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Background and purpose Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common hereditary peripheral neuropathy. CMT type 1A (CMT1A) accounts for approximately 50% of CMT patients and is linked to PMP22 gene duplication. Histone deacetylase-6 (HDAC6) has pleiotropic effects, such as regulating lipid homeostasis and cellular stress. Although HDAC6 has been regarded as a promising drug target for neurodegenerative diseases, its inhibition has not yet been tested in CMT1A. Here we have tested the therapeutic potential of CKD-504, a clinical stage HDAC6 inhibitor, in a mouse model of CMT1A EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The potency and selectivity of CKD-504 was evaluated, using a HDAC enzyme panel assay and western blots. The therapeutic potential of CKD-504 was evaluated using behavioural testing and electrophysiological assessments in the C22 mouse model of CMT1A. PMP22 protein expression and aggregation were analysed in mesenchymal stem cell-derived Schwann cells from CMT1A patients and sciatic nerves from C22 mice. Key results The HDAC6 inhibitor, CKD-504, modulated molecular chaperon proteins such as HSP90 and HSP70, which are involved in the folding/refolding of proteins such as PMP22. CKD-504 treatment restored myelination in both mesenchymal stem cell-derived Schwann cells from CMT1A patients and sciatic nerves of C22 mice and improved the axonal integrity of the sciatic nerve, leading to behavioural, electrophysiological, and histological improvements in C22 mice. Conclusion and implications A novel HDAC6 inhibitor, CKD-504, has potent therapeutic efficacy for CMT1A.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising therapeutics for autoimmune diseases due to their immunomodulatory effects. In particular, human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) have a prominent therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study investigated the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs on AD. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of TGF-β disrupted the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs in a mouse model of AD by attenuating the beneficial changes in histopathology, mast cell infiltration, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression, and the serum IgE level. To confirm that hUCB-MSCs regulate secretion of TNF-α, we investigated whether they inhibit TNF-α secretion by activated LAD2 cells. Coculture with hUCB-MSCs significantly inhibited secretion of TNF-α by LAD2 cells. However, this effect was abolished by siRNA-mediated depletion of TGF-β in hUCB-MSCs. TNF-α expression in activated LAD2 cells was regulated by the extracellular signal-related kinase signaling pathway and was suppressed by TGF-β secreted from hUCB-MSCs. In addition, TGF-β secreted by hUCB-MSCs inhibited maturation of B cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that TGF-β plays a key role in the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs on AD by regulating TNF-α in mast cells and maturation of B cells.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects a large number of people across the world. Treatment of AD using human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) has recently been studied. However, the mechanism underlying their effect needs to be studied continuously. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) secreted by hUCB-MSCs on AD.To explore the mechanism involved in the therapeutic effect of MSCs for AD, a secretome array was performed using culture medium of hUCB-MSCs. Among the list of genes common for epithelium development and skin diseases, we focused on the function of EGF. To elucidate the effect of EGF secreted by hUCB-MSCs, EGF was downregulated in hUCB-MSCs using EGF-targeting small interfering RNA. These cells were then co-cultured with keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cells. Depletion of EGF disrupted immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs on these AD-related inflammatory cells. In a Dermatophagoides farinae-induced AD mouse model, subcutaneous injection of hUCB-MSCs ameliorated gross scoring, histopathologic damage, and mast cell infiltration. It also significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and IL-22, as well as IgE levels. These therapeutic effects were significantly attenuated at all evaluation points in mice injected with EGF-depleted hUCB-MSCs.EGF secreted by hUCB-MSCs can improve AD by regulating inflammatory responses of keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to be able to modulate immune responses, possess tissue-protective properties, and exhibit healing capacities with therapeutic potential for various diseases. The ability of MSCs to secrete various cytokines and growth factors provides new insights into autoimmune-diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the lining of synovial joints, causing stiffness, pain, inflammation, and joint erosion. In recent years, MSCs-based therapies have been widely proposed as promising therapies in the treatment of RA. However, the mechanism involved in disease-specific therapeutic effects of MSCs on RA remains unclear. To clarify the mechanism involved in effects of MSCs on RA, proteomic profiling was performed using an RA mouse model before and after treatment with MSCs. In this study, treatment efficacy of human umbilical cord blood-mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) was confirmed using a type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Results of measuring incidence rates of arthritis and clinical arthritis index (CAI) revealed that mice administrated with hUCB-MSCs had a significant reduction in arthritis severity. Proteins that might affect disease progression and therapeutic efficacy of hUCB-MSC were identified through LC-MS/MS analysis using serum samples. In addition, L-1000 analysis was performed for hUCB-MSC culture medium. To analysis data obtained from LC–MS/MS and L-1000, tools such as ExDEGA, MEV, and DAVID GO were used. Results showed that various factors secreted from hUCB-MSCs might play roles in therapeutic effects of MSCs on RA, with platelet activation possibly playing a pivotal role. Results of this study also suggest that SERPINE1 and THBS1 among substances secreted by hUCB-MSC might be key factors that can inhibit platelet activation. This paper is expected to improve our understanding of mechanisms involved in treatment effects of stem cells on rheumatoid arthritis.

BackgroundHuman mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) therapy has recently been considered a promising treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) due to their immunomodulation and tissue regeneration ability. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that hMSCs alleviate allergic inflammation in murine AD model by inhibiting the activation of mast cells and B cells. Also our phase I/IIa clinical trial showed clinical efficacy and safety of hMSCs in moderate-to-severe adult AD patients. However, hMSCs therapy against atopic dermatitis have had poor results in clinical field. Therefore, we investigated the reason behind this result. We hypothesized that drug–cell interaction could interfere with the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells, and investigated whether coadministration with pimecrolimus, one of the topical calcineurin inhibitors, could influence the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) in AD.MethodshUCB-MSCs were subcutaneously injected to AD-induced mice with or without pimecrolimus topical application. To examine whether pimecrolimus influenced the immunomodulatory activity of hUCB-MSCs, hUCB-MSCs were treated with pimecrolimus.ResultsPimecrolimus disturbed the therapeutic effect of hUCB-MSCs when they were co-administered in murine AD model. Moreover, the inhibitory functions of hUCB-MSCs against type 2 helper T (Th2) cell differentiation and mast cell activation were also deteriorated by pimecrolimus treatment. Interestingly, we found that pimecrolimus decreased the production of PGE2, one of the most critical immunomodulatory factors in hUCB-MSCs. And we demonstrated that pimecrolimus downregulated COX2-PGE2axis by inhibiting nuclear translocation of NFAT3.ConclusionsCoadministration of pimecrolimus with hMSCs could interfere with the therapeutic efficacy of hMSCs in atopic dermatitis, and this is the first study that figured out the interaction of hMSCs with other drugs in cell therapy of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, this study might give rise to improvement of the clinical application of hMSCs therapy and facilitate the widespread application of hMSCs in clinical field.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), which is a common inflammatory skin disorder that affects a large number of people across the world. Treatment of AD using human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) has recently been studied; however, the mechanism underlying the effects of these cells is unclear. This study investigated the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) secreted by hUCB-MSCs on AD. hUCB-MSCs secreted a high concentration of EGF compared with other cell types. To elucidate the effect of EGF secreted by hUCB-MSCs, EGF expression was downregulated in hUCB-MSCs using EGF-targeting small interfering RNA, and these cells were co-cultured with keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cells. Depletion of EGF expression disrupted the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs on these AD-related inflammatory cells. In a Dermatophagoides farinae-induced AD mouse model, subcutaneous injection of hUCB-MSCs ameliorated gross scoring, histopathologic damage, and mast cell infiltration, and significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFa), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and IL-22, as well as the serum IgE level. These therapeutic effects were significantly attenuated at all evaluation points in mice injected with EGF-depleted hUCB-MSCs. Taken together, these results suggest that EGF secreted by hUCB-MSCs plays an important role in treatment of AD by regulating the inflammatory response in keratinocytes, Th2 cells, and mast cells.

Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various cell types. Methods In this study we investigated the potential of human tonsil–derived MSCs (T-MSCs) for neuromuscular regeneration in trembler-J (Tr-J) mice, a model for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A). Results T-MSCs differentiated toward skeletal myocytes with increased expression of skeletal muscle–related markers (including troponin I type 1, and myogenin), and the formation of myotubes in vitro. In-situ transplantation of T-MSC–derived myocytes (T-MSC myocytes) into the gastrocnemius muscle in Tr-J mice enhanced motor function, with recovery of compound muscle action potential amplitudes. Morphology of the sciatic nerve and skeletal muscle recovered without the formation of teratomas, and the expression levels of nerve growth factor and glial-cell-line–derived neurotrophic factor were increased significantly in T-MSC myocytes compared with T-MSCs in vitro. Conclusion Transplantation of T-MSC myocytes could enable neuromuscular regeneration in patients with CMT1A. Muscle Nerve, 2017

Introduction : Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D and its synthetic analogues have a protective effect on experimental ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models in several organs, but little is known about its effect on the liver. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of vitamin D in a model of liver I/R in rats, focusing on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling, which has been shown to be involved in I/R injury. Material and methods : Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: Saline + Sham, Saline + I/R, Paricalcitol + Sham, and Paricalcitol + I/R. A synthetic vitamin D2 analogue, paricalcitol, was intraperitoneally injected 24 h prior to surgery. The animals were subjected to 60 min of partial warm ischemia (70%), followed by reperfusion for 6 h on the same day. The ischemic lobe of the liver and blood were collected for molecular biochemical analyses. Results: Liver damage following I/R was diminished by pretreatment with paricalcitol. Pretreatment with paricalcitol decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), in both plasma and liver tissue. In addition, pretreatment with paricalcitol markedly down-regulated the expression of TLR4, HMGB1, TNF- and NF-B. Conclusions : The vitamin D analogue paricalcitol attenuates hepatic I/R injury through down-regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway and might be considered to be a potential nutritional therapeutic agent against I/R injury in the liver.

Stem cells are regarded as an important source of cells which may be used to promote the regeneration of skeletal muscle (SKM) which has been damaged due to defects in the organization of muscle tissue caused by congenital diseases, trauma or tumor removal. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which require less invasive harvesting techniques, represent a valuable source of cells for stem cell therapy. In the present study, we demonstrated that human tonsil-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) may differentiate into myogenic cells in vitro and that the transplantation of myoblasts and myocytes generated from human T-MSCs mediates the recovery of muscle function in vivo. In order to induce myogenic differentiation, the T-MSC-derived spheres were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F-12 (DMEM/F‑12) supplemented with 1 ng/ml transforming growth factor-β, non-essential amino acids and insulin‑transferrin-selenium for 4 days followed by culture in myogenic induction medium [low-glucose DMEM containing 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 10 ng/ml insulin‑like growth factor 1 (IGF1)] for 14 days. The T-MSCs sequentially differentiated into myoblasts and skeletal myocytes, as evidenced by the increased expression of skeletal myogenesis-related markers [including α-actinin, troponin I type 1 (TNNI1) and myogenin] and the formation of myotubes in vitro. The in situ transplantation of T-MSCs into mice with a partial myectomy of the right gastrocnemius muscle enhanced muscle function, as demonstrated by gait assessment (footprint analysis), and restored the shape of SKM without forming teratomas. Thus, T-MSCs may differentiate into myogenic cells and effectively regenerate SKM following injury. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of T-MSCs to promote SKM regeneration following injury.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the most common inherited motor and sensory neuropathy, and is caused by duplication of PMP22, alterations of which are a characteristic feature of demyelination. The clinical phenotype of CMT1A is determined by the degree of axonal loss, and patients suffer from progressive muscle weakness and impaired sensation. Therefore, we investigated the potential of Schwann-like cells differentiated from human tonsil-derived stem cells (T-MSCs) for use in neuromuscular regeneration in trembler-J (Tr-J) mice, a model of CMT1A. After differentiation, we confirmed the increased expression of Schwann cell (SC) markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which suggests the differentiation of T-MSCs into SCs (T-MSC-SCs). To test their functional efficiency, the T-MSC-SCs were transplanted into the caudal thigh muscle of Tr-J mice. Recipients&rsquo, improved locomotive activity on a rotarod test, and their sciatic function index, which suggests that transplanted T-MSC-SCs ameliorated demyelination and atrophy of nerve and muscle in Tr-J mice. Histological and molecular analyses showed the possibility of in situ remyelination by T-MSC-SCs transplantation. These findings demonstrate that the transplantation of heterologous T-MSC-SCs induced neuromuscular regeneration in mice and suggest they could be useful for the therapeutic treatment of patients with CMT1A disease.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) lysosomal enzyme, which results in globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) storage in vascular endothelial cells and different cell types throughout the body. Involvement of the kidney and heart is life threatening, and fibrosis of these organs is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of Fabry disease. An increased concentration of deacylated Gb3 (lyso‑Gb3) in the plasma of symptomatic patients has also been suggested as a causative molecular event. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis in Fabry disease, the present analyzed the changes in global gene expression prior to and following Gb3 or lyso‑Gb3 treatment in two types of kidney cell lines, human proximal renal tubular epithelial (HK‑2) and mouse renal glomerular mesangial (SV40 MES 13) cells. Gb3 and lyso‑Gb3 treatment regulated the expression of 199 and 328 genes in each cell type, demonstrating a >2.0‑fold change. The majority of the biological functions of the regulated genes were associated with fibrogenesis or epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). The gene expression patterns of sphingolipid‑treated HK‑2 cells were distinguishable from the patterns in the SV40 MES 13 cells. Several genes associated with the EMT were selected and evaluated further in kidney cells and in Fabry mouse kidney tissues. In the SV40 MES 13 cells, the DLL1, F8, and HOXA11 genes were downregulated, and FOXP2 was upregulated by treatment with Gb3 or lyso‑Gb3. In the HK‑2 cells, the ADAMTS6, BEST1, IL4, and MYH11 genes were upregulated. Upregulation of the FOXP2, COL15A1, IL4, and MYH11 genes was also observed in the Fabry mouse kidney tissues. The gene expression profiles in kidney cells following the addition of Gb3 or lyso‑Gb3 revealed substrate‑specific and cell‑specific patterns. These findings suggested that Gb3 and lyso‑Gb3 lead to renal fibrosis in Fabry disease through different biochemical modulations.

Human tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs) are newly identified MSCs and present typical features of MSCs, including having the differentiation capacity into the three germ layers and excellent proliferation capacity. They are easily sourced and are useful for stem cell therapy in various disease states. We previously reported that T-MSCs could be differentiated into skeletal myocytes and Schwann-like cells, therefore, they are a promising candidate for cell therapies for neuromuscular disease. Motor neurons (MNs), which regulate spontaneous behavior, are affected by a wide range of MN diseases (MNDs) for which there are no effective remedies. We investigated the differentiation potential of MN-like cells derived from T-MSCs (T-MSC-MNCs) for application to therapy of MNDs. After the process of MN differentiation, the expression of MN-related markers, including Islet 1, HB9/HLXB9 (HB9), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), was increased when compared with undifferentiated T-MSCs. The secretion of acetylcholine to the conditioned medium was significantly increased after MN differentiation. We cocultured T-MSC-MNCs and human skeletal muscle cells, and confirmed the presence of the acetylcholine receptor clusters, which demonstrated the formation of neuromuscular junctions. The potential functional improvements afforded by these T-MSC-MNCs could be useful in the treatment of MNDs caused by genetic mutation, viral infection, or environmental problems.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various cell types.In this study we investigated the potential of human tonsil-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) for neuromuscular regeneration in trembler-J (Tr-J) mice, a model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A).T-MSCs differentiated toward skeletal myocytes with increased expression of skeletal muscle-related markers (including troponin I type 1, and myogenin), and the formation of myotubes in vitro. In-situ transplantation of T-MSC-derived myocytes (T-MSC myocytes) into the gastrocnemius muscle in Tr-J mice enhanced motor function, with recovery of compound muscle action potential amplitudes. Morphology of the sciatic nerve and skeletal muscle recovered without the formation of teratomas, and the expression levels of nerve growth factor and glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor were increased significantly in T-MSC myocytes compared with T-MSCs in vitro.Transplantation of T-MSC myocytes could enable neuromuscular regeneration in patients with CMT1A. Muscle Nerve 57: 478-486, 2018.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation and are thus a valuable source for the replacement of diseased or damaged organs. Previously, we reported that the tonsils can be an excellent reservoir of MSCs for the regeneration of skeletal muscle (SKM) damage. However, the mechanisms involved in the differentiation from tonsil-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) to myocytes via myoblasts remain unclear. To clarify these mechanisms, we analyzed gene expression profiles of T-MSCs during differentiation into myocytes compared with human skeletal muscle cells (hSKMCs). Total RNA was extracted from T-MSCs, T-MSC-derived myoblasts and myocytes, and hSKMCs and was subjected to analysis using a microarray. Microarray analysis of the three phases of myogenic differentiation identified candidate genes associated with myogenic differentiation. The expression pattern of undifferentiated T-MSCs was distinguishable from the myogenic differentiated T-MSCs and hSKMCs. In particular, we selected FNBP1L, which among the upregulated genes is essential for antibacterial autophagy, since autophagy is related to SKM metabolism and myogenesis. T-MSCs differentiated toward myoblasts and skeletal myocytes sequentially, as evidenced by increased expression of autophagy-related markers (including Beclin-1, LC3B and Atg5) and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, we reconfirmed that autophagy has an effect on the mechanism of skeletal myogenic differentiation derived from T-MSCs by treatment with 5-azacytidine and bafilomycin A1. These data suggest that the transcriptome of the T-MSC-derived myocytes is similar to that of hSKMCs, and that autophagy has an important role in the mechanism of myogenic differentiation of T-MSCs.

This study was designed to evaluate the changes in promoter CpG islands hypermethylation during breast cancer progression from pre-invasive lesions [flat epithelial atypia (FEA), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)] to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). We performed MethyLight analysis for the methylation status of 57 promoter CpG island loci in 20 IDCs and their paired normal breast tissues. After selecting 15 CpG island loci showing breast cancer-specific DNA methylation, another set of normal breast tissue (n = 10), ADH/FEA (n = 30), DCIS (n = 35), and IDC (n = 30) of the breast were analyzed for these loci. We found six new methylation markers of breast cancer, namely DLEC1, GRIN2B, HOXA1, MT1G, SFRP4, and TMEFF2, in addition to APC, GSTP1, HOXA10, IGF2, RARB, RASSF1A, RUNX3, SCGB3A1 (HIN-1), and SFRP1. The number of methylated genes increased stepwise from normal breast to ADH/FEA and DCIS, while IDC did not differ from DCIS. Methylation levels and frequencies of APC, DLEC1, HOXA1, and RASSF1A promoter CpG islands were significantly higher in ADH/FEA than in normal breast tissue. GRIN2B, GSTP1, HOXA1, RARB, RUNX3, SFRP1, and TMEFF2 showed higher methylation levels and frequencies in DCIS than in ADH/FEA. DICS and IDC did not differ in the methylation levels or frequencies for most CpG island loci except SFRP1 and HOXA10. Our findings showed that promoter CpG island methylation changed significantly in pre-invasive lesions, and was similar in IDC and DCIS, suggesting that CpG island methylation of tumor-related genes is an early event in breast cancer progression.

Thermal analysis was performed for a titanium drive-in target of a D–D neutron generator. Computational fluid dynamics code CFX-5 was used in this study. To define the heat flux term for the thermal analysis, beam current profile was measured. Temperature of the target was calculated at some of the operating conditions. The cooling performance of the target was evaluated by means of the comparison of the calculated maximum target temperature and the critical temperature of titanium.

A D–D neutron generator was developed with an intensity of 108 n/s. A helicon plasma ion source was used to produce a large current deuteron beam, and neutrons were generated by irradiating the deuteron beam on a titanium drive-in target made of commercial pure titanium. The neutron generator was test-run for several hundred hours, and the performances were investigated. The available range of the deuteron beam current was 0.8–8 mA and the beam could be accelerated up to 97.5 keV. The maximum neutron generation rate in the test-runs was 1.9 × 108 n/s, which was achieved by irradiating a 7.6 mA deuteron beam at 94.0 keV on a 0.5 mm-thick target. The operation of the neutron generator was fairly stable, such that the neutron generation rate was not altered by high voltage breakdowns during the test-runs. Neutron generation efficiency was rated as low as 10% when compared to an ideal case of irradiating a 100% monatomic deuteron beam on a perfect TiD2 target. Factors causing the low efficiency were suggested and discussed.

Table S1. List of primers and siRNAs. Table S2. Summary of exome sequencing data. Table S3. List of CMT- and MTDPS- related genes. Table S4. Polymorphic nonsynonymous variants in peripheral neuropathy- and mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome- related genes from the exome date. (DOCX 43Â kb)

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-gal A), which results in the deposition of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in the vascular endothelium. Globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3), a deacylated Gb3, is also increased in the plasma of patients with Fabry disease. Renal fibrosis is a key feature of advanced Fabry disease patients. Therefore, we evaluated the association of Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 accumulation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) on tubular epithelial cells of the kidney. In HK2 cells, exogenous treatments of Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 increased the expression of TGF-beta, EMT markers (N-cadherin and alpha-SMA), and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin. Lyso-Gb3, rather than Gb3, strongly induced EMT in HK2 cells. In the mouse renal mesangial cell line, SV40 MES 13 cells, Gb3 strongly induced phenotype changes. The EMT induced by Gb3 was inhibited by enzyme a-gal A treatment, but EMT induced by lyso-Gb3 was not abrogated by enzyme treatment. However, TGF-beta receptor inhibitor (TRI, SB525334) inhibited the activation of TGF-beta and EMT markers in HK2 cells with Gb3 and lyso-Gb3 treatments. This study suggested that increased plasma lyso-Gb3 has a crucial role in the development of renal fibrosis through the cell-specific induction of the EMT in Fabry disease, and that TRI treatment, alongside enzyme replacement therapy, could be a potential therapeutic option for patients with Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-gal A), resulting in deposition of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in the vascular endothelium. Deacylated Gb3...

Fabry disease is an X-linked inborn error of glycosphingolipid metabolism associated with deficient alpha-galactosidase A activity. The major clinical feature of Fabry disease, such as fibrosis in cardiomyopathy and renal failure has been observed with abnormal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in biological fluids, vascular endothelium, heart and kidney. In addition to Gb3, increased concentration of deacylated Gb3 (lyso-Gb3) in the plasma of symptomatic patients also has been suggested as a causative molecular event. However, the correlation between fibrogenesis and elevated levels of these sphingolipids is poorly understood. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis in fabry disease, we analyzed the changes of global gene expression before and after Gb3 or lyso-Gb3 treatment on two types of kidney cell lines, human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and mouse renal glomerular mesangial cells (SV40MES13), using microarray. The results showed that Gb3 and lyso-G...

The changes in DNA methylation status in cancer cells are characterized by hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands and diffuse genomic hypomethylation. Alu and long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) are non-coding genomic repetitive sequences and methylation of these elements can be used as a surrogate marker for genome-wide methylation status. This study was designed to evaluate the changes of Alu and LINE-1 hypomethylation during breast cancer progression from normal to pre-invasive lesions and invasive breast cancer (IBC), and their relationship with characteristics of IBC. We analyzed the methylation status of Alu and LINE-1 in 145 cases of breast samples including normal breast tissue, atypical ductal hyperplasia/flat epithelial atypia (ADH/FEA), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and IBC, and another set of 129 cases of IBC by pyrosequencing. Alu methylation showed no significant changes during multistep progression of breast cancer, although it tended to decrease during the transition from DCIS to IBC. In contrast, LINE-1 methylation significantly decreased from normal to ADH/FEA, while it was similar in ADH/FEA, DCIS and IBC. In IBC, Alu hypomethylation correlated with negative estrogen receptor (ER) status, and LINE-1 hypomethylation was associated with negative ER status, ERBB2 (HER2) amplification and p53 overexpression. Alu and LINE-1 methylation status was significantly different between breast cancer subtypes, and the HER2 enriched subtype had lowest methylation levels. In survival analyses, low Alu methylation status tended to be associated with poor disease-free survival of the patients. Our findings suggest that LINE-1 hypomethylation is an early event and Alu hypomethylation is probably a late event during breast cancer progression, and prominent hypomethylation of Alu and LINE-1 in HER2 enriched subtype may be related to chromosomal instability of this specific subtype.

Schwann cells (SCs), which produce neurotropic factors and adhesive molecules, have been reported previously to contribute to structural support and guidance during axonal regeneration; therefore, they are potentially a crucial target in the restoration of injured nervous tissues. Autologous SC transplantation has been performed and has shown promising clinical results for treating nerve injuries and donor site morbidity, and insufficient production of the cells have been considered as a major issue. Here, we performed differentiation of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (T-MSCs) into SC-like cells (T-MSC-SCs), to evaluate T-MSC-SCs as an alternative to SCs. Using SC markers such as CAD19, GFAP, MBP, NGFR, S100B, and KROX20 during quantitative real-time PCR we detected the upregulation of NGFR, S100B, and KROX20 and the downregulation of CAD19 and MBP at the fully differentiated stage. Furthermore, we found myelination of axons when differentiated SCs were cocultured with mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. The application of T-MSC-SCs to a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury produced marked improvements in gait and promoted regeneration of damaged nerves. Thus, the transplantation of human T-MSCs might be suitable for assisting in peripheral nerve regeneration.

adverse events (AE). Efficacy measures included changes in the “scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA)” score and sensory organization test (SOT) score. Results: All subjects completed the study visits. There was no acute or delayed AE that was related to the Stemchymal® infusion during the follow-up period. For efficacy, in the patients with SCA3 (n = 6), SARA scores decreased in one, remained unchanged in 3 and increased in 2 patients after 1-year follow-up. In the patient with MSA-C, a marked increase of SARA score was observed. All SCA3 subjects showed early improvement in their balance performance (6/ 6, 100%) after Stemchymal® treatment. Conclusions: Our data suggest safety in all patients and some short-term therapeutic effects of intravenous administration of Stemchymal® in patients with SCA3. To further investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Stemchymal® treatment for SCA3, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple doses, phase II trial is in progress (NCT02540655). Assessments of disease progression by rating systems (ex. SARA) and quantitative systems will be performed (Figure 1).

Summary Background & aims Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury may activate innate immunity through the interaction of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) with endogenous ligands. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) exert suppressive effects on innate immunity through various mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs on hepatic I/R in rats. Methods Three groups of Wistar male rats were fed a standard diet with water, and fish oil as ω-3 PUFAs, or soybean oil as ω-6 PUFAs for 7 days. Subsequently, the rats underwent normothermic, 60 min, partial liver ischemia followed by 6 h of reperfusion. The activation of TLR4 signaling was evaluated using membrane lipid raft isolation. After the 6 h of reperfusion, histopathologic alterations, serum ALT levels, TLR4-mediated inflammation were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemical study. Results The damage of liver from I/R was diminished by dietary fish oil supplementation. Administration of fish oil inhibited TLR4 receptor recruitment into lipid rafts of cell membrane in liver tissues, which is an initial step required for activation of the downstream signaling pathway. Down-regulation of TLR4-mediated signaling reduced NF-κB activation and consequently, improved I/R injury. Conclusions Dietary ω-3 PUFAs supplementation attenuated hepatic I/R injury and could be considered as a nutritional therapeutic aimed at ameliorating I/R injury.

Although DNA methylation profiles in breast cancer have been connected to breast cancer molecular subtype, there have been no studies of the association of DNA methylation with stem cell phenotype. This study was designed to evaluate the promoter CpG island methylation of 15 genes in relation to breast cancer subtype, and to investigate whether the patterns of CpG island methylation in each subtype are associated with their cancer stem cell phenotype represented by CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1 expression. We performed MethyLight analysis of the methylation status of 15 promoter CpG island loci involved in breast cancer progression (APC, DLEC1, GRIN2B, GSTP1, HOXA1, HOXA10, IGF2, MT1G, RARB, RASSF1A, RUNX3, SCGB3A1, SFRP1, SFRP4, and TMEFF2) and determined cancer stem cell phenotype by CD44/CD24 and ALDH1 immunohistochemistry in 36 luminal A, 33 luminal B, 30 luminal-HER2, 40 HER2 enriched, and 40 basal-like subtypes of breast cancer. The number of CpG island loci methylated differed significantly between subtypes, and was highest in the luminal-HER2 subtype and lowest in the basal-like subtype. Methylation frequencies and levels in 12 of the 15 genes differed significantly between subtypes, and the basal-like subtype had significantly lower methylation frequencies and levels in nine of the genes than the other subtypes. CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1+ putative stem cell populations were most enriched in the basal-like subtype. Methylation of promoter CpG islands was significantly lower in CD44+/CD24-cell (+) tumors than in CD44+/CD24-cell (-) tumors, even within the basal-like subtype. ALDH1 (+) tumors were also less methylated than ALDH1 (-) tumors. Our findings showed that promoter CpG island methylation was different in relation to breast cancer subtype and stem cell phenotype of tumor, suggesting that breast cancers have distinct patterns of CpG island methylation according to molecular subtypes and these are associated with different stem cell phenotypes of the tumor.

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is one of the human cancers in which promoter CpG island hypermethylation is frequently found. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) refers to a subset of GCs which harbor concordant methylation of multiple promoter CpG island loci. However, little is known regarding clinicopathological features of CIMP-positive (CIMP-high) GC. Our study aimed to characterize clinicopathological features of CIMP-high GC. We analyzed 196 cases of GCs for their methylation status in 16 cancer-specific CpG island loci using MethyLight assay and arbitrarily defined CIMP-high GC as those with methylation at 13 or more CpG island loci. With exclusion of microsatellite instability-positive GC and EBV-positive GC from the analysis, CIMP-high GC (n = 10, 6.7%) demonstrated tendency toward higher cancer stage, infiltrative growth type, poor differentiation, and diffuse or mixed type of Lauren classification. CIMP-high GC showed significantly shortened survival compared with that of CIMP-negative GC. When CIMP-negative GC (methylation at 12 or less) was divided into CIMP-intermediate and CIMP-low (methylation at one or none), CIMP-low exhibited better clinical outcome than CIMP-intermediate. Hypermethylation at 14 CpG island loci or more was closely associated with poor clinical outcome and found to be an independent prognostic factor. Our findings that CIMP-high GCs were featured with characteristic clinicopathological parameters, including poor prognosis are distinct from previous studies. More extensive, large-scaled study is necessary to validate the findings of the present study.

Purpose Prostaglandin (PG) E2 is an immunomodulatory lipid mediator generated mainly via the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway from arachidonic acid at sites of infection and inflammation. A positive feedback loop of PGE2 on COX-2 expression is critical for homeostasis during toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory processes. The mechanism of PGE2-regulated COX-2 expression remains poorly understood. The low-molecular-weight stress protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) contributes to the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic response against environmental stress. Methods We explored the involvement of HO-1 on PGE2 regulation of LPS-induced COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Results LPS-induced COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages was enhanced by exogenous PGE2 or cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue and was suppressed by a COX inhibitor (indomethacin), a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (KT5720), and A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) disruptors (Ht31 and RIAD). This result suggests that the stimulatory effects of endogenous and exogenous PGE2 on COX-2 expression are mediated by a cAMP-PKA-AKAP-dependent pathway. The induction of HO-1 was observed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. This induction was suppressed by exogenous PGE2 and enhanced by blockage of the endogenous PGE2 effect by the PKA inhibitor or AKAP disruptors. In addition, HO-1 induction by the HO activator copper protoporphyrin suppressed LPS-induced COX-2 expression, which was restored by the addition of exogenous PGE2. The induction of HO-1 inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB p-65 nuclear expression and translocation. Conclusions AKAP plays an important role in PGE2 regulation of COX-2 expression, and the suppression of HO-1 by PGE2-cAMP-PKA-AKAP signaling helps potentiate the LPS-induced COX-2 expression through a positive feedback loop in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

DNA methylation is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms and hypermethylation of CpG islands at tumor suppressor genes switches off these genes. To find novel DNA methylation markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we performed pharmacological unmasking (treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine or trichostatin A) followed by microarray analysis in HCC cell lines. Of the 239 promoter CpG island loci hypermethylated in HCC cell lines (as revealed by methylation-specific PCR), 221 loci were found to be hypermethylated in HCC or nonneoplastic liver tissues. Thirty-three loci showed a 20% higher methylation frequency in tumors than in adjacent nonneoplastic tissues. Correlation of individual cancer-related methylation markers with clinicopathological features of HCC patients (n = 95) revealed that the number of hypermethylated genes in HCC tumors was higher in older than in younger patients. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis revealed that the HIST1H2AE methylation status is closely correlated with the patient's overall survival (P = 0.022 and P = 0.010, respectively). In conclusion, we identified 221 novel DNA methylation markers for HCC. One promising prognostic marker, HIST1H2AE, should be further validated in the prognostication of HCC patients.

Background Mutations in heat shock 27 kDa protein 1 (HSP27 or HSPB1) cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 F (CMT2F) according to unknown factors. Mutant HSP27 proteins affect axonal transport by reducing acetylated tubulin. Results We generated a transgenic mouse model overexpressing HSP27-S135F mutant protein driven by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter. The mouse phenotype was similar to dHMN patients in that they exhibit motor neuropathy. To determine the phenotypic aberration of transgenic mice, behavior test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological study, and pathology were performed. Rotarod test showed that founder mice exhibited lowered motor performance. MRI also revealed marked fatty infiltration in the anterior and posterior compartments at calf level. Electrophysiologically, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) but not motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was reduced in the transgenic mice. Toluidine staining with semi-thin section of sciatic nerve showed the ratio of large myelinated axon fiber was reduced, which might cause reduced locomotion in the transgenic mice. Electron microscopy also revealed abundant aberrant myelination. Immunohistochemically, neuronal dysfunctions included elevated level of phosphorylated neurofilament and reduced level of acetylated tubulin in the sural nerve of transgenic mice. There was no additional phenotype besides motor neuronal defects. Conclusions Overexpression of HSP27-S135F protein causes peripheral neuropathy. The mouse model can be applied to future development of therapeutic strategies for dHMN or CMT2F. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-015-0154-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.