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IntroductionThe role of miRNAs in regulating variable molecular functions has been sought by scientists for its promising utility in regulating the immune response and,hence,in treating various diseases. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specifically,a reduction in the number and efficiency of circulating and intrahepatic natural killer (NK) cells has been reported. Our project aims to investigate the role of miR-216a-3p in the regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity,especially since it plays a tumor suppressor role in the context of HCC.MethodsTo achieve our aim,we isolated NK cells from the whole blood of 86 patients with HCC and 23 healthy controls. We assessed the expression profile of miR-216a-3p in NK cells of patients and controls. Furthermore,we induced the expression of miR-216a-3p in NK cells isolated from healthy controls,followed by measuring the release of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),perforins (PRF) and granzyme B (GrB) using ELISA as well as NK cells cytolytic activity against Huh7 cells using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay. After that,we performed an in silico analysis to understand the mechanistic regulation imposed by miR-216a-3p on NK cells to study its impact on one of its potential downstream targets.ResultsOur results have indicated that miR-216a-3p has higher expression in NK cells of patients with HCC,and simulating this elevated expression pattern via forcing miR-216a-3p expression in normal NK cells has negatively impacted the release of TNF- α,IFN- γ,GrB,and PRF. Consequently,a decrease in cell cytolysis was observed. Our in silico analysis revealed that the predicted downstream targets of miR-216a-3p are enriched in the FOXO-signaling pathway. Among those targets is FOXO-1,which has been reported to play a role in NK cell maturation. Thus,we evaluated FOXO-1 expression upon mimicking miR-216a-3p in control NK cells that showed significant downregulation of FOXO-1 on both RNA and protein levels.ConclusionIn conclusion,we report miR-216-3p as a negative regulator of NK cell cytotoxicity. View Publication

GATA2 germline mutations lead to a syndrome characterized by immunodeficiency,vascular disorders and myeloid malignancies. To elucidate how these mutations affect hematopoietic homeostasis,we created a knock-in mouse model expressing the recurrent Gata2 R396Q missense mutation. Employing molecular and functional approaches,we investigated the mutation’s impact on hematopoiesis,revealing significant alterations in the hematopoietic stem and progenitor (HSPC) compartment in young age. These include increased LT-HSC numbers,reduced self-renewal potential,and impaired response to acute inflammatory stimuli. The mature HSPC compartment was primarily affected at the CMP sub-population level. In the mutant LT-HSC population,we identified an aberrant subpopulation strongly expressing CD150,resembling aging,but occurring prematurely. This population showed hyporesponsiveness,accumulated over time,and exhibited allele-specific expression (ASE) favoring the mutated Gata2 allele,also observed in GATA2 mutated patients. Our findings reveal the detrimental impact of a Gata2 recurrent missense mutation on the HSC compartment contributing to its functional decline. Defects in the CMP mature compartment,along with the inflammatory molecular signature,explain the loss of heterogeneity in HPC compartment observed in patients. Finally,our study provides a valuable model that recapitulates the ASE-related pathology observed in GATA2 deficiency,shedding light on the mechanisms contributing to the disease’s natural progression. View Publication

Gene enhancers often form long-range contacts with promoters,but it remains unclear if the activity of enhancers and their chromosomal contacts are mediated by the same DNA sequences and recruited factors. Here,we study the effects of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) on enhancer activity and promoter contacts in primary monocytes isolated from 34 male individuals. Using eQTL-Capture Hi-C and a Bayesian approach considering both intra- and inter-individual variation,we initially detect 19 eQTLs associated with enhancer-eGene promoter contacts,most of which also associate with enhancer accessibility and activity. Capitalising on these shared effects,we devise a multi-modality Bayesian strategy,identifying 629 “trimodal QTLs” jointly associated with enhancer accessibility,eGene promoter contact,and gene expression. Causal mediation analysis and CRISPR interference reveal causal relationships between these three modalities. Many detected QTLs overlap disease susceptibility loci and influence the predicted binding of myeloid transcription factors,including SPI1,GABPB and STAT3. Additionally,a variant associated with PCK2 promoter contact directly disrupts a CTCF binding motif and impacts promoter insulation from downstream enhancers. Jointly,our findings suggest an inherent genetic coupling of enhancer activity and connectivity in gene expression control relevant to human disease and highlight the regulatory role of genetically determined chromatin boundaries. Here,the authors study the effects of expression quantitative trait loci on enhancer activity and promoter contacts in primary monocytes isolated from male individuals,suggesting an inherent genetic link between the activity of enhancers,their contacts to target gene promoters and gene expression. View Publication

How macrophages in the tissue environment integrate multiple stimuli depends on the genetic background of the host,but this is still poorly understood. We investigate IL-4 activation of male C57BL/6 and BALB/c strain specific in vivo tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) from the peritoneal cavity. C57BL/6 TRMs are more transcriptionally responsive to IL-4 stimulation,with induced genes associated with more super enhancers,induced enhancers,and topologically associating domains (TAD) boundaries. IL-4-directed epigenomic remodeling reveals C57BL/6 specific enrichment of NF-κB,IRF,and STAT motifs. Additionally,IL-4-activated C57BL/6 TRMs demonstrate an augmented synergistic response upon in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure,despite naïve BALB/c TRMs displaying a more robust transcriptional response to LPS. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of mixed bone marrow chimeras indicates that transcriptional differences and synergy are cell intrinsic within the same tissue environment. Hence,genetic variation alters IL-4-induced cell intrinsic epigenetic reprogramming resulting in strain specific synergistic responses to LPS exposure. Genetic background affects how macrophages integrate multiple stimuli,e.g.,to IL-4 in tissue environments. BALB/c macrophages show different transcriptional and epigenomic remodeling compared to C57BL/6,leading to distinct synergistic LPS responses. View Publication

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a malignant lymphoproliferative disorder for which primary or acquired drug resistance represents a major challenge. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms,we generate a mouse model of ibrutinib resistance,in which,after initial treatment response,relapse under therapy occurrs with an aggressive outgrowth of malignant cells,resembling observations in patients. A comparative analysis of exome,transcriptome and proteome of sorted leukemic murine cells during treatment and after relapse suggests alterations in the proteasome activity as a driver of ibrutinib resistance. Preclinical treatment with the irreversible proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib administered upon ibrutinib resistance prolongs survival of mice. Longitudinal proteomic analysis of ibrutinib-resistant patients identifies deregulation in protein post-translational modifications. Additionally,cells from ibrutinib-resistant patients effectively respond to several proteasome inhibitors in co-culture assays. Altogether,our results from orthogonal omics approaches identify proteasome inhibition as potentially attractive treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients resistant or refractory to ibrutinib. The molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to therapy in Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remain to be explored. Here,the authors perform multi-omics analysis in a mouse model of ibrutinib resistance and suggest proteasome inhibition for overcoming it. View Publication

BackgroundNeutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation has been implicated as a pathogenic mechanism in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). However,the role of NETs in RA-associated ILD (RA-ILD) and the mechanisms driving NET formation remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the involvement of NETs in RA-ILD and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsSingle-cell sequencing was used to identify changes in the quantity and function of neutrophils in the lung tissue of a zymosan A (ZYM)-induced interstitial pneumonia arthritis model. Additionally,nuclear receptor 4A3 (NR4A3) interference was performed in HL-60 cells to assess its impact on NET formation and the transformation of MRC-5 cells into myofibroblasts. The clinical relevance of plasma myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA),citrullinated histone 3 (Cit-H3),and cell-free DNA was evaluated in RA-ILD patients with different imaging types via a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsIn the ZYM-treated SKG mouse model,which recapitulates key features of RA-ILD,an increased population of neutrophils in the lung tissue was primarily responsible for NET formation. Mechanistically,we found that interference with NR4A3 expression enhanced NET formation in HL-60 cells,which in turn promoted the differentiation of MRC-5 cells into myofibroblasts. Clinically,plasma MPO-DNA levels are elevated in patients with RA-nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (RA-NSIP),whereas Cit-H3 levels are elevated in RA-usual interstitial pneumonia (RA-UIP) patients compared with healthy subjects. ROC curve analysis further revealed that the combination of plasma MPO-DNA,rheumatoid factor (RF),and anti-citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) and the combination of Cit-H3,RF,and anti-CCP were superior diagnostic panels for NSIP and UIP in RA-ILD patients,respectively. Moreover,compared with those from healthy controls,neutrophils from patients with RA-UIP and RA-NSIP demonstrated a significantly increased ability to form NETs and induce the differentiation of MRC-5 cells into myofibroblasts. Specifically,RA-UIP patients exhibited a greater capacity for NET formation and the differentiation of MRC-5 cells into myofibroblasts than did RA-NSIP patients.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that targeting NETs may be a novel therapeutic approach for treating ILD in RA patients.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-025-03111-1. View Publication

SummaryHere,we present a protocol to generate craniofacial cartilage organoids from human stem cells via neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). We describe steps for inducing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to form NCSCs using sequential treatments of small molecules and growth factors and isolating NCSCs by magnetic bead sorting. We then detail procedures for defining conditions where NCSCs migrate together and self-organize into craniofacial cartilage organoids. Recapitulating craniofacial chondrogenesis will facilitate craniofacial reconstruction and disease modeling.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol,please refer to Foltz et al.1 Graphical abstract Highlights•Protocol for inducing hESCs or iPSCs to form neural crest stem cells (NCSCs)•Steps for differentiating NCSCs into craniofacial cartilage organoids•Instructions for preparing appropriate media and conditions for differentiation•Guidance for assessing changes in cell and organoid morphology during differentiation Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Here,we present a protocol to generate craniofacial cartilage organoids from human stem cells via neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). We describe steps for inducing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to form NCSCs using sequential treatments of small molecules and growth factors and isolating NCSCs by magnetic bead sorting. We then detail procedures for defining conditions where NCSCs migrate together and self-organize into craniofacial cartilage organoids. Recapitulating craniofacial chondrogenesis will facilitate craniofacial reconstruction and disease modeling. View Publication

Simple SummaryAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a challenging blood cancer to treat,with only about 24% of patients surviving for 5 years after diagnosis. A key challenge is that AML cells stick to normal cells in the bone marrow (BM),and these BM cells protect them from chemotherapy. The aim of this project is to find drugs that disrupt AML cell adherence to BM cells and release them into the blood,where chemotherapy will be more effective. To achieve this,we have created a model of adhesive BM and shown that it mimics the drug resistance seen clinically. We have used the model as a testing platform for drugs that disrupt AML cell adhesion. We have shown that the combined targeting of CD44 and FAK,using anti-CD44 and the clinical-grade FAK inhibitor defactinib,inhibits the adhesion of the most primitive AML cells that are associated with drug resistance and disease relapse. AbstractBackground/Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive neoplasm. Although most patients respond to induction therapy,they commonly relapse due to recurrent disease in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME). So,the disruption of the BMME,releasing tumor cells into the peripheral circulation,has therapeutic potential. Methods: Using both primary donor AML cells and cell lines,we developed an in vitro co-culture model of the AML BMME. We used this model to identify the most effective agent(s) to block AML cell adherence and reverse adhesion-mediated treatment resistance. Results: We identified that anti-CD44 treatment significantly increased the efficacy of cytarabine. However,some AML cells remained adhered,and transcriptional analysis identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling as a contributing factor; the adhered cells showed elevated FAK phosphorylation that was reduced by the FAK inhibitor,defactinib. Importantly,we demonstrated that anti-CD44 and defactinib were highly synergistic at diminishing the adhesion of the most primitive CD34high AML cells in primary autologous co-cultures. Conclusions: Taken together,we identified anti-CD44 and defactinib as a promising therapeutic combination to release AML cells from the chemoprotective AML BMME. As anti-CD44 is already available as a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody,the combination of this agent with defactinib could be rapidly tested in AML clinical trials. View Publication

Atherosclerosis,a major contributor to cardiovascular disease,involves lipid accumulation and inflammatory processes in arterial walls,with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) playing a central role. OxLDL is increased during aging and stimulates monocyte transformation into foam cells and induces metabolic reprogramming and pro-inflammatory responses,accelerating atherosclerosis progression and contributing to other age-related diseases. This study investigated the effects of Mdivi-1,a mitochondrial fission inhibitor,and S1QEL,a selective complex I-associated reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor,on OxLDL-induced responses in monocytes. Healthy monocytes isolated from participants were treated with OxLDL,with or without Mdivi-1 or S1QEL,and assessed for metabolic shifts,inflammatory cytokine expression,foam cell formation,and ROS production. OxLDL treatment elevated glycolytic activity (ECAR) and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1B and CXCL8,promoting foam cell formation and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production. Mdivi-1 and S1QEL effectively reduced OxLDL-induced glycolytic reprogramming,inflammatory cytokine levels,and foam cell formation while limiting mtROS. These findings suggest that both Mdivi-1 and S1QEL modulate key monocyte responses to OxLDL,providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases. View Publication

Chromosome instability is a prevalent vulnerability of cancer cells that has yet to be fully exploited therapeutically. To identify genes uniquely essential to chromosomally unstable cells,we mined the Cancer Dependency Map for genes essential in tumor cells with high levels of copy number aberrations. We identify and validate KIF18A,a mitotic kinesin,as a vulnerability of chromosomally unstable cancer cells. Knockdown of KIF18A leads to mitotic defects and reduction of tumor growth. Screening of a chemical library for inhibitors of KIF18A enzymatic activity identified a hit that was optimized to yield VLS-1272,which is orally bioavailable,potent,ATP non-competitive,microtubule-dependent,and highly selective for KIF18A versus other kinesins. Inhibition of KIF18A’s ATPase activity prevents KIF18A translocation across the mitotic spindle,resulting in chromosome congression defects,mitotic cell accumulation,and cell death. Profiling VLS-1272 across >100 cancer cell lines demonstrates that the specificity towards cancer cells with chromosome instability differentiates KIF18A inhibition from other clinically tested anti-mitotic drugs. Treatment of tumor xenografts with VLS-1272 results in mitotic defects leading to substantial,dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. The strong biological rationale,robust preclinical data,and optimized compound properties enable the clinical development of a KIF18A inhibitor in cancers with high chromosomal instability. Chromosomal instability occurs frequently in cancer,making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here,the authors identify KIF18A as a targetable vulnerability of cancer cells with chromosomal instability and target this using VLS-1272,a selective KIF18A inhibitor. View Publication

Cells die by necrosis due to excessive chemical or thermal stress,leading to plasma membrane rupture,release of intracellular components and severe inflammation. The clearance of necrotic cell debris is crucial for tissue recovery and injury resolution,however,the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood,especially in vivo. This study examined the role of complement proteins in promoting clearance of necrotic cell debris by leukocytes and their influence on liver regeneration. We found that independently of the type of necrotic liver injury,either acetaminophen (APAP) overdose or thermal injury,complement proteins C1q and (i)C3b were deposited specifically on necrotic lesions via the activation of the classical pathway. Importantly,C3 deficiency led to a significant accumulation of necrotic debris and impairment of liver recovery in mice,which was attributed to decreased phagocytosis of debris by recruited neutrophils in vivo. Monocytes and macrophages also took part in debris clearance,although the necessity of C3 and CD11b was dependent on the specific type of necrotic liver injury. Using human neutrophils,we showed that absence of C3 or C1q caused a reduction in the volume of necrotic debris that is phagocytosed,indicating that complement promotes effective debris uptake in mice and humans. Moreover,internalization of opsonized debris induced the expression of pro-resolving genes in a C3-dependent manner,supporting the notion that debris clearance favors the resolution of inflammation. In summary,complement activation at injury sites is a pivotal event for necrotic debris clearance by phagocytes and determinant for efficient recovery from tissue injury. Graphical Abstract View Publication

IntroductionAnandamide (AEA) is an endocannabinoid that has recently been recognized as a regulator of various inflammatory diseases as well as cancer. While AEA was thought to predominantly engage cannabinoid (CB) receptors,recent findings suggest that,given its protective anti-inflammatory role in pathological conditions,anandamide may engage not only CB receptors.MethodsIn this study,we studied the role of exogenous AEA in a mouse AirPouch model of acute inflammation by examining immune cell infiltrates by flow cytometry. Human primary immune cells were used to validate findings towards immune cell activation and migration by flow cytometry and bead-based ELISA.ResultsWe found that AEA decreases the acute infiltration of myeloid cells including granulocytes and monocytes into the inflamed area,but unexpectedly increases the number of T cells at the site of inflammation. This was related to AEA signaling through nuclear receptor subfamily 4A (NR4A) transcription factors rather than CB receptors. Exploring regulatory mechanisms in the human system,we found that AEA broadly inhibits the migratory capacity of immune cells,arguing for blocked emigration of T cells from the inflamed tissue. Taking a closer look at the impact of AEA on T cells revealed that AEA profoundly alters the activation and exhaustion status of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells,thereby strongly inhibiting TH17 responses,while not altering TH1 differentiation.DiscussionThese data suggest that AEA has the potential to block chronic inflammation without influencing crucial anti-viral and anti-microbial immune defense mechanisms,and may therefore be an attractive molecule to interfere with the establishment of chronic inflammation. View Publication