技术资料

Progressive resistance exercise training (PRT) is the most effective known intervention for combating aging skeletal muscle atrophy. However,the hypertrophic response to PRT is variable,and this may be due to muscle inflammation susceptibility. Metformin reduces inflammation,so we hypothesized that metformin would augment the muscle response to PRT in healthy women and men aged 65 and older. In a randomized,double-blind trial,participants received 1,700 mg/day metformin (N = 46) or placebo (N = 48) throughout the study,and all subjects performed 14 weeks of supervised PRT. Although responses to PRT varied,placebo gained more lean body mass (p = .003) and thigh muscle mass (p {\textless} .001) than metformin. CT scan showed that increases in thigh muscle area (p = .005) and density (p = .020) were greater in placebo versus metformin. There was a trend for blunted strength gains in metformin that did not reach statistical significance. Analyses of vastus lateralis muscle biopsies showed that metformin did not affect fiber hypertrophy,or increases in satellite cell or macrophage abundance with PRT. However,placebo had decreased type I fiber percentage while metformin did not (p = .007). Metformin led to an increase in AMPK signaling,and a trend for blunted increases in mTORC1 signaling in response to PRT. These results underscore the benefits of PRT in older adults,but metformin negatively impacts the hypertrophic response to resistance training in healthy older individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02308228. View Publication

INTRODUCTION Complexins (CPLXs),initially identified in neuronal presynaptic terminals,are cytoplasmic proteins that interact with the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE) complex to regulate the fusion of vesicles to the plasma membrane. Although much is known about CPLX function in neuronal synaptic vesicle exocytosis,their distribution and role in immune cells are still unclear. In this study,we investigated CPLX2 knockout (KO) mice to reveal the role of CPLXs in exocytosis of lymphocytes. METHODS We examined the expression of CPLXs and SNAREs in lymphocytes. To study the effect of CPLXs on the immune system in vivo,we analyzed the immune phenotype of CPLX2 KO mice. Furthermore,antibodies secretion from the peritoneal cavity,spleen,and bone marrow cells of wild-type (WT) and CPLX2 KO mice were determined. RESULTS CPLX2 was detected in B cells but not in T cells,while other CPLXs and SNAREs were expressed at a similar level in both B and T cells. To clarify the function of CPLX2 in B lymphocytes,serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG),IgA,IgM,and IgE were measured in WT and CPLX2 KO mice using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of IgM,which mainly consists of natural antibodies,was higher in KO mice than that in WT mice,while the levels of other antibodies were similar in both types of mice. Additionally,we found that spontaneous secretion of IgM and IgG1 was enhanced from the splenic antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) of CPLX2 KO mice. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that CPLX2 inhibits spontaneous secretion of IgM and IgG1 from splenic ASCs. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of antibody secretion of ASCs. View Publication

The main limitations of hematopoietic cord blood (CB) transplantation,viz,low cell dosage and delayed reconstitution,can be overcome by ex vivo expansion. CB expansion under conventional culture causes rapid cell differentiation and depletion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) responsible for engraftment. In this study,we use combinatorial cell culture technology (CombiCult{\textregistered}) to identify medium formulations that promote CD133+ CB HSPC proliferation while maintaining their phenotypic characteristics. We employed second-generation CombiCult screens that use electrospraying technology to encapsulate CB cells in alginate beads. Our results suggest that not only the combination but also the order of addition of individual components has a profound influence on expansion of specific HSPC populations. Top protocols identified by the CombiCult screen were used to culture human CD133+ CB HSPCs on nanofiber scaffolds and validate the expansion of the phenotypically defined CD34+CD38lo/-CD45RA-CD90+CD49f+ population of hematopoietic stem cells and their differentiation into defined progeny. View Publication

Decidua is a transient uterine tissue shared by mammals with hemochorial placenta and is essential for pregnancy. The decidua is infiltrated by many immune cells promoting pregnancy. Adult bone marrow (BM)-derived cells (BMDCs) differentiate into rare populations of nonhematopoietic endometrial cells in the uterus. However,whether adult BMDCs become nonhematopoietic decidual cells and contribute functionally to pregnancy is unknown. Here,we show that pregnancy mobilizes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the circulation and that pregnancy induces considerable adult BMDCs recruitment to decidua,where some differentiate into nonhematopoietic prolactin-expressing decidual cells. To explore the functional importance of nonhematopoietic BMDCs to pregnancy,we used Homeobox a11 (Hoxa11)-deficient mice,having endometrial stromal-specific defects precluding decidualization and successful pregnancy. Hoxa11 expression in BM is restricted to nonhematopoietic cells. BM transplant (BMT) from wild-type (WT) to Hoxa11-/- mice results in stromal expansion,gland formation,and marked decidualization otherwise absent in Hoxa11-/- mice. Moreover,in Hoxa11+/- mice,which have increased pregnancy losses,BMT from WT donors leads to normalized uterine expression of numerous decidualization-related genes and rescue of pregnancy loss. Collectively,these findings reveal that adult BMDCs have a previously unrecognized nonhematopoietic physiologic contribution to decidual stroma,thereby playing important roles in decidualization and pregnancy. View Publication

Molecular- and cellular-based therapies have the potential to reduce obesity-associated disease. In response to cold,beige adipocytes form in subcutaneous white adipose tissue and convert energy stored in metabolic substrates to heat,making them an attractive therapeutic target. We developed a robust method to generate a renewable source of human beige adipocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Developmentally,these cells are derived from FOXF1+ mesoderm and progress through an expandable mural-like mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) to form mature beige adipocytes that display a thermogenically active profile. This includes expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) concomitant with increased uncoupled respiration. With this method,dysfunctional adipogenic precursors can be reprogrammed and differentiated into beige adipocytes with increased thermogenic function and anti-diabetic secretion potential. This resource can be used to (1) elucidate mechanisms that underlie the control of beige adipogenesis and (2) generate material for cellular-based therapies that target metabolic syndrome in humans. View Publication

Immunosuppression increases the risk of cancers that are associated with viral infection1. In particular,the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin-which has been associated with beta human papillomavirus ($\beta$-HPV) infection-is increased by more than 100-fold in immunosuppressed patients2-4. Previous studies have not established a causative role for HPVs in driving the development of skin cancer. Here we show that T cell immunity against commensal papillomaviruses suppresses skin cancer in immunocompetent hosts,and the loss of this immunity-rather than the oncogenic effect of HPVs-causes the markedly increased risk of skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients. To investigate the effects of papillomavirus on carcinogen-driven skin cancer,we colonized several strains of immunocompetent mice with mouse papillomavirus type 1 (MmuPV1)5. Mice with natural immunity against MmuPV1 after colonization and acquired immunity through the transfer of T cells from immune mice or by MmuPV1 vaccination were protected against skin carcinogenesis induced by chemicals or by ultraviolet radiation in a manner dependent on CD8+ T cells. RNA and DNA in situ hybridization probes for 25 commensal $\beta$-HPVs revealed a significant reduction in viral activity and load in human skin cancer compared with the adjacent healthy skin,suggesting a strong immune selection against virus-positive malignant cells. Consistently,E7 peptides from $\beta$-HPVs activated CD8+ T cells from unaffected human skin. Our findings reveal a beneficial role for commensal viruses and establish a foundation for immune-based approaches that could block the development of skin cancer by boosting immunity against the commensal HPVs present in all of our skin. View Publication

Metabolic pathways dynamically regulate tissue development and maintenance. However,the mechanisms that govern the metabolic adaptation of stem or progenitor cells to their local niche are poorly understood. Here,we define the transcription factor PRDM16 as a region-specific regulator of intestinal metabolism and epithelial renewal. PRDM16 is selectively expressed in the upper intestine,with enrichment in crypt-resident progenitor cells. Acute Prdm16 deletion in mice triggered progenitor apoptosis,leading to diminished epithelial differentiation and severe intestinal atrophy. Genomic and metabolic analyses showed that PRDM16 transcriptionally controls fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in crypts. Expression of this PRDM16-driven FAO program was highest in the upper small intestine and declined distally. Accordingly,deletion of Prdm16 or inhibition of FAO selectively impaired the development and maintenance of upper intestinal enteroids,and these effects were rescued by acetate treatment. Collectively,these data reveal that regionally specified metabolic programs regulate intestinal maintenance. View Publication

TFF1,a secreted protein,plays an essential role in keeping the integrity of gastric mucosa and its barrier function. Loss of TFF1 expression in the TFF1-knockout (KO) mouse leads to a pro-inflammatory phenotype with a cascade of gastric lesions that include low-grade dysplasia,high-grade dysplasia,and adenocarcinomas. In this study,we demonstrate nuclear localization of p-STATY705,with significant overexpression of several STAT3 target genes in gastric glands from the TFF1-KO mice. We also show frequent loss of TFF1 with nuclear localization of STAT3 in human gastric cancers. The reconstitution of TFF1 protein in human gastric cancer cells and 3D gastric glands organoids from TFF1-KO mice abrogates IL6-induced nuclear p-STAT3Y705 expression. Reconstitution of TFF1 inhibits IL6-induced STAT3 transcription activity,suppressing expression of its target genes. TFF1 blocks IL6R$\alpha$-GP130 complex formation through interfering with binding of IL6 to its receptor IL6R$\alpha$. These findings demonstrate a functional role of TFF1 in suppressing gastric tumorigenesis by impeding the IL6-STAT3 pro-inflammatory signaling axis. View Publication

Neutrophils are the first immune cells to kill invading microbes at sites of infection using a variety of processes,including the release of proteases,phagocytosis and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NET formation,or NETosis,is a specific and highly efficient process,which is induced by a variety of stimuli leading to expulsion of DNA,proteases and antimicrobial peptides to the extracellular space. However,uncontrolled NETosis may lead to adverse effects and exert tissue damage in pathological conditions. Here,we show that the ATP channel pannexin1 (Panx1) is functionally expressed by bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs) of wild-type (WT) mice and that ATP contributes to NETosis induced in vitro by the calcium ionophore A23187 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Interestingly,neutrophils isolated from Panx1-/- mice showed reduced and/or delayed induction of NETosis. Brilliant blue FCF dye (BB-FCF),a Panx1 channel inhibitor,decreased NETosis in wild-type neutrophils to the extent observed in Panx1-/- neutrophils. Thus,we demonstrate that ATP and Panx1 channels contribute to NETosis and may represent a therapeutic target. View Publication

Mask family proteins were discovered in Drosophila to promote the activity of the transcriptional coactivator Yorkie (Yki),the sole fly homolog of mammalian YAP (YAP1) and TAZ (WWTR1). The molecular function of Mask,or its mammalian homologs Mask1 (ANKHD1) and Mask2 (ANKRD17),remains unclear. Mask family proteins contain two ankyrin repeat domains that bind Yki/YAP as well as a conserved nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) and nuclear export sequence (NES),suggesting a role in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. Here we show that Mask acts to promote nuclear import of Yki,and that addition of an ectopic NLS to Yki is sufficient to bypass the requirement for Mask in Yki-driven tissue growth. Mammalian Mask1/2 proteins also promote nuclear import of YAP,as well as stabilising YAP and driving formation of liquid droplets. Mask1/2 and YAP normally colocalise in a granular fashion in both nucleus and cytoplasm,and are co-regulated during mechanotransduction. View Publication

Exosomes are nanosized membranous vesicles secreted by a variety of cells. Due to their unique and pharmacologically important properties,cell-derived exosome nanoparticles have drawn significant interest for drug development. By genetically modifying exosomes with two distinct types of surface-displayed monoclonal antibodies,we have developed an exosome platform termed synthetic multivalent antibodies retargeted exosome (SMART-Exo) for controlling cellular immunity. Here,we apply this approach to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-expressing breast cancer by engineering exosomes through genetic display of both anti-human CD3 and anti-human HER2 antibodies,resulting in SMART-Exos dually targeting T cell CD3 and breast cancer-associated HER2 receptors. By redirecting and activating cytotoxic T cells toward attacking HER2-expressing breast cancer cells,the designed SMART-Exos exhibited highly potent and specific anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. This work demonstrates preclinical feasibility of utilizing endogenous exosomes for targeted breast cancer immunotherapy and the SMART-Exos as a broadly applicable platform technology for the development of next-generation immuno-nanomedicines. View Publication

PURPOSE We investigated the effect of the racemic $\beta$-hydroxybutyrate precursor,R,S-1,3-butanediol (BD),on T-cell-related cytokine gene expression within stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) following prolonged,strenuous exercise. METHODS A repeated-measures,randomised,crossover study was conducted in nine healthy,trained male cyclists (age,26.7 ± 5.2 years; VO2peak,63.9 ± 2.5 mL kg-1 min-1). Participants ingested 0.35 g kg-1 of BD or placebo 30 min before and 60 min during 85 min of steady-state (SS) exercise,which preceded a {\~{}} 30 min time-trial (TT) (7 kJ kg-1). Blood samples were collected at pre-supplement,pre-exercise,post-SS,post-TT and 1-h post-TT. Whole blood cultures were stimulated with Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) for 24 h to determine T-cell-related interleukin (IL)-4,IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-$\gamma$ mRNA expression within isolated PBMCs in vitro. RESULTS Serum cortisol,total circulating leukocyte and lymphocyte,and T-cell subset concentrations were similar between trials during exercise and recovery (all p {\textgreater} 0.05). BD ingestion increased T-cell-related IFN-$\gamma$ mRNA expression compared with placebo throughout exercise and recovery (p = 0.011); however,IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression and the IFN-$\gamma$/IL-4 mRNA expression ratio were unaltered (all p {\textgreater} 0.05). CONCLUSION Acute hyperketonaemia appears to transiently amplify the initiation of the pro-inflammatory T-cell-related IFN-$\gamma$ response to an immune challenge in vitro during and following prolonged,strenuous exercise; suggesting enhanced type-1 T-cell immunity at the gene level. View Publication