Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alexandra N. Donlan, Tara E. Sutherland, Chelsea Marie, Saskia Preissner, Ben T. Bradley, Rebecca M. Carpenter, Jeffrey M. Sturek, Jennie Z. Ma, G. Brett Moreau, Jeffrey R. Donowitz, Gregory A. Buck, Myrna G. Serrano, Stacey L. Burgess, Mayuresh M. Abhyankar, Cameron Mura, Philip E. Bourne, Robert Preissner, Mary K. Young, Genevieve R. Lyons, Johanna J. Loomba, Sarah J. Ratcliffe, Melinda D. Poulter, Amy J. Mathers, Anthony Day, Barbara J. Mann, Judith E. Allen, William A. Petri
Summary: Research shows that elevated IL-13 levels are associated with severe COVID-19. In a mouse model, neutralizing IL-13 reduced disease severity and lung HA deposition. Administration of IL-13 induced HA in the lungs. Blocking the HA receptor CD44 prevented mortality, highlighting a potentially novel mechanism for IL-13-mediated HA synthesis in pulmonary pathology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yukiko Ota, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Yoko Endo, Tetsuya Sayo, Yoshito Takahashi
Summary: This study investigates the role of hyaluronan (HA) in reconstructed skin or epidermal equivalents. The findings suggest that HA production mediated by HAS3 plays an important role in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Romy Winkler, Marianne Quaas, Stefan Glasmacher, Uwe Wolfrum, Torsten Thalheim, Joerg Galle, Knut Krohn, Thomas M. Magin, Gabriela Aust
Summary: The expression and function of GPR115 in skin, specifically in epidermal differentiation, has been largely unknown. This study reveals that GPR115 is present in a small subset of keratinocytes in the stratified epidermis, and its expression is delayed in psoriatic skin. Deletion of GPR115 leads to reduced keratinocyte stratification, suggesting its role in epidermal differentiation. Intriguingly, endogenous GPR115 localizes along keratin filaments in a regular pattern, indicating a previously unknown function in regulating epidermal differentiation and keratin expression.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mohamed Aboul Ezz, Alireza Mansouri, Ihshan Akthar, Mohamed Samy Yousef, Rasoul Kowsar, Akio Miyamoto
Summary: Recently, it was found that sperm induces the expression of CD44 and TLR2-mediated inflammation in the bovine uterus. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the interaction between CD44 and hyaluronan (HA) on sperm attachment and TLR2-mediated inflammation. In-silico approaches and in-vitro experiments using a sperm-BEECs co-culture model were conducted. The results showed a high affinity between CD44 and HA, and HA treatment increased sperm attachment and upregulated pro-inflammatory gene expression in BEECs.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadine Nagy, Gernot Kaber, Payton L. Marshall, Aviv Hargil, Hedwich F. Kuipers, Heather D. Ishak, Marika Bogdani, Rebecca L. Hull, Maria Grandoch, Jens W. Fischer, Tracey L. Mclaughlin, Thomas N. Wight, Paul L. Bollyky, Vivekananda G. Sunkari
Summary: This study identifies a novel role for the inflammatory extracellular matrix polymer hyaluronan (HA) in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The inhibition of HA synthesis or deletion of the main HA receptor CD44 can preserve glycemic control and insulin concentrations in diabetic mice, indicating the potential of HA as a target for ameliorating beta-cell loss in type 2 diabetes.
Review
Cell Biology
Theodoros Karalis, Spyros S. Skandalis
Summary: Hyaluronan plays important roles in normal physiology and cancer, and its accumulation is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Targeting the hyaluronan system may be a promising therapeutic strategy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ana M. Carvalho, Diana Soares da Costa, Pedro M. R. Paulo, Rui L. Reis, Iva Pashkuleva
Summary: The study investigated the roles of CD44 and RHAMM in tumor progression and metastasis, revealing that their interaction with hyaluronic acid has a significant impact on cellular responses, indicating the presence of cell-specific feedback loops in the signaling cascade.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Sage, J. Renault, R. Domain, K. K. Bojarski, T. Chazeirat, A. Saidi, E. Leblanc, C. Nizard, S. A. Samsonov, R. Kurfurst, G. Lalmanach, F. Lecaille
Summary: This study identified neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) as a potent inhibitor of cathepsin S (Cat S), which plays a role in the degradation of extracellular-matrix and basement membrane. NHDC inhibited the hydrolysis of key proteins in the basement membrane and reduced the expression and activity of Cat S in human keratinocytes. Furthermore, NHDC increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and mediated the STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to the suppression of Cat S expression.
Review
Immunology
Shigeki Katoh
Summary: The interaction between CD44 and hyaluronan (HA) plays a crucial role in recruiting leukocytes to inflamed tissues. This review summarizes the findings of our studies on the role of CD44-HA interactions in leukocyte trafficking, with a focus on airway T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in mouse models of acute asthma. CD44 is critical for the antigen challenge-induced airway accumulation of antigen-specific Th2 cells, without affecting Th1 and Th17 cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xiao-Xuan Zhao, Wen-Qing Xie, Wen-Feng Xiao, Heng-Zhen Li, Shinen Naranmandakh, Olivier Bruyere, Jean-Yves Reginster, Yu-Sheng Li
Summary: This review discusses the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and focuses on the role of perlecan in the development of OA. Perlecan has a protective effect in normal cartilage and is involved in vascular invasion, catabolic and anabolic actions of chondrocytes, and pain sensitization pathways in OA.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ana M. Carvalho, Diana Soares da Costa, Rui L. Reis, Iva Pashkuleva
Summary: This study reveals the altered expression of hyaluronan (HA) receptors CD44 and RHAMM in the tumor microenvironment, which are associated with poor prognosis and treatment outcomes. The study also demonstrates the bi-directional communication between HA and breast cancer cell lines with different surface expression of CD44 and RHAMM. These findings are significant for the development of therapies targeting HA signaling in the tumor microenvironment.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Constantinos Kolliopoulos, Athanasios Chatzopoulos, Spyros S. Skandalis, Carl-Henrik Heldin, Paraskevi Heldin
Summary: Tumor cells receive signals from the extracellular matrix, including hyaluronan, which binds to CD44 receptors and initiates signaling pathways involved in growth and survival. CD44 undergoes proteolytic cleavage promoted by TGF beta, TRAF4 or TRAF6, leading to migration of tumor cells. Targeting CD44 signaling via TRAF4/6 and RAC1 may be beneficial in the treatment of tumors.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Niranjan G. Kotla, Isma Liza Mohd Isa, Aitor Larranaga, Balaji Maddiboyina, Samantha K. Swamy, Gandhi Sivaraman, Praveen K. Vemula
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant expansion in the research and clinical applications of hyaluronic acid-based scaffolds, medical devices, and bioconjugate systems. These developments are driven by the abundance of hyaluronic acid in mammalian tissues and its potential for chemical modifications. This review summarizes the importance of chemical modifications of hyaluronic acid, various advancements in bioconjugate derivatives, and their potential advantages in terms of physicochemical and pharmacological properties.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cornelia Tolg, Britney Jodi-Ann Messam, James Benjamin McCarthy, Andrew Cook Nelson, Eva Ann Turley
Summary: Signaling from actively remodeling extracellular matrix, particularly involving hyaluronan, plays a critical role in tissue repair and disease progression, such as metastatic cancer. This review discusses the multifunctional nature of hyaluronan and its receptors in wound healing, as well as the deregulation of HA metabolism in malignant progression and the potential for targeting HA in breast cancer management.
Review
Oncology
Salma M. S. Ahmad, Maryam Al-Mansoob, Allal Ouhtit
Summary: The study found that CD44 activation and SIRT1 overexpression may promote breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eveliina Korhonen, Niina Piippo, Maria Hytti, Juha M. T. Hyttinen, Kai Kaarniranta, Anu Kauppinen
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janusz Blasiak, Ali Koskela, Elzbieta Pawlowska, Mikko Liukkonen, Johanna Ruuth, Elisa Toropainen, Juha M. T. Hyttinen, Johanna Viiri, John E. Eriksson, Heping Xu, Mei Chen, Szabolcs Felszeghy, Kai Kaarniranta
Summary: The common loss of PGC-1 alpha and NFE2L2 genes in aged animals leads to hijacked epithelial-mesenchymal transition, altered RPE morphology, and increased immunoreactivity of senescence markers. These findings suggest that EMT and senescence pathways may intersect in the retinas of dKO mice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Juha M. T. Hyttinen, Janusz Blasiak, Szabolcs Felszeghy, Kai Kaarniranta
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease affecting the vision of elderly individuals. The weakening of autophagy clearance has been suggested as an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of AMD, with autophagy-targeting miRNAs potentially playing a crucial role in AMD therapy.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aqeel Ahmad, Kirsi Rilla, Jing Zou, Weikai Zhang, Ilmari Pyykko, Paavo Kinnunen, Sanjeev Ranjan
Summary: The study demonstrates the design and characterization of an endosomolytic peptide LZEP based on the leucine zipper sequence. LZEP showed potential for membrane disruption and improved gene delivery in mammalian cells, providing a novel approach for gene therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janusz Blasiak, Juha M. T. Hyttinen, Joanna Szczepanska, Elzbieta Pawlowska, Kai Kaarniranta
Summary: AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population, with age and family history as the strongest risk factors. Long non-coding RNAs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AMD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Kirsi Rilla
Summary: Plasma membrane curvature plays a crucial role in regulating cellular phenotype and extensions like filopodia and microvilli support various cellular functions. There is emerging evidence that cellular plasma membrane protrusions act as specialized platforms for the budding of extracellular vesicles (EVs).
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Iswariyaraja Sridevi Gurubaran, Hanna Helotera, Stephen Marry, Ali Koskela, Juha M. T. Hyttinen, Jussi J. Paterno, Arto Urtti, Mei Chen, Heping Xu, Anu Kauppinen, Kai Kaarniranta
Summary: The text discusses the current research status, pathological mechanisms, and animal models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), focusing on the changes of inflammatory markers in a novel AMD model and their potential significance.
Article
Cell Biology
Toni Tamminen, Ali Koskela, Elisa Toropainen, Iswariyaraja Sridevi Gurubaran, Mateusz Winiarczyk, Mikko Liukkonen, Jussi J. Paterno, Petri Lackman, Amir Sadeghi, Johanna Viiri, Juha M. T. Hyttinen, Ari Koskelainen, Kai Kaarniranta
Summary: The study demonstrates the positive effects of natural pinosylvin extract on age-related macular degeneration, preserving significant retinal function and morphology while reducing chronic oxidative stress. Pinosylvin supplementation may lower the risk of AMD onset and slow down its progression.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne-Mari Mustonen, Tommi Paakkonen, Johanna Matilainen, Kirsi Rilla, Reijo Kakela, Marjo Malinen, Piia Takabe, Sanna Oikari, Janne Capra, Sanna P. Sihvo, Pauliina Ryokas, Petteri Nieminen
Summary: This study found that during the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), there were changes in the proportions of fatty acids (FAs), which could potentially affect membrane fluidity, synthesis of lipid mediators, and inflammatory processes in joints.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Tero Sievanen, Tia-Marje Korhonen, Tiina Jokela, Maarit Ahtiainen, Laura Lahtinen, Teijo Kuopio, Anna Lepisto, Elina Sillanpaa, Jukka-Pekka Mecklin, Toni T. Seppala, Eija K. Laakkonen
Summary: Circulating microRNAs (c-miRs) play a significant role in cancer development and LS genetic variation. They have the potential to be used for early cancer detection and LS risk stratification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Heikki Kyykallio, Alessandra V. S. Faria, Rosabella Hartmann, Janne Capra, Kirsi Rilla, Pia R-M Siljander
Summary: This research developed two methods using nanofibrillar cellulose as a 3D cell culture matrix to isolate extracellular vesicles from cancer spheroids. Both methods were easy to set up, quick to perform, and provided high yields of extracellular vesicles.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Juha Hyttinen, Janusz Blasiak, Pasi Tavi, Kai Kaarniranta
Summary: AMD is a leading cause of sight loss in the elderly, with most patients lacking treatment options. Targeting PGC-1 alpha may offer a potential therapy, through drug interventions and epigenetic approaches to enhance its expression. This approach could potentially be applied to other disorders associated with disturbances in the mitochondria-antioxidant response-autophagy axis.
EXPERT OPINION ON THERAPEUTIC TARGETS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sundus F. Shalabi, Masaru Miyano, Rosalyn W. Sayaman, Jennifer C. Lopez, Tiina A. Jokela, Michael E. Todhunter, Stefan Hinz, James C. Garbe, Martha R. Stampfer, Kai Kessenbrock, Victoria E. Seewaldt, Mark A. LaBarge
Summary: This study found that histologically normal breast tissue from younger women with germline mutations exhibit hallmarks of accelerated aging, including loss of lineage fidelity in epithelial cells, decreased proportions of basal cells, and failure of differentiation of progenitor cells. High-risk cells are enriched in transcription of genes from the opposite lineage.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Tiina A. Jokela, Mark A. LaBarge
Summary: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a central role in tumor progression and are regulated by signals from the tumor microenvironment. The mechanical properties and extracellular matrix composition of the microenvironment influence CSC growth and survival through integrins and other cell surface receptors. Understanding the signaling that maintains cells in CSC states may guide future therapeutic interventions.
CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Tiina A. Jokela, Dustin Schones, Mark A. LaBarge