bioRxiv Science⌕ Search
Home/Archive/bioRxiv

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.12.06.627278

Alteration of skin fibroblast steady state contributes to healing outcomes

Huang, Y.·Wang, N.·Xing, H.·Tian, J.·Zhang, D.·Gao, D.·Hsia, H. C.-h.·Lu, J.·Raredon, M. S. B.·Kyriakides, T.
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Fibroblasts display complex functions associated with distinct gene expression profiles that influence matrix production and cell communications and the autonomy of tissue development and repair. Thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2), produced by fibroblasts, is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor and negatively associated with tissue repair. Single-cell (sc) sequencing analysis on WT and TSP2KO skin fibroblasts demonstrate distinct cell heterogeneity. Specifically, we found an enrichment of Sox10+ multipotent progenitor cells, identified as Schwann precursor cells, in TSP2KO fibroblasts, while fibrosis-related subpopulations decreased. Immunostaining of tissue and cells validated the increase of this Sox10+ population in KO fibroblasts. Furthermore, in silico analysis suggested enhanced pro-survival signaling, including WNT, TGF-{beta}, and PDGF-{beta}, alongside a reduced BMP4 response. Additionally, the creation of two TSP2KO NIH3T3 cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique allowed functional and signaling validation in a less complex system. Moreover, KO 3T3 cells exhibited enhanced migration and proliferation, with elevated levels of pro-regenerative molecules including TGF-{beta}3 and Wnt4, and enrichment of nuclear {beta}-catenin. These functional and molecular alterations likely contribute to improved healing and increased neurogenesis in TSP2-deficient wounds. Overall, our findings describe the heterogeneity of dermal fibroblasts and identify pro-regenerative features of TSP2KO fibroblasts.

Explore related subjects

pathologyPreprint

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Huang, Y., Wang, N., Xing, H., Tian, J., Zhang, D., Gao, D., Hsia, H. C.-h., Lu, J., Raredon, M. S. B., Kyriakides, T.. 2024-12-12. Alteration of skin fibroblast steady state contributes to healing outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.06.627278

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related preprints

bioRxiv2026

Autophagic flux is increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in atherosclerotic vascular disease and associates inversely with adverse cardiovascular events

Background: Autophagy is a homeostatic pathway supporting stress adaptation and is dysregulated in atherosclerosis. Its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) remains incompletely defined. We measured autophagic flux in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or carotid stenosis (CS), compared with healthy controls, and explored clinical outcome associations. Methods: Ninety-four patients with PAD or CS and 19 healthy controls were studied. Autophagic flux was quantified from fresh blood using a validated ex vivo chloroquine inhibition ELISA measuring LC3BII accumulation. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE) were ascertained over a median follow up of 828 days. Results: The ASVD cohort comprised claudication (n = 16), chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI; n = 49), and CS (n = 29). Autophagic flux was higher in ASVD than controls (mean 281.4 vs. 182.3 ng LC3BII/mg protein/h; p < 0.0001) and remained independently associated after multivariable adjustment. Within CLTI, concurrent infection was associated with lower flux (p = 0.001), approaching control levels (p = 0.327). In CLTI, higher flux quartiles were associated with lower MACE risk, most strongly for quartile 3 (hazard ratio 0.07 vs. quartile 1, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.50; p = 0.009). Conclusion: Autophagic flux is elevated in PBMCs from ASVD patients, independent of age and sex. Attenuated flux in CLTI with concurrent infection may indicate autophagic exhaustion in advanced disease. The association between higher flux and lower MACE in CLTI suggests prognostic utility, warranting evaluation in larger prospective studies.

pathology↗
bioRxiv2026

Quantitative Model of the Ocular Immune Response during Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by allergen; it is common disorder affecting up to 40% of the population. In this work, we study seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), also called "hay fever eyes", which is caused by exposure to airborne pollens. We develop a mathematical model quantifying the ocular immune system response to the allergens. First, we present a simplified qualitative description of the immunopathogenesis of SAC. Then, we express each chosen immunopathological mechanism mathematically to construct a system of thirty-one ordinary differential equations. We compare summary statistics of the predicted observable immune signals to experimental measurements and find our model captures key qualitative features of SAC progression. We then compare our predicted time series of histamine concentration to symptom scores and find a strong correlation suggesting the model predicts relevant clinically trends. Next, we calibrate the model through multi-step process. We find the most influential parameters are the production and depletion rates of IL-4, and the production rates of IL-5 and IL-8. These cytokines are targeted in treatments for asthma, atopic dermatitis, and severe eosinophilic associated disorder and suggest potential therapeutic targets for SAC. Our calibrated model mimics most of the summary statistics of the experimentally observable immune signals with discrepancies for IL-5 and IL-13 indicating that additional immunopathological mechanisms could be important.

pathology↗
bioRxiv2026

Dysregulated Platelet GPIb alpha - VWF Signalling in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm formation and Progression

Background: Platelets are critical drivers of thrombo-inflammatory responses in different cardiovascular diseases. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive, life-threatening vascular disorder mainly characterised by chronic inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and the formation of a platelet-rich intraluminal thrombus (ILT). Experimental and clinical evidence identified platelets as main players in AAA pathology as evidenced by elevated platelet activation and procoagulant activity that critically contribute to AAA progression. Methods: The present study investigated the contribution of glycoprotein (GP)Ib alpha, the von Willebrand factor (VWF)-binding subunit of the platelet GPIb-IX-V complex, to AAA initiation and progression in experimental AAA using the ePPE mouse model and in patients. Results: Genetic ablation of platelet GPIb alpha significantly attenuated early aneurysm expansion in experimental AAA, indicating a critical role for GPIb alpha during the initial stages of aneurysm development. This initial effect was compensated at later time points showing no differences in aneurysm progression between groups. Notably, genetic deletion of GPIb alpha induced a constitutively hyperactive platelet phenotype already in naive mice that was further amplified during experimental AAA. This elevated platelet hyperactivity was mainly due to increased GPVI activation of platelets 28 days post-surgery. To assess the clinical relevance, spatial profiles of human ILT specimens from patients with AAA were analysed. In the ILT, we detected a highly compartmentalised distribution of GPIb alpha and VWF with pronounced enrichment within the luminal layer. In parallel, circulating VWF activity as well as platelet surface expression of GPIb alpha were significantly increased in patients with AAA. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings identify a dysregulated GPIb alpha-VWF axis in human AAA pathology, mainly characterised by enhanced platelet GPIb alpha surface expression and increased activity of circulating VWF.

pathology↗