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Li P, Wu Y, Hamlett ED, Goodwin AJ, Halushka PV, Carroll SL, Liu M, Fan H. Suppression of Fli-1 protects against pericyte loss and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1451-1464. [PMID: 35038582 PMCID: PMC9077320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain pericytes regulate cerebral blood flow, maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and facilitate the removal of amyloid β (Aβ) which is critical to healthy brain activity. Pericyte loss has been observed in brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and animal models. Our previous data demonstrated that friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, governs pericyte viability in murine sepsis; however, the role of Fli-1 and its impact on pericyte loss in AD remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that Fli-1 expression was up-regulated in postmortem brains from a cohort of human AD donors and in 5xFAD mice, which corresponded with a decreased pericyte number, elevated inflammatory mediators, and increased Aβ accumulation as compared to cognitively normal individuals and WT mice. Antisense oligonucleotide Fli-1 Gapmer administrated via intrahippocampal injection decelerated pericyte loss, decreased inflammatory response, ameliorated cognitive deficits, improved BBB dysfunction, and reduced Aβ deposition in 5xFAD mice. Fli-1 Gapmer-mediated inhibition of Fli-1 protected against Aβ accumulation-induced human brain pericyte apoptosis in vitro. Overall, these studies indicate that Fli-1 contributes to pericyte loss, inflammatory response, Aβ deposition, vascular dysfunction and cognitive decline, and suggest that inhibition of Fli-1 may represent novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Eric D Hamlett
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425; Department of Pharmacology and, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425.
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2
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Jiang Z, Chen C, Yang S, He H, Zhu X, Liang M. Contribution to the peripheral vasculopathy and endothelial cell dysfunction by CXCL4 in Systemic Sclerosis. J Dermatol Sci 2021; 104:63-73. [PMID: 34556381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CXCL4, a chemokine with anti-angiogenic property, is involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE To investigated the contribution of CXCL4 to SSc development by focusing on the correlation of circulatory CXCL4 levels with their peripheral vasculopathy, and the effect of CXCL4 on endothelial cell dysfunction and the potential signaling. METHODS We measured the plasma CXCL4 levels in 58 patients with SSc, 10 patients with the very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS), and 80 healthy controls (HCs). Then, CXCL4 concentrations were correlated with clinical features, especially the peripheral vasculopathy. These observations were further validated in an additional cohort. Moreover, we studied the anti-angiogenic effects of CXCL4 and the underlying downstream signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. RESULTS Circulating CXCL4 levels were 103.62 % higher in patients with SSc and 201.51 % higher in patients with VEDOSS than matched HCs, which were confirmed in two independent cohorts. CXCL4 levels were associated with digital ulcers (DU) and nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) abnormalities in SSc. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs were inhibited by CXCL4 or SSc derived plasma, which reversed by CXCL4 neutralizing antibody, but failed by CXCR3 inhibitor. CXCL4 downregulated the transcription factor Friend leukaemia integration factor-1 (Fli-1) via c-Abl signaling. Furthermore, CXCL4 blocked the transforming growth factor (TGF) -β or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced cell proliferation of HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS CXCL4 may contribute to peripheral vasculopathy in SSc by downregulating Fli-1 via c-Abl signaling in endothelial cells and interfering angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hang He
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minrui Liang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Miura S, Watanabe Y, Saigusa R, Yamashita T, Nakamura K, Hirabayashi M, Miyagawa T, Yoshizaki A, Trojanowska M, Sato S, Asano Y. Fli1 deficiency suppresses RALDH1 activity of dermal dendritic cells and related induction of regulatory T cells: a possible role in scleroderma. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:137. [PMID: 33964960 PMCID: PMC8106158 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02520-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (RALDH1)-producing dermal dendritic cells (DCs), a conventional DC subset regulating skin fibrosis, are decreased in the involved skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the contribution of Fli1 deficiency, a potential predisposing factor of SSc, to the phenotypical alteration of RALDH1-producing dermal DCs by using SSc model mice and SSc skin samples. METHODS Bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis was generated with Fli1+/- and wild-type mice. The proportions of DC and CD4+ T cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry in the dermis of BLM-treated mice. Fli1 expression in dermal DCs was evaluated by immunofluorescence with skin samples of SSc and healthy control subjects. RESULTS RALDH activity of dermal DCs was significantly decreased in BLM-treated Fli1+/- mice compared with BLM-treated wild-type mice, whereas the proportion of CD103-CD11b- dermal DCs, a major DC subset producing RALDH1 in response to BLM injection, was comparable between groups. Relevant to this finding, the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the dermis was decreased in BLM-treated Fli1+/- mice relative to BLM-treated wild-type mice, while the proportions of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells were unaltered. In the involved skin of SSc patients, Fli1 was downregulated in CD11c+ cells, including dermal DCs. CONCLUSIONS Fli1 deficiency inhibits RALDH1 activity of CD103-CD11b- dermal DCs and related induction of Tregs in BLM-treated mice. Considering Fli1 reduction in SSc dermal DCs, Fli1deficiency may impair the dermal DC-Treg system, contributing to the development of skin fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
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He YS, Yang XK, Hu YQ, Xiang K, Pan HF. Emerging role of Fli1 in autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107127. [PMID: 33234418 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Ets transcription factor family exerts crucial role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration. Friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli1), a member of the Ets family, is expressed in fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells. Fli1 gene is participated in the development, proliferation, activation, migration and other processes of immune cells. Fli1 can also affect the function of immune cells by regulating cytokines and chemokines. Emerging evidence has shown that Fli1 is implicated in the etiology of several autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review, we mainly discuss the current evidence for the role of Fli1 in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Sheng He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Qian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Xiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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5
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Nakamura K, Taniguchi T, Hirabayashi M, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Miura S, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Ichimura Y, Yoshizaki A, Trojanowska M, Fujiu K, Nagai R, Sato S, Asano Y. Altered Properties of Endothelial Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Underlying the Development of Scleroderma-like Vasculopathy in KLF5 +/- ;Fli-1 +/- Mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:2136-2146. [PMID: 32627966 DOI: 10.1002/art.41423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In prevous studies, we established a new animal model, KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mice, in which fundamental pathologic features of systemic sclerosis (SSc) are broadly recapitulated. SSc vasculopathy is believed to occur as a result of impaired vascular remodeling, but its detailed mechanism of action remains unknown. To address this, the present study investigated the properties of dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMECs), bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs), and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), a precursor of pericytes, in KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mice. METHODS Neovascularization and angiogenesis were assessed in KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mice by in vivo Matrigel plug assay and in vitro tube formation assay, respectively. The properties of mouse BM-EPCs and BM-MSCs were assessed with in vitro studies. Dermal vasculature was visualized in vivo by injecting the mice with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran. RESULTS Neovascularization was diminished in skin-embedded Matrigel plugs from KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mice. DMECs from KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mice showed defective tubulogenic activity, decreased expression of VE-cadherin and CD31, and an imbalance in the expression of Notch1/Dll4, suggesting that angiogenesis and anastomosis are disturbed. KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mouse BM-MSCs exhibited enhanced proliferation and migration and increased collagen production following stimulation with transforming growth factor β1, indicating that these cells differentiate preferentially into myofibroblasts rather than pericytes. KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mouse BM-EPCs displayed a transition toward mesenchymal cells, suggesting that vasculogenesis is impaired. Wound healing was delayed in KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mice (mean ± SD healing time 15.67 ± 0.82 days versus 13.50 ± 0.84 days; P = 0.0017), and the vascular network was poorly developed in wound scar tissue. CONCLUSION The characteristics observed in the KLF5+/- ;Fli-1+/- mouse model - specifically, impaired neovascularization and vascular maturation - are similar to those observed in human SSc, and could be at least partially attributable to the induction of SSc-like properties in DMECs, BM-EPCs, and BM-MSCs. These findings indicate the critical contribution of Klf5 and Fli1 deficiency in vascular cells and related cell precursors to the development of SSc vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouki Nakamura
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tetsuo Toyama
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katsuhito Fujiu
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryozo Nagai
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Wu Y, Li P, Goodwin AJ, Cook JA, Halushka PV, Zingarelli B, Fan H. miR-145a Regulation of Pericyte Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Sepsis. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:1037-1045. [PMID: 32285112 PMCID: PMC7430167 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic disease with severe microvascular dysfunction. Pericytes preserve vascular homeostasis. To our knowledge, the potential roles of microRNAs in sepsis-induced pericyte dysfunction have not been explored. METHODS We determined lung pericyte expression of miR-145a in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Mouse lung pericytes were isolated and transfected with a miR-145a mimic, followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We measured inflammatory cytokine levels. To assess the functions of miR-145a in vivo, we generated a pericyte-specific miR-145a-knockout mouse and determined sepsis-induced organ injury, lung and renal vascular leakage, and mouse survival rates. We used RNA sequencing and Western blotting to analyze the signaling pathways regulated by miR-145a. RESULTS CLP led to decreased miR-145a expression in lung pericytes. The miR-145a mimic inhibited LPS-induced increases in cytokines. In CLP-induced sepsis, pericytes lacking miR-145a exhibited increased lung and kidney vascular leakage and reduced survival rates. We found that miR-145a could suppress LPS-induced NF-κB activation. In addition, we confirmed that the transcription factor Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) is a target of miR-145a and that Fli-1 activates NF-κB signaling. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that pericyte miR-145a mediates sepsis-associated microvascular dysfunction, potentially by means of Fli-1-mediated modulation of NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - James A Cook
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Basilia Zingarelli
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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7
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Marden G, Wan Q, Wilks J, Nevin K, Feeney M, Wisniacki N, Trojanowski M, Bujor A, Stawski L, Trojanowska M. The role of the oncostatin M/OSM receptor β axis in activating dermal microvascular endothelial cells in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:179. [PMID: 32736577 PMCID: PMC7393919 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02266-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scleroderma (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by vascular impairment and progressive fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Oncostatin M, a member of the IL-6 family, is elevated in SSc serum and was recognized as a significant player in various stages of fibrosis. The goal of this study was to assess the contribution of the OSM/OSMRβ pathway to endothelial cell (EC) injury and activation in SSc. METHODS IHC and IF were used to assess the distribution of OSM and OSMRβ in SSc (n = 14) and healthy control (n = 7) skin biopsies. Cell culture experiments were performed in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) and included mRNA and protein analysis, and cell migration and proliferation assays. Ex vivo skin organoid culture was used to evaluate the effect of OSM on perivascular fibrosis. RESULTS OSMRβ protein was elevated in dermal ECs and in fibroblasts of SSc patients. Treatments of HDMECs with OSM or IL-6+sIL-6R have demonstrated that both cytokines similarly stimulated proinflammatory genes and genes related to endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). OSM was more effective than IL-6+sIL-6R in inducing cell migration, while both treatments similarly induced cell proliferation. The effects of OSM were mediated via OSMRβ and STAT3, while the LIFR did not contribute to these responses. Both OSM and IL-6+sIL-6R induced profibrotic gene expression in HDMECs, as well as expansion of the perivascular PDGFRβ+ cells in the ex vivo human skin culture system. Additional studies in HDMECs showed that siRNA-mediated downregulation of FLI1 and its close homolog ERG resulted in increased expression of OSMRβ in HDMECs. CONCLUSIONS This work provides new insights into the role of the OSM/OSMRβ axis in activation/injury of dermal ECs and supports the involvement of this pathway in SSc vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Marden
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Q Wan
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - J Wilks
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - K Nevin
- Immuno-Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - M Feeney
- Immuno-Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - N Wisniacki
- Immuno-Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
| | - M Trojanowski
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - A Bujor
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - L Stawski
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - M Trojanowska
- Arthritis Centre, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, E-5, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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8
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Hsu T, Nguyen-Tran HH, Trojanowska M. Active roles of dysfunctional vascular endothelium in fibrosis and cancer. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:86. [PMID: 31656195 PMCID: PMC6816223 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the underlying pathological condition that results in fibrotic diseases. More recently, many forms of cancer have also been linked to chronic tissue inflammation. While stromal immune cells and myofibroblasts have been recognized as major contributors of cytokines and growth factors that foster the formation of fibrotic tissue, the endothelium has traditionally been regarded as a passive player in the pathogenic process, or even as a barrier since it provides a physical divide between the circulating immune cells and the inflamed tissues. Recent findings, however, have indicated that endothelial cells in fact play a crucial role in the inflammatory response. Endothelial cells can be activated by cytokine signaling and express inflammatory markers, which can sustain or exacerbate the inflammatory process. For example, the activated endothelium can recruit and activate leukocytes, thus perpetuating tissue inflammation, while sustained stimulation of endothelial cells may lead to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition that contributes to fibrosis. Since chronic inflammation has now been recognized as a significant contributing factor to tumorigenesis, it has also emerged that activation of endothelium also occurs in the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes recent findings characterizing the molecular and cellular changes in the vascular endothelium that contribute to tissue fibrosis, and potentially to cancer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, 300 Jhongda Rd, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Center for Chronic Disease Research, National Central University, 300 Jhongda Rd, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Hieu-Huy Nguyen-Tran
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, 300 Jhongda Rd, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 75 E. Newton St. Evans Building, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Walsh T. Editor’s Pick: Systemic Sclerosis: The Role of YAP/TAZ in Disease Pathogenesis. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10310340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune condition of unknown cause. Yes-Associated Protein/Tafazzin (YAP/TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators previously demonstrated to be involved in cellular stretch biology, and form the principal effector molecules of the Hippo signalling pathway. The association between YAP/TAZ and stretch is contingent upon their cytoplasmic localisation (with nuclear translocation, the cell adopts a relaxed state). The author weighs the evidence for a central role for YAP/TAZ signalling in scleroderma spanning the major clinical features of the condition. Several of the features unique to SSc are mediated by cytoplasmic localisation of YAP/TAZ, including the stretch phenotype (through binding to NF-2), arterial lumenal obliteration (through their binding to angiomotin), the promotion of hypergammaglobulinaemia (via feedback to the upstream Hippo signalling molecule Mammalian Ste20-like Kinase 1), and the induction of B-Lymphocyte-Induced Maturation Protein-1 leading to the adoption of Th2 lineage, prominent in SSc. One observes that the induction of the fibrotic phenotype of scleroderma is mediated through GLI1/GLI2 (the effector molecules of the Hedgehog pathway). GLI1/GLI2 are induced to reciprocally enter the nucleus when YAP/TAZ is intracytoplasmic. The latter explains the characteristically increased connective tissue growth factor 2 and endothelin-1 expression. In this article, the author references some examples of the role of YAP/TAZ in the biophysically similar condition nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and suggests a role of YAP/TAZ cytoplasmic sequestration in programmed cell death protein 1-ligand antagonist-induced scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Walsh
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
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10
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Asano Y, Takahashi T, Saigusa R. Systemic sclerosis: Is the epithelium a missing piece of the pathogenic puzzle? J Dermatol Sci 2019; 94:259-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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11
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Li P, Goodwin AJ, Cook JA, Halushka PV, Zhang XK, Fan H. Fli-1 transcription factor regulates the expression of caspase-1 in lung pericytes. Mol Immunol 2019; 108:1-7. [PMID: 30739075 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our previous data demonstrated that Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1), an ETS transcription factor, governs pericyte loss and vascular dysfunction in cecal ligation and puncture-induced murine sepsis by regulating essential pyroptosis markers including caspase-1. However, whether Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 expression levels in vitro and how Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 remain unknown. Our present work further demonstrated that overexpressed Fli-1 significantly increased caspase-1 and IL-18 expression levels in cultured mouse lung pericytes. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been found to induce cell pyroptosis through transferring LPS intracellularly. Using OMVs to induce an in vitro model of pyroptosis, we observed that OMVs significantly increased protein levels of Fli-1 in mouse lung pericytes. Furthermore, knockdown of Fli-1 by siRNA blocked OMVs-induced caspase-1, caspase-11 and IL-18 expression levels. As caspase-1 was predicted as a potential target of Fli-1, we cloned murine caspase-1 promoter into a luciferase construct. Our data demonstrate for the first time that Fli-1 regulates caspase-1 expression by directly binding to its promoter regions measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and luciferase reporter system. In summary, our findings demonstrated a novel role and mechanism of Fli-1 in regulating caspase-1 expression in lung pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - James A Cook
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Xian K Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States.
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Yamashita T, Asano Y, Saigusa R, Taniguchi T, Hirabayashi M, Miyagawa T, Nakamura K, Miura S, Yoshizaki A, Trojanowska M, Sato S. Cyclophosphamide Pulse Therapy Normalizes Vascular Abnormalities in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis Vasculopathy. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 139:1150-1160. [PMID: 30508546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse, a standard treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease, elicits a disease-modifying effect on SSc vasculopathy, such as fostering microvascular de-remodeling. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which cyclophosphamide mitigates SSc vasculopathy, we employed endothelial cell-specific Fli1 knockout mice that mimic the functional and structural vascular abnormalities characteristic of SSc. Biweekly cyclophosphamide injection improved vascular permeability and structural abnormalities of endothelial cell-specific Fli1 knockout mice in 2 weeks and in 3 months, respectively. In endothelial cell-specific Fli1 knockout mice, a single dose of cyclophosphamide was sufficient to normalize the decreased expression of α-smooth muscle actin in dermal blood vessels and improve the impaired neovascularization in skin-embedded Matrigel plug. Under the same condition, the decreased expression of vascular endothelial cadherin, platelet-derived growth factor B, S1P1, and CCN1 (molecules associated with angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis) was reversed along with the reversal of endothelial Fli1 expression. In SSc patients, serum CCN1 levels were significantly increased after intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse. Taken together, these results indicate that cyclophosphamide improves Fli1 deficiency-dependent vascular changes by normalizing the expression of angiogenesis- and vasculogenesis-related molecules and endothelial Fli1, which may help to explain the beneficial effect of cyclophosphamide on SSc vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Li P, Zhou Y, Goodwin AJ, Cook JA, Halushka PV, Zhang XK, Wilson CL, Schnapp LM, Zingarelli B, Fan H. Fli-1 Governs Pericyte Dysfunction in a Murine Model of Sepsis. J Infect Dis 2018; 218:1995-2005. [PMID: 30053030 PMCID: PMC6217724 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pericytes are vascular mural cells and are embedded in the basement membrane of the microvasculature. Recent studies suggest a role for pericytes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microvascular dysfunction and mortality, but the mechanisms of pericyte loss in sepsis are largely unknown. Methods By using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced murine model of sepsis, we observed that CLP led to lung and renal pericyte loss and reduced lung pericyte density and pericyte/endothelial cell (EC) coverage. Results Up-regulated Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli-1) messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein levels were found in lung pericytes from CLP mice in vivo and in LPS-stimulated lung pericytes in vitro. Knockout of Fli-1 in Foxd1-derived pericytes prevented CLP-induced pericyte loss, vascular leak, and improved survival. Disrupted Fli-1 expression by small interfering RNA inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in cultured lung pericytes. Furthermore, CLP-induced pericyte pyroptosis was mitigated in pericyte Fli-1 knockout mice. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Fli-1 is a potential therapeutic target in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Andrew J Goodwin
- Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - James A Cook
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Perry V Halushka
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Xian K Zhang
- Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Carole L Wilson
- Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Lynn M Schnapp
- Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Basilia Zingarelli
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Ohio
| | - Hongkuan Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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Bruni C, Frech T, Manetti M, Rossi FW, Furst DE, De Paulis A, Rivellese F, Guiducci S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Bellando-Randone S. Vascular Leaking, a Pivotal and Early Pathogenetic Event in Systemic Sclerosis: Should the Door Be Closed? Front Immunol 2018; 9:2045. [PMID: 30245695 PMCID: PMC6137210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The early phase of systemic sclerosis (SSc) presents edema as one of the main features: this is clinically evident in the digital swelling (puffy fingers) as well as in the edematous skin infiltration of the early active diffuse subset. Other organs could be affected by this same disease process, such as the lung (with the appearance of ground glass opacities) and the heart (with edematous changes on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging). The genesis of tissue edema is tightly linked to pathological changes in the endothelium: various reports demonstrated the effect of transforming growth factor β, vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-reperfusion damage with reactive oxygen species generation in altering vascular permeability and extravasation, in particular in SSc. This condition has an alteration in the glycocalyx thickness, reducing the protection of the vessel wall and causing non-fibrotic interstitial edema, a marker of vascular leak. Moreover, changes in the junctional adhesion molecule family and other adhesion molecules, such as ICAM and VCAM, are associated with an increased myeloid cells' extravasation in the skin and increased myofibroblasts transformation with further vascular leak and cellular migration. This mini-review examines current knowledge on determinants of vascular leak in SSc, shedding light on the role of vascular protection. This could enhance further studies in the light of drug development for early treatment, suggesting that the control of vascular leakage should be considered in the same way that vasodilation and inflammation reduction, as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Bruni
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tracy Frech
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Salt Lake Veterans Affair Medical Centre, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniel E. Furst
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Rivellese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), WAO Center of Excellence, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology and Scleroderma Unit, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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Fli1-haploinsufficient dermal fibroblasts promote skin-localized transdifferentiation of Th2-like regulatory T cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:23. [PMID: 29415756 PMCID: PMC5803841 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) deficiency, a predisposing factor of systemic sclerosis (SSc), induces SSc-like phenotypes in various cell types. A recent study demonstrated the transdifferentiation of T helper type 2 cell (Th2)-like regulatory T cells (Tregs) in SSc lesional skin through interleukin (IL)-33 produced by fibroblasts. Therefore, we investigated the role of Fli1 deficiency in dermal fibroblast-mediated transdifferentiation of Tregs. Methods Cytokine expression was assessed in Tregs by flow cytometry and in skin samples and cultivated cells by immunostaining, immunoblotting, and/or qRT-PCR. Fli1 binding to the target gene promoters was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Murine dermal fibroblasts and Tregs were cocultured with or without blocking antibodies against target cytokines. Results Th2- and Th17-like cell proportions in skin-homing Tregs were increased in bleomycin-treated Fli1+/− mice compared with bleomycin-treated wild-type mice, whereas Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-like cell proportions in splenic Tregs were comparable. Fli1+/− fibroblasts overproduced IL-33 and IL-6, in particular IL-33, and Fli1 occupied the IL33 and IL6 promoters in dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, the IL-4-producing cell proportion was significantly higher in wild-type Tregs cocultured with Fli1+/− fibroblasts than in those cocultured with wild-type fibroblasts, which were canceled by neutralizing anti-IL-33 antibody. Under the same coculture condition, an increased tendency of IL-17A-producing cell proportion, which was possibly mediated by IL-6, was evident. Conclusions Fli1 haploinsufficiency increases the proportions of Th2- and Th17-like Tregs in bleomycin-induced profibrotic skin conditions, in which IL-33-producing dermal fibroblasts contribute to Th2-like Treg transdifferentiation, suggesting a critical role of Fli1 deficiency in the interaction of dermal fibroblasts with immune cells in pathological skin fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: recent insights of molecular and cellular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/jsrd.5000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease characterized by early microvascular abnormalities, immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation, and subsequent fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Excessive fibrosis, distinguishing hallmark of SSc, is the end result of a complex series of interlinked vascular injury and immune activation, and represents a maladaptive repair process. Activated vascular, epithelial, and immune cells generate pro-fibrotic cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, lipid mediators, autoantibodies, and reactive oxygen species. These paracrine and autocrine cues in turn induce activation, differentiation, and survival of mesenchymal cells, ensuing tissue fibrosis through increased collagen synthesis, matrix deposition, tissue rigidity and remodeling, and vascular rarefaction. This review features recent insights of the pathogenic process of SSc, highlighting three major characteristics of SSc, microvasculopathy, excessive fibrosis, and immune dysregulation, and sheds new light on the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of SSc and providing novel avenues for targeted therapies.
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Taniguchi T, Asano Y, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Ichimura Y, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Yoshizaki A, Sato S. Fli1 Deficiency Induces CXCL6 Expression in Dermal Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells, Contributing to the Development of Fibrosis and Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis. J Rheumatol 2017; 44:1198-1205. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.161092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective.CXCL6, a chemokine with proangiogenic property, is reported to be involved in vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the contribution of CXCL6 to SSc development by focusing on the association of friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) deficiency, a potential predisposing factor of SSc, with CXCL6 expression and clinical correlation of serum CXCL6 levels.Methods.mRNA levels of target genes and the binding of Fli1 to the CXCL6 promoter were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Serum CXCL6 levels were determined by ELISA.Results.FLI1 siRNA significantly enhanced CXCL6 mRNA expression in human dermal fibroblasts and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, while Fli1 haploinsufficiency significantly suppressed CXCL6 mRNA expression in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Supporting a critical role of Fli1 deficiency to induce SSc-like phenotypes, CXCL6 mRNA expression was higher in SSc dermal fibroblasts than in normal dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, Fli1 bound to the CXCL6 promoter in dermal fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and THP-1 cells. In patients with SSc, serum CXCL6 levels correlated positively with the severity of dermal and pulmonary fibrosis and were elevated in association with cardiac and pulmonary vascular involvement and cutaneous vascular symptoms, including Raynaud phenomenon, digital ulcers (DU)/pitting scars, and telangiectasia. Especially, serum CXCL6 levels were associated with DU/pitting scars and heart involvement by multiple regression analysis.Conclusion.CXCL6 expression is upregulated by Fli1 deficiency in fibroblasts and endothelial cells, potentially contributing to the development of fibrosis and vasculopathy in the skin, lung, and heart of SSc.
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Takahashi T, Asano Y, Sugawara K, Yamashita T, Nakamura K, Saigusa R, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Taniguchi T, Akamata K, Noda S, Yoshizaki A, Tsuruta D, Trojanowska M, Sato S. Epithelial Fli1 deficiency drives systemic autoimmunity and fibrosis: Possible roles in scleroderma. J Exp Med 2017; 214:1129-1151. [PMID: 28232470 PMCID: PMC5379967 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis in the skin and internal organs, most frequently in the esophagus and lungs. Hitherto, studies on SSc pathogenesis centered on immune cells, vascular cells, and fibroblasts. Although dysregulated keratinocytes in SSc have been recently reported, the contribution of epithelial cells to pathogenesis remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated the induction of SSc-like molecular phenotype in keratinocytes by gene silencing of transcription factor Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1), the deficiency of which is implicated in SSc pathogenesis. Keratin 14-expressing epithelial cell-specific Fli1 knockout mice spontaneously developed dermal and esophageal fibrosis with epithelial activation. Furthermore, they developed remarkable autoimmunity with interstitial lung disease derived from thymic defects with down-regulation of autoimmune regulator (Aire). Importantly, Fli1 directly regulated Aire expression in epithelial cells. Collectively, epithelial Fli1 deficiency might be involved in the systemic autoimmunity and selective organ fibrosis in SSc. This study uncovers unidentified roles of dysregulated epithelial cells in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Koji Sugawara
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kaname Akamata
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shinji Noda
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsuruta
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to a number of different diseases/conditions, when vasopasm can be superimposed upon structural vascular abnormality or a hyperviscosity state and may then lead to severe ischaemia with tissue damage. Treatment must be tailored to the individual. Areas covered: This review discusses how increased understanding of the pathogenesis of RP has driven and is driving new approaches to therapy, and how we are now better able to predict which patients presenting with RP are likely to have an underlying disease requiring specific intervention. Medline searches (1946 to August 2016) were conducted for 'Raynaud's' in combination with relevant terms including different drugs. All papers identified were English language, with abstracts. Expert commentary: Randomised controlled trials of RP present particular challenges. The major aim must continue to be development of safe, effective treatments for patients across the spectrum of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane L Herrick
- a Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences , The University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK.,b NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit , Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
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Glycyrrhizin Ameliorates Fibrosis, Vasculopathy, and Inflammation in Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 137:631-640. [PMID: 27777101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem inflammatory and vascular disease resulting in extensive tissue fibrosis. Glycyrrhizin, clinically used for chronic hepatic diseases and itching dermatitis, modulates the pathological processes of inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis in human diseases and their animal models. Therefore, we investigated a potential impact of glycyrrhizin on the key pathological manifestations of SSc, including inflammation, vasculopathy, and tissue fibrosis, with bleomycin-treated mice mimicking the fibrotic and inflammatory components of SSc and endothelial cell-specific Fli1-knockout mice recapitulating SSc vasculopathy. Glycyrrhizin significantly ameliorated dermal fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice, which was partly attributable to blockade of transforming growth factor-β signaling in dermal fibroblasts through the down-regulation of thrombospondin 1, a latent transforming growth factor-β receptor, and transcription factors Smad3 and Ets1. Furthermore, bleomycin-dependent induction of T helper type 2-skewed immune polarization, M2 macrophage infiltration, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition were greatly suppressed in mice administered glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin also improved vascular permeability of endothelial cell-specific Fli1-knockout mice by increasing the expression of molecules regulating vascular integrity. These results indicate that glycyrrhizin ameliorates bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis through the inhibition of fibroblast activation, T helper type 2-skewed immune polarization, M2 macrophage infiltration, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and improves endothelial Fli1 deficiency-dependent vascular disintegrity, implying its potential as a disease-modifying drug for SSc.
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Discovery of Dual ETA/ETB Receptor Antagonists from Traditional Chinese Herbs through in Silico and in Vitro Screening. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:389. [PMID: 26999111 PMCID: PMC4813245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1 receptors (ETAR and ETBR) act as a pivotal regulator in the biological effects of ET-1 and represent a potential drug target for the treatment of multiple cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the study is to discover dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonists from traditional Chinese herbs. Ligand- and structure-based virtual screening was performed to screen an in-house database of traditional Chinese herbs, followed by a series of in vitro bioassay evaluation. Aristolochic acid A (AAA) was first confirmed to be a dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist based intracellular calcium influx assay and impedance-based assay. Dose-response curves showed that AAA can block both ETAR and ETBR with IC50 of 7.91 and 7.40 μM, respectively. Target specificity and cytotoxicity bioassay proved that AAA is a selective dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist and has no significant cytotoxicity on HEK293/ETAR and HEK293/ETBR cells within 24 h. It is a feasible and effective approach to discover bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese herbs using in silico screening combined with in vitro bioassay evaluation. The structural characteristic of AAA for its activity was especially interpreted, which could provide valuable reference for the further structural modification of AAA.
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Saigusa R, Asano Y, Yamashita T, Taniguchi T, Takahashi T, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Yoshizaki A, Miyagaki T, Sugaya M, Sato S. Fli1 deficiency contributes to the downregulation of endothelial protein C receptor in systemic sclerosis: a possible role in prothrombotic conditions. Br J Dermatol 2015; 174:338-47. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - Y. Asano
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - Y. Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Toyama
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - A. Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Miyagaki
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - M. Sugaya
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - S. Sato
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
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Epigenetic suppression of Fli1, a potential predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 67:86-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disorder featured by vascular injury and fibrosis of the skin and various internal organs with autoimmune background. Although the pathogenesis of SSc still remains elusive, it is generally accepted that initial vascular injury due to autoimmunity and/or environmental factors causes structural and functional abnormalities of vasculature which eventually result in the constitutive activation of fibroblasts in various organs. Structural alterations consist of destructive vasculopathy (loss of small vessels) and proliferative obliterative vasculopathy (occlusion of arterioles and small arteries with fibro-proliferative change) caused by impaired compensatory vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Impaired function of SSc vasculature includes the altered expression of cell adhesion molecules predominantly inducing Th2 and Th17 cell infiltration, endothelial dysfunction primarily due to the low availability of nitric oxide, the activated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition leading to fibro-proliferative vascular change and tissue fibrosis, and the impaired coagulation/fibrinolysis system promoting the formation of intravascular fibrin deposits. Recent new insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse and bosentan and the establishment of a new SSc animal model (Klf5 (+/-);Fli1 (+/-) mice) provide us useful clues to further understand the development of vascular alterations characteristic of SSc. This article overviewed the present understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc vasculopathy.
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