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Luo Y, He Y, Wang Y, Xu Y, Yang L. LncRNA HCG18 promotes inflammation and apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration via the miR-495-3p/FSTL1 axis. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:171-181. [PMID: 37138144 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) causes pain in the back and neck. This study investigated the role of long non-coding RNA HLA complex group 18 (HCG18) in a cell model of IDD. An IDD model was established by stimulating nucleus pulposus (NP) cells with interleukin (IL)-1β. MTT assay was performed to evaluate NP cell viability. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of HCG18, microRNA (miR)-495-3p, and follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL1) were measured by RT-qPCR. The interactions of miR-495-3p with HCG18 and FSTL1 were analyzed by luciferase reporter assay. IL-1β stimulation upregulated HCG18 and FSTL1, but downregulated miR-495-3p in NP cells. Silencing of HCG18 or FSTL1, as well as miR-495-3p overexpression in NP cells alleviated IL-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation of NP cells. Both HCG18 and FSTL1 had binding sites for miR-495-3p. Overexpression of FSTL1 abolished the effects of HCG18 silencing on IL-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation. The HCG18/miR-495-3p/FSTL1 axis is essential for IDD development. Therapeutic strategies targeting this axis may be used for IDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, No. 161, The Shaoshan South Road, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Youzhi He
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, No. 161, The Shaoshan South Road, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfu Wang
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, No. 161, The Shaoshan South Road, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxia Xu
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, No. 161, The Shaoshan South Road, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Department of Spine Surgery, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, No. 161, The Shaoshan South Road, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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2
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Liu H, Wen J, Tian X, Li T, Zhao J, Cheng J, Huang L, Zhao Y, Cao Q, Jiang J. miR-125a-3p regulates the expression of FSTL1, a pro-inflammatory factor, during adipogenic differentiation, and inhibits adipogenesis in mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23146. [PMID: 37584664 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300851r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Adipogenesis is tightly regulated by various factors, including genes and microRNAs. Excessive fat deposition is the key feature of obesity, which is a low-grade chronic inflammatory disease. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) has been reported to be an important mediator involved in various inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of FSTL1 in preadipocyte differentiation and inflammatory response is still unclear. The current study was designed to explore the biological function and potential mechanism of FSTL1 in mouse subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation. We found that FSTL1 was highly expressed in the early stage of differentiation and subsequently decreased sharply, suggesting that FSTL1 played a possible role in adipogenesis. Meanwhile, the gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that FSTL1 was not only involved in the inflammatory response by inducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and CCL2 but also significantly attenuated preadipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by the reduction of lipid accumulation and the levels of adipogenic genes, including PPARγ and FABP4. In addition, the target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay validated that miR-125a-3p targeted the 3' UTR region of FSTL1. These results demonstrated that miR-125a-3p negatively regulated the expression of FSTL1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, overexpressing miR-125a-3p in preadipocytes dramatically accelerated adipogenic differentiation and downregulated the levels of IL-1β and CCL2, which were in accordance with the knockdown of FSTL1. On the contrary, treatment with miR-125a-3p inhibitors attenuated adipogenesis but induced the expression of inflammatory genes. In summary, this study suggests a positive function of FSTL1 in adipocyte-induced inflammation and negatively regulates preadipocyte differentiation. Further studies demonstrated that miR-125a-3p could reverse the effect by targeting FSTL1, which might provide a better understanding of treating obesity-related inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Wen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ju Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lishi Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanquan Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Horak M, Fairweather D, Kokkonen P, Bednar D, Bienertova-Vasku J. Follistatin-like 1 and its paralogs in heart development and cardiovascular disease. Heart Fail Rev 2022; 27:2251-2265. [PMID: 35867287 PMCID: PMC11140762 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10262-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels and a leading cause of death worldwide. Thus, there is a need to identify new cardiokines that may protect the heart from damage as reported in GBD 2017 Causes of Death Collaborators (2018) (The Lancet 392:1736-1788). Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a cardiokine that is highly expressed in the heart and released to the serum after cardiac injury where it is associated with CVD and predicts poor outcome. The action of FSTL1 likely depends not only on the tissue source but also post-translation modifications that are target tissue- and cell-specific. Animal studies examining the effect of FSTL1 in various models of heart disease have exploded over the past 15 years and primarily report a protective effect spanning from inhibiting inflammation via transforming growth factor, preventing remodeling and fibrosis to promoting angiogenesis and hypertrophy. A better understanding of FSTL1 and its homologs is needed to determine whether this protein could be a useful novel biomarker to predict poor outcome and death and whether it has therapeutic potential. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the literature for this family of proteins in order to better understand their role in normal physiology and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Horak
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - DeLisa Fairweather
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Piia Kokkonen
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - David Bednar
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Julie Bienertova-Vasku
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
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4
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Ma J, Zhao X, Shi L. Circ 003390/Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 promoted cell migration and proliferation in endometrial cancer via vascular endothelial growth factor signaling by miR-195-5p. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11958-11972. [PMID: 35546509 PMCID: PMC9276038 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2069358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The differential expression of circRNA in different biological samples renders it as an ideal biomarker for disease diagnosis and identification of tissue development. In addition, the gradual clarification of the mode of action of circRNA in disease makes it as a potential therapeutic target. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and regulating mechanism of circular RNA has circ 003390 (circWEE1) on Endometrial cancer (EC) genesis. To estimate clinical values of circWEE1 on cell migration and proliferation in EC, and its possible mechanisms. The expression of circWEE1 and EIF4A3in EC cells have been evaluated using qPCR and Western blot. The expression of circWEE1 and EIF4A3 levels were increased in patients with EC. Over-expression of circWEE1 or down-regulation of miR-195-5p promoted cell migration and proliferation in EC. Next, we verified that eIF4A3 binds to the circWEE1 mRNA transcript, circWEE1 served as a sponge that directly targeted miR-195-5p. Bioinformatics prediction forecast that miR-195-5p directly targeted VEGF at 3'-UTR, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Our findings indicate that Circular RNA hsa circWEE1/EIF4A3 promoted cell migration and proliferation in EC via VEGF signaling by miR-195-5p, which could provide pivotal potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Forth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiwa Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Forth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Forth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Follistatin-like 1 suppresses osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal cells during inflammation. Arch Oral Biol 2022; 135:105345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Yamazaki Y, Kishimoto Y, Saita E, Aoyama M, Ikegami Y, Ohmori R, Tanimoto K, Kondo K, Momiyama Y. Association between Plasma Follistatin-like Protein 1 Levels and the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease. Int Heart J 2021; 62:1207-1212. [PMID: 34853217 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.21-203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein known for its role in inflammation. However, plasma FSTL1 levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have not been fully elucidated. Thus, in this study, we investigated the plasma FSTL1 levels of 350 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was represented as the numbers of > 50% stenotic vessels and segments and the severity score. CAD was detected in 196 patients, of whom 84 had 1-vessel disease (1-VD), 62 had 2-VD, and 50 had 3-VD. Plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were higher in patients with CAD than in those without CAD (median 0.56 versus 0.44 mg/L, P < 0.01). Notably, plasma FSTL1 levels were higher in patients with CAD than in those without CAD (median 4.05 versus 3.47 ng/mL, P < 0.02). A stepwise increase in FSTL1 levels was found depending on the number of > 50% stenotic vessels: 3.47 in CAD (-), 3.74 in 1-VD, 4.42 in 2-VD, and 4.65 ng/mL in 3-VD (P < 0.05). FSTL1 levels also correlated with the number of > 50% stenotic segments and the severity score (r = 0.14 and r = 0.15, respectively, P < 0.005) and hsCRP levels (r = 0.10, P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, FSTL1 levels were an independent factor associated with CAD. The odds ratio for CAD was 1.61 (95% CI = 1.01-2.58) for high FSTL1 level of > 3.6 ng/mL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, plasma FSTL1 levels in patients with CAD were found to be high and associated with the presence and severity of CAD, thus, suggesting that FSTL1 may play a role in the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurie Yamazaki
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center
| | | | - Emi Saita
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University
| | - Masayuki Aoyama
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center
| | - Yukinori Ikegami
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center
| | - Reiko Ohmori
- Faculty of Regional Design, Utsunomiya University
| | - Kojiro Tanimoto
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center
| | | | - Yukihiko Momiyama
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center
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Elsadek BEM, Abdelghany AA, Abd El-Aziz MA, Madkor HR, Abd Elrady Ahmed A, Abd-Elghaffar SK, Elsadek AAM. Validation of the Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of ADAMTS5 and FSTL1 in Osteoarthritis Rat Model. Cartilage 2021; 13:1263S-1273S. [PMID: 31177809 PMCID: PMC8804805 DOI: 10.1177/1947603519852405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is a global public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and disability. Due to lack of sensitive and specific tools for early OA diagnosis and predicting prognosis, the availability of new reliable and sensitive biomarkers is a widely appreciated need to identify patients at risk for incident disease or disease progression. Accordingly, our study was conducted to validate the usefulness of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) and follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) to achieve this goal. DESIGN Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into 3 groups; 24 rats were subjected to medial meniscal tear (MMT) surgery on the right knee joint (OA group), 24 rats were subjected to sham surgery (sham group), and 6 healthy rats (negative control group). Six animals from each group were sacrificed every 2 weeks. At each time point, the right knee joint of each animal was visualized radiologically, a blood sample was collected, and cartilage tissues were isolated for histopathological and western blot analysis. RESULTS We found that the expression levels of ADAMTS5 and FSTL1 significantly increased with OA progression, especially at weeks 4, 6, and 8 after surgery. Notably, the serum levels of ADAMTS5 and FSTL1 showed significant positive correlations with each other and with the studied inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that ADAMTS5 and FSTL1 can serve as important and informative serological markers of disease activity in OA. However, further research is needed to validate their use for improving the diagnosis and prognosis of OA in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakheet E M Elsadek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Abdelghany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Hafez R Madkor
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abd Elrady Ahmed
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sary Kh Abd-Elghaffar
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amer Alkot Mostafa Elsadek
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
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8
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Shi J, Wang S, He Q, Liu K, Zhao W, Xie Q, Cheng L. TNF-α induces up-regulation of MicroRNA-27a via the P38 signalling pathway, which inhibits intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting FSTL1. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:7146-7156. [PMID: 34190406 PMCID: PMC8335690 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration is still unclear, and there are no effective therapeutic strategies for treating this condition. miRNAs are naturally occurring macromolecules in the human body and have many biological functions. Therefore, we hope to elucidate whether miRNAs are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and the underlying mechanisms involved. In our study, differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by the GEO database and then confirmed by qPCR and in situ hybridization. Apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells was detected by flow cytometry and Bcl2, Bax and caspase 3. Deposition of extracellular matrix was assessed by Alcian blue staining, and the expression of COX2 and MMP13 was detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot and qPCR. Moreover, qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR27a and its precursors. The results showed that miR27a was rarely expressed in healthy intervertebral discs but showed increased expression in degenerated intervertebral discs. Ectopic miR27a expression inhibited apoptosis, suppressed the inflammatory response and attenuated the catabolism of the extracellular matrix by targeting FSTL1. Furthermore, it seems that the expression of miR27a was up-regulated by TNF-α via the P38 signalling pathway. So we conclude that TNF-α and FSTL1 engage in a positive feedback loop to promote intervertebral disc degeneration. At the same time, miR27a is up-regulated by TNF-α via the P38 signalling pathway, which ameliorates inflammation, apoptosis and matrix degradation by targeting FSTL1. Thus, this negative feedback mechanism might contribute to the maintenance of a low degeneration load and would be beneficial to maintain a persistent chronic disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shi
- Department of OrthopaedicQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
- NHC key Laboratory of OtorhinolaryngologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shaoyi Wang
- Department of OrthopaedicQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Qiting He
- Department of OrthopaedicQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
- NHC key Laboratory of OtorhinolaryngologyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Kaiwen Liu
- Department of OrthopaedicQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of OrthopaedicQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of PharmacyQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of OrthopaedicQilu HospitalCheeloo College of Medicine of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
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Duan XY, Sun Y, Zhao ZF, Shi YQ, Ma XY, Tao L, Liu MW. Baicalin attenuates LPS-induced alveolar type II epithelial cell A549 injury by attenuation of the FSTL1 signaling pathway via increasing miR-200b-3p expression. Innate Immun 2021; 27:294-312. [PMID: 34000873 PMCID: PMC8186156 DOI: 10.1177/17534259211013887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In China, baicalin is the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, which has been used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, such as inflammation-induced acute lung injury. However, its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study examined the protective effect of baicalin on LPS-induced inflammation injury of alveolar epithelial cell line A549 and explored its protective mechanism. Compared with the LPS-induced group, the proliferation inhibition rates of alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549 intervened by different concentrations of baicalin decreased significantly, as did the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, prostaglandin 2 and TNF-α in the supernatant. The expression levels of inflammatory proteins inducible NO synthase (iNOS), NF-κB65, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK1) significantly decreased, as did the protein expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1). In contrast, expression of miR-200b-3p significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that baicalin could significantly inhibit the expression of inflammation-related proteins and improve LPS-induced inflammatory injury in alveolar type II epithelial cells. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK/JNK inflammatory pathway activation by increasing the expression of miR-200b-3p. Thus, FSTL1 is the regulatory target of miR-200b-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ya Duan
- Department of Tuberculosis Diseases, Third People's Hospital of Kunming City, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Zhu-Feng Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Yao-Qing Shi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Xun-Yan Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Ming-Wei Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
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Qi P, Ma MZ, Kuai JH. Identification of growth differentiation factor 15 as a pro-fibrotic factor in mouse liver fibrosis progression. Int J Exp Pathol 2021; 102:148-156. [PMID: 33983642 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was elucidate the inhibitory role of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in liver fibrosis and its possible activation mechanism in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mice. We generated a GDF15-neutralizing antibody that can inhibit TGF-β1-induced activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway in LX-2 cells. All the mice in this study were induced by carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide. In addition, primary HSCs from mice were isolated from fresh livers using Nycodenz density gradient separation. The severity and extent of liver fibrosis were evaluated by Sirius Red and Masson staining. The effect of GDF15 on the activation of the TGF-β pathway was detected using dual-luciferase reporter and Western blotting assays. The expression of GDF15 in cirrhotic liver tissue was higher than that in normal liver tissue. Blocking GDF15 with a neutralizing antibody resulted in a delay in primary hepatic stellate cell activation and remission of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide. Meanwhile, TGF-β pathway activation was partly inhibited by a GDF15-neutralizing antibody in primary HSCs. These results indicated that GDF15 plays an important role in regulating HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression. The inhibition of GDF15 attenuates chemical-inducible liver fibrosis and delays hepatic stellate cell activation, and this effect is probably mainly attributed to its regulatory role in TGF-β signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Ze Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Hua Kuai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
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Follistatin-Like 1 Attenuation Suppresses Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Mice through Interacting with TNF- α and Smad Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6640751. [PMID: 33936382 PMCID: PMC8055391 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6640751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Inflammation plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The protein follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) plays a proinflammatory role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether IDD could be delayed by inhibiting FSTL-1 expression. Methods We established a puncture-induced IDD model in wild-type and FSTL-1+/- mice and collected intervertebral discs (IVDs) from the mice. Safranin O staining was used to detect cartilage loss of IVD tissue, and HE staining was used to detect morphological changes of IVD tissue. We measured the expression of FSTL-1 and related inflammatory indicators in IVD tissues by immunohistochemical staining, real-time PCR, and Western blotting. Results In the age-induced model of IDD, the level of FSTL-1 increased with the exacerbation of degeneration. In the puncture-induced IDD model, FSTL-1-knockdown mice showed a reduced degree of degeneration compared with that of wild-type mice. Further experiments showed that FSTL-1 knockdown also significantly reduced the level of related inflammatory factors in IVD. In vitro experiments showed that FSTL-1 knockdown significantly reduced TNF-α-induced inflammation. Specifically, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors COX-2, iNOS, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5 were reduced. Knockdown of FSTL-1 attenuated inflammation by inhibiting the expression of P-Smad1/5/8, P-Erk1/2, and P-P65. Conclusion Knockdown of FSTL-1 attenuated inflammation by inhibiting the TNF-α response and Smad pathway activity and ultimately delayed IDD.
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12
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Li X, Fang Y, Jiang D, Dong Y, Liu Y, Zhang S, Guo J, Qi C, Zhao C, Jiang F, Jin Y, Geng J, Yang C, Zhang H, Wei B, Liang J, Wang C, Dai H, Zhou H, Jiang D, Ning W. Targeting FSTL1 for Multiple Fibrotic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Mol Ther 2020; 29:347-364. [PMID: 33007201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a matricellular protein that is upregulated during development and disease, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), keloid, and arthritis. The profibrotic and pro-inflammatory roles of FSTL1 have been intensively studied during the last several years, as well as in this report. We screened and identified epitope-specific monoclonal neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to functionally block FSTL1. FSTL1 nAbs attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary and dermal fibrosis in vivo and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced dermal fibrosis ex vivo in human skin. In addition, FSTL1 nAbs significantly reduced existing lung fibrosis and skin fibrosis in experimental models. FSTL1 nAbs exerted their potent antifibrotic effects via reduced TGF-β1 responsiveness and subsequent myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix production. We also observed that FSTL1 nAbs attenuated the severity of collagen-induced arthritis in mice, which was accompanied by reduced inflammatory responses in vitro. Our findings suggest that FSTL1 nAbs are a promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of multiple organ fibrosis and systemic autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yinshan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Dingyuan Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yingying Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Si Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiasen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chenjing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fangxin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yueyue Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jing Geng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of Beijing Armed Police Corps, Beijing 100027, China
| | - Jiurong Liang
- Department of Medicine and Women's Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Huaping Dai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Dianhua Jiang
- Department of Medicine and Women's Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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13
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Characterization and expression of the follistatin-related protein gene in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus larvae. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Chaly Y, Hostager B, Smith S, Hirsch R. The Follistatin-like Protein 1 Pathway Is Important for Maintaining Healthy Articular Cartilage. ACR Open Rheumatol 2020; 2:407-414. [PMID: 32530126 PMCID: PMC7368136 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), a protein produced by articular chondrocytes, promotes healthy articular cartilage and prevents chondrocytes from undergoing terminal differentiation to hypertrophic cells. METHODS In vitro experiments were performed with immortalized human articular chondrocytes. The cells were transduced with a lentivirus encoding human FSTL1 small hairpin RNA or with an adenovirus encoding FSTL1. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for gene expression analysis. Protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to identify interacting partners of FSTL1. FSTL1 expression in human articular cartilage was analyzed using confocal microscopy. RESULTS Downregulation of FSTL1 expression in transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-stimulated chondrocyte pellet cultures led to chondrocyte terminal differentiation characterized by poor production of cartilage extracellular matrix and altered expression of genes and proteins involved in cartilage homeostasis, including MMP13, COL10A1, RUNX2, COL2A1, ACAN, Sox9, and phospho-Smad3. We also showed that FSTL1 interacts with TGFβ receptor proteins, Alk1 and endoglin, suggesting a potential mechanism for its effects on chondrocytes. Transduction of chondrocytes with an FSTL1 transgene increased COL2A1 expression, whereas it did not affect MMP13 expression. FSTL1 protein expression was decreased in human osteoarthritic cartilage in situ. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that FSTL1 plays an important role in maintaining healthy articular cartilage and the FSTL1 pathway may represent a therapeutic target for degenerative diseases of cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Chaly
- University of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa City
| | | | - Sonja Smith
- University of Iowa Carver College of MedicineIowa City
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15
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Li W, Alahdal M, Deng Z, Liu J, Zhao Z, Cheng X, Chen X, Li J, Yin J, Li Y, Wang G, Wang D, Tang K, Zhang J. Molecular functions of FSTL1 in the osteoarthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106465. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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16
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Li G, Ren H, Wu X, Hu Q, Hong Z, Wang G, Gu G, Ren J, Li J. Follistatin like protein-1 modulates macrophage polarization and aggravates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106456. [PMID: 32247265 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in multiple processes including organ development, carcinogenesis, metastasis and so on. Some recent studies have suggested a possible role of FSTL1 in the inflammatory diseases. We for the first time tried to unravel its effect on the colitis, and explore the possible mechanisms. Here we found that FSTL1 was upregulated in active human and murine colitis. It facilitated proinflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages and inhibited the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, leading to excessive production of multiple inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. Haplodeletion of FSTL1 in mice significantly reduced the clinical and histological activity of colitis. Most importantly, macrophage depletion diminished the difference between DSS-treated WT and FSTL1+/- mice. Altogether, our results suggested that FSTL1 may also serve as an important contributor in the colonic inflammation. The possible mechanism may be related to its modulation on macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanwei Li
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technolgy, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huajian Ren
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuwen Wu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiongyuan Hu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiwu Hong
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gefei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guosheng Gu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianan Ren
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jieshou Li
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Alteration of follistatin-like 1, neuron-derived neurotrophic factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic cardiac muscle after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise with insulin. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-020-00631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Peters MMC, Meijs TA, Gathier W, Doevendans PAM, Sluijter JPG, Chamuleau SAJ, Neef K. Follistatin-like 1 in Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammation. Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:1379-1389. [PMID: 30864520 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190312161551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), a secreted glycoprotein, has been shown to participate in regulating developmental processes and to be involved in states of disease and injury. Spatiotemporal regulation and posttranslational modifications contribute to its specific functions and make it an intriguing candidate to study disease mechanisms and potentially develop new therapies. With cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of death worldwide, clarification of mechanisms underlying cardiac regeneration and revascularization remains essential. Recent findings on FSTL1 in both acute coronary syndrome and heart failure emphasize its potential as a target for cardiac regenerative therapy. With this review, we aim to shed light on the role of FSTL1 specifically in cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn M C Peters
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Timion A Meijs
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Wouter Gathier
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pieter A M Doevendans
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Steven A J Chamuleau
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Klaus Neef
- Department of Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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19
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Zhao Y, Ou Q, Deng Y, Peng J, Li C, Li J, Zhao Q, Qiu M, Wan D, Fang Y, Pan Z. Determination of follistatin-like protein 1 expression in colorectal cancer and its association with clinical outcomes. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:606. [PMID: 32047767 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.09.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been demonstrated to play a controversial role in cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of FSTL1 and its characteristics in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Gene expression microarray assays in 30 CRC patients and a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of 22 patients were performed to compare the mRNA level of FSTL1 in tumor lesions and paired normal tissues. Also, 332 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed CRC were selected to detect FSTL1 expression by using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was also applied to determine the serum level of FSTL1 in 60 CRC patients, as well as 34 healthy donors. Results Gene expression microarray assays and RT-qPCR in CRC tissues, as well as ELISA in the serum all, revealed that the expression level of FSTL1 was higher in cancer tissue of CRC patients compared with paired normal tissue or healthy donors. The IHC results suggested that FSTL1 was also higher in tumor tissues than in its normal counterparts, however interestingly, a narrow scan focusing on the stromal region indicated that FSTL1 was significantly higher in normal tissues than in cancerous tissues. Besides, higher FSTL1 expression in cancer tissue, as well as lower FSTL1 expression in cancer stroma, both correlated with a worse prognosis, and the latter was an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions Our results provide novel insight into the role of FSTL1 in CRC, and it might be an essential factor in CRC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yuxiang Deng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jianhong Peng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jibin Li
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Miaozhen Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Desen Wan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujing Fang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhizhong Pan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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20
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Li X, Li L, Chang Y, Ning W, Liu X. Structural and functional study of FK domain of Fstl1. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1819-1829. [PMID: 31351024 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fstl1 is a TGF-β superfamily binding protein which involved in many pathological processes. The function of Fstl1 has been widely elucidated, but its structural characterization has not been explored. Here we solved the high-resolution crystal structure of FK domain of murine Fstl1, analyzed its unique characteristics, and investigated its contribution to the function of full-length Fstl1. We found that Fstl1-FK forms a stable dimer in both solution and crystal, which suggest that this protein may function as a dimer during its interaction with TGF-β, a molecule known to form dimer during activation process. We also found this FK domain is indispensable for the proper function of Fstl1 during the transduction of TGF-β signaling. These observations provide important insights into the understanding of Fstl1 and may facilitate the exploration of this molecule in clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Abstract
Connective tissue diseases (CTDs), also known as systemic autoimmune diseases, involve a variety of autoantibodies against cellular components. An important factor regarding these autoantibodies is that each antibody is exclusively related to a certain clinical feature of the disease type, which may prove useful in clinical practice. Thus far, more than 100 types of autoantibodies have been found in CTDs, and most of their target antigens have been identified. Many of these autoantigens are enzymes or regulators involved in important cellular functions, such as gene replication, transcription, repair/recombination, RNA processing, and protein synthesis, as well as proteins that form complexes with RNA and DNA. This article reviews the autoantibodies for each CTD, along with an assessment of their clinical significance, and provides suggestions regarding their utilization for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosaku Murakami
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tsuneyo Mimori
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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22
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Chen Z, Fang Y, Zhang S, Li L, Wang L, Zhang A, Yuan Z, Wang P, Zhou H, Cui W, MacVittie TJ, Ning W. Haplodeletion of Follistatin-Like 1 Attenuates Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 103:208-216. [PMID: 30171878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a severe and life-threatening complication of radiation therapy in patients with thoracic cancer; however, the exact molecular mechanisms remain unknown, and there is no effective treatment method in clinic. Here, we assessed the role of follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) in RIPF. METHODS AND MATERIALS Protein and messenger RNA levels of Fstl1 in lung tissues from symptomatic RIPF patients, Rhesus macaques, and mice were assessed. Fibrotic and inflammatory responses to radiation-induced lung injury and accumulation of myofibroblasts in Fstl1 haplodeficient (Fstl1+/-) mice were determined. Finally, radiation-induced differentiation and activation of fibroblasts in primary Fstl1+/- lung fibroblasts were evaluated. RESULTS FSTL1 amounts were significantly increased in serum and/or radiation-injured lung specimens from symptomatic RIPF patients, Rhesus macaques, and mice. Haplodeletion of Fstl1 in Fstl1+/- mice was protective against x-ray-induced lung injury in mice in vivo, as well as myofibroblast activation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that Fstl1 plays an important role in lung fibrosis and may offer a potential approach to attenuate RIPF in radiation therapy of patients with thoracic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yinshan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Si Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Aixu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanchang Cui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas J MacVittie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Bevivino G, Sedda S, Franzè E, Stolfi C, Di Grazia A, Dinallo V, Caprioli F, Facciotti F, Colantoni A, Ortenzi A, Rossi P, Monteleone G. Follistatin-like protein 1 sustains colon cancer cell growth and survival. Oncotarget 2018; 9:31278-31290. [PMID: 30131854 PMCID: PMC6101290 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein, which controls several physiological and pathological events. FSTL1 expression is deregulated in many tumors, but its contribution to colon carcinogenesis is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the expression and functional role of FSTL1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). A significant increase of FSTL1 was seen in human CRC as compared to the surrounding non-tumor tissues and this occurred at both RNA and protein level. Knockdown of FSTL1 in CRC cells with a specific antisense oligonucleotide (AS) reduced expression of regulators of the late G1 phase, such as phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein, E2F-1, cyclin E and phospho-cyclin-dependent kinase-2, and promoted accumulation of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle thus resulting in diminished cell proliferation. Consistently, recombinant FSTL1 induced proliferation of normal intestinal epithelial cells through an ERK1/2-dependent mechanism. Cell cycle arrest driven by FSTL1 AS in CRC cells was accompanied by activation of caspases and subsequent induction of apoptosis. Moreover, FSTL1 knockdown made CRC cells more susceptible to oxaliplatin and irinotecan-induced death. Data indicate that FSTL1 is over-expressed in human CRC and suggest a role for this protein in favouring intestinal tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerolamo Bevivino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Sedda
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Franzè
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Stolfi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Grazia
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Dinallo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Caprioli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facciotti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfredo Colantoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Ortenzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Rossi
- Department of Surgery, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Mattiotti A, Prakash S, Barnett P, van den Hoff MJB. Follistatin-like 1 in development and human diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2339-2354. [PMID: 29594389 PMCID: PMC5986856 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein displaying expression changes during development and disease, among which cardiovascular disease, cancer, and arthritis. The cardioprotective role of FSTL1 has been intensively studied over the last years, though its mechanism of action remains elusive. FSTL1 is involved in multiple signaling pathways and biological processes, including vascularization and regulation of the immune response, a feature that complicates its study. Binding to the DIP2A, TLR4 and BMP receptors have been shown, but other molecular partners probably exist. During cancer progression and rheumatoid arthritis, controversial data have been reported with respect to the proliferative, apoptotic, migratory, and inflammatory effects of FSTL1. This controversy might reside in the extensive post-transcriptional regulation of FSTL1. The FSTL1 primary transcript also encodes for a microRNA (miR-198) in primates and multiple microRNA-binding sites are present in the 3'UTR. The switch between expression of the FSTL1 protein and miR-198 is an important regulator of tumour metastasis and wound healing. The glycosylation state of FSTL1 is a determinant of biological activity, in cardiomyocytes the glycosylated form promoting proliferation and the non-glycosylated working anti-apoptotic. Moreover, the glycosylation state shows differences between species and tissues which might underlie the differences observed in in vitro studies. Finally, regulation at the level of protein secretion has been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mattiotti
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stuti Prakash
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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25
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Ni S, Li C, Xu N, Liu X, Wang W, Chen W, Wang Y, van Wijnen AJ. Follistatin‐like protein 1 induction of matrix metalloproteinase 1, 3 and 13 gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes requires MAPK, JAK/STAT3 and NF‐κB pathways. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:454-463. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Su Ni
- Laboratory of Clinical OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Chenkai Li
- Laboratory of Clinical OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Nanwei Xu
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of RheumatologyThe First People's Hospital of ChangzhouChangzhouChina
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Wenyang Chen
- Laboratory of Clinical OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Yuji Wang
- Laboratory of Clinical OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital With Nanjing Medical UniversityChangzhouChina
| | - Andre J. van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesota
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26
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Wang H, Huang S, Wu S, Yin S, Tang A, Wen W. Follistatin-Like Protein-1 Upregulates Dendritic Cell-Based Immunity in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2018; 37:494-502. [PMID: 29135371 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2017.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL1) is an inflammatory factor that can induce an inflammatory response and is expressed in cancers. However, little is known about its content and function in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 are primarily secreted by dendritic cells (DCs) and activated T lymphocytes, respectively; these factors can induce Th cell differentiation and cytotoxic lymphocyte production, both of which facilitate tumors through the STAT4 and STAT6 pathways, respectively. In this study, the relationship between FSTL1 and both IL-12 and IL-4 as well as the functional mechanism of these cytokines was explored. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were used to assess the levels of key inflammatory factors and DC markers as well as elucidate the mechanism by which FSTL-1 mediates and exerts it antitumor effects. The results revealed that serum FSTL1 and IL-12 levels were significantly decreased in NPC patients compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05); conversely, IL-4 levels were increased (P < 0.05). Supernatants from the experimental groups (EGs) contained higher IL-4 and IL-12 levels than those from the control groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, phosphorylated-STAT6 and phosphorylated-STAT4 were increased in the EGs (P < 0.05). These results suggest that DC-mediated immunity was activated by FSTL1, which leads to an increase of IL-12 and IL-4 production and consequently activates the STAT4 and STAT6 pathways through upregulation of STAT4 and STAT6 phosphorylation, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , Nanning, China
| | - Shiping Huang
- 2 Department of Otolaryngology, The People's Hospital of Guigang , Guigang, China
| | - Senyong Wu
- 2 Department of Otolaryngology, The People's Hospital of Guigang , Guigang, China
| | - Shaolin Yin
- 3 Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anzhou Tang
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , Nanning, China
| | - Wensheng Wen
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University , Nanning, China
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27
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Yang W, Wu Y, Wang C, Liu Z, Xu M, Zheng X. FSTL1 contributes to tumor progression via attenuating apoptosis in a AKT/GSK-3β - dependent manner in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2018; 20:75-85. [PMID: 28655132 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several investigations have demonstrated that follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is implicated in the initiation and progression of diverse cancers. It remains unclear whether FSTL1 acted as a cancer-promoting gene through its overexpression in HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS We detected FSTL1 protein expression in 210 consecutive HCC cases curatively resected in our hospital between 2004 and 2007. The correlation between FSTL1 expression in HCC tissues and post-surgical prognosis of HCCs was analyzed. The in vitro experiments including apoptosis assessment, MTT, BrdU incorporation ELISA assay, Western immunoblotting, and qRT-PCR were performed to determine the impact of FSTL1 on apoptosis and proliferation abilities of HCC cells and the relevant mechanisms. RESULTS FSTL1 protein was found aberrantly increased in 172 of 210 HCC tissues (81.9%) compared to adjacent liver tissues. FSTL1 overexpression was apparently associated with larger tumor size, advanced TNM staging, portal vein invasion, intra-hepatic metastases. Patients with higher FSTL1 expression in tumors suffered from the worse overall survival rate as assessed by comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Higher FSTL1 expression in HCC tissues was identified as a independent poor post-surgical prognostic predictor for HCC. Silencing FSTL1 by siRNA promoted cell apoptosis and leaded to suppression of cell viability and proliferation in MHCC97h cells. Furthermore, enforced expression of FSTL1 obtained the opposite results in Huh7 cells. Mechanistic investigation showed that FSTL1 repressed HCC cell apoptosis through AKT/GSK-3β/Bcl2/BAX/Bim signaling. CONCLUSION These data proved that FSTL1 contributed to unfavorable post-surgical outcome of HCC patients via inhibiting cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaqi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Dangcheng Hospital, Xi'an 710051, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
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28
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Liu Y, Wei J, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Han Y, Chen B, Cheng K, Jia J, Nie L, Cheng L. Follistatin-like protein 1 promotes inflammatory reactions in nucleus pulposus cells by interacting with the MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 8:43023-43034. [PMID: 28498809 PMCID: PMC5522124 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a well-known mediator of inflammation. Intervertebral disc disease is an inflammatory disorder. Here, we investigated the role of FSTL1 in the intervertebral discs inflammation. Methods Expression of FSTL1 in nucleus pulposus tissues from rats and human was determined by immunohistochemistry staining and western blot analysis. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin1-β (IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) in human and rat nucleus pulposus tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry staining. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathways were detected by western blotting. Results FSTL1 serum levels were significantly increased in lumbar disc herniation patients and had a positive correlation with Visual Analogue Scores. Additionally, FSTL1 expression was significantly increased in extrusion group compared with protrusion and control groups. Furthermore, FSTL1 expression was significantly increased in intervertebral disc degeneration models of rats. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP-13 were increased in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc disease. Recombinant human FSTL1 significantly increased the production of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. In addition, FSTL1 promoted inflammation by activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2(ERK1/2) and NFκB signaling. Conclusions These data imply that FSTL1 expression was increased in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc disease. Importantly, FSTL1 promoted inflammatory catabolism in the nucleus pulposus by activating JNK, ERK 1/2/MAPK and NFκB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianlu Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanqiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yingguang Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kaiyuan Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jialin Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Nie
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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29
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An J, Wang L, Zhao Y, Hao Q, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Yang C, Liu L, Wang W, Fang D, Lu T, Gao Y. Effects of FSTL1 on cell proliferation in breast cancer cell line MDA‑MB‑231 and its brain metastatic variant MDA‑MB‑231‑BR. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:3001-3010. [PMID: 29048681 PMCID: PMC5780039 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decades, altered Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) expression has been documented in a variety of cancers, while its functional roles are poorly understood. Particularly in breast cancer, the expression of FSTL1 and its signaling pathway remain to be determined. In the present study, an elevated FSTL1 expression and a supressed cell proliferation were detected in a specific brain metastatic cell line MDA-MB-231-BR (231-BR), compared with its parental cell line MDA-MB-231. However, this protein was hardly detected in the other three breast cancer cell lines. Next, lentiviral vectors encoding FSTL1 or FSTL1 specific shRNAs were used to overexpress or knock down FSTL1 in MDA-MB-231 or 231-BR, respectively (MDA-MB-231FSTL1 or 231-BRsh FSTL1). Results showed that overexpression of FSTL1 inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, while knockdown of FSTL1 in 231-BR cells promotes cell proliferation, compared with their corresponding control groups. These results were further confirmed in nude mouse xenografts. The tumor volume in 231-BR cell-bearing mice was significantly smaller than that of MDA-MB-231 group, and reduction of tumor volume was detected in MDA-MB-231FSTL1 cell-bearing mice compared with the control group. Previous studies revealed that TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway was activated in 231-BR and MDA-MB-231FSTL1 cells, which may contribute to the inhibited cell proliferation. In addition, Smad3 knockdown could restore the inhibition of cell proliferation induced by FSTL1 overexpression in MDA-MB-231FSTL1 cells, indicating that the anti-proliferative effect of FSTL1 overexpression may be associated with Smad3 involved TGF-β signaling pathway regulation. This study identified FSTL1 as an inhibitor of cell proliferation in MDA-MB-231 and 231-BR cell lines, which may provide new insights into the development and management of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang An
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Yuanli Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Dongliang Fang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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30
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Chen F, Hu Q, Huang H, Chen B, Xia Y, Liu W. Follistatin-like protein 1 increases transepithelial resistance in kidney epithelial cells through Akt signaling. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:4341-4347. [PMID: 28765894 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions are intercellular junctional structures that control paracellular permeability across epithelial cell sheets, and serve as a barrier to the intramembranic diffusion of components between apical and basolateral cell membrane domains. Follistatin‑like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been reported to promote cellular metabolism and survival. FSTL1 has been revealed to be highly expressed in adult kidney tissues, and high FSTL1 levels have been reported in mouse and human serum samples; however, the roles of FSTL1 in the regulation of kidney function remain to be elucidated. In the present study, FSTL1 was demonstrated to increase the transepithelial electrical resistance in mouse inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD3) cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of FSTL1 were also investigated and the results suggested that FSTL1 may exert its actions through the modulation of Akt signaling. In addition, FSTL1 was revealed to produce no effect on the migratory capabilities of mIMCD3 cells. The results of the present study suggested that FSTL1 may facilitate the formation of tight junctions and regulate their function in renal tubular epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming University of Sciences and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, P.R. China
| | - Huihui Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Binbin Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Yin Xia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, P.R. China
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31
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Su S, Parris AB, Grossman G, Mohler JL, Wang Z, Wilson EM. Up-Regulation of Follistatin-Like 1 By the Androgen Receptor and Melanoma Antigen-A11 in Prostate Cancer. Prostate 2017; 77:505-516. [PMID: 27976415 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High affinity androgen binding to the androgen receptor (AR) activates genes required for male sex differentiation and promotes the development and progression of prostate cancer. Human AR transcriptional activity involves interactions with coregulatory proteins that include primate-specific melanoma antigen-A11 (MAGE-A11), a coactivator that increases AR transcriptional activity during prostate cancer progression to castration-resistant/recurrent prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS Microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were performed to identify androgen-regulated MAGE-A11-dependent genes in LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells after lentivirus shRNA knockdown of MAGE-A11. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to assess androgen-dependent AR recruitment, and immunocytochemistry to localize an androgen-dependent protein in prostate cancer cells and tissue and in the CWR22 human prostate cancer xenograft. RESULTS Microarray analysis of androgen-treated LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells indicated follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is up-regulated by MAGE-A11. Androgen-dependent up-regulation of FSTL1 was inhibited in LAPC-4 cells by lentivirus shRNA knockdown of AR or MAGE-A11. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated AR recruitment to intron 10 of the FSTL1 gene that contains a classical consensus androgen response element. Increased levels of FSTL1 protein in LAPC-4 cells correlated with higher levels of MAGE-A11 relative to other prostate cancer cells. FSTL1 mRNA levels increased in CRPC and castration-recurrent CWR22 xenografts in association with predominantly nuclear FSTL1. Increased nuclear localization of FSTL1 in prostate cancer was suggested by predominantly cytoplasmic FSTL1 in benign prostate epithelial cells and predominantly nuclear FSTL1 in epithelial cells in CRPC tissue and the castration-recurrent CWR22 xenograft. AR expression studies showed nuclear colocalization of AR and endogenous FSTL1 in response to androgen. CONCLUSION AR and MAGE-A11 cooperate in the up-regulation of FSTL1 to promote growth and progression of CRPC. Prostate 77:505-516, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Su
- Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Amanda B Parris
- Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gail Grossman
- Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James L Mohler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Urology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Zengjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Elizabeth M Wilson
- Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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32
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Bae K, Park KE, Han J, Kim J, Kim K, Yoon KA. Mitotic cell death caused by follistatin-like 1 inhibition is associated with up-regulated Bim by inactivated Erk1/2 in human lung cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 7:18076-84. [PMID: 26716515 PMCID: PMC4951272 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) was identified as a novel pro-inflammatory protein showing high-level expression in rheumatoid arthritis. The protective effect of FSTL1 via the inhibition of apoptosis was reported in myocardial injury. However, the functional mechanism of FSTL1 in cancer is poorly characterized, and its proliferative effects are ambiguous. Here, we examined the effects of FSTL1 on cellular proliferation and cell cycle checkpoints in lung cancer cells. FSTL1 inhibition induced the cellular portion of G2/M phase in human lung cancer cells via the accumulation of regulators of the transition through the G2/M phase, including the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1)-cyclin B1 complex. An increase in histone H3 phosphorylation (at Ser10), another hallmark of mitosis, indicated that the knockdown of FSTL1 in lung cancer cells stimulated a mitotic arrest. After that, apoptosis was promoted by the activation of caspase-3 and -9. Protein level of Bim, a BH3 domain-only, pro-apoptotic member and its isoforms, BimL, BimS, and BimEL were up-regulated by FSTL1 inhibition. Degradation of Bim was blocked in FSTL1-knockdown cells by decreased phosphorylation of Bim. Increased BimEL as well as decreased phosphorylated Erk1/2 is essential for cell death by FSTL1 inhibition in NCI-H460 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the knockdown of FSTL1 induces apoptosis through a mitotic arrest and caspase-dependent cell death. FSTL1 plays the important roles in cellular proliferation and apoptosis in lung cancer cells, and thus can be a new target for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieun Bae
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Kyoung Eun Park
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Jihye Han
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Jongkwang Kim
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Kyungtae Kim
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Kyong-Ah Yoon
- Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Cheng KY, Liu Y, Han YG, Li JK, Jia JL, Chen B, Yao ZX, Nie L, Cheng L. Follistatin-like protein 1 suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines expression during neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide. J Mol Histol 2016; 48:63-72. [PMID: 27913976 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-016-9706-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Follistain-like protein 1 (FSTL1), has been recently demonstrated to be involved in the embryo development of nervous system and glioblastoma. However, the role of FSTL1 in neuroinflammation remains unexplored. In this study, the expression of FSTL1 in astrocytes was verified and its role was studied in neuroinflammation induced by in vivo intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS treatment to astrocytes in vitro. FSTL1 was significantly induced after ICV LPS injection or LPS treatment. FSTL1 suppressed upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in astrocytes after LPS treatment. Moreover, FSTL1 downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through suppressing MAPK/p-ERK1/2 pathway in astrocytes. Our results suggest that FSTL1 may play an anti-inflammatory role in neuroinflammation mediated by astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yuan Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ying-Guang Han
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jing-Kun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jia-Lin Jia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhi-Xiao Yao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Lin Nie
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Tanaka K, Valero-Muñoz M, Wilson RM, Essick EE, Fowler CT, Nakamura K, van den Hoff M, Ouchi N, Sam F. Follistatin like 1 Regulates Hypertrophy in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2016; 1:207-221. [PMID: 27430031 PMCID: PMC4944656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for ∼50% of all clinical presentations of heart failure, (HF) and its prevalence is expected to increase. However, there are no evidence-based therapies for HFpEF; thus, HFpEF represents a major unmet need. Although hypertension is the single most important risk factor for HFpEF, with a prevalence of 60% to 89% from clinical trials and human HF registries, blood pressure therapy alone is insufficient to prevent and treat HFpEF. Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1), a divergent member of the follistatin family of extracellular glycoproteins, has previously been shown to be elevated in HF with reduced ejection fraction and associated with increased left ventricular mass. In this study, blood levels of Fstl1 were increased in humans with HFpEF. This increase was also evident in mice with hypertension-induced HFpEF and adult rat ventricular myocytes stimulated with aldosterone. Treatment with recombinant Fstl1 abrogated aldosterone-induced cardiac myocyte hypertrophy, suggesting a role for Fstl1 in the regulation of hypertrophy in HFpEF. There was also a reduction in the E/A ratio, a measure of diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, HFpEF induced in a mouse model that specifically ablates Fstl1 in cardiac myocytes (cardiac myocyte-specific Fstl1 knockout [cFstl1-KO]) showed exacerbation of HFpEF with worsened diastolic dysfunction. In addition, cFstl1-KO-HFpEF mice demonstrated more marked cardiac myocyte hypertrophy with increased molecular markers of atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide expression. These findings indicate that Fstl1 exerts therapeutic effects by modulating cardiac hypertrophy in HFpEF. Fstl1, also known as transforming growth factor-β–stimulated clone 36, is an extra-cellular glycoprotein implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiac disease. Fstl1 acts in a noncanonical manner relative to other follistatin family members, but its functions remain poorly understood. Circulating Flst1 levels are increased in humans with chronic stable HFpEF. Fstl1 treatment modulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo. Cardiac myocyte deletion of Fstl1 worsens the HFpEF phenotype in mice. These studies indicate that Fstl1 may be therapeutically effective in HFpEF by modulating cardiac hypertrophy and improving parameters of diastolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komei Tanaka
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - María Valero-Muñoz
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard M Wilson
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric E Essick
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Conor T Fowler
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kazuto Nakamura
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maurice van den Hoff
- Academic Medical Center, Heart Failure Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Embryology & Physiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noriyuki Ouchi
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Flora Sam
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,Cardiovascular Section and Evans Department of Medicine, Heart Failure Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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35
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Hayakawa S, Ohashi K, Shibata R, Takahashi R, Otaka N, Ogawa H, Ito M, Kanemura N, Hiramatsu-Ito M, Ikeda N, Murohara T, Ouchi N. Association of Circulating Follistatin-Like 1 Levels with Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in Healthy Men. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153619. [PMID: 27145224 PMCID: PMC4856269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is a circulating glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases and inflammation-related disorders. We have shown that Fstl1 acts as an anti-inflammatory factor that protects against ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Here we examined whether plasma level of Fstl1 associates with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in apparently healthy Japanese men. Methods and Results Plasma Fstl1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating Fstl1 concentrations positively correlated with levels of fasting immune-reactive insulin (FIRI), high-sensitive CRP (hsCRP) and derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites (dROMs), an indicator of oxidative stress. The levels of hsCRP positively associated with Fstl1, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride, FIRI and dROMs levels. dROMs levels positively associated with Fstl1, Hemoglobin A1c and hsCRP levels. Multiple regression analysis with confounding factors revealed that Fstl1 levels, together with BMI and FIRI, correlated with hsCRP and that Fstl1 levels correlated with dROMs. Conclusion Our observations indicate that measurement of plasma Fstl1 levels can be valuable for assessment of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Hayakawa
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koji Ohashi
- Molecular Cardiovascular Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail: (NO); (KO)
| | - Rei Shibata
- Department of Advanced Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Naoya Otaka
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hayato Ogawa
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masanori Ito
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Kanemura
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mizuho Hiramatsu-Ito
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobuo Ikeda
- Department of Cardiology, Chunichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toyoaki Murohara
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Ouchi
- Molecular Cardiovascular Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail: (NO); (KO)
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36
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Miller M, Esnault S, Kurten RC, Kelly EA, Beppu A, Das S, Rosenthal P, Ramsdell J, Croft M, Zuraw B, Jarjour N, Hamid Q, Broide DH. Segmental allergen challenge increases levels of airway follistatin-like 1 in patients with asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 138:596-599.e4. [PMID: 27001159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Stephane Esnault
- Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Richard C Kurten
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Elizabeth A Kelly
- Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Andrew Beppu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Sudipta Das
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Peter Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Joe Ramsdell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Michael Croft
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Bruce Zuraw
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Nizar Jarjour
- Department of Medicine, Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine Division, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories of McGill University and McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David H Broide
- Department of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, Calif.
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37
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Miller M, Beppu A, Rosenthal P, Pham A, Das S, Karta M, Song DJ, Vuong C, Doherty T, Croft M, Zuraw B, Zhang X, Gao X, Aceves S, Chouiali F, Hamid Q, Broide DH. Fstl1 Promotes Asthmatic Airway Remodeling by Inducing Oncostatin M. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:3546-56. [PMID: 26355153 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chronic asthma is associated with airway remodeling and decline in lung function. In this article, we show that follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1), a mediator not previously associated with asthma, is highly expressed by macrophages in the lungs of humans with severe asthma. Chronic allergen-challenged Lys-Cre(tg) /Fstl1(Δ/Δ) mice in whom Fstl1 is inactivated in macrophages/myeloid cells had significantly reduced airway remodeling and reduced levels of oncostatin M (OSM), a cytokine previously not known to be regulated by Fstl1. The importance of the Fstl1 induction of OSM to airway remodeling was demonstrated in murine studies in which administration of Fstl1 induced airway remodeling and increased OSM, whereas administration of an anti-OSM Ab blocked the effect of Fstl1 on inducing airway remodeling, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness, all cardinal features of asthma. Overall, these studies demonstrate that the Fstl1/OSM pathway may be a novel pathway to inhibit airway remodeling in severe human asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Andrew Beppu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Peter Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Alexa Pham
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Sudipta Das
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Maya Karta
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Dae Jin Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Christine Vuong
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Taylor Doherty
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Michael Croft
- Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Bruce Zuraw
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Xu Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Seema Aceves
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093; and
| | - Fazila Chouiali
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories of McGill University and McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2p2, Canada
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories of McGill University and McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H2X 2p2, Canada
| | - David H Broide
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093;
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38
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Ni S, Miao K, Zhou X, Xu N, Li C, Zhu R, Sun R, Wang Y. The involvement of follistatin-like protein 1 in osteoarthritis by elevating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cytokines and enhancing fibroblast like synoviocyte proliferation. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:91. [PMID: 25888873 PMCID: PMC4407312 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0605-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our previous work has revealed that expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is elevated in the synovial tissues from osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which FSTL1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of OA. Methods Cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from synovial tissues of OA patients were stimulated with human recombinant FSTL1, and then the expression of inflammatory cytokines in FLS and their concentrations in the cell supernatants were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation was examined by western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay at the p65 binding site. Finally, the proliferation of FLSs and the expression level of the proliferation-related tumor suppressors (p53 and p21) were determined by MTS assay kit and western blot in the presence or absence of FSTL1, respectively. Results FSTL1 remarkably promoted expression levels of several inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) in vitro. Western blot analysis showed that FSTL1 activated the inflammatory-related NF-κB signaling pathway, as validated by ChIP assay detecting p65-binding level on the cytokine promoter region. Moreover, FSTL1 promoted the proliferation of OA FLS by downregulating the expression of p53 and p21. Interestingly, the concentration of synovial fluid IL-6 was remarkably elevated in OA patients, and was correlated with synovial fluid and serum FSTL1 levels. Conclusions These findings show that FSTL1 functions as an important proinflammatory factor in the pathogenesis of OA by activating the canonical NF-κB pathway and enhancing synoviocytes proliferation, suggesting that FSTL1 may be a promising target for the treatment of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China. .,Laboratory of Clinical Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Kaisong Miao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China. .,Laboratory of Clinical Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Xianju Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Nanwei Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Chenkai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China. .,Laboratory of Clinical Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Rongbin Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Yuji Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China. .,Laboratory of Clinical Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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39
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Chaly Y, Hostager B, Smith S, Hirsch R. Follistatin-like protein 1 and its role in inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Immunol Res 2015; 59:266-72. [PMID: 24838142 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-014-8526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein produced mainly by cells of mesenchymal origin. FSTL1 has been shown to play an important role during embryogenesis; FSTL1-deficient mice die at birth from multiple developmental abnormalities. In the last decade, FSTL1 has been identified as a novel inflammatory protein, enhancing synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by immune cells in vitro and in vivo. FSTL1 mediates proinflammatory events in animal models of inflammatory diseases, particularly in collagen-induced arthritis in mice. FSTL1 is elevated in various inflammatory conditions and decreased during the course of treatment. FSTL1 may therefore be a valuable biomarker for such diseases. Moreover, a variety of experiments suggest that targeting of FSTL1 may be useful in the treatment of diseases in which inflammation plays a central role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Chaly
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 2191 ML, 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA,
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40
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Hayakawa S, Ohashi K, Shibata R, Kataoka Y, Miyabe M, Enomoto T, Joki Y, Shimizu Y, Kambara T, Uemura Y, Yuasa D, Ogawa H, Matsuo K, Hiramatsu-Ito M, van den Hoff MJB, Walsh K, Murohara T, Ouchi N. Cardiac myocyte-derived follistatin-like 1 prevents renal injury in a subtotal nephrectomy model. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 26:636-46. [PMID: 25071081 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart disease contributes to the progression of CKD. Heart tissue produces a number of secreted proteins, also known as cardiokines, which participate in intercellular and intertissue communication. We recently reported that follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) functions as a cardiokine with cardioprotective properties. Here, we investigated the role of cardiac Fstl1 in renal injury after subtotal nephrectomy. Cardiac-specific Fstl1-deficient (cFstl1-KO) mice and wild-type mice were subjected to subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy. cFstl1-KO mice showed exacerbation of urinary albumin excretion, glomerular hypertrophy, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis after subtotal renal ablation compared with wild-type mice. cFstl1-KO mice also exhibited increased mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, NADPH oxidase components, and fibrotic mediators, in the remnant kidney. Conversely, systemic administration of adenoviral vectors expressing Fstl1 (Ad-Fstl1) to wild-type mice with subtotal nephrectomy led to amelioration of albuminuria, glomerular hypertrophy, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, accompanied by reduced expression of proinflammatory mediators, NADPH oxidase components, and fibrotic markers in the remnant kidney. In cultured human mesangial cells, treatment with recombinant FSTL1 attenuated TNF-α-stimulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Treatment of mesangial cells with FSTL1 augmented the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibition of AMPK activation abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects of FSTL1. These data suggest that Fstl1 functions in cardiorenal communication and that the lack of Fstl1 production by myocytes promotes glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Koji Ohashi
- Molecular Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan;
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology & Physiology, Heart Failure Research Center, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and
| | - Kenneth Walsh
- Molecular Cardiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Noriyuki Ouchi
- Molecular Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan;
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41
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Dalzell JR, Cannon JA, Jackson CE, Lang NN, Gardner RS. Emerging biomarkers for heart failure: an update. Biomark Med 2014; 8:833-40. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm.14.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing array of biological pathways underpins the syndrome we recognize as heart failure. These include both deleterious pathways promoting its development and progression, as well as compensatory cardioprotective pathways. Components of these pathways can be utilized as biomarkers of this condition to aid diagnosis, prognostication and potentially guide management. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure deepens further candidate biomarkers are being identified. We provide an overview of the more recently emerging biomarkers displaying potential promise for future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Dalzell
- Scottish Advanced Heart Failure Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, G81 4DY, UK
| | - Jane A Cannon
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Colette E Jackson
- Scottish Advanced Heart Failure Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, G81 4DY, UK
| | - Ninian N Lang
- Scottish Advanced Heart Failure Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, G81 4DY, UK
| | - Roy S Gardner
- Scottish Advanced Heart Failure Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, G81 4DY, UK
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42
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Chaly Y, Fu Y, Marinov A, Hostager B, Yan W, Campfield B, Kellum JA, Bushnell D, Wang Y, Vockley J, Hirsch R. Follistatin-like protein 1 enhances NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion from monocytes and macrophages. Eur J Immunol 2014; 44:1467-79. [PMID: 24470197 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1) is overexpressed in a number of inflammatory conditions characterized by elevated IL-1β. Here, we found that FSTL-1 serum concentration was increased threefold in patients with bacterial sepsis and fourfold following administration of LPS to mice. To test the contribution of FSTL-1 to IL-1β secretion, WT and FSTL-1-deficient mice were injected with LPS. While LPS induced IL-1β in the sera of WT mice, it was low or undetectable in FSTL-1-deficient mice. Monocytes/macrophages, a key source of IL-1β, do not normally express FSTL-1. However, FSTL-1 was found in tissue macrophages after injection of LPS into mouse footpads, demonstrating that macrophages are capable of taking up FSTL-1 at sites of inflammation. In vitro, intracellular FSTL-1 localized to the mitochondria. FSTL-1 activated the mitochondrial electron transport chain, increased the production of ATP (a key activator of the nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome) and IL-1β secretion. FSTL-1 also enhanced transcription of the NLRP3 and procaspase 1 genes, two components of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of FSTL-1 in mouse paws led to activation of the inflammasome complex and local secretion of IL-1β and IL-1β-related proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that FSTL-1 may act on the NLRP3 inflammasome to promote IL-1β secretion from monocytes/macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Chaly
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Sylva M, Moorman AFM, van den Hoff MJB. Follistatin-like 1 in vertebrate development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 99:61-9. [PMID: 23723173 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is a member of the secreted protein acidic rich in cysteins (SPARC) family and has been implicated in many different signaling pathways, including bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. In many different developmental processes like, dorso-ventral axis establishment, skeletal, lung and ureter development, loss of function experiments have unveiled an important role for Fstl1. Fstl1 largely functions through inhibiting interactions with the BMP signaling pathway, although, in various disease models, different signaling pathways, like activation of pAKT, pAMPK, Na/K-ATPase, or innate immune responses, are linked to Fstl1. How Fstl1 inhibits BMP signaling remains unclear, although it is known that Fstl1 does not function through a scavenging mechanism, like the other known extracellular BMP inhibitors such as noggin. It has been proposed that Fstl1 interferes with BMP receptor complex formation and as such inhibits propagation of the BMP signal into the cell. Future challenges will encompass the identification of the factors that determine the mechanisms that underlie the fact that Fstl1 acts by interfering with BMP signaling during development, but through other signaling pathways during disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sylva
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Meibergdreef 15 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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44
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Follistatin-like 1: a potential mediator of inflammation in obesity. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:752519. [PMID: 24347831 PMCID: PMC3857907 DOI: 10.1155/2013/752519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation, which contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms that link obesity to inflammation are not fully understood. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a novel proinflammatory cytokine that is expressed in adipose tissue and secreted by preadipocytes/adipocytes. We aimed to test whether FSTL1 could have a role in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. It was found that FSTL1 expression was markedly decreased during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes but reinduced by TNF-α. Furthermore, a significant increase in FSTL1 levels was observed in adipose tissue of obese ob/ob mice, as well as in serum of overweight/obese subjects. Mechanistic studies revealed that FSTL1 induced inflammatory responses in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. The expression of proinflammatory mediators including IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 was upregulated by recombinant FSTL1 in a dose-dependent manner, paralleled with activation of the IKKβ-NFκB and JNK signaling pathways in the two cell lines. Moreover, FSTL1 impaired insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as revealed by attenuated phosphorylation of both Akt and IRS-1 in response to insulin stimulation. Together, our results suggest that FSTL1 is a potential mediator of inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.
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45
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Gopal DM, Sam F. New and emerging biomarkers in left ventricular systolic dysfunction--insight into dilated cardiomyopathy. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2013; 6:516-27. [PMID: 23609585 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-013-9462-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by deteriorating cardiac performance, impaired contraction and dilation of the left ventricle (or both ventricles). Blood markers--known as "biomarkers"--allow insight into underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and biologic pathways while predicting outcomes and guiding heart failure management and/or therapies. In this review, we provide an alternative approach to conceptualize heart failure biomarkers: the cardiomyocyte, its surrounding microenvironment, and the macroenvironment, integrating these entities which may impact cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis and/or propagation of DCM. Newer biomarkers of left ventricular systolic dysfunction can be categorized under: (a) myocyte stress and stretch, (b) myocyte apoptosis, (c) cardiac interstitium, (d) inflammation, (e) oxidative stress, (f) cardiac energetics, (g) neurohormones, and (h) renal biomarkers. Biomarkers provide insight into the pathogenesis of DCM while predicting and potentially providing prognostic information in these patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa M Gopal
- Cardiovascular Section and Evans Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Ogura Y, Ouchi N, Ohashi K, Shibata R, Kataoka Y, Kambara T, Kito T, Maruyama S, Yuasa D, Matsuo K, Enomoto T, Uemura Y, Miyabe M, Ishii M, Yamamoto T, Shimizu Y, Walsh K, Murohara T. Therapeutic impact of follistatin-like 1 on myocardial ischemic injury in preclinical models. Circulation 2012; 126:1728-38. [PMID: 22929303 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.112.115089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute coronary syndrome is a leading cause of death in developed countries. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a myocyte-derived secreted protein that is upregulated in the heart in response to ischemic insult. Here, we investigated the therapeutic impact of FSTL1 on acute cardiac injury in small and large preclinical animal models of ischemia/reperfusion and dissected its molecular mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS Administration of human FSTL1 protein significantly attenuated myocardial infarct size in a mouse or pig model of ischemia/reperfusion, which was associated with a reduction of apoptosis and inflammatory responses in the ischemic heart. Administration of FSTL1 enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase in the ischemia/reperfusion-injured heart. In cultured cardiac myocytes, FSTL1 suppressed apoptosis in response to hypoxia/reoxygenation and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expression of proinflammatory genes through its ability to activate AMP-activated protein kinase. Ischemia/reperfusion led to enhancement of bone morphogenetic protein-4 expression and Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation in the heart, and FSTL1 suppressed the increased phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 in ischemic myocardium. Treating cardiac myocytes with FSTL1 abolished the bone morphogenetic protein-4-stimulated increase in apoptosis, Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, and proinflammatory gene expression. In cultured macrophages, FSTL1 diminished lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expression of proinflammatory genes via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and abolished bone morphogenetic protein-4-dependent induction of proinflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that FSTL1 can prevent myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory response through modulation of AMP-activated protein kinase- and bone morphogenetic protein-4-dependent mechanisms, suggesting that FSTL1 could represent a novel therapeutic target for post-myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Ogura
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumaicho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
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Murakami K, Tanaka M, Usui T, Kawabata D, Shiomi A, Iguchi-Hashimoto M, Shimizu M, Yukawa N, Yoshifuji H, Nojima T, Ohmura K, Fujii T, Umehara H, Mimori T. Follistatin-related protein/follistatin-like 1 evokes an innate immune response via CD14 and toll-like receptor 4. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:319-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wang Y, Li D, Xu N, Tao W, Zhu R, Sun R, Fan W, Zhang P, Dong T, Yu L. Follistatin-like protein 1: a serum biochemical marker reflecting the severity of joint damage in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2011; 13:R193. [PMID: 22117761 PMCID: PMC3334643 DOI: 10.1186/ar3522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been implicated in arthritis pathogenesis in a mouse model. The aim of this study is to detect FSTL1 expression and to further assess its potential utility as a biomarker of joint damage in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Methods FSTL1 expression was detected by real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the synovial tissues (STs) and by IHC in the articular cartilage from OA patients and control trauma patients. The serum and synovial fluid (SF) FSTL1 concentrations were measured by ELISA in OA patients and control individuals. Linear regression analyses were used to assess correlations between the serum FSTL1 levels and the clinical characteristics in OA patients. Results The FSTL1 mRNA and protein levels were substantially elevated in the STs from OA patients compared with those from control trauma patients. The FSTL1 expression was strong in the cytoplasm of the synovial and capillary endothelial cells of the STs, but weak in the chondrocytes of the articular cartilage from OA patients. Furthermore, the serum and SF FSTL1 concentrations were significantly higher in OA patients than in respective control subjects. Interestingly, the serum and SF FSTL1 levels were markedly higher in female OA patients than in males. Importantly, bivariate regression analysis revealed that the serum FSTL1 levels in female OA patients had significant correlations with Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade, joint space narrowing (JSN) and the Western Ontario McMaster and Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) stiffness subscale, an inverse correlation with height, and marginal correlations with the total WOMAC score and the WOMAC function subscale. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the serum FSTL1 levels correlated independently with KL grade in female OA patients. Bivariate analysis also revealed that the serum FSTL1 levels correlated significantly with age and disease duration, and they correlated marginally with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and KL grade in male OA patients. Conclusions Increased FSTL1 expression may be a characteristic of OA patients. FSTL1 is a potential serum biomarker that may reflect the severity of joint damage, and further studies are required to evaluate its potential application for monitoring the course of the disease and the efficacy of therapies in OA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 29 Xinglong Alley, Changzhou, 213003, PR China.
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Chaly Y, Marinov AD, Oxburgh L, Bushnell DS, Hirsch R. FSTL1 promotes arthritis in mice by enhancing inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 64:1082-8. [PMID: 22006268 DOI: 10.1002/art.33422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE FSTL1 is a secreted glycoprotein that exacerbates murine arthritis and is overexpressed in human arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism by which FSTL1 promotes arthritis. METHODS Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in mice hypomorphic for FSTL1, generated with a gene trap-targeted mutant embryonic stem cell line. Arthritis was assessed by measuring paw swelling and using a qualitative arthritis index. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells from hypomorphic mice, as well as mouse stromal ST2 cells transduced with short hairpin RNA to suppress FSTL1 expression, were stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-17. The monocyte cell line U937, which does not express FSTL1, was transfected with a plasmid encoding FSTL1 and stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and lipopolysaccharide. Cell supernatants were assayed for IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and FSTL1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS FSTL1 hypomorphic mice had reduced levels of FSTL1 compared to littermate controls. Following induction of arthritis, a significant correlation was observed between serum FSTL1 levels and both paw swelling and the arthritis index. Similar correlations were observed between the amount of FSTL1 produced by mesenchymal stromal cells, stromal ST2 cells, and monocytes and the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that FSTL1 up-regulates proinflammatory mediators important in the pathology of arthritis, and that serum levels of FSTL1 correlate with severity of arthritis. The latter supports the possibility that FSTL1 might be a target for treatment of certain forms of arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Chaly
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224, USA.
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Cardiac myocyte follistatin-like 1 functions to attenuate hypertrophy following pressure overload. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:E899-906. [PMID: 21987816 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1108559108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Factors secreted by the heart, referred to as "cardiokines," have diverse actions in the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis and remodeling. Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is a secreted glycoprotein expressed in the adult heart and is induced in response to injurious conditions that promote myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cardiac Fstl1 in the remodeling response to pressure overload. Cardiac myocyte-specific Fstl1-KO mice were constructed and subjected to pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Although Fstl1-KO mice displayed no detectable baseline phenotype, TAC led to enhanced cardiac hypertrophic growth and a pronounced loss in ventricular performance by 4 wk compared with control mice. Conversely, mice that acutely or chronically overexpressed Fstl1 were resistant to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy and cardiac failure. Fstl1-deficient mice displayed a reduction in TAC-induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in heart, whereas Fstl1 overexpression led to increased myocardial AMPK activation under these conditions. In cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes, administration of Fstl1 promoted AMPK activation and antagonized phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy. Inhibition of AMPK attenuated the antihypertrophic effect of Fstl1 treatment. These results document that cardiac Fstl1 functions as an autocrine/paracrine regulatory factor that antagonizes myocyte hypertrophic growth and the loss of ventricular performance in response to pressure overload, possibly through a mechanism involving the activation of the AMPK signaling axis.
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