Vol.:
22
N°:
2
Págs.:
407 - 419
Most of the studies characterizing DNA methylation patterns have been restricted to particular genomic loci in a limited number of human samples and pathological conditions. Herein, we present a compromise between an extremely comprehensive study of a human sample population with an intermediate level of resolution of CpGs at the genomic level. We obtained a DNA methylation fingerprint of 1628 human samples in which we interrogated 1505 CpG sites. The DNA methylation patterns revealed show this epigenetic mark to be critical in tissue-type definition and sternness, particularly around transcription start sites that are not within a CpG island. For disease, the generated DNA methylation fingerprints show that, during tumorigenesis, human cancer cells underwent a progressive gain of promoter CpG-island hypermethylation and a loss of CpG methylation in non-CpG-island promoters. Although transformed cells are those in which DNA methylation disruption is more obvious, we observed that other common human diseases, such as neurological and autoimmune disorders, had their own distinct DNA methylation profiles. Most importantly, we provide proof of principle that the DNA methylation fingerprints obtained might be useful for translational purposes by showing that we are able to identify the tumor type origin of cancers of unknown primary origin (cups). Thus, the DNA methylation patterns identified across the largest spectrum of samples, tissues, and diseases reported to date constitute a baseline for developing higher-resolution DNA methylation maps and provide important clues concerning the contribution of CpG methylation to tissue identity and its changes in the most prevalent human diseases.
Autores:
Costa, C.; Santos, M.; Segrelles, C; et al.
Revista:
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
ISSN:
2045-2322
Año:
2012
Vol.:
2
N°:
828
The specific ablation of Rb1 gene in stratified epithelia (Rb-F/F; K14cre) promotes proliferation and altered differentiation but is insufficient to produce spontaneous tumors. The pRb relative, p107, compensates some of the functions of pRb in these tissues; however, Rb-F/F; K14cre; p107(-/-) mice die postnatally. Here we show, using an inducible mouse model (Rb-F/F; K14creER (TM)), that p107 exerts specific tumor suppressor functions in the absence of pRb in stratified epithelia. The simultaneous absence of pRb and p107 produces impaired p53 transcriptional functions and reduction of Pten expression, allowing spontaneous squamous carcinoma development. These tumors display significant overlap with human squamous carcinomas, supporting that Rb-F/F; K14creER (TM); p107(-/-) mice might constitute a new model for these malignancies. Remarkably tumor development in vivo is partially alleviated by mTOR inhibition. These data demonstrate the existence of a previously unreported functional connection between pRb, Pten and p53 tumor suppressors, through p107, of a particular relevance in squamous tumor development.
Revista:
CELL TRANSPLANTATION
ISSN:
0963-6897
Año:
2012
Vol.:
21
N°:
5
Págs.:
1023 - 1037
Fresh adipose-derived cells have been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (MI), but their role in the chronic setting is unknown. We sought to determine the long-term effect of the adipose derived-stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell transplantation in a rat model of chronic MI. MI was induced in 82 rats by permanent coronary artery ligation and 5 weeks later rats were allocated to receive an intramyocardial injection of 10(7) GFP-expressing fresh SVF cells or culture media as control. Heart function and tissue metabolism were determined by echocardiography and F-18-FDG-microPET, respectively, and histological studies were performed for up to 3 months after transplantation. SVF induced a statistically significant long-lasting (3 months) improvement in cardiac function and tissue metabolism that was associated with increased revascularization and positive heart remodeling, with a significantly smaller infarct size, thicker infarct wall, lower scar fibrosis, and lower cardiac hypertrophy. Importantly, injected cells engrafted and were detected in the treated hearts for at least 3 months, directly contributing to the vasculature and myofibroblasts and at negligible levels to cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, SVF release of angiogenic (VEGF and HGF) and proinflammatory (MCP-1) cytokines, as well as TIMP1 and TIMP4, was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, strongly suggesting that they have a trophic effect. These results show the potential of SVF to contribute to the regeneration of ischemic tissue and to provide a long-term functional benefit in a rat model of chronic MI, by both direct and indirect mechanisms.
Autores:
Iñigo Izal; Pablo Aranda; Patricia Sanz-Ramos; et al.
Revista:
KNEE SURGERY SPORTS TRAUMATOLOGY ARTHROSCOPY
ISSN:
0942-2056
Biocompatible PLLA scaffolds have been developed that can be efficiently loaded with MSCs. The scaffold supports chondrogenic differentiation and ECM deposition that improves the mechanics of the scaffold. Although this improvement does not met the expectations of a hyaline-like cartilage ECM, in part due to the lack of a mechanical stimulation, their potential use in the treatment of cartilage pathologies encourages to improve the mechanical component.
Autores:
Atari, M; Gil-Recio, C; Fabregat, M; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
ISSN:
0021-9533
Año:
2012
Vol.:
15
N°:
125, Pt 14
Págs.:
3343 - 3356
Dental pulp is particularly interesting in regenerative medicine because of the accessibility and differentiation potential of the tissue. Dental pulp has an early developmental origin with multi-lineage differentiation potential as a result of its development during childhood and adolescence. However, no study has previously identified the presence of stem cell populations with embryonic-like phenotypes in human dental pulp from the third molar. In the present work, we describe a new population of dental pulp pluripotent-like stem cells (DPPSCs) that were isolated by culture in medium containing LIF, EGF and PDGF. These cells are SSEA4(+), OCT3/4(+), NANOG(+), SOX2(+), LIN28(+), CD13(+), CD105(+), CD34(-), CD45(-), CD90(+), CD29(+), CD73(+), STRO1(+) and CD146(-), and they show genetic stability in vitro based on genomic analysis with a newly described CGH technique. Interestingly, DPPSCs were able to form both embryoid-body-like structures (EBs) in vitro and teratoma-like structures that contained tissues derived from all three embryonic germ layers when injected in nude mice. We examined the capacity of DPPSCs to differentiate in vitro into tissues that have similar characteristics to mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm layers in both 2D and 3D cultures. We performed a comparative RT-PCR analysis of GATA4, GATA6, MIXL1, NANOG, OCT3/4, SOX1 and SOX2 to determine the degree of similarity between DPPSCs, EBs and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs). Our analysis revealed that DPPSCs, hIPSC and EBs have the same gene expression profile. Because DPPSCs can be derived from healthy human molars from patients of different sexes and ages, they represent an easily accessible source of stem cells, which opens a range of new possibilities for regenerative medicine.
Revista:
BLOOD
ISSN:
0006-4971
Año:
2012
Vol.:
119
N°:
13
Págs.:
3042 - 3049
Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited genetic disorder associated with BM failure and cancer predisposition. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the hematopoietic defects observed in FA patients. Initial studies showed that 3 miRNAs, hsa-miR-133a, hsa-miR-135b, and hsa-miR181c, were significantly down-regulated in lymphoblastoid cell lines and fresh peripheral blood cells from FA patients. In vitro studies with cells expressing the luciferase reporter fused to the TNF alpha 3'-untranslated region confirmed in silico predictions suggesting an interaction between hsa-miR-181c and TNF alpha mRNA. These observations were consistent with the down-regulated expression of TNF alpha mediated by hsa-miR-181c in cells from healthy donors and cells from FA patients. Because of the relevance of TNF alpha in the hematopoietic defects of FA patients, in the present study, we transfected BM cells from FA patients with hsa-miR-181c to evaluate the impact of this miRNA on their clonogenic potential. hsa-miR-181c markedly increased the number and size of the myeloid and erythroid colonies generated by BM cells from FA patients. Our results offer new clues toward understanding the biologic basis of BM failure in FA patients and open new possibilities for the treatment of the hematologic dysfunction in FA patients based on miRNA regulation. (Blood. 2012;119(13):3042-3049)
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2012
Vol.:
26
N°:
3
Págs.:
395-403
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that can negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNA expression patterns are regulated during development and differentiation of the hematopoietic system and have an important role in cell processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation or even in tumorigenesis of human tumors and in particular of hematological malignancies such as acute leukemias. Various miRNAs and their functions have been intensively studied in acute leukemias but the mechanisms that control their expression are largely unknown for the majority of aberrantly expressed miRNAs. miRNA expression can be regulated by the same genetic mechanism that modulate protein coding genes such as mutation, deletion, amplification, loss of heterozygosity and translocations. In this review we focus on the regulation of miRNAs in acute leukemias mediated by alterations in epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone code, describing the role of these alterations in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of acute leukemias and their possible use as new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Autores:
Vicente-Duenas, C.; Fontan, L. ; Gonzalez-Herrero, I. ; et al.
Revista:
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ISSN:
0027-8424
Año:
2012
Vol.:
109
N°:
26
Págs.:
10534 - 10539
Chromosomal translocations involving the MALT1 gene are hallmarks of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. To date, targeting these translocations to mouse B cells has failed to reproduce human disease. Here, we induced MALT1 expression in mouse Sca1(+)Lin(-) hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which showed NF-kappa B activation and early lymphoid priming, being selectively skewed toward B-cell differentiation. These cells accumulated in extranodal tissues and gave rise to clonal tumors recapitulating the principal clinical, biological, and molecular genetic features of MALT lymphoma. Deletion of p53 gene accelerated tumor onset and induced transformation of MALT lymphoma to activated B-cell diffuse large-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL). Treatment of MALT1-induced lymphomas with a specific inhibitor of MALT1 proteolytic activity decreased cell viability, indicating that endogenous Malt1 signaling was required for tumor cell survival. Our study shows that human-like lymphomas can be modeled in mice by targeting MALT1 expression to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, demonstrating the oncogenic role of MALT1 in lymphomagenesis. Furthermore, this work establishes a molecular link between MALT lymphoma and ABC-DLBCL, and provides mouse models to test MALT1 inhibitors. Finally, our results suggest that hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of human mature B-cell lymphomas.
Revista:
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
ISSN:
0007-1048
Año:
2012
Vol.:
158
N°:
6
Págs.:
712 - 726
Using high-resolution genomic microarray analysis, a distinct genomic profile was defined in 114 samples from patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). Deletion or uniparental disomy of chromosome 7q were detected in 42 of 114 (37%) SMZLs but in only nine of 170 (5%) mature B-cell lymphomas (P < 0·00001). The presence of unmutated IGHV, genomic complexity, 17p13-TP53 deletion and 8q-MYC gain, but not 7q deletion, correlated with shorter overall survival of SMZL patients. Mapping studies narrowed down a commonly deleted region of 2·7 Mb in 7q32.1-q32.2 spanning a region between the SND1 and COPG2 genes. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the 7q32-deleted segment did not identify biallelic deletions/insertions or clear pathogenic gene mutations, but detected six nucleotide changes in IRF5 (n = 2), TMEM209 (n = 2), CALU (n = 1) and ZC3HC1 (n = 1) not found in healthy individuals. Comparative expression analysis found a fourfold down-regulation of IRF5 gene in lymphomas with 7q32 deletion versus non-deleted tumours (P = 0·032). Ectopic expression of IRF5 in marginal-zone lymphoma cells decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in vitro, and impaired lymphoma development in vivo. These results show that cryptic deletions, insertions and/or point mutations inactivating genes within 7q32 are not common in SMZL, and suggest that IRF5 may be a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor in this lymphoma entity.
Autores:
Nigro, A.; Geraerts, M. ; Notelaers, T. ; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1674-2788
Año:
2012
Vol.:
4
N°:
6
Págs.:
423 - 426
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2012
Vol.:
7
N°:
8
Págs.:
e42334
Acute myeloid leukemia patients with normal cytogenetics (CN-AML) account for almost half of AML cases. We aimed to study the frequency and relationship of a wide range of genes previously reported as mutated in AML (ASXL1, NPM1, FLT3, TET2, IDH1/2, RUNX1, DNMT3A, NRAS, JAK2, WT1, CBL, SF3B1, TP53, KRAS and MPL) in a series of 84 CN-AML cases. The most frequently mutated genes in primary cases were NPM1 (60.8%) and FLT3 (50.0%), and in secondary cases ASXL1 (48.5%) and TET2 (30.3%). We showed that 85% of CN-AML patients have mutations in at least one of ASXL1, NPM1, FLT3, TET2, IDH1/2 and/or RUNX1. Serial samples from 19 MDS/CMML cases that progressed to AML were analyzed for ASXL1/TET2/IDH1/2 mutations; seventeen cases presented mutations of at least one of these genes. However, there was no consistent pattern in mutation acquisition during disease progression. This report concerns the analysis of the largest number of gene mutations in CN-AML studied to date, and provides insight into the mutational profile of CN-AML.
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2012
Vol.:
7
N°:
7
Págs.:
e41691
Background: The aim of this article is to present an optimized acquisition and analysis protocol for the echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricle (LV) remodeling in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). Methodology: 13 female DBA/2J mice underwent permanent occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery leading to MI. Mice echocardiography was performed using a Vevo 770 (Visualsonics, Canada) before infarction, and 7, 14, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after LAD ligation. LV systolic function was evaluated using different parameters, including the fractional area change (FAC%) computed in four high-temporal resolution B-mode short axis images taken at different ventricular levels, and in one parasternal long axis. Pulsed wave and tissue Doppler modes were used to evaluate the diastolic function and Tei Index for global cardiac function. The echocardiographic measurements of infarct size were validated histologically using collagen deposition labeled by Sirius red staining. All data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk and Student's t-tests. Principal Findings: Our results reveal LV dilation resulting in marked remodeling an severe systolic dysfunction, starting seven days after MI (LV internal apical diameter, basal = 2.82 +/- 0.24, 7d = 3.49 +/- 0.42; p < 0.001. End-diastolic area, basal = 18.98 +/- 1.81, 7d = 22.04 +/- 2.11; p < 0.001). A strong statistically significant negative correlation exists between the infarct size and long-axis FAC% (r = -0.946; R-2 = 0.90; p < 0.05). Moreover, the measured Tei Index values confirmed significant post-infarction impairment of the global cardiac function (basal = 0.46 +/- 0.07, 7d = 0.55 +/- 0.08, 14 d = 0.57 +/- 0.06, 30 d = 0.54 +/- 0.06, 60 d = 0.54 +/- 0.07, 90 d = 0.57 +/- 0.08; p < 0.01). Conclusions/Significance: In summary, we have performed a complete characterization of LV post-infarction remodeling in a DBA/2J mouse model of MI, using parameters adapted to the particular characteristics of the model In the future, this well characterized model will be used in both investigative and pharmacological studies that require accurate quantitative monitoring of cardiac recovery after myocardial infarction.
Revista:
LEUKEMIA
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2012
Vol.:
26
N°:
7
Págs.:
1517 - 1526
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been identified as therapeutic targets due to their regulatory function in chromatin structure and organization. Here, we analyzed the therapeutic effect of LBH589, a class I - II HDAC inhibitor, in acute lymphoblastic leukemia ( ALL). In vitro, LBH589 induced dose-dependent antiproliferative and apoptotic effects, which were associated with increased H3 and H4 histone acetylation. Intravenous administration of LBH589 in immunodeficient BALB/c-RAG2(-/-)gamma c(-/-) mice in which human-derived T and B-ALL cell lines were injected induced a significant reduction in tumor growth. Using primary ALL cells, a xenograft model of human leukemia in BALB/c-RAG2(-/-)gamma c(-/-) mice was established, allowing continuous passages of transplanted cells to several mouse generations. Treatment of mice engrafted with T or B-ALL cells with LBH589 induced an in vivo increase in the acetylation of H3 and H4, which was accompanied with prolonged survival of LBH589-treated mice in comparison with those receiving vincristine and dexamethasone. Notably, the therapeutic efficacy of LBH589 was significantly enhanced in combination with vincristine and dexamethasone. Our results show the therapeutic activity of LBH589 in combination with standard chemotherapy in pre-clinical models of ALL and suggest that this combination may be of clinical value in the treatment of patients with ALL.
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2012
Vol.:
7
N°:
2
Págs.:
e30766
miRNAs are small RNA molecules (' 22nt) that interact with their corresponding target mRNAs inhibiting the translation of the mRNA into proteins and cleaving the target mRNA. This second effect diminishes the overall expression of the target mRNA. Several miRNA-mRNA relationship databases have been deployed, most of them based on sequence complementarities. However, the number of false positives in these databases is large and they do not overlap completely. Recently, it has been proposed to combine expression measurement from both miRNA and mRNA and sequence based predictions to achieve more accurate relationships. In our work, we use LASSO regression with non-positive constraints to integrate both sources of information. LASSO enforces the sparseness of the solution and the non-positive constraints restrict the search of miRNA targets to those with down-regulation effects on the mRNA expression. We named this method TaLasso (miRNA-Target LASSO). We used TaLasso on two public datasets that have paired expression levels of human miRNAs and mRNAs. The top ranked interactions recovered by TaLasso are especially enriched (more than using any other algorithm) in experimentally validated targets. The functions of the genes with mRNA transcripts in the top-ranked interactions are meaningful. This is not the case using other algorithms. TaLasso is available as Matlab or R code. There is also a web-based tool for human miRNAs at http://talasso.cnb.csic.es/.
Autores:
Valleron, W; Laprevotte, E; Gautier, EF; et al.
Revista:
Leukemia
ISSN:
0887-6924
Año:
2012
Vol.:
26
N°:
9
Págs.:
2052-2060
Revista:
PLOS ONE
ISSN:
1932-6203
Año:
2012
Vol.:
7
N°:
2
Págs.:
e31605
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) has recently been associated with a high incidence of diverse mutations in genes such as TET2 or EZH2 that are implicated in epigenetic mechanisms. We have performed genome-wide DNA methylation arrays and mutational analysis of TET2, IDH1, IDH2, EZH2 and JAK2 in a group of 24 patients with CMML. 249 genes were differentially methylated between CMML patients and controls. Using Ingenuity pathway analysis, we identified enrichment in a gene network centered around PLC, JNK and ERK suggesting that these pathways, whose deregulation has beenrecently described in CMML, are affected by epigenetic mechanisms. Mutations of TET2, JAK2 and EZH2 were found in 15 patients (65%), 4 patients (17%) and 1 patient (4%) respectively while no mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes were identified. Interestingly, patients with wild type TET2 clustered separately from patients with TET2 mutations, showed a higher degree of hypermethylation and were associated with higher risk karyotypes. Our results demonstrate the presence of aberrant DNA methylation in CMML and identifies TET2 mutant CMML as a biologically distinct disease subtype with a different epigenetic profile.
Revista:
CELL TRANSPLANTATION
ISSN:
0963-6897
Año:
2012
Vol.:
21
N°:
12
Págs.:
2723 - 2733
The aim of the study was to determine the long-term effect of transplantation of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) in a preclinical model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). I/R was induced in 28 Goettingen minipigs by 120 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Nine days later, surviving animals were allocated to receive transendocardial injection of a mean of 213.6 ± 41.78 million green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing ADSCs (n = 7) or culture medium as control (n = 9). Heart function, cell engraftment, and histological analysis were performed 3 months after transplantation. Transplantation of ADSCs induced a statistically significant long-lasting (3 months) improvement in cardiac function and geometry in comparison with control animals. Functional improvement was associated with an increase in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and a positive effect on heart remodeling with a decrease in fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy in animals treated with ADSCs. Despite the lack of cell engraftment after 3 months, ADSC transplantation induced changes in the ratio between MMP/TIMP. Our results indicate that transplantation of ADSCs, despite the lack of long-term significant cell engraftment, increases vessel density and prevents adverse remodeling in a clinically relevant model of myocardial infarction, strongly suggesting a paracrine-mediated effect. ADSCs thus constitute an attractive candidate for the treatment of myocardial infarction.
Autores:
Kumar, A; Declerq, J; Eggermont, K; et al.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
ISSN:
1674-2788
Año:
2012
Vol.:
4
N°:
4
Págs.:
252-55
Revista:
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ISSN:
0027-8424
Año:
2011
Vol.:
108
N°:
30
Págs.:
12461 - 12466
The chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) leading to cyclin-D1 overexpression plays an essential role in the development of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an aggressive tumor that remains incurable with current treatment strategies. Cyclin-D1 has been postulated as an effective therapeutic target, but the evaluation of this target has been hampered by our incomplete understanding of its oncogenic functions and by the lack of valid MCL murine models. To address these issues, we generated a cyclin-D1-driven mouse model in which cyclin-D1 expression can be regulated externally. These mice developed cyclin-D1-expressing lymphomas capable of recapitulating features of human MCL. We found that cyclin-D1 inactivation was not sufficient to induce lymphoma regression in vivo; however, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays, we identified a novel prosurvival cyclin-D1 function in MCL cells. Specifically, we found that cyclin-D1, besides increasing cell proliferation through deregulation of the cell cycle at the G(1)-S transition, sequestrates the proapoptotic protein BAX in the cytoplasm, thereby favoring BCL2's antiapoptotic function. Accordingly, cyclin-D1 inhibition sensitized the lymphoma cells to apoptosis through BAX release. Thus, genetic or pharmacologic targeting of cyclin-D1 combined with a proapoptotic BH3 mimetic synergistically killed the cyclin-D1-expressing murine lymphomas, human MCL cell lines, and primary lymphoma cells. Our study identifies a role of cyclin-D1 in deregulating apoptosis in MCL cells, and highlights the potential benefit of simultaneously targeting cyclin-D1 and survival pathways in patients with MCL. This effective combination therapy also might be exploited in other cyclin-D1-expressing tumors.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1937-5387
Año:
2011
Vol.:
4
N°:
2
Págs.:
145 - 153
In recent years, stem cell treatment of myocardial infarction has elicited great enthusiasm upon scientists and physicians alike, thus making the finding of a suitable cell a compulsory subject for modern medicine. Due to its potential, accessibility and efficiency of harvesting, adipose tissue has become one of the most attractive sources of stem cells for regenerative therapies. The differentiation capacity and the paracrine activity of these cells has made them an optimal candidate for the treatment of a diverse range of diseases from immunological disorders as graft versus host disease to cardiovascular pathologies like peripheral ischemia. In this review, we will focus on the use of stem cells derived from adipose tissue for treatment of myocardial infarction, with special attention to their putative in vivo mechanisms of action.
Revista:
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
ISSN:
1937-5387
Año:
2011
Vol.:
4
N°:
2
Págs.:
154 - 160
Cardiovascular diseases constitute the first cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Alternative treatments like transplantation of (stem) cell populations derived from several adult tissue sources, like the bone marrow, skeletal muscle, or even adipose tissue, have been already employed
