Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agustina Setiawati, Sungwoo Jeong, Albertus Ivan Brilian, Sang Ho Lee, Jin-Gon Shim, Kwang-Hwan Jung, Kwanwoo Shin
Summary: In this study, a hybrid extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold was successfully fabricated, and it was demonstrated that the fibronectin (FN)-rich hybrid ECM scaffold promoted successful settling of liver cells. This method holds promise for the fabrication of scaffolds that provide tailored cellular microenvironment for specific organs and can serve as novel pathways for organ replacement or regeneration.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elke Pach, Maike Kuemper, Julia E. Fromme, Jan Zamek, Fabian Metzen, Manuel Koch, Cornelia Mauch, Paola Zigrino
Summary: The deletion of MMP14 in dermal fibroblasts leads to the deposition of an extracellular matrix that inhibits melanoma growth, with collagen XIV identified as a key regulator in melanoma progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zeyu Cai, Ze Gong, Zhiqing Li, Li Li, Wei Kong
Summary: The article summarizes the dynamic changes of ECM during hypertension and after treatment, as well as the unclear mechanism by which ECM remodeling initiates the development of hypertension. Further research on matridomic and degradomic approaches is needed for a more comprehensive understanding of ECM remodeling in hypertension.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadja Sparding, Michaela Neprasova, Dita Maixnerova, Federica Genovese, Morten Asser Karsdal, Marek Kollar, Helena Koprivova, Zdenka Hruskova, Vladimir Tesar
Summary: Kidney fibrosis, a characteristic of chronic kidney disease, can be assessed by measuring different biomarkers of collagen type III. In this study, three collagen type III biomarkers were measured in serum and urine samples of IgA nephropathy patients. The results showed that these biomarkers provided different information about fibrotic burden and had different correlations with the degree of fibrosis in kidney biopsies. Measuring different fragments of the same ECM protein in different matrices can provide valuable insights into pathological kidney tissue alterations in patients with IgA nephropathy.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zhuangzhuang Jia, Shuai Wang, Haifeng Yan, Yawen Cao, Xuan Zhang, Lin Wang, Zeyu Zhang, Shanshan Lin, Xianliang Wang, Jingyuan Mao
Summary: Pulmonary vascular remodeling, involving changes in the intima, media and adventitia, is a critical structural alteration and pathological feature in pulmonary hypertension. It includes the proliferation and phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), as well as interactions with pulmonary artery fibroblasts (PAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM). Inflammatory mechanisms, apoptosis, and other factors are influenced by different mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. This article reviews these pathological changes and discusses the underlying mechanisms in the remodeling process.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John D. Aleman, Christian D. Young, Sana D. Karam, Xiao-Jing Wang
Summary: The extracellular matrix (ECM), especially the glycoprotein laminin, plays a pivotal role in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastasis by enhancing protein deposition and influencing the invasive and metastatic behavior of tumor cells. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of how the ECM contributes to the formation of premetastatic niche, the processes of intra- and extravasation, and the role of ECM in SCC cell dormancy.
MOLECULAR CARCINOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melissa Simard, Alexe Grenier, Genevieve Rioux, Andrea Tremblay, Isalie Blais, Nicolas Flamand, Roxane Pouliot
Summary: This study revealed differences in the extracellular matrix composition of psoriatic skin, with potential modulation by supplementation of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in regulating dermal lipidome and gene expression, indicating a potential therapeutic role in the treatment of psoriasis.
Article
Biology
Ida Lonsmann, Jane I. Grove, Asma Haider, Philip Kaye, Morten A. Karsdal, Diana J. Leeming, Guruprasad P. Aithal
Summary: This study found that type IV collagen turnover increased with the increase in NAS in patients with NAFL; however, this was not the case in patients with NASH. These findings support the assessments of the BM turnover using biomarkers in patients with early-disease development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malin Jansson, Jessica Lindberg, Gunilla Rask, Johan Svensson, Ola Billing, Anoosheh Nazemroaya, Anette Berglund, Fredrik Waernberg, Malin Sund
Summary: Study found that expression of type IV collagen is associated with poorer breast cancer specific survival and distant metastasis in small breast cancers, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for predicting the risk of future metastatic disease in breast cancer patients.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biology
Uwe Topfer
Summary: The basement membrane (BM) is a planar-organized extracellular matrix that plays important roles in tissue structure, organ shape, cell polarity, migration, and signaling. Different organization of BM leads to various physical features and can be regulated through deposition or degradation to enable tissue sculpting.
Article
Cell Biology
Claire A. Gianakas, Daniel P. Keeley, William Ramos-Lewis, Kieop Park, Ranjay Jayadev, Isabel W. Kenny, Qiuyi Chi, David R. Sherwood
Summary: The study identifies the crucial role of hemicentin and fibulin-1 in initiating and strengthening basement membrane (BM) attachment. The mechanisms underlying BM-BM linkage maturation are revealed, providing new insights into this specialized form of tissue linkage.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Apoorva A. Kumar, Natalie Yeo, Max Whittaker, Priya Attra, Thomas R. Barrick, Leslie R. Bridges, Dennis W. Dickson, Margaret M. Esiri, Chad W. Farris, Delyth Graham, Wen Lang Lin, Daniel N. Meijles, Anthony C. Pereira, Gregory Perry, Douglas L. Rosene, Anan B. Shtaya, Tom Van Agtmael, Giovanna Zamboni, Atticus H. Hainsworth
Summary: Vascular collagen-IV in cerebral small arteries of older people is negatively associated with radiological SVD severity, but not related to history of hypertension. Reduced collagen-IV is accompanied by accumulation of fibrillar collagens. Brain collagen-IV is elevated in older normotensive primates, but not associated with hypertension. Collagen-IV in arterial tissue does not differ between genetically hypertensive and normotensive rats.
Review
Hematology
Prisca K. Lin, George E. Davis
Summary: Large and medium-sized vessels react differently from capillaries to stimuli inducing vascular disease, undergoing extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. While arteries persist and undergo modifications in response to injurious stimuli, capillaries may undergo regression responses.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan F. Zapata-Acevedo, Valentina Garcia-Perez, Ricardo Cabezas-Perez, Monica Losada-Barragan, Karina Vargas-Sanchez, Rodrigo E. Gonzalez-Reyes
Summary: Neuroinflammation-induced changes in laminin function may serve as a potential biomarker for alterations in blood-brain barrier (BBB). Although the expression of laminin varies depending on the pathology or experimental model, it may be a good indicator of overall structural integrity of the BBB. However, there is limited understanding of the role played by different subunits or isoforms of laminin in maintaining the structural architecture of the BBB under neuroinflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Alexis Ouellette, Mala Mahendroo, Shanmugasundaram Nallasamy
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the remodeling and hormonal regulation of collagen and elastin fibers in the myometrium during pregnancy. The results showed that the gene and protein expressions of collagen and elastin were induced early in pregnancy and were differentially regulated by progesterone and estrogen. Additionally, imaging analysis revealed structural reorganization of collagen and elastin fibers during pregnancy.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Katharina Jandl, Leigh M. Marsh, Ayse Ceren Mutgan, Slaven Crnkovic, Francesco Valzano, Diana Zabini, Julia Hoffmann, Vasile Foris, Elisabeth Gschwandtner, Walter Klepetko, Helmut Prosch, Holger Flick, Luka Brcic, Izidor Kern, Akos Heinemann, Horst Olschewski, Gabor Kovacs, Grazyna Kwapiszewska
Summary: This study identified a functional link between natural killer T (NKT) cell activation and vascular fibrosis in patients with pulmonary fibrosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (PF-PH). Activation of NKT cells ameliorated vascular remodeling and right ventricular systolic pressure in a mouse model of PF-PH. Furthermore, activation of the STAT1-CXCL9-CXCR3 axis by NKT cell activation reduced collagen deposition in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and precision-cut lung slices. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting vascular fibrosis in interstitial lung diseases.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Critical Care Medicine
Katharina Jandl, Leigh M. Marsh, Ayse Ceren Mutgan, Slaven Crnkovic, Francesco Valzano, Diana Zabini, Julia Hoffmann, Vasile Foris, Elisabeth Gschwandtner, Walter Klepetko, Helmut Prosch, Holger Flick, Luka Brcic, Izidor Kern, Akos Heinemann, Horst Olschewski, Gabor Kovacs, Grazyna Kwapiszewska
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Slaven Crnkovic, Sonja Rittchen, Katharina Jandl, Juergen Gindlhuber, Diana Zabini, Ayse Ceren Mutgan, Francesco Valzano, Panja M. Boehm, Konrad Hoetzenecker, Wolfgang Toller, Christine Veith, Akos Heinemann, Ralph T. Schermuly, Andrea Olschewski, Leigh M. Marsh, Grazyna Kwapiszewska
Summary: Through this study, it was found that ephrin-B2 and EphB4 expression is preserved in smooth muscle and endothelial cells of remodeled pulmonary arteries. Lack of ephrin-B2 gene attenuates pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, while inhibition of EphB4 signaling reduces pulmonary vascular remodeling without affecting right ventricular systolic pressure. In conclusion, ephrin-B2 and EphB4 play crucial roles in pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Article
Immunology
Katharina Jandl, Johannes Lorenz Berg, Anna Birnhuber, Elisabeth Fliesser, Izabela Borek, Benjamin Seeliger, Sascha David, Julius J. Schmidt, Gregor Gorkiewicz, Martin Zacharias, Tobias Welte, Horst Olschewski, Akos Heinemann, Malgorzata Wygrecka, Grazyna Kwapiszewska
Summary: Immune cell recruitment, endothelial cell barrier disruption, and platelet activation are common in lung injuries like COVID-19-induced ARDS. In this study, we investigated the role of endostatin, a bioactive fragment of the basement membrane protein collagen XVIII alpha 1, on cellular functions associated with ARDS. Our results showed that endostatin enhanced neutrophil and platelet activity, as well as induced microvascular barrier disruption.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Fahd Alhamdan, Timm Greulich, Christian Daviaud, Leigh M. Marsh, Frauke Pedersen, Clemens Thoelken, Petra Ina Pfefferle, Thomas Bahmer, Daniel P. Potaczek, Joerg Tost, Holger Garn
Summary: This study aimed to use EV miRNA signatures to uncover the molecular mechanisms of obesity-associated low type-2 asthma. EV miRNA profiles were able to clearly distinguish between obese low type-2 asthma, non-obese low type-2 asthma, and healthy control groups. Pathway analysis revealed inflammatory cytokines and metabolic factors signaling pathways to be specifically associated with obesity-associated low type-2 asthma. Additionally, miR-17-92 and miR-106a-363 clusters were significantly enriched in obesity-associated low type-2 asthma and exhibited correlations with key laboratory and lung function parameters.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oliver Baum, Felicitas A. M. Huber-Abel, Martin Fluck
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between nNOS expression and capillarity in the TA muscle of mice undergoing treadmill training. The results showed that both mRNA and protein levels of nNOS were up-regulated after 28 days of treadmill training. Additionally, ZsGreen1-positive fibers in the nNOS-transfected TA muscle of trained mice exhibited higher immunofluorescence for nNOS and more capillary contacts around MHC-IIb fibers compared to ZsGreen1-negative fibers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Katharina Jandl, Nemanja Radic, Katarina Zeder, Gabor Kovacs, Grazyna Kwapiszewska
Summary: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and vascular remodeling, leading to vessel wall thickening and stiffness. The mechanobiology of the pulmonary vasculature has diagnostic and prognostic value in PH, and targeting vascular fibrosis and stiffness through interference with ECM production and turnover or immunomodulation approaches could be promising therapies. Altered mechanobiology and ECM production are linked to key pathways disturbed in PH, offering potential therapeutic interventions. This review discusses various interventions and their connections in PH.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Izabela Borek, Anna Birnhuber, Norbert F. Voelkel, Leigh M. Marsh, Grazyna Kwapiszewska
Summary: The role of pulmonary vasculature in the development and progression of acute and chronic lung diseases, such as ARDS, PF, and COPD, has been frequently overlooked. However, there is increasing evidence that the vascular endothelium plays an active role in these diseases. This review outlines the current knowledge and future research directions regarding the pulmonary vasculature and hopes to facilitate the development of mechanism-based therapies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Oscar van der Have, Timothy J. Mead, Christian Westoo, Niccolo Peruzzi, Ayse C. Mutgan, Christian Norvik, Martin Bech, Andre Struglics, Konrad Hoetzenecker, Hans Brunnstrom, Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson, Grazyna Kwapiszewska, Suneel S. Apte, Karin Tran-Lundmark
Summary: Expansion of extracellular matrix, specifically aggrecan, occurs in all stages of pulmonary angiopathy associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Aggrecan accumulates in the pulmonary arteries of PAH patients and is localized to cellular lesions rather than fibrotic or collagenous lesions. The upregulation of the potential aggrecanase ADAMTS15 in PAH suggests dysregulation of aggrecan turnover is a response to altered hemodynamics. These findings support the potential therapeutic targeting of aggrecan and aggrecanase regulation in PAH.
PULMONARY CIRCULATION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Tom Aschman, Emanuel Wyler, Oliver Baum, Andreas Hentschel, Rebekka Rust, Franziska Legler, Corinna Preusse, Lil Meyer-Arndt, Ivana Buettnerova, Alexandra Foerster, Derya Cengiz, Luiz Gustavo Teixeira Alves, Julia Schneider, Claudia Kedor, Judith Bellmann-Strobl, Aminaa Sanchin, Hans-Hilmar Goebel, Markus Landthaler, Victor Corman, Andreas Roos, Frank L. Heppner, Helena Radbruch, Friedemann Paul, Carmen Scheibenbogen, Nora F. Dengler, Werner Stenzel
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth analysis of skeletal muscle biopsies from eleven patients who experienced enduring fatigue and post-exertional malaise after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that these patients had fewer capillaries, thicker capillary basement membranes, and increased numbers of CD169+ macrophages in their muscle tissues. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in the muscle tissues. Additionally, complement system related proteins were found to be more abundant in the serum of patients with post-COVID exertion intolerance, which matched observations on the transcriptomic level in the muscle tissue. The researchers hypothesize that the initial viral infection may have caused immune-mediated structural changes in the microvasculature, potentially explaining the exercise-dependent fatigue and muscle pain.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)