@article{ShityakovNagaiErguenetal.2022, author = {Shityakov, Sergey and Nagai, Michiaki and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Braunger, Barbara M. and F{\"o}rster, Carola Y.}, title = {The protective effects of neurotrophins and microRNA in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and heart failure via regulating endothelial function}, series = {Biomolecules}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biomolecules}, number = {8}, issn = {2218-273X}, doi = {10.3390/biom12081113}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-285966}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Diabetes mellitus is a common disease affecting more than 537 million adults worldwide. The microvascular complications that occur during the course of the disease are widespread and affect a variety of organ systems in the body. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common long-term complications, which include, amongst others, endothelial dysfunction, and thus, alterations in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). This particularly restrictive physiological barrier is important for maintaining the neuroretina as a privileged site in the body by controlling the inflow and outflow of fluid, nutrients, metabolic end products, ions, and proteins. In addition, people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) have been shown to be at increased risk for systemic vascular complications, including subclinical and clinical stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and nephropathy. DR is, therefore, considered an independent predictor of heart failure. In the present review, the effects of diabetes on the retina, heart, and kidneys are described. In addition, a putative common microRNA signature in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and heart failure is discussed, which may be used in the future as a biomarker to better monitor disease progression. Finally, the use of miRNA, targeted neurotrophin delivery, and nanoparticles as novel therapeutic strategies is highlighted.}, language = {en} } @article{KarnatiGuntasRajendranetal.2022, author = {Karnati, Srikanth and Guntas, Gulcan and Rajendran, Ranjithkumar and Shityakov, Sergey and H{\"o}ring, Marcus and Liebisch, Gerhard and Kosanovic, Djuro and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Nagai, Michiaki and F{\"o}rster, Carola Y.}, title = {Quantitative lipidomic analysis of Takotsubo syndrome patients' serum}, series = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, number = {797154}, issn = {2297-055X}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2022.797154}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-270832}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as the transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is in contemporary times known as novel acute cardiac syndrome. It is characterized by transient left ventricular apical akinesis and hyperkinesis of the basal left ventricular portions. Although the precise etiology of TTS is unknown, events like the sudden release of stress hormones, such as the catecholamines and the increased inflammatory status might be plausible causes leading to the cardiovascular pathologies. Recent studies have highlighted that an imbalance in lipid accumulation might promote a deviant immune response as observed in TTS. However, there is no information on comprehensive profiling of serum lipids of TTS patients. Therefore, we investigated a detailed quantitative lipid analysis of TTS patients using ES-MSI. Our results showed significant differences in the majority of lipid species composition in the TTS patients compared to the control group. Furthermore, the computational analyses presented was able to link the altered lipids to the pro-inflammatory cytokines and disseminate possible mechanistic pathways involving TNFα and IL-6. Taken together, our study provides an extensive quantitative lipidome of TTS patients, which may provide a valuable Pre-diagnostic tool. This would facilitate the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of the disease and to prevent the development of TTS in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{ErguenWoersdoerfer2022, author = {Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and W{\"o}rsd{\"o}rfer, Philipp}, title = {Organoids, assembloids and embryoids: New avenues for developmental biology, disease modeling, drug testing and toxicity assessment without animal experimentation}, series = {Organoids}, volume = {1}, journal = {Organoids}, number = {1}, issn = {2674-1172}, doi = {10.3390/organoids1010004}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284101}, pages = {37 -- 40}, year = {2022}, abstract = {No abstract available}, language = {en} } @article{BeheraJainGangulietal.2022, author = {Behera, Ananyaashree and Jain, Preeti and Ganguli, Geetanjali and Biswas, Mainak and Padhi, Avinash and Pattanaik, Kali Prasad and Nayak, Barsa and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Hagens, Kristine and Redinger, Natalja and Saqib, Mohd and Mishra, Bibhuti B. and Schaible, Ulrich E. and Karnati, Srikanth and Sonawane, Avinash}, title = {Mycobacterium tuberculosis acetyltransferase suppresses oxidative stress by inducing peroxisome formation in macrophages}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {5}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23052584}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284080}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) inhibits host oxidative stress responses facilitating its survival in macrophages; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identified a Mtb acetyltransferase (Rv3034c) as a novel counter actor of macrophage oxidative stress responses by inducing peroxisome formation. An inducible Rv3034c deletion mutant of Mtb failed to induce peroxisome biogenesis, expression of the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway intermediates (ACOX1, ACAA1, MFP2) in macrophages, resulting in reduced intracellular survival compared to the parental strain. This reduced virulence phenotype was rescued by repletion of Rv3034c. Peroxisome induction depended on the interaction between Rv3034c and the macrophage mannose receptor (MR). Interaction between Rv3034c and MR induced expression of the peroxisomal biogenesis proteins PEX5p, PEX13p, PEX14p, PEX11β, PEX19p, the peroxisomal membrane lipid transporter ABCD3, and catalase. Expression of PEX14p and ABCD3 was also enhanced in lungs from Mtb aerosol-infected mice. This is the first report that peroxisome-mediated control of ROS balance is essential for innate immune responses to Mtb but can be counteracted by the mycobacterial acetyltransferase Rv3034c. Thus, peroxisomes represent interesting targets for host-directed therapeutics to tuberculosis.}, language = {en} } @article{JordanBroeerFischeretal.2022, author = {Jordan, Martin C. and Br{\"o}er, David and Fischer, Christian and Heilig, Philipp and Gilbert, Fabian and H{\"o}lscher-Doht, Stefanie and Kalogirou, Charis and Popp, Kevin and Grunz, Jan-Peter and Huflage, Henner and Jakubietz, Rafael G. and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Meffert, Rainer H.}, title = {Development and preclinical evaluation of a cable-clamp fixation device for a disrupted pubic symphysis}, series = {Communications Medicine}, volume = {2}, journal = {Communications Medicine}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s43856-022-00227-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299800}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Traumatic separation of the pubic symphysis can destabilize the pelvis and require surgical fixation to reduce symphyseal gapping. The traditional approach involves open reduction and the implantation of a steel symphyseal plate (SP) on the pubic bone to hold the reposition. Despite its widespread use, SP-fixation is often associated with implant failure caused by screw loosening or breakage. Methods To address the need for a more reliable surgical intervention, we developed and tested two titanium cable-clamp implants. The cable served as tensioning device while the clamp secured the cable to the bone. The first implant design included a steel cable anterior to the pubic symphysis to simplify its placement outside the pelvis, and the second design included a cable encircling the pubic symphysis to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring. Using highly reproducible synthetic bone models and a limited number of cadaver specimens, we performed a comprehensive biomechanical study of implant stability and evaluated surgical feasibility. Results We were able to demonstrate that the cable-clamp implants provide stability equivalent to that of a traditional SP-fixation but without the same risks of implant failure. We also provide detailed ex vivo evaluations of the safety and feasibility of a trans-obturator surgical approach required for those kind of fixation. Conclusion We propose that the developed cable-clamp fixation devices may be of clinical value in treating pubic symphysis separation.}, language = {en} } @article{BielmeierSchmittKleefeldtetal.2022, author = {Bielmeier, Christina B. and Schmitt, Sabrina I. and Kleefeldt, Nikolai and Boneva, Stefaniya K. and Schlecht, Anja and Vallon, Mario and Tamm, Ernst R. and Hillenkamp, Jost and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Neueder, Andreas and Braunger, Barbara M.}, title = {Deficiency in retinal TGFβ signaling aggravates neurodegeneration by modulating pro-apoptotic and MAP kinase pathways}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {5}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23052626}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-283971}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling has manifold functions such as regulation of cell growth, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that it also acts in a neuroprotective manner. We recently showed that TGFβ receptor type 2 (Tgfbr2) is upregulated in retinal neurons and M{\"u}ller cells during retinal degeneration. In this study we investigated if this upregulation of TGFβ signaling would have functional consequences in protecting retinal neurons. To this end, we analyzed the impact of TGFβ signaling on photoreceptor viability using mice with cell type-specific deletion of Tgfbr2 in retinal neurons and M{\"u}ller cells (Tgfbr2\(_{ΔOC}\)) in combination with a genetic model of photoreceptor degeneration (VPP). We examined retinal morphology and the degree of photoreceptor degeneration, as well as alterations of the retinal transcriptome. In summary, retinal morphology was not altered due to TGFβ signaling deficiency. In contrast, VPP-induced photoreceptor degeneration was drastically exacerbated in double mutant mice (Tgfbr2\(_{ΔOC}\); VPP) by induction of pro-apoptotic genes and dysregulation of the MAP kinase pathway. Therefore, TGFβ signaling in retinal neurons and M{\"u}ller cells exhibits a neuroprotective effect and might pose promising therapeutic options to attenuate photoreceptor degeneration in humans.}, language = {en} } @article{KleefeldtUpcinBoemmeletal.2022, author = {Kleefeldt, Florian and Upcin, Berin and B{\"o}mmel, Heike and Schulz, Christian and Eckner, Georg and Allmanritter, Jan and Bauer, Jochen and Braunger, Barbara and Rueckschloss, Uwe and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman}, title = {Bone marrow-independent adventitial macrophage progenitor cells contribute to angiogenesis}, series = {Cell Death \& Disease}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cell Death \& Disease}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1038/s41419-022-04605-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-299724}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Pathological angiogenesis promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Macrophages are key players in these processes. However, whether these macrophages differentiate from bone marrow-derived monocytes or from local vascular wall-resident stem and progenitor cells (VW-SCs) is an unresolved issue of angiogenesis. To answer this question, we analyzed vascular sprouting and alterations in aortic cell populations in mouse aortic ring assays (ARA). ARA culture leads to the generation of large numbers of macrophages, especially within the aortic adventitia. Using immunohistochemical fate-mapping and genetic in vivo-labeling approaches we show that 60\% of these macrophages differentiate from bone marrow-independent Ly6c\(^{+}\)/Sca-1\(^{+}\) adventitial progenitor cells. Analysis of the NCX\(^{-/-}\) mouse model that genetically lacks embryonic circulation and yolk sac perfusion indicates that at least some of those progenitor cells arise yolk sac-independent. Macrophages represent the main source of VEGF in ARA that vice versa promotes the generation of additional macrophages thereby creating a pro-angiogenetic feedforward loop. Additionally, macrophage-derived VEGF activates CD34\(^{+}\) progenitor cells within the adventitial vasculogenic zone to differentiate into CD31\(^{+}\) endothelial cells. Consequently, depletion of macrophages and VEGFR2 antagonism drastically reduce vascular sprouting activity in ARA. In summary, we show that angiogenic activation induces differentiation of macrophages from bone marrow-derived as well as from bone marrow-independent VW-SCs. The latter ones are at least partially yolk sac-independent, too. Those VW-SC-derived macrophages critically contribute to angiogenesis, making them an attractive target to interfere with pathological angiogenesis in cancer and atherosclerosis as well as with regenerative angiogenesis in ischemic cardiovascular disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmidtAltDeoghareetal.2022, author = {Schmidt, Sven and Alt, Yvonne and Deoghare, Nikita and Kr{\"u}ger, Sarah and Kern, Anna and Rockel, Anna Frederike and Wagner, Nicole and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and W{\"o}rsd{\"o}rfer, Philipp}, title = {A blood vessel organoid model recapitulating aspects of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and vessel wall maturation}, series = {Organoids}, volume = {1}, journal = {Organoids}, number = {1}, issn = {2674-1172}, doi = {10.3390/organoids1010005}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284043}, pages = {41 -- 53}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Blood vessel organoids are an important in vitro model to understand the underlying mechanisms of human blood vessel development and for toxicity testing or high throughput drug screening. Here we present a novel, cost-effective, and easy to manufacture vascular organoid model. To engineer the organoids, a defined number of human induced pluripotent stem cells are seeded in non-adhesive agarose coated wells of a 96-well plate and directed towards a lateral plate mesoderm fate by activation of Wnt and BMP4 signaling. We observe the formation of a circular layer of angioblasts around days 5-6. Induced by VEGF application, CD31\(^+\) vascular endothelial cells appear within this vasculogenic zone at approximately day 7 of organoid culture. These cells arrange to form a primitive vascular plexus from which angiogenic sprouting is observed after 10 days of culture. The differentiation outcome is highly reproducible, and the size of organoids is scalable depending on the number of starting cells. We observe that the initial vascular ring forms at the interface between two cell populations. The inner cellular compartment can be distinguished from the outer by the expression of GATA6, a marker of lateral plate mesoderm. Finally, 14-days-old organoids were transplanted on the chorioallantois membrane of chicken embryos resulting in a functional connection of the human vascular network to the chicken circulation. Perfusion of the vessels leads to vessel wall maturation and remodeling as indicated by the formation of a continuous layer of smooth muscle actin expressing cells enwrapping the endothelium. In summary, our organoid model recapitulates human vasculogenesis, angiogenesis as well as vessel wall maturation and therefore represents an easy and cost-effective tool to study all steps of blood vessel development and maturation directly in the human setting without animal experimentation.}, language = {en} }