1
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Wang J, Zhou C, Lu L, Wang S, Zhang Q, Liu Z. Differentiated metabolomic profiling reveals plasma amino acid signatures for primary glomerular disease. Amino Acids 2024; 56:46. [PMID: 39019998 PMCID: PMC11255010 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-024-03407-4] [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: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Primary glomerular disease (PGD) is an idiopathic cause of renal glomerular lesions that is characterized by proteinuria or hematuria and is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The identification of circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis of PGD requires a thorough understanding of the metabolic defects involved. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed to characterize the amino acid (AA) profiles of patients with pathologically diagnosed PGD, including minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The plasma concentrations of asparagine and ornithine were low, and that of aspartic acid was high, in patients with all the pathologic types of PGD, compared to healthy controls. Two distinct diagnostic models were generated using the differential plasma AA profiles using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses, with areas under the curves of 1.000 and accuracies up to 100.0% in patients with MCD and FSGS. In conclusion, the progression of PGD is associated with alterations in AA profiles, The present findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of AAs as a non-invasive, real-time, rapid, and simple biomarker for the diagnosis of various pathologic types of PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of geriatric endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Chunyu Zhou
- Blood Purification Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Liqian Lu
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Shoujun Wang
- Department of endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
| | - Zhangsuo Liu
- Blood Purification Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
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2
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Younesian S, Mohammadi MH, Younesian O, Momeny M, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. DNA methylation in human diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32366. [PMID: 38933971 PMCID: PMC11200359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32366] [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] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of human diseases. The current review aims to reveal the role of aberrant DNA methylation in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases and to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. In the review, we mainly summarize the studies exploring the role of aberrant DNA methylation as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in a broad range of human diseases, including monogenic epigenetics, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, hematologic neoplasms, and solid tumors. The last section provides a general overview of the possibility of the DNA methylation machinery from the perspective of pharmaceutic approaches. In conclusion, the study of DNA methylation machinery is a phenomenal intersection that each of its ways can reveal the mysteries of various diseases, introduce new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and propose a new patient-tailored therapeutic approach for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samareh Younesian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| | - Ommolbanin Younesian
- School of Medicine, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, 46841-61167 Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, 77030 TX, USA
| | - Seyed H. Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411713135 Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
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3
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Zhang Y, Maskan Bermudez N, Sa B, Maderal AD, Jimenez JJ. Epigenetic mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14986. [PMID: 38059632 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and dermatomyositis (DM), often manifest with debilitating cutaneous lesions and can result in systemic organ damage that may be life-threatening. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, many patients still experience low rates of sustained remission and significant treatment toxicity. While genetic predisposition plays a role in these connective tissue disorders, the relatively low concordance rates among monozygotic twins (ranging from approximately 4% for SSc to about 11%-50% for SLE) have prompted increased scrutiny of the epigenetic factors contributing to these diseases. In this review, we explore some seminal studies and key findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of how dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the development of SLE, SSc and DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Zhang
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Narges Maskan Bermudez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brianna Sa
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea D Maderal
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Joaquin J Jimenez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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4
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Jokl E, Mullan AF, Simpson K, Birchall L, Pearmain L, Martin K, Pritchett J, Raza S, Shah R, Hodson NW, Williams CJ, Camacho E, Zeef L, Donaldson I, Athwal VS, Hanley NA, Piper Hanley K. PAK1-dependent mechanotransduction enables myofibroblast nuclear adaptation and chromatin organization during fibrosis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113414. [PMID: 37967011 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113414] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are responsible for scarring during fibrosis. The scar propagates mechanical signals inducing a radical transformation in myofibroblast cell state and increasing profibrotic phenotype. Here, we show mechanical stress from progressive scarring induces nuclear softening and de-repression of heterochromatin. The parallel loss of H3K9Me3 enables a permissive state for distinct chromatin accessibility and profibrotic gene regulation. Integrating chromatin accessibility profiles with RNA expression provides insight into the transcription network underlying the switch in profibrotic myofibroblast states, emphasizing mechanoadaptive regulation of PAK1 as key drivers. Through genetic manipulation in liver and lung fibrosis, loss of PAK1-dependent signaling impairs the mechanoadaptive response in vitro and dramatically improves fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, we provide human validation for mechanisms underpinning PAK1-mediated mechanotransduction in liver and lung fibrosis. Collectively, these observations provide insight into the nuclear mechanics driving the profibrotic chromatin landscape in fibrosis, highlighting actomyosin-dependent mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Jokl
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Aoibheann F Mullan
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Kara Simpson
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Lindsay Birchall
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Laurence Pearmain
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Martin
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - James Pritchett
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Sayyid Raza
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Rajesh Shah
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Nigel W Hodson
- Core Facilities, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Craig J Williams
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth Camacho
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Leo Zeef
- Core Facilities, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian Donaldson
- Core Facilities, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Varinder S Athwal
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Neil A Hanley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karen Piper Hanley
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
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5
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Ko J, Noviani M, Chellamuthu VR, Albani S, Low AHL. The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Origin of Fibrosis and Interlink with Vasculopathy and Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14287. [PMID: 37762589 PMCID: PMC10532389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased mortality and poor morbidity, impairing the quality of life in patients. Whilst we know that SSc affects multiple organs via vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Microvascular injury and vasculopathy are the initial pathological features of the disease. Clinically, the vasculopathy in SSc is manifested as Raynaud's phenomenon (reversible vasospasm in reaction to the cold or emotional stress) and digital ulcers due to ischemic injury. There are several reports that medications for vasculopathy, such as bosentan and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators, improve not only vasculopathy but also dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vasculopathy is important in SSc. Although vasculopathy is an important initial step of the pathogenesis for SSc, it is still unclear how vasculopathy is related to inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the clinical evidence for vasculopathy, the major cellular players for the pathogenesis, including pericytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and myofibroblasts, and their signaling pathway to elucidate the relationship among vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsuk Ko
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Maria Noviani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Vasuki Ranjani Chellamuthu
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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6
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Distler JHW, Riemekasten G, Denton CP. The Exciting Future for Scleroderma. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:445-462. [PMID: 37028846 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that a complex interplay between cells and mediators and extracellular matrix factors may underlie the development and persistence of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Similar processes may determine vasculopathy. This article reviews recent progress in understanding how fibrosis becomes profibrotic and how the immune system, vascular, and mesenchymal compartment affect disease development. Early phase trials are informing about pathogenic mechanisms in vivo and reverse translation for observational and randomized trials is allowing hypotheses to be developed and tested. In addition to repurposing already available drugs, these studies are paving the way for the next generation of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK.
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7
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Kamran M, Bhattacharjee R, Das S, Mukherjee S, Ali N. The paradigm of intracellular parasite survival and drug resistance in leishmanial parasite through genome plasticity and epigenetics: Perception and future perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1001973. [PMID: 36814446 PMCID: PMC9939536 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1001973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania is an intracellular, zoonotic, kinetoplastid eukaryote with more than 1.2 million cases all over the world. The leishmanial chromosomes are divided into polymorphic chromosomal ends, conserved central domains, and antigen-encoding genes found in telomere-proximal regions. The genome flexibility of chromosomal ends of the leishmanial parasite is known to cause drug resistance and intracellular survival through the evasion of host defense mechanisms. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the plasticity of Leishmania genome organization which is the primary cause of drug resistance and parasite survival. Moreover, we have not only elucidated the causes of such genome plasticity which includes aneuploidy, epigenetic factors, copy number variation (CNV), and post-translation modification (PTM) but also highlighted their impact on drug resistance and parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sonali Das
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sohitri Mukherjee
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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8
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Mikhailova EV, Romanova IV, Bagrov AY, Agalakova NI. Fli1 and Tissue Fibrosis in Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031881. [PMID: 36768203 PMCID: PMC9915382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Being initially described as a factor of virally-induced leukemias, Fli1 (Friend leukemia integration 1) has attracted considerable interest lately due to its role in both healthy physiology and a variety of pathological conditions. Over the past few years, Fli1 has been found to be one of the crucial regulators of normal hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, and immune response. However, abnormal expression of Fli1 due to genetic predisposition, epigenetic reprogramming (modifications), or environmental factors is associated with a few diseases of different etiology. Fli1 hyperexpression leads to malignant transformation of cells and progression of cancers such as Ewing's sarcoma. Deficiency in Fli1 is implicated in the development of systemic sclerosis and hypertensive disorders, which are often accompanied by pronounced fibrosis in different organs. This review summarizes the initial findings and the most recent advances in defining the role of Fli1 in diseases of different origin with emphasis on its pro-fibrotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Mikhailova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V. Romanova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Natalia I. Agalakova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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9
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Peidl A, Nguyen J, Chitturi P, Riser BL, Leask A. Using the Bleomycin-Induced Model of Fibrosis to Study the Contribution of CCN Proteins to Scleroderma Fibrosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:309-321. [PMID: 36370359 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_21] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 45% of the deaths in the developed world result from conditions with a fibrotic component. Although no specific, focused anti-fibrotic therapies have been approved for clinical use, a long-standing concept is that targeting CCN proteins may be useful to treat fibrosis. Herein, we summarize current data supporting the concept that targeting CCN2 may be a viable anti-fibrotic approach to treat scleroderma. Testing this hypothesis has been made possible by using a mouse model of inflammation-driven skin and lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Peidl
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Bruce L Riser
- BLR Bio LLC, Kenosha, WI, USA
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Department of Medicine Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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10
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Diversity Shapes Tumor Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010061. [PMID: 36612058 PMCID: PMC9817728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, the 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) patients remains at only 9%. Patients often show poor treatment response, due partly to a highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) heterogeneity is characteristic of the pancreatic TME, where several CAF subpopulations have been identified, such as myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and antigen presenting CAFs (apCAFs). In PDAC, cancer cells continuously adapt their metabolism (metabolic switch) to environmental changes in pH, oxygenation, and nutrient availability. Recent advances show that these environmental alterations are all heavily driven by stromal CAFs. CAFs and cancer cells exchange cytokines and metabolites, engaging in a tight bidirectional crosstalk, which promotes tumor aggressiveness and allows constant adaptation to external stress, such as chemotherapy. In this review, we summarize CAF diversity and CAF-mediated metabolic rewiring, in a PDAC-specific context. First, we recapitulate the most recently identified CAF subtypes, focusing on the cell of origin, activation mechanism, species-dependent markers, and functions. Next, we describe in detail the metabolic crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. Additionally, we elucidate how CAF-driven paracrine signaling, desmoplasia, and acidosis orchestrate cancer cell metabolism. Finally, we highlight how the CAF/cancer cell crosstalk could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
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11
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Epigenetic Dysregulation in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2022; 63:447-471. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08956-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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Liotti A, Ferrara AL, Loffredo S, Galdiero MR, Varricchi G, Di Rella F, Maniscalco GT, Belardo M, Vastano R, Prencipe R, Pignata L, Romano R, Spadaro G, de Candia P, Pezone A, De Rosa V. Epigenetics: an Opportunity to Shape Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses. Immunol Suppl 2022; 167:451-470. [PMID: 36043705 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics connects genetic and environmental factors: it includes DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications and the regulation of chromatin accessibility by non-coding RNAs, all of which control constitutive or inducible gene transcription. This plays a key role in harnessing the transcriptional programs of both innate and adaptive immune cells due to its plasticity and environmental-driven nature, piloting myeloid and lymphoid cell fate decision with no change in their genomic sequence. In particular, epigenetic marks at the site of lineage specific transcription factors and maintenance of cell type-specific epigenetic modifications, referred to as "epigenetic memory", dictate cell differentiation, cytokine production and functional capacity following repeated antigenic exposure in memory T cells. Moreover, metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming occurring during a primary innate immune response leads to enhanced responses to secondary challenges, a phenomenon known as "trained immunity". Here we discuss how stable and dynamic epigenetic states control immune cell identity and plasticity in physiological and pathological conditions. Dissecting the regulatory circuits of cell fate determination and maintenance is of paramount importance for understanding the delicate balance between immune cell activation and tolerance, in healthy conditions and in autoimmune diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Liotti
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Anne Lise Ferrara
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Loffredo
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Varricchi
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Rella
- Department of Breast and Thoracic Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Teresa Maniscalco
- Neurological Clinic and Stroke Unit and Multiple Sclerosis Center "A. Cardarelli" Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Belardo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Vastano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Pignata
- Department of Environmental Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (DiSTABiF), University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI) and World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola de Candia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica De Rosa
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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13
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Riemekasten G, Distler JH. A broad look into the future of systemic sclerosis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2022; 14:1759720X221109404. [PMID: 35966183 PMCID: PMC9373175 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x221109404] [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] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with the key
features of inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. This article
focussed on emerging fields based on the authors’ current work and
expertise. The authors provide a hierarchical structure into the
studies of the pathogenesis of SSc starting with the contribution of
environmental factors. Regulatory autoantibodies (abs) are discussed,
which are parts of the human physiology and are specifically
dysregulated in SSc. Abs against the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1
(AT1R) and the endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) are discussed in more
detail. Extracellular vesicles are another novel player to possess
disease processes. Fibroblasts are a key effector cell in SSc.
Therefore, the current review will provide an overview about their
plasticity in the phenotype and function. Promising nuclear receptors
as key regulators of transcriptional programmes will be introduced as
well as epigenetic modifications, which are pivotal to maintain the
profibrotic fibroblast phenotype independent of external stimuli.
Fibroblasts from SSc patients exhibit a specific signalling and
reactivate developmental pathways and stem cell maintenance such as by
employing hedgehog and WNT, which promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast
transition and extracellular matrix generation. Pharmacological
interventions, although for other indications, are already in clinical
use to address pathologic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3,
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University
(FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Alpoim-Moreira J, Fernandes C, Pimenta J, Bliebernicht M, Rebordão MR, Castelo-Branco P, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A, Skarzynski DJ, Ferreira-Dias G. Metallopeptidades 2 and 9 genes epigenetically modulate equine endometrial fibrosis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:970003. [PMID: 36032279 PMCID: PMC9412240 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.970003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrium type I (COL1) and III (COL3) collagen accumulation, periglandular fibrosis and mare infertility characterize endometrosis. Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) are involved in collagen turnover. Since epigenetic changes may control fibroproliferative diseases, we hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms could modulate equine endometrosis. Epigenetic changes can be reversed and therefore extremely promising for therapeutic use. Methylation pattern analysis of a particular gene zone is used to detect epigenetic changes. DNA methylation commonly mediates gene repression. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate if the transcription of some genes involved in equine endometrosis was altered with endometrial fibrosis, and if the observed changes were epigenetically modulated, through DNA methylation analysis. Endometrial biopsies collected from cyclic mares were histologically classified (Kenney and Doig category I, n = 6; category IIA, n = 6; category IIB, n = 6 and category III, n = 6). Transcription of COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, and TIMP2 genes and DNA methylation pattern by pyrosequencing of COL1A1, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 genes were evaluated. Both MMP2 and MMP9 transcripts decreased with fibrosis, when compared with healthy endometrium (category I) (P < 0.05). TIMP1 transcripts were higher in category III, when compared to category I endometrium (P < 0.05). No differences were found for COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1 and TIMP2 transcripts between endometrial categories. There were higher methylation levels of (i) COL1A1 in category IIB (P < 0.05) and III (P < 0.01), when compared to category I; (ii) MMP2 in category III, when compared to category I (P < 0.001) and IIA (P < 0.05); and (iii) MMP9 in category III, when compared to category I and IIA (P < 0.05). No differences in TIMP1 methylation levels were observed between endometrial categories. The hypermethylation of MMP2 and MMP9, but not of COL1A1 genes, occurred simultaneously with a decrease in their mRNA levels, with endometrial fibrosis, suggesting that this hypermethylation is responsible for repressing their transcription. Our results show that endometrosis is epigenetically modulated by anti-fibrotic genes (MMP2 and MMP9) inhibition, rather than fibrotic genes activation and therefore, might be promising targets for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Alpoim-Moreira
- CIISA - Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carina Fernandes
- CIISA - Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pimenta
- CIISA - Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Unidade Estratégica de Investigação e Serviços de Biotecnologia e Recursos Genéticos (UEISBR), Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I. P. (INIAV), Vairão, Portugal
| | | | - Maria Rosa Rebordão
- CIISA - Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
- Polytechnic of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro Castelo-Branco
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), Faro, Portugal
| | | | | | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA - Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Graça Ferreira-Dias
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15
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Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis: Using Nailfold Capillaroscopy as a Potential Tool to Evaluate Microcirculation and Microangiopathy: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050703. [PMID: 35629370 PMCID: PMC9147447 DOI: 10.3390/life12050703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with three pathogenic hallmarks, i.e., inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. A wide plethora of animal models have been developed to address the complex pathophysiology and for the development of possible anti-fibrotic treatments. However, no current model comprises all three pathological mechanisms of the disease. To highlight the lack of a complete model, a review of some of the most widely used animal models for SSc was performed. In addition, to date, no model has accomplished the recreation of primary or secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, a key feature in SSc. In humans, nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) has been used to evaluate secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon and microvasculature changes in SSc. Being a non-invasive technique, it is widely used both in clinical studies and as a tool for clinical evaluation. Because of this, its potential use in animal models has been neglected. We evaluated NFC in guinea pigs to investigate the possibility of applying this technique to study microcirculation in the nailfold of animal models and in the future, development of an animal model for Raynaud’s phenomenon. The applications are not only to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of vasculopathy but can also be used in the development of novel treatment options.
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16
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Yu J, Tang R, Ding K. Epigenetic Modifications in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:3155-3166. [PMID: 35342304 PMCID: PMC8942200 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s356877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic autoimmune disease, which mainly manifests as immune disorders, vascular damage, and progressive fibrosis. The etiology of SSc is complex and involves multiple factors. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. As one of the molecular mechanisms of environmental factors, epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of systemic sclerosis, which involves DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA regulation. This review summarizes research advances in epigenetics, including exosomes, lncRNA, and mentions possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Ding
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ke Ding, Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China, Email
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17
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Nada S, Kahaleh B, Altorok N. Genome-wide DNA methylation pattern in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells: Identification of epigenetically affected key genes and pathways. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2022; 7:71-81. [PMID: 35386944 PMCID: PMC8922681 DOI: 10.1177/23971983211033772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background The etiology of systemic sclerosis is not clear, but there is evidence suggesting a critical role for epigenetic alterations in disease pathogenesis and clinical expression. We sought, in this study, to characterize the genome-wide DNA methylation signature in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells. Methods We performed a genome-wide DNA methylation study in microvascular endothelial cells derived from seven diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients compared to seven age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. We paired matched samples on Illumina HumanMethylation450 (three diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells and three controls), and reproduced the results in an independent set of matched patient and controls using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC (four diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis patients and four controls) to identify differentially methylated genes. Results We identified 71,353 differentially methylated CpG sites in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells using Infinium MethylationEPIC microarray in the first group (0.081% of representative probes) and 33,170 CpG sites in the second group using HumanMethylation450 microarray (0.073% of representative probes) in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells. Among the two groups of subjects, we identified differential methylation of 2455 CpG sites, representing 1301 genes. Most of the differentially methylated CpG sites were hypermethylated (1625 CpG), corresponding to 910 genes. Common hypermethylated genes in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells include NOS1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, HDAC4, and ANGPT2. We also identified hypomethylation of IL17RA, CTNNA3, ICAM2, and SDK1 in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate significant inverse correlation between DNA methylation status and gene expression in the majority of genes evaluated. Gene ontology analysis of hypermethylated genes demonstrated enrichment of genes involved in angiogenesis (p = 0.0006). Pathway analysis of hypomethylated genes includes genes involved in vascular smooth muscle contraction (p = 0.014) and adherens junctions (p = 0.013). Conclusion Our data suggest the presence of significant genome-wide DNA methylation aberrancies in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells, and identify novel affected genes and pathways in systemic sclerosis microvascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadia Nada
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Nezam Altorok
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA,Nezam Altorok, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Mailstop 1186, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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18
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FLI1 regulates inflammation-associated genes to accelerate leukemogenesis. Cell Signal 2022; 92:110269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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19
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The Immunogenetics of Systemic Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:259-298. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Cheng Z, Zhang J, Deng W, Lin S, Li D, Zhu K, Qi Q. Bushen Yijing Decoction (BSYJ) exerts an anti-systemic sclerosis effect via regulating MicroRNA-26a /FLI1 axis. Bioengineered 2021; 12:1212-1225. [PMID: 33843426 PMCID: PMC8806208 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1907128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) refers to a group of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Bushen Yijing decoction (BSYJ) is used for treating SSc. However, its underlying mechanism remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate potential roles of Friend leukemia integration factor 1 (FLI1) and microRNA in the beneficial effects of BSYJ on SSc. Primary skin fibroblasts were isolated from healthy individuals and SSc patients through tissue-explant technique and validated by immunocytochemistry. mRNA and microRNA levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was measured by western blotting. MiR-26a mimics or inhibitor were transfected to induce miR-26a overexpression or knockdown in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Histological changes of skin tissues from SSc mouse were evaluated by H&E and Masson trichrome staining. Results showed that FLI1 expression significantly decreased in primary skin fibroblasts of SSc patients. MiR-26a was predicted to target FLI1 untranslated region. Transfection of miR-26 mimics in SSc skin fibroblasts (SFB) leads to decrease in FLI1 expression and increase in collagen I gene expression and fibronectin accumulation. On the other hand, miR-26a knockdown increased FLI1 expression and decreased collagen I and fibronectin expression in SFB. In addition, BSYJ-containing rat serum suppressed miR-26a expression, while it elevated FLI1 expression and inhibited fibronectin and collagen I accumulation in SFB. In the mouse SSc model, BSYJ-containing serum inhibited dermal fibrosis by suppressing miR-26a expression and restoring FLI1 protein levels. Overall, our study demonstrates that BSYJ decoction exerts anti-dermal fibrosis in SSc patients via suppressing miR-26a level and thus to increase FLI1 expression in fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaojian Lin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donghai Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Ikawa T, Ichimura Y, Miyagawa T, Fukui Y, Toyama S, Omatsu J, Awaji K, Norimatsu Y, Watanabe Y, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. The Contribution of LIGHT to the Development of Systemic Sclerosis by Modulating IL-6 and T Helper Type 1 Chemokine Expression in Dermal Fibroblasts. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1541-1551.e3. [PMID: 34838790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune and vascular disease resulting in multiple organ fibrosis, in which IL-6 and T helper (Th)2/Th17 cytokines serve as critical disease drivers. LIGHT is a proinflammatory cytokine promoting IL-6 production in lung fibroblasts and Th1 chemokine expression in dermal fibroblasts (DFs) stimulated with IFN-γ. In this study, we investigated the potential contribution of LIGHT to SSc development using clinical samples and animal models. In SSc-involved skin, LIGHT was upregulated in inflammatory cells, whereas herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), a receptor of LIGHT, was downregulated in DFs. Similar expression profiles of LIGHT and HVEM were reproduced in bleomycin-treated mice. Transcription factor FLI1 bound to the HVEM promoter, and FLI1 small interfering RNA suppressed HVEM expression in normal DFs. In SSc DFs, LIGHT significantly increased IL-6 production, whereas IFN-γ/LIGHT-dependent Th1 chemokine induction was decreased compared with that in normal DFs. Importantly, LIGHT small interfering RNA significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, and serum LIGHT levels were elevated in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and positively correlated with clinical parameters reflecting skin and pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, these results suggest that altered response of DFs to LIGHT, namely increased IL-6 production and decreased Th1 chemokine expression, contributes to the development of skin fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Fukui
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Omatsu
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Awaji
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Norimatsu
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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22
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Höppner J, Bruni C, Distler O, Robson SC, Burmester GR, Siegert E, Distler JHW. Purinergic signaling in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:2770-2782. [PMID: 34849624 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that involves numerous organs and presents major management challenges. The histopathologic hallmarks of SSc include vasculopathy, fibrosis and autoimmune phenomena involving both innate and adaptive immune systems. Purinergic signalling is a pathway that may be implicated in the pathophysiology of several of these disease manifestations. Extracellular purines are potent signalling mediators, which have been shown to be dysregulated in SSc. As examples, purines can exacerbate vasculopathy and provoke platelet dysfunction; as well as contributing to immune dysregulation. Elements of purinergic signalling further promote organ and tissue fibrosis in several disease models. Here, we provide an overview of extracellular purine metabolism in purinergic signalling and link disorders of these to the molecular pathology of SSc. We also discuss targeting the purinergic signalling and explore the translational applications for new therapeutic options in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Höppner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon C Robson
- Departments of Anesthesia and Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerd R Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elise Siegert
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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23
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Thoreau B, Chaigne B, Renaud A, Mouthon L. Pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis. Presse Med 2021; 50:104087. [PMID: 34718115 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2021.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by vascular remodeling, fibroblast activation and extra-cellular matrix production in excess and autoimmunity. Environmental factors including mainly silica and solvents have been assumed to contribute to the development of SSc, together with genetic factors including gene variants implicated in innate immunity such as IRF5 and STAT4, and epigenetic factors including histone post-translational modifications, DNA hypomethylation, and microRNAs or long- non coding RNAs system were reported to participate in immune activation and fibrosis processes in patients with SSc. A number of animal models of SSc have been set up over the years, including genetic and induced SSc models. These models, together with data obtained from human SSc patients, contributed to better understand the mechanisms contributing to vasculopathy and fibrosis. Alongside the pathophysiological process of SSc, several cellular and molecular actors are involved, such as dysregulations in the innate and adaptive immune cells, of the fibroblast, the implication of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrosing signaling pathways such as the Wnt, TGF-β pathways or other cytokines, with a strong imprint of oxidative stress. The whole lead to the overactivity of the fibroblast with genetic dysregulation, apoptosis defect, hyperproduction of elements of extracellular matrix, and finally the phenomena of vasculopathy and fibrosis. These advances contribute to open new therapeutic areas through the design of biologics and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Thoreau
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Chaigne
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Arthur Renaud
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104,Université de Paris, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Systémiques Autoimmunes Rares d'Ile de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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24
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Leong E, Bezuhly M, Marshall JS. Distinct Metalloproteinase Expression and Functions in Systemic Sclerosis and Fibrosis: What We Know and the Potential for Intervention. Front Physiol 2021; 12:727451. [PMID: 34512395 PMCID: PMC8432940 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.727451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic debilitating idiopathic disorder, characterized by deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen which leads to fibrosis of the skin and other internal organs. During normal tissue repair and remodeling, the accumulation and turnover of ECM proteins are tightly regulated by the interaction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). SSc is associated with dysregulation of the activity of these proteolytic and inhibitory proteins within the tissue microenvironment, tipping the balance toward fibrosis. The resultant ECM accumulation further perpetuates tissue stiffness and decreased function, contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Understanding the expression and function of these endogenous enzymes and inhibitors within specific tissues is therefore critical to the development of therapies for SSc. This brief review describes recent advances in our understanding of the functions and mechanisms of ECM remodeling by metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the skin and lungs affected in SSc. It highlights recent progress on potential candidates for intervention and therapeutic approaches for treating SSc fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Leong
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Michael Bezuhly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jean S Marshall
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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25
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Advances in epigenetics in systemic sclerosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:596-607. [PMID: 34480165 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypical inflammatory fibrotic disease involving inflammation, vascular abnormalities and fibrosis that primarily affect the skin and lungs. The aetiology of SSc is unknown and its pathogenesis is only partially understood. Of all the rheumatic diseases, SSc carries the highest all-cause mortality rate and represents an unmet medical need. A growing body of evidence implicates epigenetic aberrations in this intractable disease, including specific modifications affecting the three main cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis: immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss the latest insights into the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in SSc and how these epigenetic alterations affect disease features. In particular, histone modifications have a role in the regulation of gene expression pertinent to activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, governing their fate. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in disease pathogenesis by mediating methylation of DNA in specific promoters, regulating expression of specific pathways. We discuss targeting of these enzymes for therapeutic gain. Innovative epigenetic therapy could be targeted to treat the disease in a precision epigenetics approach.
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Zehender A, Li YN, Lin NY, Stefanica A, Nüchel J, Chen CW, Hsu HH, Zhu H, Ding X, Huang J, Shen L, Györfi AH, Soare A, Rauber S, Bergmann C, Ramming A, Plomann M, Eckes B, Schett G, Distler JHW. TGFβ promotes fibrosis by MYST1-dependent epigenetic regulation of autophagy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4404. [PMID: 34285225 PMCID: PMC8292318 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24601-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of fibroblasts is essential for physiological tissue repair. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts, however, may lead to tissue fibrosis with organ dysfunction. Although several pathways capable of promoting fibroblast activation and tissue repair have been identified, their interplay in the context of chronic fibrotic diseases remains incompletely understood. Here, we provide evidence that transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) activates autophagy by an epigenetic mechanism to amplify its profibrotic effects. TGFβ induces autophagy in fibrotic diseases by SMAD3-dependent downregulation of the H4K16 histone acetyltransferase MYST1, which regulates the expression of core components of the autophagy machinery such as ATG7 and BECLIN1. Activation of autophagy in fibroblasts promotes collagen release and is both, sufficient and required, to induce tissue fibrosis. Forced expression of MYST1 abrogates the stimulatory effects of TGFβ on autophagy and re-establishes the epigenetic control of autophagy in fibrotic conditions. Interference with the aberrant activation of autophagy inhibits TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation and ameliorates experimental dermal and pulmonary fibrosis. These findings link uncontrolled TGFβ signaling to aberrant autophagy and deregulated epigenetics in fibrotic diseases and may contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella Zehender
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi-Nan Li
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Neng-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Adrian Stefanica
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julian Nüchel
- Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chih-Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hsiao-Han Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jingang Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lichong Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alina Soare
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simon Rauber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Plomann
- Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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Tsou PS, Palisoc PJ, Ali M, Khanna D, Sawalha AH. Genome-Wide Reduction in Chromatin Accessibility and Unique Transcription Factor Footprints in Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts in Scleroderma Skin. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 73:1501-1513. [PMID: 33586346 DOI: 10.1002/art.41694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular complications. This study was undertaken to examine the chromatin landscape and transcription factor footprints in SSc, using an assay for genome-wide chromatin accessibility. METHODS Dermal endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy controls and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed to assess genome-wide chromatin accessibility at a read depth of ~150 million reads per sample. Transcription factor footprinting and motif binding analysis were performed, followed by functional experiments. RESULTS Chromatin accessibility was significantly reduced in dcSSc patients compared to healthy controls. Differentially accessible chromatin loci were enriched in pathways and gene ontologies involved in the nervous system, cell membrane projections and cilia motility, nuclear and steroid receptors, and nitric oxide. In addition, chromatin binding of transcription factors SNAI2, ETV2, and ELF1 was significantly increased in dcSSc ECs, while recruitment of RUNX1 and RUNX2 was enriched in dcSSc fibroblasts. We found significant down-regulation of the neuronal gene NRXN1 and up-regulation of SNAI2 and ETV2 in dcSSc ECs. In dcSSc fibroblasts, down-regulation of the neuronal gene ENTPD1 and up-regulation of RUNX2 were confirmed. Further functional analysis revealed that ETV2 and NRXN1 dysregulation affected angiogenesis in ECs, while ENTPD1 enhanced profibrotic properties in dcSSc fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Our data identify the chromatin blueprint of dcSSc, and suggest that neuronal-related characteristics of SSc ECs and fibroblasts could be a culprit for dysregulated angiogenesis and enhanced fibrosis. Targeting the key pathways and transcription factors identified might present novel therapeutic approaches in SSc.
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Merkt W, Zhou Y, Han H, Lagares D. Myofibroblast fate plasticity in tissue repair and fibrosis: Deactivation, apoptosis, senescence and reprogramming. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:678-691. [PMID: 34117675 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts differentiate into professional repair cells called myofibroblasts, which orchestrate many aspects of the normal tissue repair programme including synthesis, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to wound closure. Successful tissue repair responses involve termination of myofibroblast activities in order to prevent pathologic fibrotic scarring. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms limiting myofibroblast activities during physiological tissue repair, including myofibroblast deactivation, apoptosis, reprogramming and immune clearance of senescent myofibroblasts. In addition, we summarize pathological mechanisms leading to myofibroblast persistence and survival, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Finally, we discuss emerging anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at targeting myofibroblast fate such as senolytics, gene therapy, cellular immunotherapy and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yan Zhou
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Miura S, Watanabe Y, Saigusa R, Yamashita T, Nakamura K, Hirabayashi M, Miyagawa T, Yoshizaki A, Trojanowska M, Sato S, Asano Y. Fli1 deficiency suppresses RALDH1 activity of dermal dendritic cells and related induction of regulatory T cells: a possible role in scleroderma. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:137. [PMID: 33964960 PMCID: PMC8106158 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02520-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (RALDH1)-producing dermal dendritic cells (DCs), a conventional DC subset regulating skin fibrosis, are decreased in the involved skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the contribution of Fli1 deficiency, a potential predisposing factor of SSc, to the phenotypical alteration of RALDH1-producing dermal DCs by using SSc model mice and SSc skin samples. METHODS Bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis was generated with Fli1+/- and wild-type mice. The proportions of DC and CD4+ T cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry in the dermis of BLM-treated mice. Fli1 expression in dermal DCs was evaluated by immunofluorescence with skin samples of SSc and healthy control subjects. RESULTS RALDH activity of dermal DCs was significantly decreased in BLM-treated Fli1+/- mice compared with BLM-treated wild-type mice, whereas the proportion of CD103-CD11b- dermal DCs, a major DC subset producing RALDH1 in response to BLM injection, was comparable between groups. Relevant to this finding, the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the dermis was decreased in BLM-treated Fli1+/- mice relative to BLM-treated wild-type mice, while the proportions of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells were unaltered. In the involved skin of SSc patients, Fli1 was downregulated in CD11c+ cells, including dermal DCs. CONCLUSIONS Fli1 deficiency inhibits RALDH1 activity of CD103-CD11b- dermal DCs and related induction of Tregs in BLM-treated mice. Considering Fli1 reduction in SSc dermal DCs, Fli1deficiency may impair the dermal DC-Treg system, contributing to the development of skin fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
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Pastar I, Marjanovic J, Stone RC, Chen V, Burgess JL, Mervis JS, Tomic-Canic M. Epigenetic regulation of cellular functions in wound healing. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1073-1089. [PMID: 33690920 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stringent spatiotemporal regulation of the wound healing process involving multiple cell types is associated with epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, such as DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodelling, as well as non-coding RNAs. Here, we discuss the epigenetic changes that occur during wound healing and the rapidly expanding understanding of how these mechanisms affect healing resolution in both acute and chronic wound milieu. We provide a focussed overview of current research into epigenetic regulators that contribute to wound healing by specific cell type. We highlight the role of epigenetic regulators in the molecular pathophysiology of chronic wound conditions. The understanding of how epigenetic regulators can affect cellular functions during normal and impaired wound healing could lead to novel therapeutic approaches, and we outline questions that can provide guidance for future research on epigenetic-based interventions to promote healing. Dissecting the dynamic interplay between cellular subtypes involved in wound healing and epigenetic parameters during barrier repair will deepen our understanding of how to improve healing outcomes in patients affected by chronic non-healing wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Pastar
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jelena Marjanovic
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rivka C Stone
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vivien Chen
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jamie L Burgess
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Joshua S Mervis
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marjana Tomic-Canic
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Karwi QG, Ho KL, Pherwani S, Ketema EB, Sun QY, Lopaschuk GD. Concurrent diabetes and heart failure: interplay and novel therapeutic approaches. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:686-715. [PMID: 33783483 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing heart failure, and the co-existence of both diseases worsens cardiovascular outcomes, hospitalization and the progression of heart failure. Despite current advancements on therapeutic strategies to manage hyperglycemia, the likelihood of developing diabetes-induced heart failure is still significant, especially with the accelerating global prevalence of diabetes and an ageing population. This raises the likelihood of other contributing mechanisms beyond hyperglycemia in predisposing diabetic patients to cardiovascular disease risk. There has been considerable interest in understanding the alterations in cardiac structure and function in the diabetic patients, collectively termed as "diabetic cardiomyopathy". However, the factors that contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathies is not fully understood. This review summarizes the main characteristics of diabetic cardiomyopathies, and the basic mechanisms that contribute to its occurrence. This includes perturbations in insulin resistance, fuel preference, reactive oxygen species generation, inflammation, cell death pathways, neurohormonal mechanisms, advanced glycated end-products accumulation, lipotoxicity, glucotoxicity, and posttranslational modifications in the heart of the diabetic. This review also discusses the impact of antihyperglycemic therapies on the development of heart failure, as well as how current heart failure therapies influence glycemic control in diabetic patients. We also highlight the current knowledge gaps in understanding how diabetes induces heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qutuba G Karwi
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kim L Ho
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simran Pherwani
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ezra B Ketema
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Qiu Yu Sun
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gary D Lopaschuk
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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Reolid A, Muñoz-Aceituno E, Abad-Santos F, Ovejero-Benito MC, Daudén E. Epigenetics in Non-tumor Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:137-161. [PMID: 33646564 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-020-00507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of the mechanisms that regulate gene expression without modifying DNA sequences. Knowledge of and evidence about how epigenetics plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of many skin diseases is increasing. Since the epigenetic changes present in tumor diseases have been thoroughly reviewed, we believe that knowledge of the new epigenetic findings in non-tumor immune-mediated dermatological diseases should be of interest to the general dermatologist. Hence, the purpose of this review is to summarize the recent literature on epigenetics in most non-tumor dermatological pathologies, focusing on psoriasis. Hyper- and hypomethylation of DNA methyltransferases and methyl-DNA binding domain proteins are the most common and studied methylation mechanisms. The acetylation and methylation of histones H3 and H4 are the most frequent and well-characterized histone modifications and may be associated with disease severity parameters and serve as therapeutic response markers. Many specific microRNAs dysregulated in non-tumor dermatological disease have been reviewed. Deepening the study of how epigenetic mechanisms influence non-tumor immune-mediated dermatological diseases might help us better understand the role of interactions between the environment and the genome in the physiopathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Reolid
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Diego de León, 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Muñoz-Aceituno
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Diego de León, 62, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Abad-Santos
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Ovejero-Benito
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
| | - E Daudén
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
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Yamashita K, Kawasaki A, Matsushita T, Furukawa H, Kondo Y, Okiyama N, Nagaoka S, Shimada K, Sugii S, Katayama M, Hirohata S, Okamoto A, Chiba N, Suematsu E, Setoguchi K, Migita K, Sumida T, Tohma S, Hamaguchi Y, Hasegawa M, Sato S, Kawaguchi Y, Takehara K, Tsuchiya N. Association of functional (GA)n microsatellite polymorphism in the FLI1 gene with susceptibility to human systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:3553-3562. [PMID: 32696043 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Susceptibility genes that can account for characteristic features of SSc such as fibrosis, vasculopathy and autoimmunity remain to be determined. In mice, deficiency of Friend leukaemia integration 1 transcription factor (Fli1) causes SSc-like disease with these features. The human FLI1 gene contains (GA)n microsatellite, which has been shown to be associated with expression level. Because microsatellite polymorphisms are difficult to capture by genome-wide association studies, we directly genotyped FLI1 (GA)n microsatellite and examined its association with SSc. METHODS Genomic DNA from 639 Japanese SSc patients and 851 healthy controls was genotyped for (GA)n microsatellite using the fragment assay. The cut-off repeat number for susceptibility to SSc was determined by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Association with susceptibility and clinical characteristics was examined using logistic regression analysis. FLI1 mRNA levels were determined using quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Based on the ROC analysis, (GA)n alleles with ≥22 repeats were collectively defined as L alleles and alleles with ≤21 repeats as S alleles. (GA)n L alleles were significantly associated with susceptibility to SSc (P = 5.0e-04, odds ratio 1.34, additive model). Significant association was observed both in diffuse cutaneous and limited cutaneous SSc. Among the SSc, (GA)n L alleles were significantly enriched in the patients with a modified Rodnan total skin thickness score ≥10 compared with those with a score <10. FLI1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in healthy controls carrying (GA)n L alleles as compared with non-carriers. CONCLUSION Extended repeat alleles of FLI1 (GA)n microsatellite may be associated with lower FLI1 mRNA levels and susceptibility to human SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Yamashita
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Aya Kawasaki
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Furukawa
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan
| | - Yuya Kondo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Naoko Okiyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shouhei Nagaoka
- Department of Rheumatology, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kota Shimada
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Fuchu, Japan
| | - Shoji Sugii
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Fuchu, Japan
| | - Masao Katayama
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shunsei Hirohata
- Department of Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Akira Okamoto
- Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Himeji Medical Center, Himeji, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Chiba
- Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Morioka Medical Center, Morioka, Japan
| | - Eiichi Suematsu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keigo Setoguchi
- Allergy and Immunological Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sumida
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shigeto Tohma
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan.,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan
| | | | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kawaguchi
- Department of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Naoyuki Tsuchiya
- Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Dees C, Pötter S, Zhang Y, Bergmann C, Zhou X, Luber M, Wohlfahrt T, Karouzakis E, Ramming A, Gelse K, Yoshimura A, Jaenisch R, Distler O, Schett G, Distler JH. TGF-β-induced epigenetic deregulation of SOCS3 facilitates STAT3 signaling to promote fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:2347-2363. [PMID: 31990678 DOI: 10.1172/jci122462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are key effector cells in tissue remodeling. They remain persistently activated in fibrotic diseases, resulting in progressive deposition of extracellular matrix. Although fibroblast activation may be initiated by external factors, prolonged activation can induce an "autonomous," self-maintaining profibrotic phenotype in fibroblasts. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations play a central role in establishing this persistently activated pathologic phenotype of fibroblasts. We demonstrated that in fibrotic skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a prototypical idiopathic fibrotic disease, TGF-β induced the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and DNMT1 in fibroblasts in a SMAD-dependent manner to silence the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) by promoter hypermethylation. Downregulation of SOCS3 facilitated activation of STAT3 to promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, collagen release, and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Reestablishment of the epigenetic control of STAT3 signaling by genetic or pharmacological inactivation of DNMT3A reversed the activated phenotype of SSc fibroblasts in tissue culture, inhibited TGF-β-dependent fibroblast activation, and ameliorated experimental fibrosis in murine models. These findings identify a pathway of epigenetic imprinting of fibroblasts in fibrotic disease with translational implications for the development of targeted therapies in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Pötter
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Luber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wohlfahrt
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Karouzakis
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kolja Gelse
- Department of Trauma Surgery - Orthopedic Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hw Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Dees C, Chakraborty D, Distler JHW. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in fibrosis. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:121-131. [PMID: 32931037 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The activation of fibroblasts is required for physiological tissue remodelling such as wound healing. However, when the regulatory mechanisms are disrupted and fibroblasts remain persistently activated, the progressive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins leads to tissue fibrosis, which results in dysfunction or even loss of function of the affected organ. Although fibrosis has been recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in modern societies, there are only few treatment options available that directly disrupt the release of extracellular matrix from fibroblasts. Intensive research in recent years, however, identified several pathways as core fibrotic mechanisms that are shared across different fibrotic diseases and organs. We discuss herein selection of those core pathways, especially downstream of the profibrotic TGF-β pathway, which are druggable and which may be transferable from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Dees
- Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Debomita Chakraborty
- Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Mehta BK, Espinoza ME, Hinchcliff M, Whitfield ML. Molecular "omic" signatures in systemic sclerosis. Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S173-S180. [PMID: 33164732 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.19192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by immunologic, vascular, and extracellular matrix abnormalities. Variation in the proportion and/or timing of activation in the deregulated molecular pathways that underlie SSc may explain the observed clinical heterogeneity in terms of disease phenotype and treatment response. In recent years, SSc research has generated massive amounts of "omics" level data. In this review, we discuss the body of "omics" level work in SSc and how each layer provides unique insight to our understanding of SSc. We posit that effective integration of genomic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and epigenomic data is an important step toward precision medicine and is vital to the identification of effective therapeutic options for patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaven K Mehta
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Monica E Espinoza
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Monique Hinchcliff
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael L Whitfield
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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Mazzotta C, Marden G, Farina A, Bujor A, Trojanowski MA, Trojanowska M. FLI1 and ERG protein degradation is regulated via Cathepsin B lysosomal pathway in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Microcirculation 2020; 28:e12660. [PMID: 32979864 PMCID: PMC7988617 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific, important regulators of endothelial cell homeostasis, are reduced in microvascular endothelial cells in scleroderma patients, and their deficiency has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. The goal of this study was to identify the mechanisms involved in the protein turnover of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in microvascular endothelial cells. Methods The effects of lysosome and proteosome inhibitors on friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific levels were assessed by Western blotting and capillary morphogenesis. The effect of scleroderma and control sera on the levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific was examined. Results The reduction in the protein levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in response to interferon α or Poly:(IC) was reversed by blocking either lysosomal (leupeptin and Cathepsin B inhibitor) or proteosomal degradation (MG132). MG132, leupeptin or CTSB‐(i) also counteracted the anti‐angiogenic effects of Poly:(IC) or interferon α. Scleroderma sera reduced protein levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in comparison to control sera. Treatment with CTSB(i) increased the levels of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific in a majority of serum‐treated samples. Conclusions Inhibition of cathepsin B was effective in reversing the reduction of friend leukemia integration 1 and erythroblast transformation‐specific protein levels after treatment with interferon α or scleroderma sera, suggesting that targeting cathepsin B may have a beneficial effect in SSc vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestina Mazzotta
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Marden
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandra Farina
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreea Bujor
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcin A Trojanowski
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases Center, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Ramahi A, Altorok N, Kahaleh B. Epigenetics and systemic sclerosis: An answer to disease onset and evolution? Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S147-S156. [PMID: 32697935 PMCID: PMC7647676 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.19112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that implicates epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The complexity of epigenetic regulation and its dynamic nature complicate the investigation of its role in the disease. We will review the current literature for factors that link epigenetics to SSc by discussing DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNA changes in endothelial cells, fibroblasts (FBs), and lymphocytes. These three cell types are significantly involved in the early stages and throughout the course of the disease and are particularly vulnerable to epigenetic regulation. The pathogenesis of SSc is likely related to modifications of the epigenome by environmental signals in individuals with a specific genetic makeup. The epigenome is an attractive therapeutic target; however, successful epigenetics-based treatments require a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the epigenome and its alteration in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ramahi
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Nezam Altorok
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA
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40
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Wajda A, Łapczuk-Romańska J, Paradowska-Gorycka A. Epigenetic Regulations of AhR in the Aspect of Immunomodulation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6404. [PMID: 32899152 PMCID: PMC7504141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors contribute to autoimmune disease manifestation, and as regarded today, AhR has become an important factor in studies of immunomodulation. Besides immunological aspects, AhR also plays a role in pharmacological, toxicological and many other physiological processes such as adaptive metabolism. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms have provided new insight into gene regulation and reveal a new contribution to autoimmune disease pathogenesis. DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin alterations, microRNA and consequently non-genetic changes in phenotypes connect with environmental factors. Increasing data reveals AhR cross-roads with the most significant in immunology pathways. Although study on epigenetic modulations in autoimmune diseases is still not well understood, therefore future research will help us understand their pathophysiology and help to find new therapeutic strategies. Present literature review sheds the light on the common ground between remodeling chromatin compounds and autoimmune antibodies used in diagnostics. In the proposed review we summarize recent findings that describe epigenetic factors which regulate AhR activity and impact diverse immunological responses and pathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wajda
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Łapczuk-Romańska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
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The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: An Understanding Based on a Common Pathologic Cascade across Multiple Organs and Additional Organ-Specific Pathologies. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092687. [PMID: 32825112 PMCID: PMC7565034 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune and vascular disease resulting in fibrosis of various organs with unknown etiology. Accumulating evidence suggests that a common pathologic cascade across multiple organs and additional organ-specific pathologies underpin SSc development. The common pathologic cascade starts with vascular injury due to autoimmune attacks and unknown environmental factors. After that, dysregulated angiogenesis and defective vasculogenesis promote vascular structural abnormalities, such as capillary loss and arteriolar stenosis, while aberrantly activated endothelial cells facilitate the infiltration of circulating immune cells into perivascular areas of various organs. Arteriolar stenosis directly causes pulmonary arterial hypertension, scleroderma renal crisis and digital ulcers. Chronic inflammation persistently activates interstitial fibroblasts, leading to the irreversible fibrosis of multiple organs. The common pathologic cascade interacts with a variety of modifying factors in each organ, such as keratinocytes and adipocytes in the skin, esophageal stratified squamous epithelia and myenteric nerve system in gastrointestinal tract, vasospasm of arterioles in the heart and kidney, and microaspiration of gastric content in the lung. To better understand SSc pathogenesis and develop new disease-modifying therapies, it is quite important to understand the complex pathogenesis of SSc from the two distinct perspectives, namely the common pathologic cascade and additional organ-specific pathologies.
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42
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Luo Y, Xiao R. The Epigenetic Regulation of Scleroderma and Its Clinical Application. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1253:375-403. [PMID: 32445102 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3449-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) is a complex and highly heterogeneous multisystem rheumatic disease characterized by vascular abnormality, immunologic derangement, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. To date, the etiology of this life-threatening disorder remains not fully clear. More and more studies show epigenetic modifications play a vital role. The aberrant epigenetic status of certain molecules such as Fli-1, BMPRII, NRP1, CD70, CD40L, CD11A, FOXP3, KLF5, DKK1, SFRP1, and so on contributes to the pathogenesis of progressive vasculopathy, autoimmune dysfunction, and tissue fibrosis in SSc. Meanwhile, numerous miRNAs including miR-21, miR-29a, miR-196a, miR-202-3p, miR-150, miR-let-7a, and others are involved in the process. In addition, the abnormal epigenetic biomarker levels of CD11a, Foxp3, HDAC2, miR-30b, miR-142-3p, miR-150, miR-5196 in SSc are closely correlated with disease severity. In this chapter, we not only review new advancements on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and potential epigenetic biomarkers, but also discuss the therapeutic potential of epigenetic targeting therapeutics such as DNA methylation inhibitors, histone acetylase inhibitors, and miRNA replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus predisposes affected individuals to a significant spectrum of cardiovascular complications, one of the most debilitating in terms of prognosis is heart failure. Indeed, the increasing global prevalence of diabetes mellitus and an aging population has given rise to an epidemic of diabetes mellitus-induced heart failure. Despite the significant research attention this phenomenon, termed diabetic cardiomyopathy, has received over several decades, understanding of the full spectrum of potential contributing mechanisms, and their relative contribution to this heart failure phenotype in the specific context of diabetes mellitus, has not yet been fully resolved. Key recent preclinical discoveries that comprise the current state-of-the-art understanding of the basic mechanisms of the complex phenotype, that is, the diabetic heart, form the basis of this review. Abnormalities in each of cardiac metabolism, physiological and pathophysiological signaling, and the mitochondrial compartment, in addition to oxidative stress, inflammation, myocardial cell death pathways, and neurohumoral mechanisms, are addressed. Further, the interactions between each of these contributing mechanisms and how they align to the functional, morphological, and structural impairments that characterize the diabetic heart are considered in light of the clinical context: from the disease burden, its current management in the clinic, and where the knowledge gaps remain. The need for continued interrogation of these mechanisms (both known and those yet to be identified) is essential to not only decipher the how and why of diabetes mellitus-induced heart failure but also to facilitate improved inroads into the clinical management of this pervasive clinical challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H. Ritchie
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville campus), Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - E. Dale Abel
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Romano E, Wang Y, Guiducci S, Zhang G, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. The contribution of epigenetics to the pathogenesis and gender dimorphism of systemic sclerosis: a comprehensive overview. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2020; 12:1759720X20918456. [PMID: 32523636 PMCID: PMC7236401 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x20918456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a life-threatening connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology characterized by widespread vascular injury and dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, immune dysregulation and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Over the past few years, a new trend of investigations is increasingly reporting aberrant epigenetic modifications in genes related to the pathogenesis of SSc, suggesting that, besides genetics, epigenetics may play a pivotal role in disease development and clinical manifestations. Like many other autoimmune diseases, SSc presents a striking female predominance, and even if the reason for this gender imbalance has yet to be completely understood, it appears that the X chromosome, which contains many gender and immune-related genes, could play a role in such gender-biased prevalence. Besides a short summary of the genetic background of SSc, in this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent insights into the epigenetic modifications which underlie the pathophysiology of SSc. A particular focus is given to genetic variations in genes located on the X chromosome as well as to the main X-linked epigenetic modifications that can influence SSc susceptibility and clinical phenotype. On the basis of the most recent advances, there is realistic hope that integrating epigenetic data with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses may provide in the future a better picture of their functional implications in SSc, paving the right way for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini
6, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC),Florence, Italy
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and
Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology,
Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University
Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence,
Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
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Tsai CY, Hsieh SC, Wu TH, Li KJ, Shen CY, Liao HT, Wu CH, Kuo YM, Lu CS, Yu CL. Pathogenic Roles of Autoantibodies and Aberrant Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Connective Tissue Cells in the Tissue Fibrosis of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093069. [PMID: 32349208 PMCID: PMC7246753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-system autoimmune disease with tissue fibrosis prominent in the skin and lung. In this review, we briefly describe the autoimmune features (mainly autoantibody production and cytokine profiles) and the potential pathogenic contributors including genetic/epigenetic predisposition, and environmental factors. We look in detail at the cellular and molecular bases underlying tissue-fibrosis which include trans-differentiation of fibroblasts (FBs) to myofibroblasts (MFBs). We also state comprehensively the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines relevant to MFB trans-differentiation, vasculopathy-associated autoantibodies, and fibrosis-regulating microRNAs in SSc. It is conceivable that tissue fibrosis is mainly mediated by an excessive production of TGF-β, the master regulator, from the skewed Th2 cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and keratinocytes. After binding with TGF-β receptors on MFB, the downstream Wnt/β-catenin triggers canonical Smad 2/3 and non-canonical Smad 4 signaling pathways to transcribe collagen genes. Subsequently, excessive collagen fiber synthesis and accumulation as well as tissue fibrosis ensue. In the later part of this review, we discuss limited data relevant to the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tissue-fibrosis in SSc. It is expected that these lncRNAs may become the useful biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SSc in the future. The prospective investigations in the development of novel epigenetic modifiers are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital & National Yang-Ming University, #201 Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.); Fax: +886-2-28717483 (C.-Y.T.); +886-2-23957801 (C.-L.Y.)
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
| | - Tsai-Hung Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital & National Yang-Ming University, #201 Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Ko-Jen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
| | - Chieh-Yu Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Tzung Liao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital & National Yang-Ming University, #201 Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Han Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Shiun Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Li Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, #7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; (S.-C.H.); (K.-J.L.); (C.-Y.S.); (C.-H.W.); (Y.-M.K.); (C.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.T.); (C.-L.Y.); Fax: +886-2-28717483 (C.-Y.T.); +886-2-23957801 (C.-L.Y.)
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El Ayadi A, Jay JW, Prasai A. Current Approaches Targeting the Wound Healing Phases to Attenuate Fibrosis and Scarring. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031105. [PMID: 32046094 PMCID: PMC7037118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous fibrosis results from suboptimal wound healing following significant tissue injury such as severe burns, trauma, and major surgeries. Pathologic skin fibrosis results in scars that are disfiguring, limit normal movement, and prevent patient recovery and reintegration into society. While various therapeutic strategies have been used to accelerate wound healing and decrease the incidence of scarring, recent studies have targeted the molecular regulators of each phase of wound healing, including the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Here, we reviewed the most recent literature elucidating molecular pathways that can be targeted to reduce fibrosis with a particular focus on post-burn scarring. Current research targeting inflammatory mediators, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and regulators of myofibroblast differentiation shows promising results. However, a multimodal approach addressing all three phases of wound healing may provide the best therapeutic outcome.
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Pan L, Han P, Ma S, Peng R, Wang C, Kong W, Cong L, Fu J, Zhang Z, Yu H, Wang Y, Jiang J. Abnormal metabolism of gut microbiota reveals the possible molecular mechanism of nephropathy induced by hyperuricemia. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:249-261. [PMID: 32082971 PMCID: PMC7016297 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of hyperuricemia disease is often accompanied by damage to renal function. However, there are few studies on hyperuricemia nephropathy, especially its association with intestinal flora. This study combines metabolomics and gut microbiota diversity analysis to explore metabolic changes using a rat model as well as the changes in intestinal flora composition. The results showed that amino acid metabolism was disturbed with serine, glutamate and glutamine being downregulated whilst glycine, hydroxyproline and alanine being upregulated. The combined glycine, serine and glutamate could predict hyperuricemia nephropathy with an area under the curve of 1.00. Imbalanced intestinal flora was also observed. Flavobacterium, Myroides, Corynebacterium, Alcaligenaceae, Oligella and other conditional pathogens increased significantly in the model group, while Blautia and Roseburia, the short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, declined greatly. At phylum, family and genus levels, disordered nitrogen circulation in gut microbiota was detected. In the model group, the uric acid decomposition pathway was enhanced with reinforced urea liver-intestine circulation. The results implied that the intestinal flora play a vital role in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia nephropathy. Hence, modulation of gut microbiota or targeting at metabolic enzymes, i.e., urease, could assist the treatment and prevention of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Pei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shurong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ran Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Can Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Insitute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lin Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 10 63165238, Fax: +86 10 63165238; Tel.: +86 10 83160005, Fax: +86 10 63017757.
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel.: +86 10 63165238, Fax: +86 10 63165238; Tel.: +86 10 83160005, Fax: +86 10 63017757.
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Zhang Y, Distler JHW. Therapeutic molecular targets of SSc-ILD. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:17-30. [DOI: 10.1177/2397198319899013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a fibrosing chronic connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. A major hallmark of systemic sclerosis is the uncontrolled and persistent activation of fibroblasts, which release excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, lead to organ dysfunction, and cause high mobility and motility of patients. Systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease is one of the most common fibrotic organ manifestations in systemic sclerosis and a major cause of death. Treatment options for systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease and other fibrotic manifestations, however, remain very limited. Thus, there is a huge medical need for effective therapies that target tissue fibrosis, vascular alterations, inflammation, and autoimmune disease in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease. In this review, we discuss data suggesting therapeutic ways to target different genes in distinct tissues/organs that contribute to the development of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg HW Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Henderson J, Brown M, Horsburgh S, Duffy L, Wilkinson S, Worrell J, Stratton R, O'Reilly S. Methyl cap binding protein 2: a key epigenetic protein in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:527-535. [PMID: 30462328 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SSc is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that results in skin fibrosis and currently has no effective treatment. Epigenetic modifications have been described and these may be key in initiating and driving fibroblast activation. Among these epigenetic modifications methylation may be of central importance. The aim of this study was to examine the role of methyl cap binding protein-2 (MeCP2) in SSc fibrosis. METHODS We used healthy and SSc dermal fibroblasts to examine the role of MeCP2, using both small interfering RNA silencing and lentiviral overexpression to determine its effects. We also examined the expression of MeCP2 in SSc fibroblasts by immunoblotting. miRNA132 was quantified by Taqman real time PCR. RESULTS We demonstrated that TGF-β1 induced the expression of MeCP2 in normal cells, and showed that SSc fibroblasts expressed high levels of MeCP2 under basal conditions. MeCP2 positively regulated the expression of extracellular matrix through epigenetic repression of the Wnt antagonist sFRP-1, leading to enhanced Wnt signalling. This mediated fibrosis through glycolysis, as the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose diminished the Wnt-mediated collagen expression. MiR132 expression was reduced in SSc fibroblasts. CONCLUSION The results suggest that an epigenetic loop exists mediating fibrosis. Targeting of MeCP2, as a key epigenetic regulator, may be a promising therapeutic approach, as would targeting the metabolic reprogramming that occurs through aerobic glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Max Brown
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Horsburgh
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Duffy
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Wilkinson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julie Worrell
- Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Ota Y, Kuwana M. Endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Eur J Rheumatol 2019; 7:S139-S146. [PMID: 31922471 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2019.19158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by excessive fibrosis, microvasculopathy, and autoimmunity. Endothelial cell (EC) injury and subsequent endothelial cell dysfunction is believed to be an initial event that eventually leads to a vicious pathogenic cycle. This process is further enhanced by defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, as the vascular repair machinery does not work properly. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are functionally and quantitatively insufficient to recover the endothelium in SSc patients. The dysfunctional ECs and EPCs not only trigger the formation of typical vascular lesions, such as progressive intimal fibrosis in small arteries and the loss of capillaries, but also promote a series of inflammatory and profibrotic processes, such as endothelial-mesenchymal transition and recruitment and accumulation of monocytic EPCs with profibrotic properties. These processes together contribute to the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the affected tissue. This review features current insights into the roles of ECs and EPCs in the pathogenesis of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ota
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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