Ribogenesis boosts controlled by HEATR1-MYC interplay promote transition into brain tumour growth.

Cell commitment to tumourigenesis and the onset of uncontrolled growth are critical determinants in cancer development but the early events directing tumour initiating cell (TIC) fate remain unclear. We reveal a single-cell transcriptome profile of brain TICs transitioning into tumour growth using the brain tumour (brat) neural stem cell-based Drosophila model. Prominent changes in metabolic and proteostasis-associated processes including ribogenesis are identified. Increased ribogenesis is a known cell adaptation in established tumours. Here we propose that brain TICs boost ribogenesis prior to tumour growth. In brat-deficient TICs, we show that this dramatic change is mediated by upregulated HEAT-Repeat Containing 1 (HEATR1) to promote ribosomal RNA generation, TIC enlargement and onset of overgrowth. High HEATR1 expression correlates with poor glioma patient survival and patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells rely on HEATR1 for enhanced ribogenesis and tumourigenic potential. Finally, we show that HEATR1 binds the master growth regulator MYC, promotes its nucleolar localisation and appears required for MYC-driven ribogenesis, suggesting a mechanism co-opted in ribogenesis reprogramming during early brain TIC development.

Cx43 regulates mechanotransduction mechanisms in human preterm amniotic membrane defects.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of mechanical stimulation in preterm amniotic membrane (AM) defects were explored. METHODS: Preterm AM was collected from women undergoing planned preterm caesarean section (CS) due to fetal growth restriction or emergency CS after spontaneous preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (sPPROM). AM explants near the cervix or placenta were subjected to trauma and/or mechanical stimulation with the Cx43 antisense. Markers for nuclear morphology (DAPI), myofibroblasts (αSMA), migration (Cx43), inflammation (PGE2 ) and repair (collagen, elastin and transforming growth factor ß [TGFß1 ]) were examined by confocal microscopy, second harmonic generation, qPCR and biochemical assays. RESULTS: In preterm AM defects, myofibroblast nuclei were highly deformed and contractile and expressed αSMA and Cx43. Mechanical stimulation increased collagen fibre polarisation and the effects on matrix markers were dependent on tissue region, disease state, gestational age and the number of fetuses. PGE2 levels were broadly similar but reduced after co-treatment with Cx43 antisense in late sPPROM AM defects. TGFß1 and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma and mechanical stimulation but this response dependent on gestational age. CONCLUSION: Mechanical stimulation affects Cx43 signalling and cell/collagen mechanics in preterm AM defects. Establishing how Cx43 regulates mechanosignalling could be an approach to repair tissue integrity after trauma.

Cx43 mediates changes in myofibroblast contraction and collagen release in human amniotic membrane defects after trauma.

The wound healing capacity of the fetal membranes after spontaneous or iatrogenic membrane rupture is unclear. We examined the healing mechanisms in amniotic membrane (AM) defects after trauma. Traumatised human AM defects were cultured for 4 days. Markers for nuclear (DAPI), cell type (vimentin, αSMA) and healing (Cx43, TGFß1, collagen) were examined by immunofluorescence (IMF) confocal microscopy, Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging and RT-qPCR. After trauma, AMCs and myofibroblasts migrated to the AM wound edge. Within four days, αSMA expressing myofibroblasts showed abundant Cx43 localized in the cytoplasmic processes. The highly contractile spindle-shaped myofibroblasts were present in the defect site and released collagen. In contrast, AMCs expressed vimentin and formed Cx43 plaques between cells found in the outer edges of the wound. Whilst AMCs were absent in the defect site, αSMA expressing myofibroblasts continued to elongate and polarize the collagen fibres. Both TGFß1 and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma. Cx43 has differential effects on AM cell populations that increase cellularity, contraction and potentially migration to the wound edge resulting in collagen polarisation in the AM defect site. Establishing how Cx43 regulates AM cell function could be an approach to repair defects in the membranes after trauma.

Engineered aligned endothelial cell structures in tethered collagen hydrogels promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

Vascularisation is important in nerve tissue engineering to provide blood supply and nutrients for long-term survival of implanted cells. Furthermore, blood vessels in regenerating nerves have been shown to serve as tracks for Schwann cells to migrate along and thus form Bands of Büngner which promote axonal regeneration. In this study, we have developed tissue-engineered constructs containing aligned endothelial cells, or co-cultures of both endothelial cells and Schwann cells to test whether these structures could promote regeneration across peripheral nerve gaps. Type I rat tail collagen gels containing HUVECs (Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells, 4 × 106 cells/ml) were cast in perforated tethering silicone conduits to facilitate cellular self-alignment and tube formation for 4 days of culture. For co-culture constructs, optimal tube formation and cellular alignment was achieved with a ratio of 4:0.5 × 106 cells/ml (HUVECs:Schwann cells). An in vivo test of the engineered constructs to bridge a 10 mm gap in rat sciatic nerves for 4 weeks revealed that constructs containing only HUVECs significantly promoted axonal regeneration and vascularisation across the gap, as compared to conventional aligned Schwann cell constructs and those containing co-cultured HUVECs and Schwann cells. Our results suggest that tissue-engineered constructs containing aligned endothelial cells within collagen matrix could be good candidates to treat peripheral nerve injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Nerve tissue engineering provides a potential way to overcome the limitations associated with current clinical grafting techniques for the repair of severe peripheral nerve injuries. However, the therapeutic cells within engineered nerve tissue require effective vascularisation in order to survive. This work therefore aimed to develop engineered nerve constructs containing aligned tube-like structures made from endothelial cells. Not only did this provide a method to improve vascularisation, it demonstrated for the first time that aligned endothelial cells can outperform Schwann cells in promoting nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve model. This has introduced the concept of developing pre-vascularised engineered nerve tissues, and indicated the potential usefulness of endothelial cell structures in tissue engineering for peripheral nerve repair.

Potential sealing and repair of human FM defects after trauma with peptide amphiphiles and Cx43 antisense.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether peptide amphiphiles functionalised with adhesive, migratory or regenerative sequences could be combined with amniotic fluid (AF) to form plugs that repair fetal membrane (FM) defects after trauma and co-culture with connexin 43 (Cx43) antisense. METHODS: We assessed interactions between peptide amphiphiles and AF and examined the plugs in FM defects after trauma and co-culture with the Cx43antisense. RESULTS: Confocal microscopy confirmed directed self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles with AF to form a plug within minutes, with good mechanical properties. SEM of the plug revealed a multi-layered, nanofibrous network that sealed the FM defect after trauma. Co-culture of the FM defect with Cx43 antisense and plug increased collagen levels but reduced GAG. Culture of the FM defect with peptide amphiphiles incorporating regenerative sequences for 5 days, increased F-actin and nuclear cell contraction, migration and polarization of collagen fibers across the FM defect when compared to control specimens with minimal repair. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst the nanoarchitecture revealed promising conditions to seal iatrogenic FM defects, the peptide amphiphiles need to be designed to maximize repair mechanisms and promote structural compliance with high mechanical tolerance that maintains tissue remodeling with Cx43 antisense for future treatment.