STAT3-induced lncRNA GNAS-AS1 accelerates keloid formation by mediating the miR-196a-5p/CXCL12/STAT3 axis in a feedback loop.

Keloids are pathological scar tissue resulting from skin trauma or spontaneous formation, often accompanied by itching and pain. Although GNAS antisense RNA 1 (GNAS-AS1) shows abnormal upregulation in keloids, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. The levels of genes and proteins in clinical tissues from patients with keloids and human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs) were measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The features of HKFs, including proliferation and migration, were evaluated using cell counting kit 8 and a wound healing assay. The colocalization of GNAS-AS1 and miR-196a-5p in HKFs was measured using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The relationships among GNAS-AS1, miR-196a-5p and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) in samples from patients with keloids were analysed by Pearson correlation analysis. Gene interactions were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. GNAS-AS1 and CXCL12 expression were upregulated and miR-196a-5p expression was downregulated in clinical tissues from patients with keloids. GNAS-AS1 knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation of HKFs, all of which were reversed by miR-196a-5p downregulation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induced GNAS-AS1 transcription through GNAS-AS1 promoter interaction, and niclosamide, a STAT3 inhibitor, decreased GNAS-AS1 expression. GNAS-AS1 positively regulated CXCL12 by sponging miR-196-5p. Furthermore, CXCL12 knockdown restrained STAT3 phosphorylation in HKFs. Our findings revealed a feedback loop of STAT3/GNAS-AS1/miR-196a-5p/CXCL12/STAT3 that promoted HKF proliferation, migration and ECM accumulation and affected keloid progression.

Evaluating CXCL12 for Effects on Reactive Gene Expression in Primary Astrocytes.

Upon injury to the CNS, astrocytes undergo morphological and functional changes commonly referred to as astrocyte reactivity. Notably, these reactive processes include altered expression of factors that control immune processes and neuronal survival, as well as increased expression of the CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7/ACKR3. We now asked whether these events are related in that the astrocytic CXCL12 system modulates immune responses and/or neuronal survival. Short-term exposure of astrocytes cultured from the postnatal rat cortex to CXCL12 prominently increased the expression of serpine1/PAI1 on the mRNA level, but showed either no or only minor effects on the expression of additional reactive genes, selected from previous array studies. CXCL12-induced increases in PAI1 protein levels were only detectable in the additional presence of chemokines/cytokines, suggesting that translation of serpine1 mRNA depends on the cooperation of various factors. As expected, expression of most of the selected genes increased after acute or chronic activation of astrocytes with either LPS or a combination of IL-1ß and TNFα. CXCL12 partially attenuated expression of some of the LPS and IL-1ß/TNFα-induced genes under acute conditions, in particular those encoding CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5. Taken together, these findings argue for the involvement of the astrocyte CXCL12 system in the control of the immune response of the injured CNS, where it may control distinct steps.

[Mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine combined with neural stem cells transplantation on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats].

This study aimed to investigate the intervention effect of tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) combined with transplantation of neural stem cells(NSCs) on middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) rat model and to explore the mechanism of TMP combined with NSCs transplantation on ischemic stroke based on the regulation of stem cell biological behavior. MCAO rats were randomly divided into a model group, a TMP group, an NSCs transplantation group, and a TMP combined with NSCs transplantation group according to neurological function scores. A sham group was set up at the same time. The neurological function score was used to evaluate the improvement of neurological function in MCAO rats after TMP combined with NSCs transplantation. The proliferation, migration, and differentiation of NSCs were evaluated by BrdU, BrdU/DCX, BrdU/NeuN, and BrdU/GFAP immunofluorescence labeling. The protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1), C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4), as well as oxidative stress pathway proteins nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP1), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) was detected by Western blot to study the migration mechanism of TMP combined with NSCs. The results showed that TMP combined with NSCs transplantation significantly improved the neurological function score in MCAO rats. Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant increase in the number of BrdU~+, BrdU~+/DCX~+, BrdU~+/NeuN~+, and BrdU~+/GFAP~+ cells in the TMP, NSCs transplantation, and combined treatment groups, with the combined treatment group showing the most significant increase. Further Western blot analysis revealed significantly elevated expression of CXCR4 protein in the TMP, NSCs transplantation, and combined treatment groups, along with up-regulated protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, and decreased KEAP1 protein expression. This study showed that both TMP and NSCs transplantation can promote the recovery of neurological function by promoting the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of NSCs, and the effect of TMP combined with NSCs transplantation is superior. The mechanism of action may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/CXCR4 pathway.

SDF-1 promotes metastasis of NSCLC by enhancing chemoattraction of megakaryocytes through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide, among which non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80%. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) inhibition results in a significant depletion of NSCLC metastasis. Additionally, SDF-1 is the only natural chemokine known to bind and activate the receptor CXCR4. Thus, we attempted to clarify the molecular mechanism of SDF-1 underlying NSCLC progression. Transwell migration, adhesion, and G-LISA assays were used to assess megakaryocytic chemotaxis in vitro and in vivo in terms of megakaryocytic migration, adherence, and RhoA activation, respectively. Western blotting was used to assess PI3K/Akt-associated protein abundances in MEG-01 cells and primary megakaryocytes under the indicated treatment. A hematology analyzer and flow cytometry were used to assess platelet counts in peripheral blood and newly formed platelet counts in Lewis LC mice under different treatments. Immunochemistry and flow cytometry were used to measure CD41+ megakaryocyte numbers in Lewis LC mouse tissue under different treatments. ELISA was used to measure serum TPO levels, and H&E staining was used to detect NSCLC metastasis.SDF-1 receptor knockdown suppressed megakaryocytic chemotaxis in Lewis LC mice. SDF-1 receptor inhibition suppressed megakaryocytic chemotaxis via the PI3K/Akt pathway. SDF-1 receptor knockdown suppressed CD41+ megakaryocyte numbers in vivo through PI3K/Akt signaling. SDF-1 receptor inhibition suppressed CD41+ megakaryocytes to hinder NSCLC metastasis. SDF-1 facilitates NSCLC metastasis by enhancing the chemoattraction of megakaryocytes via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which may provide a potential new direction for seeking therapeutic plans for NSCLC.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells support regeneration of intestinal damage in a colitis mouse model, independent of their CXCR4 expression.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a chronically dysregulated immune response in the gastrointestinal tract. Bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells have an important immunomodulatory function and support regeneration of inflamed tissue by secretion of soluble factors as well as through direct local differentiation. CXCR4 is the receptor for CXCL12 (SDF-1, stromal-derived factor-1) and has been shown to be the main chemokine receptor, required for homing of MSCs. Increased expression of CXCL12 by inflamed intestinal tissue causes constitutive inflammation by attracting lymphocytes but can also be used to direct MSCs to sites of injury/inflammation. Trypsin is typically used to dissociate MSCs into single-cell suspensions but has also been shown to digest surface CXCR4. Here, we assessed the regenerative effects of CXCR4high and CXCR4low MSCs in an immune-deficient mouse model of DSS-induced colitis. We found that transplantation of MSCs resulted in clinical improvement and histological recovery of intestinal epithelium. In contrary to our expectations, the levels of CXCR4 on transplanted MSCs did not affect their regenerative supporting potential, indicating that paracrine effects of MSCs may be largely responsible for their regenerative/protective effects.

SAP deletion promotes malignant insulinoma progression by inducing CXCL12 secretion from CAFs via the CXCR4/p38/ERK signalling pathway.

Malignant insulinoma is an extremely rare type of functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour with a high degree of malignancy and a high incidence of metastasis. However, it is still unclear how malignant insulinomas develop and metastasize. Serum amyloid P component (SAP), a member of the pentraxin protein family, is an acute-phase protein secreted by liver cells. The role of SAP in insulinoma and the related mechanism are still unknown. To determine the effect of SAP on insulinoma, we crossed Rip1-Tag2 mice, which spontaneously develop insulinoma, and SAP knockout (KO) mice to generate Rip1-Tag2;SAP-/- mice. We found that SAP deletion significantly promoted the growth, invasion and metastasis of malignant insulinoma through C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Further study showed that SAP deletion promoted CXCL12 secretion by CAFs through the CXCR4/p38/ERK signalling pathway. These findings reveal a novel role and mechanism of SAP in malignant insulinoma and provide direct evidence that SAP may be a therapeutic agent for this disease.

Bioinformatics analysis of hypoxia associated genes and inflammatory cytokine profiling in COPD-PH.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with worse clinical outcomes and decreased survival rates. In absence of disease specific diagnostic/therapeutic targets and unclear pathophysiology, there is an urgent need for the identification of potential genetic/molecular markers and disease associated pathways. The present study aims to use a bioinformatics approach to identify and validate hypoxia-associated gene signatures in COPD-PH patients. Additionally, hypoxia-related inflammatory profile is also explored in these patients. Microarray dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in a hypoxic PH mice model. The top three hub genes identified were further validated in COPD-PH patients, with chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9) and CXCL12 showing significant changes in comparison to healthy controls. Furthermore, multiplexed analysis of 10 inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1ß), IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18 and IL-21 was also performed. These markers showed significant changes in COPD-PH patients as compared to controls. They also exhibited the ability to differentially diagnose COPD-PH patients in comparison to COPD. Additionally, IL-6 and IL-17 showed significant positive correlation with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP). This study is the first report to assess the levels of CXCL9 and CXCL12 in COPD-PH patients and also explores their link with the inflammatory profile of these patients. Our findings could be extended to better understand the underlying disease mechanism and possibly used for tailoring therapies exclusive for the disease.

Overexpression of HSP27 accelerates stress-induced gastric ulcer healing via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.

Chronic stress often triggers gastrointestinal complications, including gastric injury and ulcers. Understanding the role of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in stress-induced gastric ulcers could unveil novel therapeutic targets. Here, we established a stress-induced gastric ulcer rat model using water immersion restraint stress and administered adenovirus-packaged HSP27 overexpression vector. Gastric ulcer severity was scored, and mucosal changes were assessed. Gastric epithelial and endothelial cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide and transfected with HSP27 overexpression vectors to evaluate cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. Expression levels of HSP27, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) were measured in tissues and cells. HSP27 expression was initially low during stress-induced gastric ulceration but increased during ulcer healing. HSP27 overexpression accelerated ulcer healing in rats, promoting gastric epithelial cell proliferation and migration and gastric endothelial cell angiogenesis through the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Inhibitor IT1t reversed the effects of HSP27 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. In summary, HSP27 overexpression facilitated ulcer healing, which was partially mediated by the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.

The development of brain pericytes requires expression of the transcription factor nkx3.1 in intermediate precursors.

Brain pericytes are one of the critical cell types that regulate endothelial barrier function and activity, thus ensuring adequate blood flow to the brain. The genetic pathways guiding undifferentiated cells into mature pericytes are not well understood. We show here that pericyte precursor populations from both neural crest and head mesoderm of zebrafish express the transcription factor nkx3.1 develop into brain pericytes. We identify the gene signature of these precursors and show that an nkx3.1-, foxf2a-, and cxcl12b-expressing pericyte precursor population is present around the basilar artery prior to artery formation and pericyte recruitment. The precursors later spread throughout the brain and differentiate to express canonical pericyte markers. Cxcl12b-Cxcr4 signaling is required for pericyte attachment and differentiation. Further, both nkx3.1 and cxcl12b are necessary and sufficient in regulating pericyte number as loss inhibits and gain increases pericyte number. Through genetic experiments, we have defined a precursor population for brain pericytes and identified genes critical for their differentiation.

Dietary restriction plus exercise change gene expression of Cxcl12 abundant reticular cells in female mice.

INTRODUCTION: Low energy availability due to excessive exercise lowers bone mass and impairs various physiological functions, including immunity and hematopoiesis. We focused on Cxcl12 abundant reticular (CAR) cells, which are bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and are essential for the maintenance of hematopoietic and immune cells in bone marrow. We examine the functional changes in CAR cells resulting from dietary restriction combined with exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five-week-old wild-type female mice were divided into an ad libitum group (CON), a 60% dietary restriction group (DR), an ad libitum with exercise group (CON + ex), and a 60% dietary restriction with exercise group (DR + ex). Blood parameters, bone structure parameters, and bone marrow fat volume were evaluated after 5 weeks. In addition, bone marrow CAR cells were isolated by cell sorting and analyzed for gene expression by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly decreased in DR and DR + ex compared to CON and CON + ex. Especially, cortical bone mass and thickness were significantly decreased in DR and DR + ex groups, whereas trabecular bone mass was significantly increased. Bone marrow fat volume was significantly increased in DR and DR + ex groups compared to CON and CON + ex. The number of leukocytes in the blood was significantly decreased in the DR + ex group compared to the other three groups. RT-qPCR showed a significant decrease in gene expression of both Foxc1 and Runx2 in CAR cells of the DR + ex group compared to CON. CONCLUSION: Dietary restriction combined with exercise promotes CAR cell differentiation into bone marrow adipocyte and suppresses osteoblast differentiation.

Preventing CXCL12 elevation helps to reduce acute exacerbation of COPD in individuals co-existing type-2 diabetes: A bioinformatics and clinical pharmacology study.

AIMS: To investigate the immunology shared mechanisms underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and examine the impact of anti-diabetic drugs on acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). METHODS: We analyzed GSE76925, GSE76894, GSE37768, and GSE25724 to identify differentially expressed genes. Hub-genes were identified through protein-protein interaction network analysis and evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. CXCL12 emerged as a robust biomarker, and its correlation with lung function and CD8+ T cells were further quantified and validated. The activated signaling pathways were inferred through Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The retrospective clinical analysis was executed to identify the influence of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on CXCL12 and evaluate the drug's efficacy in AECOPD. RESULTS: The significant up-regulation of CXCL12 expression in patients with two diseases were revealed. CXCL12 exhibited a negative correlation with pulmonary function (r = -0.551, p < 0.05). Consistent with analysis in GSE76925 and GSE76894, the positive correlation between the proportion of CD8+ T cells was demonstrated(r=0.469, p<0.05). GSEA identified "cytokines interaction" as an activated signaling pathway, and the clinical study revealed the correlation between CXCL12 and IL-6 (r=0.668, p<0.05). In patients with COPD and T2DM, DDP-4i treatment exhibited significantly higher serum CXCL12, compared to GLP-1RA. Analysis of 187 COPD patients with T2DM indicated that the DPP-4i group had a higher frequency of AECOPD compared to the GLP-1RA group (OR 1.287, 95%CI [1.018-2.136]). CONCLUSIONS: CXCL12 may represent a therapeutic target for COPD and T2DM. GLP-1RA treatment may be associated with lower CXCL12 levels and a lower risk of AECOPD compared to DPP-4i treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: China Clinical Trial Registration Center（ChiCTR2200055611）.

Repressing miR-23a promotes the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells to ß cells via negatively regulating the expression of SDF-1α.

Pancreatic ß-cell failure is a pathological feature in type 1 diabetes. One promising approach involves inducing transdifferentiation of related pancreatic cell types, specifically α cells that produce glucagon. The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α) is implicated in pancreatic α-to-ß like cell transition. Here, the serum level of SDF-1α was lower in T1D with C-peptide loss, the miR-23a was negatively correlated with SDF-1α. We discovered that exosomal miR-23a, secreted from ß cells, functionally downregulates the expression of SDF-1α, leading to increased Pax4 expression and decreased Arx expression in vivo. Adenovirus-vectored miR-23a sponge and mimic were constructed to further explored the miR-23a on pancreatic α-to-ß like cell transition in vitro, which yielded results consistent with our cell-based assays. Suppression of miR-23a upregulated insulin level and downregulated glucagon level in STZ-induced diabetes mice models, effectively promoting α-to-ß like cell transition. Our findings highlight miR-23a as a new therapeutic target for regenerating pancreatic ß cells from α cells.

Dual Factor-Loaded Artificial Periosteum Accelerates Bone Regeneration.

In the clinic, inactivation of osteosarcoma using microwave ablation would damage the periosteum, resulting in frequent postoperative complications. Therefore, the development of an artificial periosteum is crucial for postoperative healing. In this study, we prepared an artificial periosteum using silk fibroin (SF) loaded with stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to accelerate bone remodeling after the microwave ablation of osteosarcoma. The prepared artificial periosteum showed a sustained release of SDF-1α and CGRP after 14 days of immersion. In vitro culture of rat periosteal stem cells (rPDSCs) demonstrated that the artificial periosteum is favorable for cell recruitment, the activity of alkaline phosphatase, and bone-related gene expression. Furthermore, the artificial periosteum improved the tube formation and angiogenesis-related gene expression of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In an animal study, the periosteum in the femur of a rabbit was inactivated through microwave ablation and then removed. The damaged periosteum was replaced with the as-prepared artificial periosteum and favored bone regeneration. In all, the designed dual-factor-loaded artificial periosteum is a promising strategy to replace the damaged periosteum in the therapy of osteosarcoma for a better bone-rebuilding process.

Association of the CXCL12 rs1801157 Polymorphism with Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis.

Studies on the CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism show that this polymorphism is involved in development of breast cancer, but its specific relationships or effects are not consistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism and susceptibility to breast cancer. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched for eligible studies through February 01, 2023. A total of ten studies with 2093 cases and 2302 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, there is a significant association between CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism and risk of breast cancer under the homozygote genetic model (AA vs. GG, OR= 1.350, 95% CI: 1.050-1.734, p= 0.019). Stratified by ethnicity showed a significant association in Caucasian women, but not among Asian and mixed populations. This meta-analysis confirms that CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism is related to breast cancer risk, especially among Caucasian women. However, well-designed large-scale studies are required to further evaluate the results.

Severe induction of aberrant DNA methylation by nodular gastritis in adults.

BACKGROUND: Nodular gastritis (NG) is characterized by marked antral lymphoid follicle formation, and is a strong risk factor for diffuse-type gastric cancer in adults. However, it is unknown whether aberrant DNA methylation, which is induced by atrophic gastritis (AG) and is a risk for gastric cancer, is induced by NG. Here, we analyzed methylation induction by NG. METHODS: Gastric mucosal samples were obtained from non-cancerous antral tissues of 16 NG and 20 AG patients with gastric cancer and 5 NG and 6 AG patients without, all age- and gender-matched. Genome-wide methylation analysis and expression analysis were conducted by a BeadChip array and RNA-sequencing, respectively. RESULTS: Clustering analysis of non-cancerous antral tissues of NG and AG patients with gastric cancer was conducted using methylation levels of 585 promoter CpG islands (CGIs) of methylation-resistant genes, and a large fraction of NG samples formed a cluster with strong methylation induction. Promoter CGIs of CDH1 and DAPK1 tumor-suppressor genes were more methylated in NG than in AG. Notably, methylation levels of these genes were also higher in the antrum of NG patients without cancer. Genes related to lymphoid follicle formation, such as CXCL13/CXCR5 and CXCL12/CXCR4, had higher expression in NG, and genes involved in DNA demethylation TET2 and IDH1, had only half the expression in NG. CONCLUSIONS: Severe aberrant methylation, involving multiple tumor-suppressor genes, was induced in the gastric antrum and body of patients with NG, in accordance with their high gastric cancer risk.

Photobiomodulation preconditioned diabetic adipose derived stem cells with additional photobiomodulation: an additive approach for enhanced wound healing in diabetic rats with a delayed healing wound.

In this preclinical investigation, we examined the effects of combining preconditioned diabetic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and photobiomodulation (PBM) on a model of infected ischemic delayed healing wound (injury), (IIDHWM) in rats with type I diabetes (TIDM). During the stages of wound healing, we examined multiple elements such as stereology, macrophage polarization, and the mRNA expression levels of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to evaluate proliferation and inflammation. The rats were grouped into: (1) control group; (2) diabetic-stem cells were transversed into the injury site; (3) diabetic-stem cells were transversed into the injury site then the injury site exposed to PBM; (4) diabetic stem cells were preconditioned with PBM and implanted into the wound; (5) diabetic stem cells were preconditioned with PBM and transferred into the injury site, then the injury site exposed additional PBM. While on both days 4, and 8, there were advanced histological consequences in groups 2-5 than in group 1, we found better results in groups 3-5 than in group 2 (p < 0.05). M1 macrophages in groups 2-5 were lower than in group 1, while groups 3-5 were reduced than in group 2 (p < 0.01). M2 macrophages in groups 2-5 were greater than in group 1, and groups 3-5 were greater than in group 2. (p ≤ 0.001). Groups 2-5 revealed greater expression levels of bFGF, VEGF, SDF- 1α, and HIF- 1α genes than in group 1 (p < 0.001). Overall group 5 had the best results for histology (p < 0.05), and macrophage polarization (p < 0.001). AD-MSC, PBM, and AD-MSC + PBM treatments all enhanced the proliferative stage of injury repairing in the IIDHWM in TIDM rats. While AD-MSC + PBM was well than the single use of AD-MSC or PBM, the best results were achieved with PBM preconditioned AD-MSC, plus additional PBM of the injury.

Crosstalk between purinergic receptor P2Y11 and chemokine receptor CXCR7 is regulated by CXCR4 in human macrophages.

P2Y11 is a G protein-coupled ATP receptor that activates IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) in a cyclic AMP dependent manner. In human macrophages, P2Y11/IL-1R crosstalk with CCL20 as a prime target is controlled by phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), which mediates breakdown of cyclic AMP. Here, we used gene expression analysis to identify activation of CXCR4 and CXCR7 as a hallmark of P2Y11 signaling. We found that PDE4 inhibition with rolipram boosts P2Y11/IL-1R-induced upregulation of CXCR7 expression and CCL20 production in an epidermal growth factor receptor dependent manner. Using an astrocytoma cell line, naturally expressing CXCR7 but lacking CXCR4, P2Y11/IL-1R activation effectively induced and CXCR7 agonist TC14012 enhanced CCL20 production even in the absence of PDE4 inhibition. Moreover, CXCR7 depletion by RNA interference suppressed CCL20 production. In macrophages, the simultaneous activation of P2Y11 and CXCR7 by their respective agonists was sufficient to induce CCL20 production with no need of PDE4 inhibition, as CXCR7 activation increased its own and eliminated CXCR4 expression. Finally, analysis of multiple CCL chemokines in the macrophage secretome revealed that CXCR4 inactivation and CXCR7 activation selectively enhanced P2Y11/IL-1R-mediated secretion of CCL20. Altogether, our data establish CXCR7 as an integral component of the P2Y11/IL-1R-initiated signaling cascade and CXCR4-associated PDE4 as a regulatory checkpoint.

TC14012 enhances the anti-fibrosis effects of UC-MSCs on the liver by reducing collagen accumulation and ameliorating inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attracting attention as a promising cell-based therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, the strategies and potential mechanisms of MSCs therapy need further investigation. The CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 chemokine axis is well known to regulate cell migration and is involved in the regulation of liver fibrosis. This study aims to treat MSCs with a CXCR7-specific agonist to evaluate its therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis and potential mechanisms. METHODS: TC14012, a potent agonist of CXCR7, has been used to pretreat human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) and assess its effect on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, immunoregulation, and gene regulatory network. Then, CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice models were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of TC14012-treated UC-MSCs for treating hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS: TC14012 increased CXCR7 expression in UC-MSCs. Notably, co-culture of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) with TC14012-pretreated UC-MSCs increased CXCR7 expression in LSEC. Additionally, TC14012 promoted cell migration and mediated the immunoregulation of UC-MSCs. Compared to UC-MSCs without TC14012 pretreatment, UC-MSCs treated with TC14012 ameliorated live fibrosis by restoring CXCR7 expression, reducing collagen fibril accumulation, inhibiting hepatic stellate cells activation, and attenuating the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that TC14012 pretreatment can enhance the therapeutic effects of UC-MSCs on liver fibrosis, mainly by promoting the migration and immunoregulation of MSCs.

CXCL12-CXCR4 mediates CD57+ CD8+ T cell responses in the progression of type 1 diabetes.

CD57+ CD8+ T cells, also referred as effector memory cells, are implicated in various conditions including tumor immunity, virus immunity, and most recently with autoimmunity. However, their roles in the progression and remission of T1D are still unclear. Here, we noted an increase in peripheral CD57+ CD8+ T cells in a T1D patient harboring an activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mutation. Our in-depth study on the role of CD57+ CD8+ T cells within a T1D patient cohort revealed that these cells undergo significant compositional shifts during the disease's progression. Longitudinal cohort data suggested that CD57+ CD8+ T cell prevalence may be a harbinger of ß-cell function decline in T1D patients. Characterized by robust cytotoxic activity, heightened production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased intracellular glucose uptake, these cells may be key players in the pathophysiology of T1D. Moreover, in vitro assays showed that the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis promotes the expansion and function of CD57+ CD8+ T cells via Erk1/2 signaling. Notably, the changes of serum CXCL12 concentrations were also found in individuals during the peri-remission phase of T1D. Furthermore, treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist LY2510924 reduced the immunological infiltration of CD57+ CD8+ T cells and mitigated hyperglycemia in a STZ-induced T1D mouse model. Taken together, our work has uncovered a novel role of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis in driving CD57+ CD8+ T cells responses in T1D, and presented a promising therapeutic strategy for delaying the onset and progression of diabetes.

Correlations of SDF-1ɑ and XRCC1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of renal cancer development and bioinformatics studies of SDF-1α and XRCC1 and the prognosis of renal cancer.

To study the relationships between stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1ɑ) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) susceptibility and the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human X-ray cross-complementary repair gene (XRCC1). Compare SDF-1 based on RCC related data in the TCGA database α, The expression difference of XRCC1 between RCC tissue and normal tissue; Collect 166 newly diagnosed RCC cases and 166 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations during the same period, and detect genotype using iMLDR method. The results The rs1801157 locus (C:T) of the SDF-1α gene was not significantly associated with the pathohistological type, the rs1799782 locus (G:A) of the XRCC1 gene was associated with the pathohistological type of RCC, and there were interactions between rs1799782 and smoking, alcohol consumption, pesticide exposure, hair dye, and urine holding. The rs1799782 locus of the XRCC1 gene may be a key factor in the pathogenesis and pathological development of RCC. High SDF-1ɑ expression is a protective factor for the overall survival of patients with RCC, and SDF-1ɑ and XRCC1 may be important for the treatment of RCC.