Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Berta H. Ganizada, Koen D. Reesink, Shaiv Parikh, Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers, Asim C. Akbulut, Pepijn J. M. H. Saraber, Gijs P. Debeij, Ehsan MUMC TAA Student Team, Armand M. Jaminon, Ehsan Natour, Roberto Lorusso, Joachim E. Wildberger, Barend Mees, Geert Willem Schurink, Michael J. Jacobs, Jack Cleutjens, Ingrid Krapels, Alexander Gombert, Jos G. Maessen, Ryan Accord, Tammo Delhaas, Simon Schalla, Leon J. Schurgers, Elham Bidar
Summary: Current management guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA) suggest intervention once the diameter reaches 5-5.5 cm or shows a growth rate of >0.5 cm/year. However, aTAA dissections (aTAAD) often occur in vessels with diameters below the surgical intervention threshold. To improve understanding of aTAA pathophysiology, the MAPEX platform focuses on the interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix, aiming to narrow knowledge gaps and improve diagnostic and prognostic possibilities.
Article
Cell Biology
Rachel E. Bell, Tanya J. Shaw
Summary: Research suggests that myofibroblasts are not consistently present in primary keloid lesions, and keloid scars may not necessarily require alpha SMA-positive myofibroblasts. Viewing keloid scars on a quantitative spectrum with normal or hypertrophic scars, using alpha SMA as a biomarker of disease severity, is hindering progress in understanding the disease mechanisms and developing therapies.
WOUND REPAIR AND REGENERATION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaoming Deng, Jun Liang, Na Fang, Xiangwei Li
Summary: Dental implants are widely accepted due to their mechanical properties and aesthetic outcomes. Successful osseointegration and tight soft tissue integration, particularly collagen fibers in the transmucosal region, contribute to their restorative success. Surface modification methods can enhance soft tissue integration. This review focuses on the differences in the transmucosal zone around dental implants compared to natural teeth and explores the latest strategies for enhancing soft tissue integration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas B. Layton, Lynn Williams, Jagdeep Nanchahal
Summary: We discuss the biology of Dupuytren's disease (DD), a common fibrotic disorder of the hand. The disease develops through the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, as well as epigenetic signaling. The cellular and molecular pathways in DD can be easily studied due to the accessibility of tissue in affected patients, and this research may have implications for understanding fibrotic tissues in other parts of the body.
TRENDS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Hesham Soliman, Marine Theret, Wilder Scott, Lesley Hill, Tully Michael Underhill, Boris Hinz, Fabio M. Rossi
Summary: MSCs are essential for the development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of most tissues. They play a crucial role in responding to injury, promoting regeneration through secretion of trophic factors and ECM molecules, and contributing to fibrotic reparative processes. Through fate mapping and single cell omics, tissue-specific MSC identities and functions are being elucidated, providing unprecedented insights into the secret lives of tissue-resident MSCs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thanh-Diep Ly, Meike Sambale, Lara Kloesener, Philipp Traut, Bastian Fischer, Doris Hendig, Joachim R. Kuhn, Cornelius Knabbe, Isabel Faust-Hinse
Summary: Arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty is characterized by dysregulated extracellular matrix protein synthesis and myofibroblast activation. This study investigated primary synovial fibroblasts from arthrofibrotic tissues and demonstrated increased cell contractility, XT secretion rate, and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition rate. The fibrotic phenotype in arthrofibrotic fibroblasts was confirmed by enhanced collagen and proteoglycan expression. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of arthrofibrosis and potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Basalova Nataliya, Arbatskiy Mikhail, Popov Vladimir, Grigorieva Olga, Vigovskiy Maksim, Zaytsev Ivan, Novoseletskaya Ekaterina, Sagaradze Georgy, Danilova Natalia, Malkov Pavel, Cherniaev Andrey, Samsonova Maria, Karagyaur Maxim, Tolstoluzhinskaya Anastasiya, Dyachkova Uliana, Akopyan Zhanna, Tkachuk Vsevolod, Kalinina Natalia, Efimenko Anastasiya
Summary: Membrane-bound vesicles released by fat-derived stem cells contain small RNA molecules that help resolve lung scarring. These molecules cause scar-forming cells to become more flexible, leading to healthier lung function. Drugs targeting these molecules could potentially treat fibrosis in various organs.
EXPERIMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mark W. Majesky, Mary C. M. Weiser -Evans
Summary: The adventitia is a complex and dynamic tissue that receives input signals from various sources to regulate the structural and mechanical properties of blood vessels. It plays a crucial role in vascular development, homeostasis, and repair.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rory Gibney, Eleonora Ferraris
Summary: The study utilized aerosol jet printing to process collagen type I and II into dense constructs with suitable mechanical properties for replicating dense collagenous connective tissues. Collagen type II exhibited lower viscosity compared to type I, and both types experienced a drop in viscosity due to aerosol jet printing.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Fede, Chenglei Fan, Carmelo Pirri, Lucia Petrelli, Carlo Biz, Andrea Porzionato, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De Caro, Carla Stecco
Summary: The intramuscular connective tissue plays a critical role in maintaining muscle integrity and providing mechanical support. This study found age-related changes in collagen accumulation, decreased elastic fibers and hyaluronan content in the muscle, which may lead to muscle stiffening and reduced adaptability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xige He, Qiong Wu, Wenjun Xue, Rihan Wu, Yajuan Huang, Lu Chen, Yunfei Han, Jindi Wu, Gerelt Borjigin, Rina Sha
Summary: This study analyzed the characteristics of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) collagen in Wuzhumuqin sheep at different growth stages, and identified the correlations between these characteristics. The results showed that collagen-related genes were highly expressed at 9 and 12 months of age, and the amino acid content, solubility, thermal stability, and cross-linking of collagen were influenced by collagen type, muscle type, and age. The multiple correlations between collagen characteristics play a crucial role in the development of IMCT. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further research on the impact of collagen on meat quality.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aude Angelini, JoAnn Trial, Alexander B. Saltzman, Anna Malovannaya, Katarzyna A. Cieslik
Summary: The study focuses on the impaired myofibroblast development in aging male heart due to stiffer extracellular matrix (ECM), and shows decreased actin polymerization, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Kindlin-2 expressions in old male cardiac fibroblasts. Manipulation of Kindlin-2 levels reversed the defective phenotype, and inhibition of overactivated ERK1/2 rescued actin polymerization and α-SMA expression. However, old female cardiac fibroblasts retained normal mechanosensing pathway.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kinga Salacinska, Iwona Pinkier, Lena Rutkowska, Danuta Chlebna-Sokol, Elzbieta Jakubowska-Pietkiewicz, Izabela Michalus, Lukasz Kepczynski, Dominik Salachna, Nina Wieczorek-Cichecka, Malgorzata Piotrowicz, Tatiana Chilarska, Aleksander Jamsheer, Pawel Matusik, Malgorzata Wilk, Elzbieta Petriczko, Maria Gizewska, Iwona Stecewicz, Mieczyslaw Walczak, Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska, Andrzej Lewinski, Agnieszka Gach
Summary: This paper presents the results of a nationwide study on 197 Polish OI patients, using next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation probe amplification. The study identified various OI types, reported 97 distinct causative variants, and expanded the OI database with 38 novel pathogenic changes. The research contributes to a better understanding of the clinical and genetic aspects of OI.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tatyana Samoilenko, Viktoriya Shishkina, Lyubov Antakova, Yelena Goryushkina, Andrey Kostin, Igor Buchwalow, Markus Tiemann, Dmitrii Atiakshin
Summary: Smooth muscle tissue (SMT) plays a key role in visceral organ activity, but its mechanisms of gravisensitivity in the gastrointestinal tract are not well understood. This study found that space flight and antiorthostatic suspension can weaken the functional activity of SMT and lead to remodeling of the SMT contractile apparatus during orbital flights.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Bimol C. C. Roy, Heather L. L. Bruce
Summary: The tenderness of meat is important for consumer satisfaction, repeat purchases, and willingness to pay higher prices. Connective tissue and its components play a key role in meat tenderness, particularly perimysial intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT). Factors like animal diet, slaughter age, aging, and cooking can alter the collagen contribution to cooked meat toughness. Accumulation of adipocytes in the perimysium can decrease cooked meat shear force, suggesting the complex contribution of IMCT to meat tenderness. This review provides theoretical information to improve meat tenderness by modifying IMCT components.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Bodoor Yaseen, Henry Lopez, Zeinab Taki, Sara Zafar, Henrique Rosario, Bahja Ahmed Abdi, Shivanee Vigneswaran, Fiona Xing, Nikita Arumalla, Simon Black, Sara Ahmad, Kimti Kumar, Rabia Gul, Laura Scolamiero, Sian Morris, Alex Bowman, Anna Stainer, Alexandra Rice, Carmel Stock, Elisabetta Renzoni, Christopher P. Denton, Cristina Venturini, Max Brown, Steven O'Reilly, Richard Stratton
Article
Rheumatology
Zeinab Taki, Elena Gostjeva, William Thilly, Bodoor Yaseen, Henry Lopez, Maria Mirza, Zainab Hassuji, Shivanee Vigneswaran, Bahja Ahmed Abdi, Amy Hart, Nikita Arumalla, Gemma Thomas, Christopher P. Denton, Yasir Suleman, Huan Liu, Cristina Venturini, Steven O'Reilly, Shiwen Xu, Richard Stratton
ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Dermatology
John Henderson, Stefan Pryzborski, Richard Stratton, Steven O'Reilly
Summary: DKK-1 is reduced in SSc skin and fibroblasts but not in the circulation of patients. MicroRNA33a-3p epigenetically regulates DKK-1 levels and is significantly reduced in SSc cells and tissues. Restoring DKK-1 levels through epigenetic means could be a therapeutic target in systemic sclerosis.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Carine J. Moezinia, Antonio Ji-Xu, Animesh Singh, Richard Stratton
JCR-JOURNAL OF CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John Henderson, Sarah Wilkinson, Stefan Przyborski, Richard Stratton, Steven O'Reilly
Summary: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that causes skin and lung fibrosis. The Wnt pathway is upregulated in SSc and promotes fibrosis through activation of canonical Wnt signaling. sFRP-1, a Wnt antagonist, acts as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling in the context of SSc. Serum levels of sFRP-1 were found to be significantly reduced in patients with early diffuse SSc, and this reduction was regulated by microRNA27a-3p, indicating a direct regulatory mechanism.
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
M. Adam Ali, Richard Stratton
Letter
Rheumatology
Arianna E. Azari, Richard Stratton, Animesh Singh
Article
Cell Biology
Xu Shi-Wen, Michael Racanelli, Aaisham Ali, Amara Simon, Katherine Quesnel, Richard J. Stratton, Andrew Leask
Summary: Fibrosis is perpetuated by a signaling loop involving myofibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. YAP1 plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of matricellular proteins and the effect of YAP inhibitors on profibrotic gene expression is a subject of study. The selective YAP inhibitor VP shows potential in reducing fibrogenic gene expression and may offer a novel method for treating fibrosis.
JOURNAL OF CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alma Trnacevic, Amer Mujkanovic, Noura Al-Salloum, Amra Sakusic, Emir Trnacevic, Emir Jusufovic, Fatima Hukic, Rahima Jahic, Richard Stratton
Summary: This study analyzed the data of the first cohort of COVID-19 patients in B&H, finding that factors such as BMI greater than 25, comorbidities, elevated creatinine, and O2 saturation less than 95% may lead to prolonged hospitalization. Furthermore, the risk factors for COVID-19 patients in B&H do not differ from those reported in other countries.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
John Henderson, Sharadha Dayalan Naidu, Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova, Stefan Przyborski, Richard Stratton, Steven O'Reilly
Summary: The study demonstrates that 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI) can reduce collagen levels in systemic sclerosis (SSc) dermal fibroblasts and exert its effects through activation of Nrf2 and its target genes in antioxidant response. Additionally, 4-OI also decreases inflammatory cytokine release and alleviates TGF-beta 1-induced collagen and ROS production in dermal fibroblasts. These findings suggest that 4-OI may be a potential therapeutic option for intractable diseases.
Article
Cell Biology
Laura Duffy, John Henderson, Max Brown, Stefan Pryzborski, Nicola Fullard, Lena Summa, Jorg H. W. Distler, Richard Stratton, Steven O'Reilly
Summary: The study revealed that overexpression of Gremlin-1 activates quiescent cells to myofibroblasts and leads to functional effects. Gremlin-1 induces this process by increasing TGF-beta 1 levels and SBE luciferase activity. Inhibition of Gremlin-1 reduces collagen levels, indicating its key role in systemic sclerosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Emergency Medicine
M. Adam Ali, Richard Stratton
ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Carolina Teles, Richard Stratton
Article
Cell Biology
Anghesom Ghebremedhin, Ahmad Bin Salam, Benjamin Adu-Addai, Steve Noonan, Richard Stratton, Md Shakir Uddin Ahmed, Chandra Khantwal, George R. Martin, Huixian Lin, Chris Andrews, Balasubramanyam Karanam, Udo Rudloff, Henry Lopez, Jesse Jaynes, Clayton Yates
Summary: In this study, a synthetic peptide called RP-832c was used to target CD206 receptor on M2-like macrophages and reduce pulmonary fibrosis. RP-832c showed selective binding to M2 macrophages in vitro, resulting in decreased CD206 expression and increased TNF-alpha release. Furthermore, RP-832c significantly reduced fibrosis in mouse lungs and decreased inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis markers. Compared to FDA-approved drugs, RP-832c exhibited similar or greater efficacy in reducing fibrosis without apparent toxicities. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of RP-832c for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Article
Cell Biology
John Henderson, Laura Duffy, Richard Stratton, Dianne Ford, Steven O'Reilly
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2020)
