A Microbiome-Derived Peptide Induces Apoptosis of Cells from Different Tissues
Haruko Saiki1, Yuko Okano2,3, Taro Yasuma2,3
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty and Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Mie, Japan.
Abstract:
Apoptosis is a programmed cell death involved in embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, abnormalities in the process of apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. The human microbiota may release products that induce apoptosis of host cells. We recently identified a novel microbiome-derived peptide called corisin that worsens lung fibrosis by inducing apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. We hypothesized that corisin and a corisin-like peptide might also induce apoptosis of cells from different tissues. We cultured podocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, keratinocytes, retinal and intestinal cells treated with corisin and evaluated apoptosis by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Although at different grades, flow cytometry analysis and Western blotting showed that corisin and a corisin-like peptide induced apoptosis of podocytes, keratinocytes, tubular epithelial cells, retinal, and intestinal cells. In addition, we found that corisin synergistically enhances the proapoptotic activity of transforming growth factor-β1 on podocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that corisin and corisin-like peptides may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease in different organs by promoting apoptosis of parenchymal cells.
Insights
Microbiome-derived corisin peptide induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in various human cells, including kidney, skin, and retinal cells. This peptide may contribute to diseases affecting multiple organs.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is crucial for physiological processes but implicated in disease pathogenesis.
- Microbial products can induce host cell apoptosis.
- Corisin, a novel microbiome peptide, was previously linked to lung fibrosis via epithelial cell apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if corisin and similar peptides induce apoptosis in cells from various tissues beyond the lung.
- To explore the broader role of corisin in cellular apoptosis and disease.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of human podocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, keratinocytes, retinal cells, and intestinal cells.
- Treatment of cultured cells with corisin and a corisin-like peptide.
- Evaluation of apoptosis using flow cytometry and Western blotting.
- Assessment of corisin's synergistic effect with transforming growth factor-β1 on podocytes.
Main Results:
- Corisin and a corisin-like peptide induced apoptosis in podocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, keratinocytes, retinal cells, and intestinal cells.
- The degree of apoptosis varied across different cell types.
- Corisin enhanced the proapoptotic effects of transforming growth factor-β1 on podocytes.
Conclusions:
- Corisin and related peptides can induce apoptosis in parenchymal cells from multiple organs.
- These peptides may contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases affecting various tissues.
- Further research into corisin's role in diverse organ pathologies is warranted.
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