Biology subjects

Parent, C. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Parent, C. A..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Neutrophils secrete exosome-associated DNA to resolve sterile acute inflammation

Acute inflammation, characterized by a rapid influx of neutrophils, is a protective response that can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases when left unresolved. Secretion of LTB4-containing exosomes is required for effective neutrophil infiltration during inflammation. In this study, we show that neutrophils release nuclear DNA in a non-lytic, rapid, and repetitive manner, via a mechanism distinct from suicidal NET release and cell death. The packaging of nuclear DNA occurs in the lumen of nuclear envelope (NE)-derived multivesicular bodies (MVBs) that harbor the LTB4 synthesizing machinery and is mediated by the lamin B receptor (LBR) and chromatin decondensation. Disruption of secreted exosome-associated DNA (SEAD) in a model of sterile inflammation in mouse skin amplifies and prolongs the presence of neutrophils, impeding the onset of resolution. Together, these findings advance our understanding of neutrophil functions during inflammation and the physiological significance of NETs, with implications for novel treatments for inflammatory disorders.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2023

Keratin 17- and PKCα-dependent transient amplification of neutrophil influx after repeated stress to the skin

Neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Little is known about the source and identity of the signals mediating their recruitment in inflamed skin. We used the phorbol ester TPA and UVB, alone or in combination, to induce sterile inflammation in mouse skin and assess whether keratinocyte-derived signals impact neutrophil recruitment. A single TPA treatment results in a neutrophil influx in the dermis that peaks at 12h and resolves within 24h. A second TPA treatment or a UVB challenge, when applied at 24h but not 48h later, accelerates, amplifies, and prolongs neutrophil infiltration. This transient amplification response (TAR) is mediated by local signals in inflamed skin, can be recapitulated in ex vivo culture, and involves the K17-dependent sustainment of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and release of neutrophil chemoattractants by stressed keratinocytes. We show that K17 binds RACK1, a scaffold essential for PKC activity. Finally, analyses of RNAseq data reveal the presence of a transcriptomic signature consistent with TAR and PKC activation in chronic inflammatory skin diseases. These findings uncover a novel, transient, and keratin-dependent mechanism that amplifies neutrophil recruitment to the skin under stress, with direct implications for inflammatory skin disorders.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

Identification of G Protein αi Signaling Partners by Proximity Labeling Reveals a Network of Interactions that Includes PDZ-RhoGEF

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that couple to the Gi family of G proteins are key regulators of cell and tissue physiology. Our recent work has discovered novel roles for Gi in migration of neutrophils and fibrosarcoma cells downstream of activated chemoattractant receptors, but the molecular target(s) of Gi in these processes remain to be identified. We adopted an intact cell proximity-based labeling approach using BioID2 coupled to tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics to identify proteins that selectively interact with the GTP-bound form of Gi1. Multiple targets were identified and validated for selective biotinylation by active BioID2-Gi1(Q204L), suggesting a previously unappreciated network of interactions for activated Gi proteins in intact cells. Extensive characterization of one candidate protein, PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG), revealed that active-Gi1 strongly activates PRG. Strikingly, large differences in the ability of Gi1, Gi2, and Gi3 isoforms to activate PRG were observed despite over 85% sequence identity. We also demonstrate the functional relevance of the interaction between active Gi and PRG ex vivo in primary human neutrophils. Identification and characterization of new targets regulated by Gi both individually and in networks provide insights that will aid not only in investigation of diverse functional roles of Gi-coupled GPCRs in biology but also in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. SummaryProximity-based labeling approach was used to identify signaling networks and signaling mechanisms downstream of Gi-coupled receptors.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2021

TRIPLE-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER CELLS RECRUIT NEUTROPHILS BY SECRETING TGF-β AND CXCR2 LIGANDS

Tumor associated neutrophils (TANs) are frequently detected in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Recent studies also reveal the importance of neutrophils in promoting tumor progression and metastasis during breast cancer. However, the mechanisms regulating neutrophil trafficking to breast tumors are less clear. We sought to determine whether neutrophil trafficking to breast tumors is determined directly by the malignant potential of cancer cells. We found that tumor conditioned media (TCM) harvested from highly aggressive, metastatic TNBC cells induced a polarized morphology and robust neutrophil migration, while TCM derived from poorly aggressive estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells had no activity. In a three-dimensional (3D) type-I collagen matrix, neutrophils migrated toward TCM from aggressive breast cancer cells with increased velocity and directionality. Moreover, in a neutrophil-tumor spheroid co-culture system, neutrophils migrated with increased directionality towards spheroids generated from TNBC cells compared to ER+ cells. Based on these findings, we next sought to characterize the active factors secreted by TNBC cell lines. We found that TCM-induced neutrophil migration is dependent on tumor-derived chemokines, and screening TCM elution fractions based on their ability to induce polarized neutrophil morphology revealed the molecular weight of the active factors to be around 12 kDa. TCM from TNBC cell lines contained copious amounts of GRO (CXCL1/2/3) chemokines and TGF-{beta} cytokines compared to ER+ cell-derived TCM. TCM activity was inhibited by simultaneously blocking receptors specific to GRO chemokines and TGF-{beta}, while the activity remained intact in the presence of either single receptor inhibitor. Together, our findings establish a direct link between the malignant potential of breast cancer cells and their ability to induce neutrophil migration. Our study also uncovers a novel coordinated function of TGF-{beta} and GRO chemokines responsible for guiding neutrophil trafficking to the breast tumor.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2019

A role for keratins in supporting mitochondrial organization and function in skin keratinocytes

Mitochondria fulfill essential roles in ATP production, metabolic regulation, calcium signaling, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and additional determinants of cellular health. Recent studies have highlighted a role for mitochondria during cell differentiation, including in skin epidermis. The observation of oxidative stress in keratinocytes from Krt16 null mouse skin, a model for pachyonychia congenita (PC)-associated palmoplantar keratoderma, prompted us to examine the role of Keratin (K) 16 protein and its partner K6 in regulating the structure and function of mitochondria. Electron microscopy revealed major anomalies in mitochondrial ultrastructure in late stage, E18.5, Krt6a/Krt6b null embryonic mouse skin. Follow-up studies utilizing biochemical, metabolic, and live imaging readouts showed that, relative to controls, skin keratinocytes null for Krt6a/Krt6b or Krt16 exhibit elevated ROS, reduced mitochondrial respiration, intracellular distribution differences and altered movement of mitochondria within the cell. These findings highlight a novel role for K6 and K16 in regulating mitochondrial morphology, dynamics and function and shed new light on the causes of oxidative stress observed in PC and related keratin-based skin disorders.

cell biology↗