Stem Cell Research & Therapy
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2026
·Vol. 17
·期 1
·103
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IF 7.8
Yao Bao,Nie Hai,Zhou Ji,Guo Lixia,Li Jiahong,Liang Weimin,Feng Junwei,Hao Peng
Objective Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by dysregulated regenerative processes in skeletal muscle, resulting in the formation of mature bone within ectopic sites. Accumulating studies indicate that M2 macrophages facilitate endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which contributes centrally to HO pathogenesis. This study explored the mechanism of M2 macrophage involvement in EndMT-mediated HO and analyzed the underlying molecular pathways. Methods Clinical samples of immature, mature, and autologous cancellous bones were collected to analyze macrophage infiltration and the cellular origin of HO. Using the GEO and GeneCards databases, MSX2 was identified as a candidate regulatory factor. An endothelial-macrophage co-culture system was established to investigate the specific molecular mechanisms by which macrophages affect EndMT by modulating MSX2 expression. Achilles tendon incision surgery was performed in C57BL/6 mice to simulate trauma-induced HO. Histological examination, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA were performed to verify the role of macrophages in influencing HO progression via MSX2. The STRING database was used to predict LEF1 as a downstream target gene of MSX2. Regulatory interactions between MSX2 and LEF1 were examined using dual-luciferase reporter assays, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. Results Compared to autologous cancellous bone, there was an increase in M2 macrophage infiltration in HO tissues, accompanied by the transformation of endothelial cells at the injury site into mesenchymal stem cells. The degree of HO positively correlated with elevated levels of BMP-2, SP, Act A, TGF-β, OSM, and NT-3 in the serum. In vitro experiments demonstrated that under co-culture conditions, M2 macrophages induced mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAOECs) to exhibit elevated expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin) and mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD44, CD90), while reducing levels of endothelial markers (E-cadherin, occludin). Moreover, M2 macrophage-driven EndMT activation further promoted the upregulation of chondrogenic (Sox9, SP7) and osteogenic (OPN, OCN, Runx2) markers. However, MSX2 depletion rescued M2 macrophage-induced EndMT activation. In vivo, MSX2 inhibition or macrophage depletion reduced the osteogenic capacity in mice and decreased HO formation, whereas injection of a lentivirus overexpressing MSX2 promoted HO formation. Mechanistically, MSX2 directly binds to the LEF1 promoter to enhance its transcriptional activity, thereby activating Wnt signaling and maintaining EndMT. Conclusions Our findings suggest that M2 macrophages regulate EndMT-driven osteogenesis through MSX2/LEF1/Wnt axis, providing new insights into future therapeutic strategies for HO.
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高影响因子
ONCOGENE
·
2024
·
IF 6.9
Zhang Tingting,Zhao Faming,Zhang Yi,Shi Ji-Hua,Cui Fengzhen,Ma Weixiang,Wang Kai,Xu Chuanrui,Zeng Qingping,Zhong Rong,Li Ningning,Liu Yong,Jin Yang,Sheng Xia
Liver-specific Ern1 knockout impairs tumor progression in mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanistic role of IRE1α in human HCC remains unclear. In this study, we show that XBP1s, the major downstream effector of IRE1α, is required for HCC cell survival both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, XBP1s transactivates LEF1, a key co-factor of β-catenin, by binding to its promoter. Moreover, XBP1s physically interacts with LEF1, forming a transcriptional complex that enhances classical Wnt signaling. Consistently, the activities of XBP1s and LEF1 are strongly correlated in human HCC and with disease prognosis. Notably, selective inhibition of XBP1 splicing using an IRE1α inhibitor significantly repressed the viability of tumor explants as well as the growth of tumor xenografts derived from patients with distinct Wnt/LEF1 activities. Finally, machine learning algorithms developed a powerful prognostic signature based on the activities of XBP1s/LEF1. In summary, our study uncovers a key mechanistic role for the IRE1α-XBP1s pathway in human HCC. Targeting this axis could provide a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC with hyperactivated Wnt/LEF1 signaling.
研究领域:
癌症生物学
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分子生物学
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遗传学
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转化医学
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PubMed
高影响因子
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
·
2022
·
IF 4.145
Xiaoxue Ma,Yiru Wang,Qi Liu,Baihe Han,Gang Wang,Ruoxi Zhang,Xingtao Huang,Xuedong Wang,Mengyue Yang,Chun Xing,Jingbo Hou,Bo Yu
Vascular calcification (VC) is closely related to higher cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) switching to osteogenic-like cells is crucial for VC. LncRNA LEF1-AS1 promotes atherosclerosis and dental pulp stem cells calcification, while its role in VC remains unknown. Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipokine regulating bone metabolism. However, the relationship between vaspin and VC is still unclear. We aimed to explore the role of LEF1-AS1 on VSMC osteogenic transition, whether vaspin inhibited LEF1-AS1-mediated osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs, and the responsible mechanism. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis indicated that LEF1-AS1 overexpression significantly upregulated osteogenic marker Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) level and downregulated VSMC contractile marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) level. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity assay, and calcium content assay also suggested that LEF1-AS1 overexpression promoted calcium deposition in VSMCs. However, vaspin treatment abolished this phenomenon. Mechanistically, LEF1-AS1 markedly decreased phosphorylated YAP level, while vaspin reversed LEF1-AS1-induced phosphorylated YAP decline. Our results revealed that LEF1-AS1 accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway, while vaspin eliminated the LEF1-AS1-meditated VSMCs osteogenic phenotype switch.
研究领域:
心血管研究
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BMC BIOLOGY
·
2025
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·1-23
·
IF 4.5
Chen Jiangping,Ren Chengyan,Mao Chuanqing,Lai Yongzhen,Lu Meng,Jiang Yuanjing,Chen Weihui
Background The cranial base develops from multipotent mesenchymal cells through endochondral ossification. Genetic ablation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) or Smoothened (Smo) leads to early apoptosis of cranial base cells, thus limiting the study of their role in the early development of cranial base. Our previous studies have shown that administration of 150 mg/kg Vismodegib (a Smo-specific small molecule antagonist) in E9.5- or E10.5-mice leads to premature mineralization of the skull base synchondroses. In the current study, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying this model.Results Mice exposed to Vismodegib exhibit premature hypertrophic differentiation and osteogenesis of the cranial base synchondroses after E14.5. However, the expression of Patched1 (Ptch1), Gli1, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), and Phh3 was not downregulated in exposure mice. We demonstrate that Shh and Wnt signaling pathways were activated in the cranial base region at E10.5. Administration of Vismodegib at E10.5 transiently inhibited Shh signaling in the cranial base area and caused upregulation of β-catenin expression along with ectopic expression of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lef1) and Runx2 in the ventral mesenchymal cells of the cranial base primordium at E12.5. Diverse degrees of cranial base craniosynostosis induced by various doses of Vismodegib suggest a dose-dependent effect of Shh in early basicranium development.Conclusion sThe present experiment suggests that early activation of Shh standardizes normal embryonic development of cranial base after initial morphogenesis, which may be mediated through the “antagonistic” effect of Shh signaling on Wnt signaling. Our study provides new insights into the role of signal-crosstalk in early morphogenesis of the cranial base.
研究领域:
发育生物学
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分子生物学
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遗传学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
·
2024
·Vol. 45
·期 6
·1287
·
IF 4
Yu-Tong Wu,Ze-Qiong Ru,Ying Peng,Zhe Fu,Qiu-Ye Jia,Zi-Jian Kang,Yuan-Sheng Li,Yu-Bing Huang,Sai-Ge Yin,Kun Guo,Nai-Xin Liu,Cheng-An Feng,Jing Tang,Bai-Yu Zhang,Zhi Yang,Ying Wang,Xin-Wang Yang
Individuals with diabetes frequently face serious challenges, including delayed wound healing and increased risk of infection. Notably, the regeneration of hair follicles plays a crucial role in accelerating diabetic skin damage repair, reducing the risk of infection, and enhancing overall skin health. Research has predominantly emphasized the re-epithelialization of diabetic wounds, with a paucity of in-depth studies on hair follicle regeneration. In the current study, we explored the effects of a bioactive amphibian-derived peptide, Cy RL-QN15 , on promoting hair regeneration in a diabetic skin model. In vivo experiments demonstrated that local treatment with Cy RL-QN15 not only accelerated wound healing of scalded skin on the backs of diabetic Kunming (KM) mice but also improved growth of damaged hair follicles. Additionally, back-shaved diabetic C57BL/6 mice showed a significant increase in the growth of newly formed hair after 28 days of continuous Cy RL-QN15 treatment. Further analysis indicated that the hair-regenerating effects of Cy RL-QN15 were closely associated with the proliferation and migration of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Cy RL-QN15 enhanced intracellular β-catenin expression by binding to the Frizzled-7 receptor on the surface of HFSCs. The up-regulation in β-catenin modulated the levels of downstream proteins, such as c-MYC, Cyclin D1, and Lef1, ultimately inducing hair regeneration. This study not only reveals the robust effects of the bioactive peptide Cy RL-QN15 in hair follicle regeneration but also provides novel avenues for the development of more targeted and effective therapeutics for diabetic wound healing in the future.
研究领域:
糖尿病研究
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伤口愈合
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干细胞生物学
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肽疗法
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
·
2023
·
IF 4.2
Dr. Zhiguang Chen,Ms. Qi Zhao,Mr. Ran Zhang,Dr. Lianghong Chen,Mr. Songlan Gao,Dr. Yu Wang,Dr. Tiegang Li,Dr. Jinqi Xue
Substantial advances have been made in understanding the role of partial PDZ and LIM domain (PDLIM) family’s proteins in skeletal-related diseases. Yet, little is known about the effect of Pdlim1 on osteogenesis and fracture repair. This study aimed to investigate whether direct gene delivery using an adenovirus vector carrying Pdlim1 (Ad-oePdlim1) or encoding shRNA-Pdlim1 (Ad-shPdlim1) could affect the osteogenic activity of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro, and influence the fracture healing of mice in vivo. We found that Ad-shPdlim1 transfection contributed to the calcified nodule formation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Downregulation of Pdlim1 enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and increased the expression of osteogenic markers (Runx2, Col1A1, osteocalcin and osteopontin). Further analysis indicated that Pdlim1 knockdown could activate β-catenin signaling, as evidenced by the accumulation of β-catenin in the nucleus and the increase levels of downstream regulators such as Lef1/Tcf7, Axin2, Cyclin D1 and Sox9. By contrast, Pdlim1 overexpression resulted in inhibition of the osteogenic activity of MC3T3-E1 cells. In vivo, at day 3 after fracture, Ad-shPdlim1 adenovirus particles were injected into the fracture site of the femur of mice, and the process of fracture healing was evaluated by X-ray, Micro-CT and histological examination. Local injection of Ad-shPdlim1 promoted the early cartilage callus formation, restored bone mineral density and accelerated cartilaginous ossification, with the upregulation of osteogenic gene (Runx2, Col1A1, osteocalcin and osteopontin) expression and activation of β-catenin signaling. Thus, we concluded that inhibition of Pdlim1 contributed to osteogenesis and fracture healing by activating the β-catenin signaling pathway.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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骨科
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再生医学
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基因治疗
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PubMed
高影响因子
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