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Ruoss S, Nasamran CA, Ball ST, Chen JL, Halter KN, Bruno KA, Whisenant TC, Parekh JN, Dorn SN, Esparza MC, Bremner SN, Fisch KM, Engler AJ, Ward SR. Comparative single-cell transcriptional and proteomic atlas of clinical-grade injectable mesenchymal source tissues. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn2831. [PMID: 38996032 PMCID: PMC11244553 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) are the most marketed stem cell therapies to treat a variety of conditions in the general population and elite athletes. Both tissues have been used interchangeably clinically even though their detailed composition, heterogeneity, and mechanisms of action have neither been rigorously inventoried nor compared. This lack of information has prevented investigations into ideal dosages and has facilitated anecdata and misinformation. Here, we analyzed single-cell transcriptomes, proteomes, and flow cytometry profiles from paired clinical-grade BMAC and ADSVF. This comparative transcriptional atlas challenges the prevalent notion that there is one therapeutic cell type present in both tissues. We also provide data of surface markers that may enable isolation and investigation of cell (sub)populations. Furthermore, the proteome atlas highlights intertissue and interpatient heterogeneity of injected proteins with potentially regenerative or immunomodulatory capacities. An interactive webtool is available online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Ruoss
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chanond A. Nasamran
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Scott T. Ball
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth N. Halter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kelly A. Bruno
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Pain, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C. Whisenant
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jesal N. Parekh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shanelle N. Dorn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mary C. Esparza
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adam J. Engler
- Chien-Lay Department of Bioengineering, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel R. Ward
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Chien-Lay Department of Bioengineering, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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2
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Ilg MM, Harding S, Lapthorn AR, Kirvell S, Ralph DJ, Bustin SA, Ball G, Cellek S. Temporal gene signature of myofibroblast transformation in Peyronie's disease: first insights into the molecular mechanisms of irreversibility. J Sex Med 2024; 21:278-287. [PMID: 38383071 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae006] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transformation of resident fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts in the tunica albuginea is a critical step in the pathophysiology of Peyronie's disease (PD). We have previously shown that myofibroblasts do not revert to the fibroblast phenotype and we suggested that there is a point of no return at 36 hours after induction of the transformation. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive this proposed irreversibility are not known. AIM Identify molecular pathways that drive the irreversibility of myofibroblast transformation by analyzing the expression of the genes involved in the process in a temporal fashion. METHODS Human primary fibroblasts obtained from tunica albuginea of patients with Peyronie's disease were transformed to myofibroblasts using transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). The mRNA of the cells was collected at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours after stimulation with TGF-β1 and then analyzed using a Nanostring nCounter Fibrosis panel. The gene expression results were analyzed using Reactome pathway analysis database and ANNi, a deep learning-based inference algorithm based on a swarm approach. OUTCOMES The study outcome was the time course of changes in gene expression during transformation of PD-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. RESULTS The temporal analysis of the gene expression revealed that the majority of the changes at the gene expression level happened within the first 24 hours and remained so throughout the 72-hour period. At 36 hours, significant changes were observed in genes involved in MAPK-Hedgehog signaling pathways. CLINICAL TRANSLATION This study highlights the importance of early intervention in clinical management of PD and the future potential of new drugs targeting the point of no return. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The use of human primary cells and confirmation of results with further RNA analysis are the strengths of this study. The study was limited to 760 genes rather than the whole transcriptome. CONCLUSION This study is to our knowledge the first analysis of temporal gene expression associated with the regulation of the transformation of resident fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts in PD. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of the MAPK-Hedgehog signaling pathways in reversibility of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M Ilg
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Harding
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alice R Lapthorn
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Kirvell
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - David J Ralph
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
- Urology Department, University College London, London, W1G 8PH, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A Bustin
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Ball
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Selim Cellek
- Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
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3
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Liang M, Dickel N, Györfi AH, SafakTümerdem B, Li YN, Rigau AR, Liang C, Hong X, Shen L, Matei AE, Trinh-Minh T, Tran-Manh C, Zhou X, Zehender A, Kreuter A, Zou H, Schett G, Kunz M, Distler JHW. Attenuation of fibroblast activation and fibrosis by adropin in systemic sclerosis. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadd6570. [PMID: 38536934 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.add6570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases impose a major socioeconomic challenge on modern societies and have limited treatment options. Adropin, a peptide hormone encoded by the energy homeostasis-associated (ENHO) gene, is implicated in metabolism and vascular homeostasis, but its role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis remains enigmatic. Here, we used machine learning approaches in combination with functional in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize adropin as a potential regulator involved in fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We demonstrated consistent down-regulation of adropin/ENHO in skin across multiple cohorts of patients with SSc. The prototypical profibrotic cytokine TGFβ reduced adropin/ENHO expression in a JNK-dependent manner. Restoration of adropin signaling by therapeutic application of bioactive adropin34-76 peptides in turn inhibited TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation and fibrotic tissue remodeling in primary human dermal fibroblasts, three-dimensional full-thickness skin equivalents, mouse models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host-disease (sclGvHD), and precision-cut human skin slices. Knockdown of GPR19, an adropin receptor, abrogated the antifibrotic effects of adropin in fibroblasts. RNA-seq demonstrated that the antifibrotic effects of adropin34-76 were functionally linked to deactivation of GLI1-dependent profibrotic transcriptional networks, which was experimentally confirmed in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo using cultured human dermal fibroblasts, a sclGvHD mouse model, and precision-cut human skin slices. ChIP-seq confirmed adropin34-76-induced changes in TGFβ/GLI1 signaling. Our study characterizes the TGFβ-induced down-regulation of adropin/ENHO expression as a potential pathomechanism of SSc as a prototypical systemic fibrotic disease that unleashes uncontrolled activation of profibrotic GLI1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minrui Liang
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, P. R. China
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicholas Dickel
- Chair of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bilgesu SafakTümerdem
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi-Nan Li
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aleix Rius Rigau
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chunguang Liang
- Chair of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Xuezhi Hong
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lichong Shen
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Division of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200001 Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Alexandru-Emil Matei
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thuong Trinh-Minh
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cuong Tran-Manh
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ariella Zehender
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, HELIOS Sankt Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, 46045 Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Rare Disease Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Georg Schett
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Meik Kunz
- Chair of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU), Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Hiller Research Unit, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University; 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Ahuja S, Zaheer S. Multifaceted TGF-β signaling, a master regulator: From bench-to-bedside, intricacies, and complexities. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:87-127. [PMID: 37859532 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Physiological embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis are regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an evolutionarily conserved family of secreted polypeptide factors, acting in an autocrine and paracrine manner. The role of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis and cancer, overexpressed TGF-β causes extracellular matrix deposition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer-associated fibroblast formation, and/or angiogenesis. In this review article, we have tried to dive deep into the mechanism of action of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. As TGF-β and its downstream signaling mechanism are implicated in fibrosis and carcinogenesis blocking this signaling mechanism appears to be a promising avenue. However, targeting TGF-β carries substantial risk as this pathway is implicated in multiple homeostatic processes and is also known to have tumor-suppressor functions. There is a need for careful dosing of TGF-β drugs for therapeutic use and patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Jimenez SA, Piera-Velazquez S. Cellular Transdifferentiation: A Crucial Mechanism of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:388-404. [PMID: 37921216 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971261932231025045400] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with a highly complex pathogenesis that despite extensive investigation is not completely understood. The clinical and pathologic manifestations of the disease result from three distinct processes: 1) Severe and frequently progressive tissue fibrosis causing exaggerated and deleterious accumulation of interstitial collagens and other extracellular matrix molecules in the skin and various internal organs; 2) extensive fibroproliferative vascular lesions affecting small arteries and arterioles causing tissue ischemic alterations; and 3) cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities with the production of numerous autoantibodies, some with very high specificity for SSc. The fibrotic process in SSc is one of the main causes of disability and high mortality of the disease. Owing to its essentially universal presence and the severity of its clinical effects, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of tissue fibrosis have been extensively investigated, however, despite intensive investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several recent studies have suggested that cellular transdifferentiation resulting in the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts may be one important mechanism. Here, we review the potential role that cellular transdifferentiation may play in the development of severe and often progressive tissue fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
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Giriyappagoudar M, Vastrad B, Horakeri R, Vastrad C. Study on Potential Differentially Expressed Genes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3109. [PMID: 38137330 PMCID: PMC10740779 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease with reduced quality of life and earlier mortality, but its pathogenesis and key genes are still unclear. In this investigation, bioinformatics was used to deeply analyze the pathogenesis of IPF and related key genes, so as to investigate the potential molecular pathogenesis of IPF and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Next-generation sequencing dataset GSE213001 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between IPF and normal control group. The DEGs between IPF and normal control group were screened with the DESeq2 package of R language. The Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Using the g:Profiler, the function and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the Integrated Interactions Database (IID) database. Cytoscape with Network Analyzer was used to identify the hub genes. miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databaseswereused to construct the targeted microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and small drug molecules. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to validate the hub genes. A total of 958 DEGs were screened out in this study, including 479 up regulated genes and 479 down regulated genes. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in response to stimulus, GPCR ligand binding, microtubule-based process, and defective GALNT3 causes HFTC. In combination with the results of the PPI network, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network, hub genes including LRRK2, BMI1, EBP, MNDA, KBTBD7, KRT15, OTX1, TEKT4, SPAG8, and EFHC2 were selected. Cyclothiazide and rotigotinethe are predicted small drug molecules for IPF treatment. Our findings will contribute to identification of potential biomarkers and novel strategies for the treatment of IPF, and provide a novel strategy for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muttanagouda Giriyappagoudar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi 580022, Karnataka, India;
| | - Basavaraj Vastrad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, K.L.E. Socitey’s College of Pharmacy, Gadag 582101, Karnataka, India;
| | - Rajeshwari Horakeri
- Department of Computer Science, Govt First Grade College, Hubballi 580032, Karnataka, India;
| | - Chanabasayya Vastrad
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Chanabasava Nilaya, Bharthinagar, Dharwad 580001, Karnataka, India
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Rodríguez-Arbolí E, Lee CJ, Caballero-Velázquez T, Martínez C, García-Calderón C, Jiménez-León MR, Bermúdez-Rodríguez MA, López-Corral L, Triguero A, Onstad L, Horwitz ME, Sarantopoulos S, Lee SJ, Pérez-Simón JA. Targeting Hedgehog Signaling with Glasdegib in Patients with Refractory Sclerotic Chronic GVHD: A Report of Two Phase I/II Trials. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4057-4067. [PMID: 37698881 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sclerotic chronic GVHD (scGVHD) is characterized by progressive skin fibrosis and frequent refractoriness to available therapies. Aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling in dermal fibroblasts has been implicated in scGVHD. Here, we report the results of two phase I/II studies (NCT03415867, GETH-TC; NCT04111497, FHD) that evaluated glasdegib, a smoothened antagonist, as a novel therapeutic agent in refractory scGVHD. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adult patients with active scGVHD after ≥1 (FHD) or ≥2 (GETH-TC) lines of therapy were enrolled. Primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and MTD in the GETH-TC trial, and safety and tolerability measures in the FHD trial. Glasdegib was administered once daily in 28-day cycles. Responses were scored per 2014 NIH cGVHD criteria. Correlative studies were performed to evaluate the role of fibroblast-independent immune mechanisms on clinical activity. RESULTS Twenty (GETH-TC) and 15 (FHD) patients were recruited. Treatment-emergent grade (G) ≥2 adverse events (AE) in the GETH-TC trial included muscle cramps (85%), alopecia (50%), and dysgeusia (35%). Two patients experienced a DLT (G3 muscle cramps), and the MTD was established at 50 mg. G3 muscle cramps were the most frequently reported AE (33%) in the FHD trial. At 12-months, the skin/joint scGVHD overall response rate was 65% (all partial responses) in the GETH-TC trial and 47% (6 partial responses, 1 complete response) in the FHD cohort. No immune correlates of response were identified. CONCLUSIONS Glasdegib demonstrated promising responses in patients with refractory scGVHD, but tolerability was limited by muscle cramping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Rodríguez-Arbolí
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville Biomedicine Institute (IBiS/CSIC), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Catherine J Lee
- Utah Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Teresa Caballero-Velázquez
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville Biomedicine Institute (IBiS/CSIC), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Institute of Hematology and Oncology, IDIBAPS, Josep Carreras Research Institute, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara García-Calderón
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville Biomedicine Institute (IBiS/CSIC), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Reyes Jiménez-León
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville Biomedicine Institute (IBiS/CSIC), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Lucía López-Corral
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Salamanca (CAUSA/IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Triguero
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, Institute of Hematology and Oncology, IDIBAPS, Josep Carreras Research Institute, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lynn Onstad
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Mitchell E Horwitz
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Stefanie Sarantopoulos
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Stephanie J Lee
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Simón
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville Biomedicine Institute (IBiS/CSIC), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Mitsui Y, Yamabe F, Hori S, Uetani M, Kobayashi H, Nagao K, Nakajima K. Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10133. [PMID: 37373277 PMCID: PMC10299070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210133] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan; (F.Y.); (S.H.); (M.U.); (H.K.); (K.N.); (K.N.)
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9
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Podyacheva E, Danilchuk M, Toropova Y. Molecular mechanisms of endothelial remodeling under doxorubicin treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114576. [PMID: 36989721 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antineoplastic agent used to treat various types of cancers. However, its use is limited by the development of cardiotoxicity, which may result in heart failure. The exact mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiotoxicity are not fully understood, but recent studies have shown that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and endothelial damage play a crucial role in this process. EndMT is a biological process in which endothelial cells lose their characteristics and transform into mesenchymal cells, which have a fibroblast-like phenotype. This process has been shown to contribute to tissue fibrosis and remodeling in various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been demonstrated to increase the expression of EndMT markers, suggesting that EndMT may play a critical role in the development of this condition. Furthermore, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been shown to cause endothelial damage, leading to the disruption of the endothelial barrier function and increased vascular permeability. This can result in the leakage of plasma proteins, leading to tissue edema and inflammation. Moreover, DOX can impair the production of nitric oxide, endothelin-1, neuregulin, thrombomodulin, thromboxane B2 etc. by endothelial cells, leading to vasoconstriction, thrombosis and further impairing cardiac function. In this regard, this review is devoted to the generalization and structuring of information about the known molecular mechanisms of endothelial remodeling under the action of DOX.
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10
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O'Sullivan ED, Mylonas KJ, Xin C, Baird DP, Carvalho C, Docherty MH, Campbell R, Matchett KP, Waddell SH, Walker AD, Gallagher KM, Jia S, Leung S, Laird A, Wilflingseder J, Willi M, Reck M, Finnie S, Pisco A, Gordon-Keylock S, Medvinsky A, Boulter L, Henderson NC, Kirschner K, Chandra T, Conway BR, Hughes J, Denby L, Bonventre JV, Ferenbach DA. Indian Hedgehog release from TNF-activated renal epithelia drives local and remote organ fibrosis. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabn0736. [PMID: 37256934 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn0736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Progressive fibrosis is a feature of aging and chronic tissue injury in multiple organs, including the kidney and heart. Glioma-associated oncogene 1 expressing (Gli1+) cells are a major source of activated fibroblasts in multiple organs, but the links between injury, inflammation, and Gli1+ cell expansion and tissue fibrosis remain incompletely understood. We demonstrated that leukocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF) promoted Gli1+ cell proliferation and cardiorenal fibrosis through induction and release of Indian Hedgehog (IHH) from renal epithelial cells. Using single-cell-resolution transcriptomic analysis, we identified an "inflammatory" proximal tubular epithelial (iPT) population contributing to TNF- and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-induced IHH production in vivo. TNF-induced Ubiquitin D (Ubd) expression was observed in human proximal tubular cells in vitro and during murine and human renal disease and aging. Studies using pharmacological and conditional genetic ablation of TNF-induced IHH signaling revealed that IHH activated canonical Hedgehog signaling in Gli1+ cells, which led to their activation, proliferation, and fibrosis within the injured and aging kidney and heart. These changes were inhibited in mice by Ihh deletion in Pax8-expressing cells or by pharmacological blockade of TNF, NF-κB, or Gli1 signaling. Increased amounts of circulating IHH were associated with loss of renal function and higher rates of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Thus, IHH connects leukocyte activation to Gli1+ cell expansion and represents a potential target for therapies to inhibit inflammation-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin D O'Sullivan
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Kidney Health Service, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Katie J Mylonas
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Cuiyan Xin
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David P Baird
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Cyril Carvalho
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Marie-Helena Docherty
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ross Campbell
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Kylie P Matchett
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Scott H Waddell
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alexander D Walker
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Kevin M Gallagher
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Siyang Jia
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Steve Leung
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alexander Laird
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Julia Wilflingseder
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Willi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maximilian Reck
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sarah Finnie
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Angela Pisco
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Alexander Medvinsky
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine. University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Luke Boulter
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Kristina Kirschner
- School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Tamir Chandra
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre and MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Bryan R Conway
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jeremy Hughes
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Laura Denby
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Joseph V Bonventre
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David A Ferenbach
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Renal Division and Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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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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12
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Collao N, Sanders O, Caminiti T, Messeiller L, De Lisio M. Resistance and endurance exercise training improves muscle mass and the inflammatory/fibrotic transcriptome in a rhabdomyosarcoma model. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:781-793. [PMID: 36797054 PMCID: PMC10067492 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that most often develops in children. Chemoradiation therapy is a standard treatment modality; however, the detrimental long-term skeletal muscle consequences of this therapy in juvenile cancer survivors include muscle atrophy and fibrosis resulting in decreased physical performance. Using a novel model of murine resistance and endurance exercise training, we investigate its role in preventing the long-term effects of juvenile RMS plus therapy. METHODS Four-week-old male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) C57Bl/6J mice were injected with M3-9-M RMS cell into the left gastrocnemius with the right limb serving as an internal control (CON). Mice received a systemic vincristine injection and then five doses of 4.8 Gy of gamma radiation localized to the left hindlimb (RMS + Tx). Mice were then randomly divided into either sedentary (SED) or resistance and endurance exercise training (RET) groups. Changes in exercise performance, body composition, myocellular adaptations and the inflammatory/fibrotic transcriptome were assessed. RESULTS RET improved endurance performance (P < 0.0001) and body composition (P = 0.0004) compared to SED. RMS + Tx resulted in significantly lower muscle weight (P = 0.015) and significantly smaller myofibre cross-sectional area (CSA) (P = 0.014). Conversely, RET resulted in significantly higher muscle weight (P = 0.030) and significantly larger Type IIA (P = 0.014) and IIB (P = 0.015) fibre CSA. RMS + Tx resulted in significantly more muscle fibrosis (P = 0.028), which was not prevented by RET. RMS + Tx resulted in significantly fewer mononuclear cells (P < 0.05) and muscle satellite (stem) cells (MuSCs) (P < 0.05) and significantly more immune cells (P < 0.05) than CON. RET resulted in significantly more fibro-adipogenic progenitors (P < 0.05), a trend for more MuSCs (P = 0.076) than SED and significantly more endothelial cells specifically in the RMS + Tx limb. Transcriptomic changes revealed significantly higher expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes in RMS + Tx, which was prevented by RET. In the RMS + Tx model, RET also significantly altered expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix turnover. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that RET preserves muscle mass and performance in a model of juvenile RMS survivorship while partially restoring cellular dynamics and the inflammatory and fibrotic transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Collao
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olivia Sanders
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taylor Caminiti
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Messeiller
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael De Lisio
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Wang F, Stappenbeck F, Parhami F. Oxy210, a Semi-Synthetic Oxysterol, Inhibits Profibrotic Signaling in Cellular Models of Lung and Kidney Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 36678611 PMCID: PMC9862207 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxy210, a semi-synthetic oxysterol derivative, displays cell-selective inhibition of Hedgehog (Hh) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages as well as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in models of liver fibrosis. In the present report, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in cellular models of lung and kidney fibrosis, such as human lung fibroblast cell lines IMR-90, derived from healthy lung tissue, and LL97A, derived from an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patient. In addition, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in primary human renal fibroblasts, pericytes, mesangial cells, and renal tubular epithelial cells, known for their involvement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney fibrosis. We demonstrate in fibroblasts that the expression of several profibrotic TGF-β target genes, including fibronectin (FN), collagen 1A1 (COL1A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are inhibited by Oxy210, both at the basal level and following TGF-β stimulation in a statistically significant manner. The inhibition of COL1A1 gene expression translated directly to significantly reduced COL1A1 protein expression. In human primary small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) and renal tubular epithelial cells, Oxy210 significantly inhibited TGF-β target gene expression associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Oxy210 also inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts, pericytes, and mesangial cells in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farhad Parhami
- MAX BioPharma, Inc., 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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14
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Yealland G, Jevtic M, Eckardt KU, Schueler M. Modeling ciliopathies in patient-derived primary cells. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 176:139-158. [PMID: 37164535 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Ciliopathies comprise a group of inherited diseases caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins that localize to cilia or centrosomes. They afflict multiple organs and are one of the most frequent monogenic causes of kidney failure in adults, adolescents and children. Primary cilia play diverse roles in cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, planar cell polarity and mechanosensing. The use of patient-derived cells possessing endogenous disease causing mutations enables the study of these processes and their dysregulation in disease. Here we describe methods to cultivate patient-derived dermal fibroblast and renal epithelial cells isolated from urine. Fibroblasts are highly robust, long-lived, and easy to culture cells in which ciliary assembly can be easily induced. Similarly, the ability to acquire and culture ciliated renal epithelial cells without patient-invasive-intervention holds great potential to further our understanding of ciliopathies. In addition to monolayer cultures, we also detail the formation of three-dimensional renal-epithelial organoids-so-called tubuloids-that demonstrate epithelial-polarization and transepithelial transport activities like those seen in vivo renal-tubules. These in vitro models are powerful tools to investigate the underlying disease mechanisms of human ciliopathies that can be employed without the need for heavy-handed genetic or molecular manipulations.
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15
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Pulmonary Fibrosis as a Result of Acute Lung Inflammation: Molecular Mechanisms, Relevant In Vivo Models, Prognostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314959. [PMID: 36499287 PMCID: PMC9735580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive lung disease that steadily leads to lung architecture disruption and respiratory failure. The development of pulmonary fibrosis is mostly the result of previous acute lung inflammation, caused by a wide variety of etiological factors, not resolved over time and causing the deposition of fibrotic tissue in the lungs. Despite a long history of study and good coverage of the problem in the scientific literature, the effective therapeutic approaches for pulmonary fibrosis treatment are currently lacking. Thus, the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from acute lung inflammation to pulmonary fibrosis, and the search for new molecular markers and promising therapeutic targets to prevent pulmonary fibrosis development, remain highly relevant tasks. This review focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological characteristics and outcomes of acute lung inflammation as a precursor of pulmonary fibrosis; the pathomorphological changes in the lungs during fibrosis development; the known molecular mechanisms and key players of the signaling pathways mediating acute lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the characteristics of the most common in vivo models of these processes. Moreover, the prognostic markers of acute lung injury severity and pulmonary fibrosis development as well as approved and potential therapeutic approaches suppressing the transition from acute lung inflammation to fibrosis are discussed.
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16
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Su Y, Xing H, Kang J, Bai L, Zhang L. Role of the hedgehog signaling pathway in rheumatic diseases: An overview. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940455. [PMID: 36105801 PMCID: PMC9466598 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction pathway that plays an important regulatory role during embryonic development, cell proliferation, and differentiation of vertebrates, and it is often inhibited in adult tissues. Recent evidence has shown that Hh signaling also plays a key role in rheumatic diseases, as alterations in their number or function have been identified in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic sclerosis, and Sjogren's Syndrome. As a result, emerging studies have focused on the blockade of this pathogenic axis as a promising therapeutic target in several autoimmune disorders; nevertheless, a greater understanding of its contribution still requires further investigation. This review aims to elucidate the most recent studies and literature data on the pathogenetic role of Hh signaling in rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Liyun Zhang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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17
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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)
- Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical
Immunology, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein and University
of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3,
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University
(FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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18
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Hsieh CL, Jerman SJ, Sun Z. Non-cell-autonomous activation of hedgehog signaling contributes to disease progression in a mouse model of renal cystic ciliopathy. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:4228-4240. [PMID: 35904445 PMCID: PMC9759329 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a ciliopathy characterized by fluid-filled epithelial cysts in the kidney. Although it is well established that the primary cilium is essential for hedgehog (HH) signaling and HH signaling is abnormally activated in multiple PKD models, the mechanism and function of HH activation in PKD pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. Here we used a transgenic HH reporter mouse line to identify the target tissue of HH signaling in Arl13f/f;Ksp-Cre mutant kidney, in which the cilia biogenesis gene Arl13b is specifically deleted in epithelial cells of the distal nephron. In addition, we used a co-culture system to dissect cross-talk between epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the absence of expanding cysts. Finally, we treated Arl13bf/f;Ksp-Cre mice with the GLI inhibitor GANT61 and analyzed its impact on PKD progression in this model. We found that deletion of Arl13b in epithelial cells in the mouse kidney, in vivo, led to non-cell-autonomous activation of the HH pathway in the interstitium. In vitro, when co-cultured with mesenchymal cells, Arl13b-/- epithelial cells produced more sonic hedgehog in comparison to cells expressing Arl13b. Reciprocally, HH signaling was activated in mesenchymal cells co-cultured with Arl13b-/- epithelial cells. Finally, whole body inhibition of the HH pathway by GANT61 reduced the number of proliferating cells, inhibited cyst progression and fibrosis and preserved kidney function in Arl13bf/f;Ksp-Cre mice. Our results reveal non-cell-autonomous activation of HH signaling in the interstitium of the Arl13bf/f;Ksp-Cre kidney and suggest that abnormal activation of the HH pathway contributes to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Stephanie Justine Jerman
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zhaoxia Sun
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 2037853589; Fax: +1 2037857227;
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19
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Zeng LH, Barkat MQ, Syed SK, Shah S, Abbas G, Xu C, Mahdy A, Hussain N, Hussain L, Majeed A, Khan KUR, Wu X, Hussain M. Hedgehog Signaling: Linking Embryonic Lung Development and Asthmatic Airway Remodeling. Cells 2022; 11:1774. [PMID: 35681469 PMCID: PMC9179967 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the embryonic lung demands complex endodermal-mesodermal interactions, which are regulated by a variety of signaling proteins. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is vital for lung development. It plays a key regulatory role during several morphogenic mechanisms, such as cell growth, differentiation, migration, and persistence of cells. On the other hand, abnormal expression or loss of regulation of Hh signaling leads to airway asthmatic remodeling, which is characterized by cellular matrix modification in the respiratory system, goblet cell hyperplasia, deposition of collagen, epithelial cell apoptosis, proliferation, and activation of fibroblasts. Hh also targets some of the pathogens and seems to have a significant function in tissue repairment and immune-related disorders. Similarly, aberrant Hh signaling expression is critically associated with the etiology of a variety of other airway lung diseases, mainly, bronchial or tissue fibrosis, lung cancer, and pulmonary arterial hypertension, suggesting that controlled regulation of Hh signaling is crucial to retain healthy lung functioning. Moreover, shreds of evidence imply that the Hh signaling pathway links to lung organogenesis and asthmatic airway remodeling. Here, we compiled all up-to-date investigations linked with the role of Hh signaling in the development of lungs as well as the attribution of Hh signaling in impairment of lung expansion, airway remodeling, and immune response. In addition, we included all current investigational and therapeutic approaches to treat airway asthmatic remodeling and immune system pathway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College, 51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou 310015, China;
| | - Muhammad Qasim Barkat
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (M.Q.B.); (C.X.)
| | - Shahzada Khurram Syed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Shahid Shah
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (S.S.); (G.A.); (L.H.)
| | - Ghulam Abbas
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (S.S.); (G.A.); (L.H.)
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (M.Q.B.); (C.X.)
| | - Amina Mahdy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34000, Turkey;
| | - Nadia Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Liaqat Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (S.S.); (G.A.); (L.H.)
| | - Abdul Majeed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Mulatn 60000, Pakistan;
| | - Kashif-ur-Rehman Khan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College, 51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou 310015, China;
| | - Musaddique Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
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20
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Kowalska-Kępczyńska A. Systemic Scleroderma-Definition, Clinical Picture and Laboratory Diagnostics. J Clin Med 2022; 11:2299. [PMID: 35566425 PMCID: PMC9100749 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Scleroderma (Sc) is a rare connective tissue disease classified as an autoimmune disorder. The pathogenesis of this disease is not fully understood. (2) Methods: This article reviews the literature on systemic scleroderma (SSc). A review of available scientific articles was conducted using the PubMed database with a time range of January 1985 to December 2021. (3) Results and Conclusions: The article is a review of information on epidemiology, criteria for diagnosis, pathogenesis, a variety of clinical pictures and the possibility of laboratory diagnostic in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kowalska-Kępczyńska
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Chair of Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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21
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Yang X, Sun W, Jing X, Zhang Q, Huang H, Xu Z. C/EBP homologous protein promotes Sonic Hedgehog secretion from type II alveolar epithelial cells and activates Hedgehog signaling pathway of fibroblast in pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2022; 23:86. [PMID: 35395850 PMCID: PMC8991723 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathological process of pulmonary fibrosis, including IPF. It affects a broad scope of cellular types during pulmonary fibrosis but the role in epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk has not been fully defined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Shh secretion by ER stress-challenged type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) on fibroblast and pulmonary fibrosis. Methods Conditioned medium (CM) from tunicamycin (TM)-treated AECII was collected and incubated with fibroblast. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used for RNA interference of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). The effects of CHOP and HH signaling were evaluated by TM administration under the background of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Results Both expression of CHOP and Shh in AECII, and HH signaling in mesenchyme were upregulated in IPF lung. TM-induced Shh secretion from AECII activates HH signaling and promotes pro-fibrotic effects of fibroblast. Interfering CHOP expression reduced ER stress-induced Shh secretion and alleviated pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Conclusions Our work identified a novel mechanism by which ER stress is involved in pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition of ER stress or CHOP in epithelial cells alleviated pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing Shh/HH signaling pathway of fibroblasts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02012-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.,Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jing
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zuojun Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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22
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Ocon A, Lokineni S, Korman B. Understanding and Therapeutically Targeting the Scleroderma Myofibroblast. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN RHEUMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40674-021-00189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Yamazaki K, Igarashi-Takeuchi H, Numabe Y. Hepatocyte growth factor exhibits anti-fibrotic effects in an in vitro model of nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth. J Oral Sci 2022; 64:99-104. [PMID: 34980825 DOI: 10.2334/josnusd.21-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model of nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth and characterize the anti-fibrotic effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) using this model. METHODS Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured-treated with 0.1, 1, or 10 µg/mL nifedipine or 10 ng/mL IL-1β + 0.1, 1, or 10 µg/mL nifedipine (0.1N, 1N, 10N, IL + 0.1N, IL + 1N, IL + 10N). Cell proliferation and levels of type I collagen, TGF-β1, CCN2/CTGF, and α-SMA were measured 48 h after the simultaneous addition of 10 and 50 ng/mL HGF (10 and 50HGF) along with IL-1β and nifedipine. Type I collagen was measured after administration of anti-HGF neutralizing antibody. RESULTS Significant increases in type I collagen, TGF-β1, and CCN2/CTGF were observed after treatment in the 1N and IL + 0.1N groups. Levels of type I collagen and CCN2/CTGF differed significantly between the IL + 0.1N group and the IL + 0.1N + 50HGF group. Production of type I collagen increased significantly following addition of anti-HGF antibody. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the establishment of an in vitro model of nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth by showing increased collagen levels. Experiments using this model suggested that HGF exerts anti-fibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Yamazaki
- Department of Periodontology, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University
| | - Hiroko Igarashi-Takeuchi
- Department of Periodontology, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University.,Core Research Facilities for Basic Science, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine
| | - Yukihiro Numabe
- Department of Periodontology, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University
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The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Resurrection Time. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010171. [PMID: 35008597 PMCID: PMC8745434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a sophisticated conserved cell signaling pathway that plays an essential role in controlling cell specification and proliferation, survival factors, and tissue patterning formation during embryonic development. Hh signal activity does not entirely disappear after development and may be reactivated in adulthood within tissue-injury-associated diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The dysregulation of Hh-associated activating transcription factors, genomic abnormalities, and microenvironments is a co-factor that induces the initiation and progression of IPF.
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25
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Naringenin: A Promising Therapeutic Agent against Organ Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:1210675. [PMID: 34804359 PMCID: PMC8601819 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1210675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common pathology of most chronic diseases as seen in the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and skin and contributes to nearly half of death in the developed countries. Fibrosis, or scarring, is mainly characterized by the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by myofibroblasts. Despite immense efforts made in the field of organ fibrosis over the past decades and considerable understanding of the occurrence and development of fibrosis gained, there is still lack of an effective treatment for fibrotic diseases. Therefore, identifying a new therapeutic strategy against organ fibrosis is an unmet clinical need. Naringenin, a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits, has been found to confer a wide range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits and thus potentially exerting preventive and curative effects on numerous diseases. In addition, emerging evidence has revealed that naringenin can prevent the pathogenesis of fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via the regulation of various pathways that involved signaling molecules such as transforming growth factor-β1/small mother against decapentaplegic protein 3 (TGF-β1/Smad3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeting these profibrotic pathways by naringenin could potentially become a novel therapeutic approach for the management of fibrotic disorders. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the antifibrotic roles of naringenin in vivo and in vitro and their underlying mechanisms of action. As a food derived compound, naringenin may serve as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of fibrotic disorders.
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The dynamic organelle primary cilia: emerging roles in organ fibrosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2021; 33:495-504. [PMID: 34494608 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Primary cilia, the antenna-like organelles on most mammalian cells, host key components of multiple morphogen signal transduction pathways. Mutations in genes responsible for primary cilia assembly and function generally result in pathological conditions known as ciliopathies, which underlie several diseases, including various forms of fibrosis. Primary cilia modulate cellular responses to extracellular cues, including TGF-β and morphogens, such as Hedgehog. Aberrant morphogen signaling is recognized as essential for the transition of mesenchymal progenitor cells to myofibroblasts, the key step in fibrosis. This article aims to provide a critical overview of recent developments and insights in primary cilia biology relevant to fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS Several studies have highlighted the association of altered primary cilia with various forms of fibrosis. In a rather complex manner, the presence of primary cilia seems to be required for initiation of myofibroblast transition, whereas its loss promotes myofibroblast transition at a later stage. Recent evidence also suggested that noncanonical functions of ciliary transport proteins may influence, such cellular transitions independently of primary cilia. The possibility of opposing signaling regulations being topologically separated between primary cilia and plasma membrane could also be critical for fibrosis. SUMMARY Recent progress in the field suggests that primary cilia are critical mediators of the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Understanding the potential role of primary cilia in fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms may pave the way for entirely new approaches for fibrosis prevention and treatment of SSc.
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Wiśniewska J, Sadowska A, Wójtowicz A, Słyszewska M, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. Perspective on Stem Cell Therapy in Organ Fibrosis: Animal Models and Human Studies. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101068. [PMID: 34685439 PMCID: PMC8538998 DOI: 10.3390/life11101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that result from the disruption of regulatory processes responsible for ECM synthesis, deposition, and remodeling. Fibrosis develops in response to a trigger or injury and can occur in nearly all organs of the body. Thus, fibrosis leads to severe pathological conditions that disrupt organ architecture and cause loss of function. It has been estimated that severe fibrotic disorders are responsible for up to one-third of deaths worldwide. Although intensive research on the development of new strategies for fibrosis treatment has been carried out, therapeutic approaches remain limited. Since stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show remarkable self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacity, they have been intensively tested in preclinical studies and clinical trials as a potential tool to slow down the progression of fibrosis and improve the quality of life of patients with fibrotic disorders. In this review, we summarize in vitro studies, preclinical studies performed on animal models of human fibrotic diseases, and recent clinical trials on the efficacy of allogeneic and autologous stem cell applications in severe types of fibrosis that develop in lungs, liver, heart, kidney, uterus, and skin. Although the results of the studies seem to be encouraging, there are many aspects of cell-based therapy, including the cell source, dose, administration route and frequency, timing of delivery, and long-term safety, that remain open areas for future investigation. We also discuss the contemporary status, challenges, and future perspectives of stem cell transplantation for therapeutic options in fibrotic diseases as well as we present recent patents for stem cell-based therapies in organ fibrosis.
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28
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Silva-Pilipich N, Smerdou C, Vanrell L. A Small Virus to Deliver Small Antibodies: New Targeted Therapies Based on AAV Delivery of Nanobodies. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091956. [PMID: 34576851 PMCID: PMC8465657 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies are camelid-derived single-domain antibodies that present some advantages versus conventional antibodies, such as a smaller size, and higher tissue penetrability, stability, and hydrophilicity. Although nanobodies can be delivered as proteins, in vivo expression from adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors represents an attractive strategy. This is due to the fact that AAV vectors, that can provide long-term expression of recombinant genes, have shown an excellent safety profile, and can accommodate genes for one or several nanobodies. In fact, several studies showed that AAV vectors can provide sustained nanobody expression both locally or systemically in preclinical models of human diseases. Some of the pathologies addressed with this technology include cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, infectious, and genetic diseases. Depending on the indication, AAV-delivered nanobodies can be expressed extracellularly or inside cells. Intracellular nanobodies or “intrabodies” carry out their function by interacting with cell proteins involved in disease and have also been designed to help elucidate cellular mechanisms by interfering with normal cell processes. Finally, nanobodies can also be used to retarget AAV vectors, when tethered to viral capsid proteins. This review covers applications in which AAV vectors have been used to deliver nanobodies, with a focus on their therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Silva-Pilipich
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (L.V.); Tel.: +34-948194700 (C.S.); +508-29021505 (L.V.); Fax: +34-948194717 (C.S.)
| | - Lucía Vanrell
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Mercedes 1237, Montevideo 11100, Uruguay
- Nanogrow Biotech, CIE BIO Incubator, Mercedes 1237, Montevideo 11100, Uruguay
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (L.V.); Tel.: +34-948194700 (C.S.); +508-29021505 (L.V.); Fax: +34-948194717 (C.S.)
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29
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Delaine-Smith RM, Maniati E, Malacrida B, Nichols S, Roozitalab R, Jones RR, Lecker LS, Pearce OM, Knight MM, Balkwill FR. Modelling TGFβR and Hh pathway regulation of prognostic matrisome molecules in ovarian cancer. iScience 2021; 24:102674. [PMID: 34189438 PMCID: PMC8215304 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In a multi-level "deconstruction" of omental metastases, we previously identified a prognostic matrisome gene expression signature in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and twelve other malignancies. Here, our aim was to understand how six of these extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, COL11A1, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, FN1, versican, cathepsin B, and COL1A1, are upregulated in cancer. Using biopsies, we identified significant associations between TGFβR activity, Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, and these ECM molecules and studied the associations in mono-, co-, and tri-culture. Activated omental fibroblasts (OFs) produced more matrix than malignant cells, directed by TGFβR and Hh signaling cross talk. We "reconstructed" omental metastases in tri-cultures of HGSOC cells, OFs, and adipocytes. This combination was sufficient to generate all six ECM proteins and the matrisome expression signature. TGFβR and Hh inhibitor combinations attenuated fibroblast activation and gel and ECM remodeling in these models. The tri-culture model reproduces key features of omental metastases and allows study of diseased-associated ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M. Delaine-Smith
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road E1, London, UK
| | - Eleni Maniati
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Beatrice Malacrida
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Sam Nichols
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Reza Roozitalab
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Roanne R. Jones
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Laura S.M. Lecker
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Oliver M.T. Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Institute of Bioengineering and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road E1, London, UK
| | - Frances R. Balkwill
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
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Sun C, Ma Q, Yin J, Zhang H, Liu X. WISP-1 induced by mechanical stress contributes to fibrosis and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum through Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1068-1079. [PMID: 34158608 PMCID: PMC8257797 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing chronic fibrosis and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF) is an important cause of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). Our previous work showed that WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP-1) is a critical driver of LF fibrosis. However, the potential mechanism has not been explored. Here, we found that Gli1 was upregulated in hypertrophic LF tissues and required for fibrogenesis in fibroblasts. Moreover, mechanical stretching increased the expression of WISP-1 in LF fibroblasts. Furthermore, WISP-1 induced fibrogenesis in vitro through the Hedgehog-Gli1 pathway. This conclusion was supported by the fact that WISP-1 activated the Hedgehog-Gli1 pathway in LF fibroblasts and that cyclopamine attenuated the effect of WISP-1-induced fibrogenesis. WISP-1 also promoted the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts via the Hedgehog pathway. Importantly, a hypertrophic LF rabbit model induced by mechanical stress also showed pathological changes in fibrosis and elevated expression of WISP-1, Gli1, and α-SMA. Therapeutic administration of cyclopamine reduced collagen expression, fibroblast proliferation, and myofibroblast differentiation and ameliorated fibrosis in the mechanical stress-induced rabbit model. Collectively, our findings show mechanical stress/WISP-1/Hedgehog signaling as a new fibrotic axis contributing to LF hypertrophy and identify Hedgehog signaling as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of LF fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Qinghong Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Jian Yin
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, China.
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De Pieri A, Korman BD, Jüngel A, Wuertz-Kozak K. Engineering Advanced In Vitro Models of Systemic Sclerosis for Drug Discovery and Development. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000168. [PMID: 33852183 PMCID: PMC8717409 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex multisystem disease with the highest case-specific mortality among all autoimmune rheumatic diseases, yet without any available curative therapy. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic antifibrotic strategies that effectively decrease skin and organ fibrosis is needed. Existing animal models are cost-intensive, laborious and do not recapitulate the full spectrum of the disease and thus commonly fail to predict human efficacy. Advanced in vitro models, which closely mimic critical aspects of the pathology, have emerged as valuable platforms to investigate novel pharmaceutical therapies for the treatment of SSc. This review focuses on recent advancements in the development of SSc in vitro models, sheds light onto biological (e.g., growth factors, cytokines, coculture systems), biochemical (e.g., hypoxia, reactive oxygen species) and biophysical (e.g., stiffness, topography, dimensionality) cues that have been utilized for the in vitro recapitulation of the SSc microenvironment, and highlights future perspectives for effective drug discovery and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Pieri
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Benjamin D Korman
- Prof. B. D. Korman, Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Astrid Jüngel
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
- Prof. A. Jüngel, Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wuertz-Kozak
- Dr. A. De Pieri, Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), 106 Lomb Memorial Rd., Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
- Prof. K. Wuertz-Kozak, Schön Clinic Munich Harlaching, Spine Center, Academic Teaching Hospital and Spine Research Institute of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria), Munich, 81547, Germany
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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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Resh MD. Palmitoylation of Hedgehog proteins by Hedgehog acyltransferase: roles in signalling and disease. Open Biol 2021; 11:200414. [PMID: 33653085 PMCID: PMC8061759 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog acyltransferase (Hhat), a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family, catalyses the covalent attachment of palmitate to the N-terminus of Hedgehog proteins. Palmitoylation is a post-translational modification essential for Hedgehog signalling. This review explores the mechanisms involved in Hhat acyltransferase enzymatic activity, similarities and differences between Hhat and other MBOAT enzymes, and the role of palmitoylation in Hedgehog signalling. In vitro and cell-based assays for Hhat activity have been developed, and residues within Hhat and Hedgehog essential for palmitoylation have been identified. In cells, Hhat promotes the transfer of palmitoyl-CoA from the cytoplasmic to the luminal side of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, where Shh palmitoylation occurs. Palmitoylation is required for efficient delivery of secreted Hedgehog to its receptor Patched1, as well as for the deactivation of Patched1, which initiates the downstream Hedgehog signalling pathway. While Hhat loss is lethal during embryogenesis, mutations in Hhat have been linked to disease states or abnormalities in mice and humans. In adults, aberrant re-expression of Hedgehog ligands promotes tumorigenesis in an Hhat-dependent manner in a variety of different cancers, including pancreatic, breast and lung. Targeting hedgehog palmitoylation by inhibition of Hhat is thus a promising, potential intervention in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn D Resh
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 143, New York, NY 10065, USA
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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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Hou J, Ji J, Chen X, Cao H, Tan Y, Cui Y, Xiang Z, Han X. Alveolar epithelial cell-derived Sonic hedgehog promotes pulmonary fibrosis through OPN-dependent alternative macrophage activation. FEBS J 2020; 288:3530-3546. [PMID: 33314622 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The alternative activation of macrophages in the lungs has been considered as a major factor promoting pulmonary fibrogenesis; however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still elusive. In this study, we investigated the interaction between macrophages and fibrosis-associated alveolar epithelial cells using a bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model and a coculture system. We demonstrated that fibrosis-promoting macrophages are spatially proximate to alveolar type II (ATII) cells, permissive for paracrine-induced macrophage polarization. Importantly, we revealed that fibrosis-associated ATII cells secrete Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a hedgehog pathway ligand, and that ATII cell-derived Shh promotes the development of pulmonary fibrosis by osteopontin (OPN)-mediated macrophage alternative activation. Mechanistically, Shh promotes the secretion of OPN in macrophages via Shh/Gli signaling cascade. The secreted OPN acts on the surrounding macrophages in an autocrine or paracrine manner and induces macrophage alternative activation through activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Tissue samples from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients confirmed the increased expression of Shh and OPN in ATII cells and macrophages, respectively. Together, our study illustrated an alveolar epithelium-dependent mechanism for macrophage M2 polarization and pulmonary fibrogenesis and suggested that targeting Shh may offer a selective and efficient therapeutic strategy for the development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Hou
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
| | - Jie Ji
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
| | - Honghui Cao
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
| | - Yi Tan
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
| | - Zou Xiang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, China
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Di Gregorio J, Robuffo I, Spalletta S, Giambuzzi G, De Iuliis V, Toniato E, Martinotti S, Conti P, Flati V. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:607483. [PMID: 33409282 PMCID: PMC7779530 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sonia Spalletta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, E. Profili Hospital, Fabriano, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Iuliis
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Wasson CW, Ross RL, Wells R, Corinaldesi C, Georgiou IC, Riobo-Del Galdo NA, Del Galdo F. Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR induces GLI2 expression through Notch signalling in systemic sclerosis dermal fibroblasts. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:286. [PMID: 33303026 PMCID: PMC7726858 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by tissue fibrosis of the major organs of the body including the skin, lungs and heart. We have previously reported that the lncRNA HOTAIR plays a central role in the activation of SSc myofibroblasts, the key cellular elements of fibrosis. HOTAIR induces fibroblast activation through H3K27me3-mediated activation of the Notch signalling pathway. Here we aimed to identify the signalling events downstream of Notch that drive SSc myofibroblast activation. METHODS Patient fibroblasts were obtained from full-thickness forearm skin biopsies of 3 adult patients with SSc of recent onset. The lncRNA HOTAIR was expressed in healthy dermal fibroblasts by lentiviral transduction. Hedgehog signalling pathway was inhibited with GANT61 and GLI2 siRNA. Gamma secretase inhibitors RO4929097 and DAPT were used to block Notch signalling. GSK126 was used to inhibit Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2). RESULTS Overexpression of HOTAIR in dermal fibroblasts induced the expression of the Hedgehog pathway transcription factor GLI2. This is mediated by activation of Notch signalling following epigenetic downregulation of miRNA-34a expression. Inhibition of H3K27 methylation and Notch signalling reduced expression of GLI2 in HOTAIR-expressing fibroblasts as well as in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, the inhibition of GLI2 function using GANT61 or siRNA mitigates the pro-fibrotic phenotype induced by HOTAIR. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicates that GLI2 expression is stably upregulated in SSc myofibroblasts through HOTAIR and that GLI2 mediates the expression of pro-fibrotic markers downstream of Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Wasson
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rebecca L Ross
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rebecca Wells
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Clarissa Corinaldesi
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ioanna Ch Georgiou
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Natalia A Riobo-Del Galdo
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK.
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Hedgehog pathway activation through nanobody-mediated conformational blockade of the Patched sterol conduit. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28838-28846. [PMID: 33139559 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011560117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the Hedgehog pathway may have therapeutic value for improved bone healing, taste receptor cell regeneration, and alleviation of colitis or other conditions. Systemic pathway activation, however, may be detrimental, and agents amenable to tissue targeting for therapeutic application have been lacking. We have developed an agonist, a conformation-specific nanobody against the Hedgehog receptor Patched1 (PTCH1). This nanobody potently activates the Hedgehog pathway in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing an alternative conformation of a Patched1 "switch helix," as revealed by our cryogenic electron microscopy structure. Nanobody-binding likely traps Patched in one stage of its transport cycle, thus preventing substrate movement through the Patched1 sterol conduit. Unlike the native Hedgehog ligand, this nanobody does not require lipid modifications for its activity, facilitating mechanistic studies of Hedgehog pathway activation and the engineering of pathway activating agents for therapeutic use. Our conformation-selective nanobody approach may be generally applicable to the study of other PTCH1 homologs.
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Guimaraes VSN, Vidal MTA, de Faro Valverde L, de Oliveira MG, de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha L, Coelho PLC, Soares FA, de Freitas Souza BS, Bezerra DP, Coletta RD, Pereira TA, Dos Santos JN, Gurgel Rocha CA. Hedgehog pathway activation in oral squamous cell carcinoma: cancer-associated fibroblasts exhibit nuclear GLI-1 localization. J Mol Histol 2020; 51:675-684. [PMID: 33000351 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-020-09913-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of Hedgehog (HH) signaling molecules (SHH and GLI-1) by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect molecular HH signaling and CAF-related protein expression, including α-SMA and S100A4, in 70 samples of human OSCC. The colocalization of α-SMA and S100A4 with SHH was also evaluated by double-staining. In vitro study was performed using primary normal oral fibroblast (NOF) and CAF through immunofluorescence and Western Blot for CAF-proteins, SHH, and GLI-1. Forty-five cases (64.28%) were positive for α-SMA exclusively in tumor stroma, and S100A4 was identified in the cytoplasm of CAFs in 94.28% (n = 66) of the cases. With respect to stromal cells, 64 (91.43%) OSCC cases were positive for SHH, and 31 were positive for GLI-1 (44.29%); positive correlations were found between SHH and α-SMA (p < 0.0001, φ = 0.51), as well as between SHH and S100A4 (p = 0.087, φ = 0.94). Protein expression of SHH and GLI-1 was observed in primary CAFs and NOFs. Although SHH was found to be localized in the cellular cytoplasm of both cell types, GLI-1 was present only in the nuclei of CAF. Our results indicate that CAFs are not only potential sources of HH ligands in tumor stroma, but may also respond to HH signaling through nuclear GLI-1 activation. We further observed that elevated SHH expression by OSCC cells was associated with higher CAF density, reinforcing the chemoattractant role played by these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Sousa Nazare Guimaraes
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Manuela Torres Andion Vidal
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Ludmila de Faro Valverde
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Marbele Guimarães de Oliveira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Leonardo de Oliveira Siquara da Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Paulo Lucas Cerqueira Coelho
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Soares
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education, Diniz Cordeiro Street, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
- School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Prof. Almeida Prado Avenue, 1280, Butantã, São Paulo, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pereira Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D Coletta
- School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Limeira Avenue, 901, Areiao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-903, Brazil
| | - Thiago Almeida Pereira
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5463, USA
| | - Jean Nunes Dos Santos
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Araújo Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Waldemar Falcao Street, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
- Federal University of Bahia, Augusto Viana Street, s/n, Canela, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-909, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Pathology and Molecular Biology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation,121 Waldemar Falcao, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Understanding Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Novel and Emerging Treatment Approaches. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Cyclopamine sensitizes glioblastoma cells to temozolomide treatment through Sonic hedgehog pathway. Life Sci 2020; 257:118027. [PMID: 32622951 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118027] [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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive glioma, resistant to radio and chemotherapy usually performed with temozolomide. One of the main reasons for glioblastoma resistance to conventional therapies is due to the presence of cancer stem-like cells. These cells could recapitulate some signaling pathways important for embryonic development, such as Sonic hedgehog. Here, we investigated if the inhibitor of the Sonic hedgehog pathway, cyclopamine, could potentiate the temozolomide effect in cancer stem-like cells and glioblastoma cell lines in vitro. MAIN METHODS The viability of glioblastoma cells exposed to cyclopamine and temozolomide treatment was evaluated by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay while the induction of apoptosis was assessed by western blot. The stemness properties of glioma cells were verified by clonogenic and differentiation assay and the expression of stem cell markers were measured by fluorescence microscopy and western blot. KEY FINDINGS The glioblastoma viability was reduced by cyclopamine treatment. Cyclopamine potentiated temozolomide treatment in glioblastoma cell lines by inducing apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 cleaved. Conversely, the combined treatment of cyclopamine and temozolomide potentiated the stemness properties of glioblastoma cells by inducing the expression of SOX-2 and OCT-4. SIGNIFICANCE Cyclopamine plays an effect on glioblastoma cell lines but also sensibilize them to temozolomide treatment. Thus, first-line treatment with Sonic hedgehog inhibitor followed by temozolomide could be used as a new therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma patients.
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Lerbs T, Cui L, King ME, Chai T, Muscat C, Chung L, Brown R, Rieger K, Shibata T, Wernig G. CD47 prevents the elimination of diseased fibroblasts in scleroderma. JCI Insight 2020; 5:140458. [PMID: 32814713 PMCID: PMC7455137 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleroderma is a devastating fibrotic autoimmune disease. Current treatments are partly effective in preventing disease progression but do not remove fibrotic tissue. Here, we evaluated whether scleroderma fibroblasts take advantage of the "don't-eat-me-signal" CD47 and whether blocking CD47 enables the body's immune system to get rid of diseased fibroblasts. To test this approach, we used a Jun-inducible scleroderma model. We first demonstrated in patient samples that scleroderma upregulated transcription factor JUN and increased promoter accessibilities of both JUN and CD47. Next, we established our scleroderma model, demonstrating that Jun mediated skin fibrosis through the hedgehog-dependent expansion of CD26+Sca1- fibroblasts in mice. In a niche-independent adaptive transfer model, JUN steered graft survival and conferred increased self-renewal to fibroblasts. In vivo, JUN enhanced the expression of CD47, and inhibiting CD47 eliminated an ectopic fibroblast graft and increased in vitro phagocytosis. In the syngeneic mouse, depleting macrophages ameliorated skin fibrosis. Therapeutically, combined CD47 and IL-6 blockade reversed skin fibrosis in mice and led to the rapid elimination of ectopically transplanted scleroderma cells. Altogether, our study demonstrates the efficiency of combining different immunotherapies in treating scleroderma and provides a rationale for combining CD47 and IL-6 inhibition in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tim Chai
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and
| | | | - Lorinda Chung
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Gerlinde Wernig
- Department of Pathology.,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and
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Moisejenko-Golubovica J, Volkov O, Ivanova A, Groma V. Analysis of the occurrence and distribution of primary and recurrent basal cell carcinoma of head and neck coupled to the assessment of tumor microenvironment and Sonic hedgehog signaling. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2020; 61:821-831. [PMID: 33817723 PMCID: PMC8112792 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.3.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Often, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) displays local aggressiveness, and when developed in the head and neck presents with deep tissue invasion and recurrence. Previous studies have pointed out the necessity of systematic assessment of primary and recurrent BCC based on a better understanding of the biology and function of its microenvironment. Although hedgehog-dependent tumor cells signaling to the underlying stroma, and vice versa, have been demonstrated to be implicated in the pathogenesis of BCC, little is known about peculiarities of the tumor microenvironment and the above-mentioned signaling in the head and neck. The occurrence and distribution of 79 primary and recurrent BCCs developed in the head and neck region were estimated. The data were coupled with the immunohistochemical assessment of type IV collagen, laminin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Sonic hedgehog (Shh). The frequency of the mixed BCCs and the predominance of the nose and cheek region affection by primary and recurrent tumors were demonstrated. Furthermore, the increase of peritumoral and entire stromal α-SMA immunoreactivity in the mixed recurrent BCC was confirmed using statistics. We found the increase of strong levels of Shh immunoexpression in the aggressive variants of BCC - infiltrative, mixed, and micronodular. Surprisingly, we confirmed the upregulation of Shh paralleled by the downregulation of α-SMA immunoexpression in the superficial subtype of the tumor. Our results suggest the necessity of further studies assessing the nature of the tumor along with the peculiarities of signaling in BCCs of head and neck.
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Epithelial-interleukin-1 inhibits collagen formation by airway fibroblasts: Implications for asthma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8721. [PMID: 32457454 PMCID: PMC7250866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65567-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In asthma, the airway epithelium has an impaired capacity to differentiate and plays a key role in the development of airway inflammation and remodeling through mediator release. The study objective was to investigate the release of (IL)-1 family members from primary airway epithelial-cells during differentiation, and how they affect primary airway fibroblast (PAF)-induced inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and collagen I remodeling. The release of IL-1α/β and IL-33 during airway epithelial differentiation was assessed over 20-days using air-liquid interface cultures. The effect of IL-1 family cytokines on airway fibroblasts grown on collagen-coated well-plates and 3-dimensional collagen gels was assessed by measurement of inflammatory mediators and ECM proteins by ELISA and western blot, as well as collagen fiber formation using non-linear optical microscopy after 24-hours. The production of IL-1α is elevated in undifferentiated asthmatic-PAECs compared to controls. IL-1α/β induced fibroblast pro-inflammatory responses (CXCL8/IL-8, IL-6, TSLP, GM-CSF) and suppressed ECM-production (collagen, fibronectin, periostin) and the cell’s ability to repair and remodel fibrillar collagen I via LOX, LOXL1 and LOXL2 activity, as confirmed by inhibition with β-aminopropionitrile. These data support a role for epithelial-derived-IL-1 in the dysregulated repair of the asthmatic-EMTU and provides new insights into the contribution of airway fibroblasts in inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma.
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Ma J, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Goumans MJ, ten Dijke P. TGF-β-Induced Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Disease and Tissue Engineering. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:260. [PMID: 32373613 PMCID: PMC7187792 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process that gives rise to cells with multipotent potential. EndMT is essential for the formation of the cardiovascular system during embryonic development. Emerging results link EndMT to the postnatal onset and progression of fibrotic diseases and cancer. Moreover, recent reports have emphasized the potential for EndMT in tissue engineering and regenerative applications by regulating the differentiation status of cells. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) engages in many important physiological processes and is a potent inducer of EndMT. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway as it relates to EndMT. Thereafter, we discuss the pivotal role of TGF-β-induced EndMT in the development of cardiovascular diseases, fibrosis, and cancer, as well as the potential application of TGF-β-induced EndMT in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has the highest cause-specific mortality of all the connective tissue diseases, and the aetiology of this complex and heterogeneous condition remains an enigma. Current disease-modifying therapies for SSc predominantly target inflammatory and vascular pathways but have variable and unpredictable clinical efficacy, and none is curative. Moreover, many of these therapies possess undesirable safety profiles and have no appreciable effect on long-term mortality. This Review describes the most promising of the existing therapeutic targets for SSc and places them in the context of our evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. As well as taking an in-depth look at the immune, inflammatory, vascular and fibrotic pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc, this Review discusses emerging treatment targets and therapeutic strategies. The article concludes with an overview of important unanswered questions in SSc research that might inform the design of future studies of treatments aimed at modifying the course of this disease.
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47
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Čolić J, Matucci Cerinic M, Guiducci S, Damjanov N. Microparticles in systemic sclerosis, targets or tools to control fibrosis: This is the question! JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:6-20. [PMID: 35382401 PMCID: PMC8922594 DOI: 10.1177/2397198319857356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is the main systemic fibrotic disease with unknown etiology characterized by peripheral microvascular injury, activation of immune system, and wide-spread progressive fibrosis. Microparticles can be derived from any cell type during normal cellular differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis, and also upon cellular activation. Carrying along a broad range of surface cytoplasmic and nuclear molecules of originating cells, microparticles are closely implicated in inflammation, thrombosis, angiogenesis, and immunopathogenesis. Recently, microparticles have been proposed as biomarkers of endothelial injury, which is the primary event in the genesis of tissue fibrosis. Microparticles may have a role in fostering endothelial to mesenchymal transition, thus giving a significant contribution to the development of myofibroblasts, the most important final effectors responsible for tissue fibrosis and fibroproliferative vasculopathy. Thanks to potent profibrotic mediators, such as transforming growth factor beta, platelet-derived growth factor, high mobility group box 1 protein, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4, and antifibrotic agents, such as matrix metalloproteinases, microparticles may play an opposite role in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Čolić
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of
Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of
Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC)
and Denothe Centre, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of
Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC)
and Denothe Centre, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nemanja Damjanov
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of
Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of
Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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48
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Regulation of the Extracellular Matrix by Ciliary Machinery. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020278. [PMID: 31979260 PMCID: PMC7072529 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary cilium is an organelle involved in cellular signalling. Mutations affecting proteins involved in cilia assembly or function result in diseases known as ciliopathies, which cause a wide variety of phenotypes across multiple tissues. These mutations disrupt various cellular processes, including regulation of the extracellular matrix. The matrix is important for maintaining tissue homeostasis through influencing cell behaviour and providing structural support; therefore, the matrix changes observed in ciliopathies have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Whilst many studies have associated the cilium with processes that regulate the matrix, exactly how these matrix changes arise is not well characterised. This review aims to bring together the direct and indirect evidence for ciliary regulation of matrix, in order to summarise the possible mechanisms by which the ciliary machinery could regulate the composition, secretion, remodelling and organisation of the matrix.
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49
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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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50
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Torre OM, Mroz V, Benitez ARM, Huang AH, Iatridis JC. Neonatal annulus fibrosus regeneration occurs via recruitment and proliferation of Scleraxis-lineage cells. NPJ Regen Med 2019; 4:23. [PMID: 31885875 PMCID: PMC6925137 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-019-0085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) injuries are a cause of degenerative changes in adults which can lead to back pain, a leading cause of disability. We developed a model of neonatal IVD regeneration with full functional restoration and investigate the cellular dynamics underlying this unique healing response. We employed genetic lineage tracing in mice using Scleraxis (Scx) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) to fate-map annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, respectively. Results indicate functional AF regeneration after severe herniation injury occurs in neonates and not adults. AF regeneration is mediated by Scx-lineage cells that lose ScxGFP expression and adopt a stem/progenitor phenotype (Sca-1, days 3–14), proliferate, and then redifferentiate towards type I collagen producing, ScxGFP+ annulocytes at day 56. Non Scx-lineage cells were also transiently observed during neonatal repair, including Shh-lineage cells, macrophages, and myofibroblasts; however, these populations were no longer detected by day 56 when annulocytes redifferentiate. Overall, repair did not occur in adults. These results identify an exciting cellular mechanism of neonatal AF regeneration that is predominantly driven by Scx-lineage annulocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Torre
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1188, New York, NY 10029-6574 USA
| | - Victoria Mroz
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1188, New York, NY 10029-6574 USA
| | - Anthony R Martinez Benitez
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1188, New York, NY 10029-6574 USA
| | - Alice H Huang
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1188, New York, NY 10029-6574 USA
| | - James C Iatridis
- Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1188, New York, NY 10029-6574 USA
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