Project description:Stromal cell senescence plays a crucial role in activating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The Androgen receptor (AR) function oversees cellular senescence and CAF activation. Here, we identify the mesenchymal-specific transcriptional coregulator ANKRD1 as a key driver of CAF conversion. ANKRD1 is strongly upregulated in CAFs and under direct negative control of AR, and its loss impairs the pro-tumorigenic potential of CAFs. ANKRD1 controls a CAF-specific gene expression program and is associated with poorer survival of HNSCC, lung, and cervical SCC patients. Mechanistically, ANKRD1 binds to the chromatin on CAF gene regulatory regions in a complex with the AP1 transcription factor family. We show that ANKRD1 enhances the AP1 DNA binding activity to CAF gene promoters. Targeting ANKRD1 with the FANA antisense oligonucleotides reverts CAFs into a normal fibroblast, disrupts AP1 complex formation, and blocks CAF’s pro-tumorigenic potential in an orthotopic model of SCC, thus representing an exciting target for stroma-oriented cancer therapy.
Project description:Stromal cell senescence plays a crucial role in activating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The Androgen receptor (AR) function oversees cellular senescence and CAF activation. Here, we identify the mesenchymal-specific transcriptional coregulator ANKRD1 as a key driver of CAF conversion. ANKRD1 is strongly upregulated in CAFs and under direct negative control of AR, and its loss impairs the pro-tumorigenic potential of CAFs. ANKRD1 controls a CAF-specific gene expression program and is associated with poorer survival of HNSCC, lung, and cervical SCC patients. Mechanistically, ANKRD1 binds to the chromatin on CAF gene regulatory regions in a complex with the AP1 transcription factor family. We show that ANKRD1 enhances the AP1 DNA binding activity to CAF gene promoters. Targeting ANKRD1 with the FANA antisense oligonucleotides reverts CAFs into a normal fibroblast, disrupts AP1 complex formation, and blocks CAF’s pro-tumorigenic potential in an orthotopic model of SCC, thus representing an exciting target for stroma-oriented cancer therapy.
Project description:Stromal cell senescence plays a crucial role in activating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The Androgen receptor (AR) function oversees cellular senescence and CAF activation. Here, we identify the mesenchymal-specific transcriptional coregulator ANKRD1 as a key driver of CAF conversion. ANKRD1 is strongly upregulated in CAFs and under direct negative control of AR, and its loss impairs the pro-tumorigenic potential of CAFs. ANKRD1 controls a CAF-specific gene expression program and is associated with poorer survival of HNSCC, lung, and cervical SCC patients. Mechanistically, ANKRD1 binds to the chromatin on CAF gene regulatory regions in a complex with the AP1 transcription factor family. We show that ANKRD1 enhances the AP1 DNA binding activity to CAF gene promoters. Targeting ANKRD1 with the FANA antisense oligonucleotides reverts CAFs into a normal fibroblast, disrupts AP1 complex formation, and blocks CAF’s pro-tumorigenic potential in an orthotopic model of SCC, thus representing an exciting target for stroma-oriented cancer therapy.
Project description:This study aimed to explore the transcriptomic changes in primary human dermal fibroblasts upon treatment with Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA). BoNTA is a neurotoxin known for its clinical use in dermatology, and emerging evidence suggests potential antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level. We performed high-throughput RNA sequencing to assess the global gene expression profiles in fibroblasts treated with BoNTA (1 U/ml) for 24 hours, compared with vehicle control (PBS). This dataset provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of BoNTA in skin-resident fibroblasts and offers a reference for future investigations into its therapeutic roles in fibrotic skin diseases.
Project description:We report the responsiveness of bovine dermal fibroblasts to lipopolyssacharide (LPS) within individuals at different ages. Cultures were collected from three different heifers at the ages of approximately 5 and 16 months. Isolated fibroblasts were then exposed to LPS to determine whether there was a differential response within an animal based upon age.
Project description:Skin undergoes changes in structure and function with age, including a shift in metabolic programs. This is particularly evident relative to mitochondrial function in skin cells. Dermal fibroblasts have been known to accumulate damage caused by both external and internal stressors, leading to altered bioenergetics that limits efficient synthesis of ATP and NAD+. To better understand the changes in mitochondrial function with age, metabolic profiles and transcriptomic profiles of primary dermal fibroblasts from varying aged donors were analysed.