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Hassan MDS, Razali N, Abu Bakar AS, Abu Hanipah NF, Agarwal R. Connective tissue growth factor: Role in trabecular meshwork remodeling and intraocular pressure lowering. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1425-1436. [PMID: 37873757 PMCID: PMC10657592 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231199466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a distinct signaling molecule modulating many physiological and pathophysiological processes. This protein is upregulated in numerous fibrotic diseases that involve extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. It mediates the downstream effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and is regulated via TGF-β SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent signaling routes. Targeting CTGF instead of its upstream regulator TGF-β avoids the consequences of interfering with the pleotropic effects of TGF-β. Both CTGF and its upstream mediator, TGF-β, have been linked with the pathophysiology of glaucomatous optic neuropathy due to their involvement in the regulation of ECM homeostasis. The excessive expression of these growth factors is associated with glaucoma pathogenesis via elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP), the most important risk factor for glaucoma. The raised in the IOP is due to dysregulation of ECM turnover resulting in excessive ECM deposition at the site of aqueous humor outflow. It is therefore believed that CTGF could be a potential therapeutic target in glaucoma therapy. This review highlights the CTGF biology and structure, its regulation and signaling, its association with the pathophysiology of glaucoma, and its potential role as a therapeutic target in glaucoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norhafiza Razali
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Center for Neuroscience Research (NeuRon), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Amy Suzana Abu Bakar
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Center for Neuroscience Research (NeuRon), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Noor Fahitah Abu Hanipah
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University (IMU), 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Birkeness LB, Banerjee S, Quadir M, Banerjee SK. The role of CCNs in controlling cellular communication in the tumor microenvironment. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:35-45. [PMID: 35674933 PMCID: PMC10030743 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cellular communication network (CCN) family of growth regulatory factors comprises six secreted matricellular proteins that promote signal transduction through cell-cell or cell-matrix interaction. The diversity of functionality between each protein is specific to the many aspects of healthy and cancer biology. For example, CCN family proteins modulate cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, invasiveness, apoptosis, and survival. In addition, the expression of each protein regulates many biological and pathobiological processes within its microenvironment to regulate angiogenesis, inflammatory response, chondrogenesis, fibrosis, and mitochondrial integrity. The collective range of CCN operation remains fully comprehended; however, understanding each protein's microenvironment may draw more conclusions about the abundance of interactions and signaling cascades occurring within such issues. This review observes and distinguishes the various roles a CCN protein may execute within distinct tumor microenvironments and the biological associations among them. Finally. We also review how CCN-family proteins can be used in nano-based therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B Birkeness
- Cancer Research Unit, Research Division, VA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO, 64128, USA
| | - Snigdha Banerjee
- Cancer Research Unit, Research Division, VA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO, 64128, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66106, USA
| | - Mohiuddin Quadir
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA
| | - Sushanta K Banerjee
- Cancer Research Unit, Research Division, VA Medical Center, 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO, 64128, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66106, USA.
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Molecular insights of Hippo signaling in the chick developing lung. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194904. [PMID: 36572276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hippo signaling pathway and its effector YAP have been recognized as an essential growth regulator during embryonic development. Hippo has been studied in different contexts; nevertheless, its role during chick lung branching morphogenesis remains unknown. Therefore, this work aims to determine Hippo role during early pulmonary organogenesis in the avian animal model. The current study describes the spatial distribution of Hippo signaling members in the embryonic chick lung by in situ hybridization. Overall, their expression is comparable to their mammalian counterparts. Moreover, the expression levels of phosphorylated-YAP (pYAP) and total YAP revealed that Hippo signaling is active in the embryonic chick lung. Furthermore, the presence of pYAP in the cytoplasm demonstrated that the Hippo machinery distribution is maintained in this tissue. In vitro studies were performed to assess the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in lung branching. Lung explants treated with a YAP/TEAD complex inhibitor (verteporfin) displayed a significant reduction in lung size and branching and decreased expression of ctgf (Hippo target gene) compared to the control. This approach also revealed that Hippo seems to modulate the expression of key molecular players involved in lung branching morphogenesis (sox2, sox9, axin2, and gli1). Conversely, when treated with dobutamine, an upstream regulator that promotes YAP phosphorylation, explant morphology was not severely affected. Overall, our data indicate that Hippo machinery is present and active in the early stages of avian pulmonary branching and that YAP is likely involved in the regulation of lung growth.
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Sountoulidis A, Marco Salas S, Braun E, Avenel C, Bergenstråhle J, Theelke J, Vicari M, Czarnewski P, Liontos A, Abalo X, Andrusivová Ž, Mirzazadeh R, Asp M, Li X, Hu L, Sariyar S, Martinez Casals A, Ayoglu B, Firsova A, Michaëlsson J, Lundberg E, Wählby C, Sundström E, Linnarsson S, Lundeberg J, Nilsson M, Samakovlis C. A topographic atlas defines developmental origins of cell heterogeneity in the human embryonic lung. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:351-365. [PMID: 36646791 PMCID: PMC9928586 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01064-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The lung contains numerous specialized cell types with distinct roles in tissue function and integrity. To clarify the origins and mechanisms generating cell heterogeneity, we created a comprehensive topographic atlas of early human lung development. Here we report 83 cell states and several spatially resolved developmental trajectories and predict cell interactions within defined tissue niches. We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatially resolved transcriptomics into a web-based, open platform for interactive exploration. We show distinct gene expression programmes, accompanying sequential events of cell differentiation and maturation of the secretory and neuroendocrine cell types in proximal epithelium. We define the origin of airway fibroblasts associated with airway smooth muscle in bronchovascular bundles and describe a trajectory of Schwann cell progenitors to intrinsic parasympathetic neurons controlling bronchoconstriction. Our atlas provides a rich resource for further research and a reference for defining deviations from homeostatic and repair mechanisms leading to pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Sountoulidis
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergio Marco Salas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Braun
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christophe Avenel
- Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- BioImage Informatics Facility, Science for Life Laboratory, SciLifeLab, Sweden
| | - Joseph Bergenstråhle
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Theelke
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Vicari
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paulo Czarnewski
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Liontos
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xesus Abalo
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Žaneta Andrusivová
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Reza Mirzazadeh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michaela Asp
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lijuan Hu
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sanem Sariyar
- Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Martinez Casals
- Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Burcu Ayoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Firsova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jakob Michaëlsson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Lundberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carolina Wählby
- Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- BioImage Informatics Facility, Science for Life Laboratory, SciLifeLab, Sweden
| | - Erik Sundström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Lundeberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Nilsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Christos Samakovlis
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden.
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Molecular Pneumology, Cardiopulmonary Institute, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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5
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Baguma-Nibasheka M, Kablar B. Mechanics of Lung Development. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2023; 236:131-150. [PMID: 37955774 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38215-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
We summarize how skeletal muscle and lung developmental biology fields have been bridged to benefit from mouse genetic engineering technologies and to explore the role of fetal breathing-like movements (FBMs) in lung development, by using skeletal muscle-specific mutant mice. It has been known for a long time that FBMs are essential for the lung to develop properly. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms transducing the mechanical forces of muscular activity into specific genetic programs that propel lung morphogenesis (development of the shape, form and size of the lung, its airways, and gas exchange surface) as well as its differentiation (acquisition of specialized cell structural and functional features from their progenitor cells) are only starting to be revealed. This chapter is a brief synopsis of the cumulative findings from that ongoing quest. An update on and the rationale for our recent International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) search is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Baguma-Nibasheka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Boris Kablar
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Anatomy and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Kablar B. Skeletal Muscle's Role in Prenatal Inter-organ Communication: A Phenogenomic Study with Qualitative Citation Analysis. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2023; 236:1-19. [PMID: 37955769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38215-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Gene targeting in mice allows for a complete elimination of skeletal (striated or voluntary) musculature in the body, from the beginning of its development, resulting in our ability to study the consequences of this ablation on other organs. Here I focus on the relationship between the muscle and lung, motor neurons, skeleton, and special senses. Since the inception of my independent laboratory, in 2000, with my team, we published more than 30 papers (and a book chapter), nearly 400 pages of data, on these specific relationships. Here I trace, using Web of Science, nearly 600 citations of this work, to understand its impact. The current report contains a summary of our work and its impact, NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus accession numbers of all our microarray data, and three clear future directions doable by anyone using our publicly available data. Together, this effort furthers our understanding of inter-organ communication during prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Kablar
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Anatomy and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Zaykov V, Chaqour B. The CCN2/CTGF interactome: an approach to understanding the versatility of CCN2/CTGF molecular activities. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:567-580. [PMID: 34613590 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network 2 (CCN2), also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) regulates diverse cellular processes, some at odds with others, including adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between CCN2/CTGF expression and local fibrotic reactions has initially been established, CCN2/CTGF manifests cell-, tissue-, and context-specific functions and differentially affects developmental and pathological processes ranging from progenitor cell fate decisions and angiogenesis to inflammation and tumorigenesis. CCN2/CTGF multimodular structure, binding to and activation or inhibition of multiple cell surface receptors, growth factors and ECM proteins, and susceptibility for proteolytic cleavage highlight the complexity to CCN2/CTGF biochemical attributes. CCN2/CTGF expression and dosage in the local environment affects a defined community of its interacting partners, and this results in sequestration of growth factors, interference with or potentiation of ligand-receptor binding, cellular internalization of CCN2/CTGF, inhibition or activation of proteases, and generation of CCN2/CTGF degradome products that add molecular diversity and expand the repertoire of functional modules in the cells and their microenvironment. Through these interactions, different intracellular signals and cellular responses are elicited culminating into physiological or pathological reactions. Thus, the CCN2/CTGF interactome is a defining factor of its tissue- and context-specific effects. Mapping of new CCN2/CTGF binding partners might shed light on yet unknown roles of CCN2/CTGF and provide a solid basis for tissue-specific targeting this molecule or its interacting partners in a therapeutic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Zaykov
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
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8
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Leguit RJ, Raymakers RAP, Hebeda KM, Goldschmeding R. CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2) in the bone marrow microenvironment, normal and malignant hematopoiesis. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:25-56. [PMID: 33428075 PMCID: PMC7798015 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CCN2, formerly termed Connective Tissue Growth Factor, is a protein belonging to the Cellular Communication Network (CCN)-family of secreted extracellular matrix-associated proteins. As a matricellular protein it is mainly considered to be active as a modifier of signaling activity of several different signaling pathways and as an orchestrator of their cross-talk. Furthermore, CCN2 and its fragments have been implicated in the regulation of a multitude of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, cell survival, apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix products, as well as in more complex processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, fibrosis, mechanotransduction and inflammation. Its function is complex and context dependent, depending on cell type, state of differentiation and microenvironmental context. CCN2 plays a role in many diseases, especially those associated with fibrosis, but has also been implicated in many different forms of cancer. In the bone marrow (BM), CCN2 is highly expressed in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). CCN2 is important for MSC function, supporting its proliferation, migration and differentiation. In addition, stromal CCN2 supports the maintenance and longtime survival of hematopoietic stem cells, and in the presence of interleukin 7, stimulates the differentiation of pro-B lymphocytes into pre-B lymphocytes. Overexpression of CCN2 is seen in the majority of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemias, especially in certain cytogenetic subgroups associated with poor outcome. In acute myeloid leukemia, CCN2 expression is increased in MSCs, which has been associated with leukemic engraftment in vivo. In this review, the complex function of CCN2 in the BM microenvironment and in normal as well as malignant hematopoiesis is discussed. In addition, an overview is given of data on the remaining CCN family members regarding normal and malignant hematopoiesis, having many similarities and some differences in their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos J. Leguit
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, H04-312, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier A. P. Raymakers
- Department of Hematology, UMCU Cancer Center, Heidelberglaan 100 B02.226, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Konnie M. Hebeda
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kaur S, Roberts DD. Differential intolerance to loss of function and missense mutations in genes that encode human matricellular proteins. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:93-105. [PMID: 33415696 PMCID: PMC7904989 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00598-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted gene disruption in mice has provided valuable insights into the functions of matricellular proteins. Apart from missense and loss of function mutations that have been associated with inherited diseases, however, their functions in humans remain unclear. The availability of deep exome sequencing data from over 140,000 individuals in the Genome Aggregation Database provided an opportunity to examine intolerance to loss of function and missense mutations in human matricellular genes. The probability of loss-of-function intolerance (pLI) differed widely within members of the thrombospondin, CYR61/CTGF/NOV (CCN), tenascin, small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLING), and secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) gene families. Notably, pLI values in humans had limited correlation with viability of the corresponding homozygous null mice. Among the thrombospondins, only THBS1 was highly loss-intolerant (pLI = 1). In contrast, Thbs1 is not essential for viability in mice. Several known thrombospondin-1 receptors were similarly loss-intolerant, although thrombospondin-1 is not the exclusive ligand for some of these receptors. The frequencies of missense mutations in THBS1 and the gene encoding its signaling receptor CD47 indicated conservation of some residues implicated in specific receptor binding. Deficits in missense mutations were also observed for other thrombospondin genes and for SPARC, SPOCK1, SPOCK2, TNR, and DSPP. The intolerance of THBS1 to loss of function in humans and elevated pLI values for THBS2, SPARC, SPOCK1, TNR, and CCN1 support important functions for these matricellular protein genes in humans, some of which may relate to functions in reproduction or responding to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Kaur
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10 Room 2S235, 10 Center Drive MSC1500, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1500, USA.
| | - David D Roberts
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Building 10 Room 2S235, 10 Center Drive MSC1500, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1500, USA.
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10
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Chen Z, Zhang N, Chu HY, Yu Y, Zhang ZK, Zhang G, Zhang BT. Connective Tissue Growth Factor: From Molecular Understandings to Drug Discovery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:593269. [PMID: 33195264 PMCID: PMC7658337 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.593269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a key signaling and regulatory molecule involved in different biological processes, such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and wound healing, as well as multiple pathologies, such as tumor development and tissue fibrosis. Although the underlying mechanisms of CTGF remain incompletely understood, a commonly accepted theory is that the interactions between different protein domains in CTGF and other various regulatory proteins and ligands contribute to its variety of functions. Here, we highlight the structure of each domain of CTGF and its biology functions in physiological conditions. We further summarized main diseases that are deeply influenced by CTGF domains and the potential targets of these diseases. Finally, we address the advantages and disadvantages of current drugs targeting CTGF and provide the perspective for the drug discovery of the next generation of CTGF inhibitors based on aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hang Yin Chu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zong-Kang Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bao-Ting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Eyeing the Extracellular Matrix in Vascular Development and Microvascular Diseases and Bridging the Divide between Vascular Mechanics and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103487. [PMID: 32429045 PMCID: PMC7278940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in all aspects of vascular development and health: supporting cell anchorage, providing structure, organization and mechanical stability, and serving as a sink for growth factors and sustained survival signals. Abnormal changes in ECM protein expression, organization, and/or properties, and the ensuing changes in vascular compliance affect vasodilator responses, microvascular pressure transmission, and collateral perfusion. The changes in microvascular compliance are independent factors initiating, driving, and/or exacerbating a plethora of microvascular diseases of the eye including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and vitreoretinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and neovascular glaucoma. Congruently, one of the major challenges with most vascular regenerative therapies utilizing localized growth factor, endothelial progenitor, or genetically engineered cell delivery, is the regeneration of blood vessels with physiological compliance properties. Interestingly, vascular cells sense physical forces, including the stiffness of their ECM, through mechanosensitive integrins, their associated proteins and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, which generates biochemical signals that culminate in a rapid expression of matricellular proteins such as cellular communication network 1 (CCN1) and CCN2 (aka connective tissue growth factor or CTGF). Loss or gain of function of these proteins alters genetic programs of cell growth, ECM biosynthesis, and intercellular signaling, that culminate in changes in cell behavior, polarization, and barrier function. In particular, the function of the matricellular protein CCN2/CTGF is critical during retinal vessel development and regeneration wherein new blood vessels form and invest a preformed avascular neural retina following putative gradients of matrix stiffness. These observations underscore the need for further in-depth characterization of the ECM-derived cues that dictate structural and functional properties of the microvasculature, along with the development of new therapeutic strategies addressing the ECM-dependent regulation of pathophysiological stiffening of blood vessels in ischemic retinopathies.
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12
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Falke LL, He N, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Broekhuizen R, Lyons K, Nguyen TQ, Goldschmeding R. Correction to: FoxD1-driven CCN2 deletion causes axial skeletal deformities, pulmonary hypoplasia, and neonatal asphyctic death. J Cell Commun Signal 2020; 14:47-52. [PMID: 32291573 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00559-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a severely disabling disease often leading to death. CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2, also known as CTGF) is a known mediator of fibrosis and clinical trials studying anti-CCN2 efficacy in pulmonary fibrosis are currently underway. Fork head box D1 (FoxD1) transcription factor is transiently expressed in several mesenchymal cell types, including those of fetal lungs. Differentiation of FoxD1-progenitor derived pericytes into myofibroblasts involves CCN2 expression and contributes importantly to maladaptive tissue remodeling in for example kidney and lung fibrosis models. To generate a model for studying the contribution of CCN2 expression in FoxD1-progenitor derived cells to development of fibrotic tissue remodeling, we set out to establish a FoxD1Cre - CCN2flox/flox mouse colony. However, all double-transgenic mice died soon after birth due to asphyxia. Histopathological examination revealed a reduction in alveolar space and lung weight, and subtle axial (thoracic and cervical) skeletal deformities. Together with the previously reported association of a FoxD1 containing locus with human adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, our data suggest that the fatal pulmonary hypoplasia resulting from selective deletion of CCN2 from FoxD1-progenitor derived mesenchymal cells developed secondary to impaired breathing movements due to aberrant axial skeletogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas L Falke
- Department. Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan, 100 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department Internal medicine, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nannan He
- Department Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Roel Broekhuizen
- Department. Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan, 100 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Lyons
- Department Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Oakland, CA, USA.,Department Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Tri Q Nguyen
- Department. Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan, 100 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department. Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan, 100 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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13
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Sun Z, Cai S, Zabkiewicz C, Liu C, Ye L. Bone morphogenetic proteins mediate crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment at primary tumours and metastases (Review). Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1335-1351. [PMID: 32236571 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are pluripotent molecules, co‑ordinating cellular functions from early embryonic and postnatal development to tissue repair, regeneration and homeostasis. They are also involved in tumourigenesis, disease progression and the metastasis of various solid tumours. Emerging evidence has indicated that BMPs are able to promote disease progression and metastasis by orchestrating communication between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. The interactions occur between BMPs and epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and extracellular matrix components. Overall, these interactions co‑ordinate the cellular functions of tumour cells and other types of cell in the tumour to promote the growth of the primary tumour, local invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis, and the establishment and survival of cancer cells in the metastatic niche. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide an informative summary of the involvement of BMPs in the tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Sun
- VIP‑II Division of Medical Department, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education, Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Cai
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Zabkiewicz
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Chang Liu
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
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14
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Falke LL, He N, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Broekhuizen R, Lyons K, Nguyen TQ, Goldschmeding R. FoxD1-driven CCN2 deletion causes axial skeletal deformities, pulmonary hypoplasia, and neonatal asphyctic death. J Cell Commun Signal 2020; 13:573-577. [PMID: 32020419 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00549-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a severely disabling disease often leading to death. CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2, also known as CTGF) is a known mediator of fibrosis and clinical trials studying anti-CCN2 efficacy in pulmonary fibrosis are currently underway. Fork head box D1 (FoxD1) transcription factor is transiently expressed in several mesenchymal cell types, including those of fetal lungs. Differentiation of FoxD1-progenitor derived pericytes into myofibroblasts involves CCN2 expression and contributes importantly to maladaptive tissue remodeling in e.g. kidney and lung fibrosis models. To generate a model for studying the contribution of CCN2 expression in FoxD1-progenitor derived cells to development of fibrotic tissue remodeling, we set out to establish a FoxD1Cre - CCN2flox/flox mouse colony. However, all double-transgenic mice died soon after birth due to asphyxia. Histopathological examination revealed a reduction in alveolar space and lung weight, and subtle axial (thoracic and cervical) skeletal deformities. Together with the previously reported association of a FoxD1 containing locus with human adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, our data suggest that the development of fatal pulmonary hypoplasia caused by selective deletion of CCN2 from FoxD1-progenitor derived mesenchymal cells was secondary to aberrant axial skeletogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas L Falke
- Deparment Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department Internal medicine, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nannan He
- Department Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Roel Broekhuizen
- Deparment Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Lyons
- Department Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tri Q Nguyen
- Deparment Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Deparment Pathology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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15
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Isago H, Mitani A, Mikami Y, Horie M, Urushiyama H, Hamamoto R, Terasaki Y, Nagase T. Epithelial Expression of YAP and TAZ Is Sequentially Required in Lung Development. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:256-266. [DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0218oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Isago
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Mitani
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Mikami
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Horie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Urushiyama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Hamamoto
- Division of Molecular Modification and Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan; and
| | - Yasuhiro Terasaki
- Department of Analytic Human Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahide Nagase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Wang X, Cui H, Wu S. CTGF: A potential therapeutic target for Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 860:172588. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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17
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Mesenchyme-specific deletion of Tgf-β1 in the embryonic lung disrupts branching morphogenesis and induces lung hypoplasia. J Transl Med 2019; 99:1363-1375. [PMID: 31028279 PMCID: PMC7422700 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper lung development depends on the precise temporal and spatial expression of several morphogenic factors, including Fgf10, Fgf9, Shh, Bmp4, and Tgf-β. Over- or under-expression of these molecules often leads to aberrant embryonic or postnatal lung development. Herein, we deleted the Tgf-β1 gene specifically within the lung embryonic mesenchymal compartment at specific gestational stages to determine the contribution of this cytokine to lung development. Mutant embryos developed severe lung hypoplasia and died at birth due to the inability to breathe. Despite the markedly reduced lung size, proliferation and differentiation of the lung epithelium was not affected by the lack of mesenchymal expression of the Tgf-β1 gene, while apoptosis was significantly increased in the mutant lung parenchyma. Lack of mesenchymal expression of the Tgf-β1 gene was also associated with reduced lung branching morphogenesis, with accompanying inhibition of the local FGF10 signaling pathway as well as abnormal development of the vascular system. To shed light on the mechanism of lung hypoplasia, we quantified the phosphorylation of 226 proteins in the mutant E12.5 lung compared with control. We identified five proteins, Hrs, Vav2, c-Kit, the regulatory subunit of Pi3k (P85), and Fgfr1, that were over- or under-phosphorylated in the mutant lung, suggesting that they could be indispensable effectors of the TGF-β signaling program during embryonic lung development. In conclusion, we have uncovered novel roles of the mesenchyme-specific Tgf-β1 ligand in embryonic mouse lung development and generated a mouse model that may prove helpful to identify some of the key pathogenic mechanisms underlying lung hypoplasia in humans.
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18
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Henrot P, Truchetet ME, Fisher G, Taïeb A, Cario M. CCN proteins as potential actionable targets in scleroderma. Exp Dermatol 2018; 28:11-18. [PMID: 30329180 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease combining inflammatory, vasculopathic and fibrotic manifestations. Skin features, which give their name to the disease and are considered as diagnostic as well as prognostic markers, have not been thoroughly investigated in terms of therapeutic targets. CCN proteins (CYR61/CCN1, CTGF/CCN2, NOV/CCN3 and WISP1-2-3 as CCN4-5-6) are a family of secreted matricellular proteins implicated in major cellular processes such as cell growth, migration, differentiation. They have already been implicated in key pathophysiological processes of SSc, namely fibrosis, vasculopathy and inflammation. In this review, we discuss the possible implication of CCN proteins in SSc pathogenesis, with a special focus on skin features, and identify the potential actionable CCN targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Henrot
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BMGIC, UMR1035, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Rheumatology, National Reference Center for Rare Diseases, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Elise Truchetet
- Department of Rheumatology, National Reference Center for Rare Diseases, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Immunoconcept, UMR 5164, Bordeaux, France
| | - Gary Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Alain Taïeb
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BMGIC, UMR1035, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Muriel Cario
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BMGIC, UMR1035, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Dermatology and Pediatric Dermatology, National Center for Rare Skin Disorders, Hôpital Saint André, Bordeaux, France
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19
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Labrousse-Arias D, Martínez-Ruiz A, Calzada MJ. Hypoxia and Redox Signaling on Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: From Mechanisms to Pathological Implications. Antioxid Redox Signal 2017; 27:802-822. [PMID: 28715969 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential modulator of cell behavior that influences tissue organization. It has a strong relevance in homeostasis and translational implications for human disease. In addition to ECM structural proteins, matricellular proteins are important regulators of the ECM that are involved in a myriad of different pathologies. Recent Advances: Biochemical studies, animal models, and study of human diseases have contributed to the knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in remodeling of the ECM, both in homeostasis and disease. Some of them might help in the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review aims to review what is known about some of the most studied matricellular proteins and their regulation by hypoxia and redox signaling, as well as the pathological implications of such regulation. CRITICAL ISSUES Matricellular proteins have complex regulatory functions and are modulated by hypoxia and redox signaling through diverse mechanisms, in some cases with controversial effects that can be cell or tissue specific and context dependent. Therefore, a better understanding of these regulatory processes would be of great benefit and will open new avenues of considerable therapeutic potential. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Characterizing the specific molecular mechanisms that modulate matricellular proteins in pathological processes that involve hypoxia and redox signaling warrants additional consideration to harness the potential therapeutic value of these regulatory proteins. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 802-822.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Labrousse-Arias
- 1 Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP) , Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Martínez-Ruiz
- 1 Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP) , Madrid, Spain .,2 Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV) , Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Calzada
- 1 Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP) , Madrid, Spain .,3 Departmento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid, Spain
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20
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Rapid Discovery of De Novo Deleterious Mutations in Cattle Enhances the Value of Livestock as Model Species. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11466. [PMID: 28904385 PMCID: PMC5597596 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, the clinical and molecular characterization of sporadic syndromes is often hindered by the small number of patients and the difficulty in developing animal models for severe dominant conditions. Here we show that the availability of large data sets of whole-genome sequences, high-density SNP chip genotypes and extensive recording of phenotype offers an unprecedented opportunity to quickly dissect the genetic architecture of severe dominant conditions in livestock. We report on the identification of seven dominant de novo mutations in CHD7, COL1A1, COL2A1, COPA, and MITF and exploit the structure of cattle populations to describe their clinical consequences and map modifier loci. Moreover, we demonstrate that the emergence of recessive genetic defects can be monitored by detecting de novo deleterious mutations in the genome of bulls used for artificial insemination. These results demonstrate the attractiveness of cattle as a model species in the post genomic era, particularly to confirm the genetic aetiology of isolated clinical case reports in humans.
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21
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Lin CH, Wang YH, Chen YW, Lin YL, Chen BC, Chen MC. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of CXCL8/IL-8 gene expression induced by connective tissue growth factor. Immunol Res 2016; 64:369-84. [PMID: 26071024 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-015-8670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a CCN family member, is a secreted protein regulating cellular functions, including fibrosis, apoptosis, adhesion, migration, differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and chondrogenesis. CTGF increases proinflammatory factor production; however, inflammatory cytokine regulation by CTGF is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify novel biological functions and elucidate the functional mechanisms of CTGF. Specifically, the study focused on the ability of CTGF-primed monocytes to secrete interleukin 8 (CXCL8/IL-8) and determined the signaling pathways involved in CTGF-induced CXCL8/IL-8 gene regulation during inflammation. We transfected wild-type or mutant CXCL8/IL-8 promoter-derived luciferase reporter constructs into 293T cells to examine the effect of CTGF on the CXCL8/IL-8 promoter. The results showed that the activator protein-1 and nuclear factor κB binding sites of the CXCL8/IL-8 promoter are essential for CTGF-induced CXCL8/IL-8 transcription. Moreover, the CTGF-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is involved in this process. In addition, adenosine-uridine-rich elements (AREs) of the CXCL8/IL-8 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) reduce CXCL8/IL-8 mRNA stability. To investigate whether CTGF regulates CXCL8/IL-8 gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, we transfected 293 cells with serial luciferase constructs containing different segments of the CXCL8/IL-8 3'-UTR and then stimulated the cells with CTGF. The results suggested that CTGF stabilized luciferase mRNA and increased luciferase activity by regulating the CXCL8/IL-8 3'-UTR. Moreover, the p38 MAPK pathway may contribute to CTGF-induced CXCL8/IL-8 mRNA stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Hung Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Liang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chieh Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
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22
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Kato S, Yokoyama S, Hayakawa Y, Li L, Iwakami Y, Sakurai H, Saiki I. P38 pathway as a key downstream signal of connective tissue growth factor to regulate metastatic potential in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1416-1421. [PMID: 27403934 PMCID: PMC5084657 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the secretory matricellular protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been reported to be related to lung cancer metastasis, the precise mechanism by which CTGF regulates lung cancer metastasis has not been elucidated. In the present study, we show the molecular link between CTGF secretion and the p38 pathway in the invasive and metastatic potential of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among three different human NSCLC cell lines (PC‐14, A549, and PC‐9), their in vitro invasiveness was inversely correlated with the level of CTGF secretion. By supplementing or reducing CTGF secretion in NSCLC culture, dysregulation of the invasive and metastatic potential of NSCLC cell lines was largely compensated. By focusing on the protein kinases that are known to be regulated by CTGF, we found that the p38 pathway is a key downstream signal of CTGF to regulate the metastatic potential of NSCLC. Importantly, a negative correlation between CTGF and phosphorylation status of p38 was identified in The Cancer Genome Atlas lung adenocarcinoma dataset. In the context of the clinical importance of our findings, we showed that p38 inhibitor, SB203580, reduced the metastatic potential of NSCLC secreting low levels of CTGF. Collectively, our present findings indicate that the CTGF/p38 axis is a novel therapeutic target of NSCLC metastasis, particularly NSCLC secreting low levels of CTGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Kato
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoru Yokoyama
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Luhui Li
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yusuke Iwakami
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sakurai
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ikuo Saiki
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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23
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Casey JP, Brennan K, Scheidel N, McGettigan P, Lavin PT, Carter S, Ennis S, Dorkins H, Ghali N, Blacque OE, Mc Gee MM, Murphy H, Lynch SA. Recessive NEK9 mutation causes a lethal skeletal dysplasia with evidence of cell cycle and ciliary defects. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:1824-35. [PMID: 26908619 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal dysplasias are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of bone and cartilage disorders. Whilst >450 skeletal dysplasias have been reported, 30% are genetically uncharacterized. We report two Irish Traveller families with a previously undescribed lethal skeletal dysplasia characterized by fetal akinesia, shortening of all long bones, multiple contractures, rib anomalies, thoracic dysplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia and protruding abdomen. Single nucleotide polymorphism homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous stop-gain mutation in NEK9 (c.1489C>T; p.Arg497*) as the cause of this disorder. NEK9 encodes a never in mitosis gene A-related kinase involved in regulating spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytokinesis and cell cycle progression. This is the first disorder to be associated with NEK9 in humans. Analysis of NEK9 protein expression and localization in patient fibroblasts showed complete loss of full-length NEK9 (107 kDa). Functional characterization of patient fibroblasts showed a significant reduction in cell proliferation and a delay in cell cycle progression. We also provide evidence to support possible ciliary associations for NEK9. Firstly, patient fibroblasts displayed a significant reduction in cilia number and length. Secondly, we show that the NEK9 orthologue in Caenorhabditis elegans, nekl-1, is almost exclusively expressed in a subset of ciliated cells, a strong indicator of cilia-related functions. In summary, we report the clinical and molecular characterization of a lethal skeletal dysplasia caused by NEK9 mutation and suggest that this disorder may represent a novel ciliopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian P Casey
- Clinical Genetics, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland, UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences,
| | - Kieran Brennan
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Noemie Scheidel
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Paul McGettigan
- UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paul T Lavin
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Stephen Carter
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Sean Ennis
- UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences
| | - Huw Dorkins
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ, UK, Leicestershire Genetics Service, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK, St Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2DL, UK and
| | - Neeti Ghali
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ, UK
| | - Oliver E Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | | | - Helen Murphy
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Genetic Medicine-University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally Ann Lynch
- Clinical Genetics, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland, UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences
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24
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Li J, Ye L, Owen S, Weeks HP, Zhang Z, Jiang WG. Emerging role of CCN family proteins in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis (Review). Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:1451-63. [PMID: 26498181 PMCID: PMC4678164 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The CCN family of proteins comprises the members CCN1, CCN2, CCN3, CCN4, CCN5 and CCN6. They share four evolutionarily conserved functional domains, and usually interact with various cytokines to elicit different biological functions including cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion, migration, embryonic development, angiogenesis, wound healing, fibrosis and inflammation through a variety of signalling pathways. In the past two decades, emerging functions for the CCN proteins (CCNs) have been identified in various types of cancer. Perturbed expression of CCNs has been observed in a variety of malignancies. The aberrant expression of certain CCNs is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis. Insight into the detailed mechanisms involved in CCN-mediated regulation may be useful in understanding their roles and functions in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. In this review, we briefly introduced the functions of CCNs, especially in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Sioned Owen
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Hoi Ping Weeks
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Zhongtao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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25
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Krupska I, Bruford EA, Chaqour B. Eyeing the Cyr61/CTGF/NOV (CCN) group of genes in development and diseases: highlights of their structural likenesses and functional dissimilarities. Hum Genomics 2015; 9:24. [PMID: 26395334 PMCID: PMC4579636 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-015-0046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
“CCN” is an acronym referring to the first letter of each of the first three members of this original group of mammalian functionally and phylogenetically distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins [i.e., cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and nephroblastoma-overexpressed (NOV)]. Although “CCN” genes are unlikely to have arisen from a common ancestral gene, their encoded proteins share multimodular structures in which most cysteine residues are strictly conserved in their positions within several structural motifs. The CCN genes can be subdivided into members developmentally indispensable for embryonic viability (e.g., CCN1, 2 and 5), each assuming unique tissue-specific functions, and members not essential for embryonic development (e.g., CCN3, 4 and 6), probably due to a balance of functional redundancy and specialization during evolution. The temporo-spatial regulation of the CCN genes and the structural information contained within the sequences of their encoded proteins reflect diversity in their context and tissue-specific functions. Genetic association studies and experimental anomalies, replicated in various animal models, have shown that altered CCN gene structure or expression is associated with “injury” stimuli—whether mechanical (e.g., trauma, shear stress) or chemical (e.g., ischemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation). Consequently, increased organ-specific susceptibility to structural damages ensues. These data underscore the critical functions of CCN proteins in the dynamics of tissue repair and regeneration and in the compensatory responses preceding organ failure. A better understanding of the regulation and mode of action of each CCN member will be useful in developing specific gain- or loss-of-function strategies for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Krupska
- Department of Cell Biology, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Elspeth A Bruford
- HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Cell Biology, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA. .,State University of New York (SUNY) Eye Institute Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
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Falke LL, Goldschmeding R, Nguyen TQ. A perspective on anti-CCN2 therapy for chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29 Suppl 1:i30-i37. [PMID: 24493868 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the common end point of chronic kidney disease independent of aetiology. Currently, no effective therapy exists to reduce kidney fibrosis. CCN2 appears to be an interesting candidate for anti-fibrotic drug targeting, because it holds a central position in the development of kidney fibrosis and interacts with a variety of factors that are involved in the fibrotic response, including transforming growth factor (TGF) β and Bone morphogenetic proteins. Although CCN2 modifies many pathways, it does not appear to have a membrane receptor of its own. Numerous experimental and clinical studies lowering CCN2 bioavailability have shown promising results with minimal adverse side effects. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of CCN2 research with a focus on anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Kok HM, Falke LL, Goldschmeding R, Nguyen TQ. Targeting CTGF, EGF and PDGF pathways to prevent progression of kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2014; 10:700-11. [PMID: 25311535 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2014.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health and economic burden with a rising incidence. During progression of CKD, the sustained release of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and growth factors leads to an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and angiotensin II are considered to be the two main driving forces in fibrotic development. Blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has become the mainstay therapy for preservation of kidney function, but this treatment is not sufficient to prevent progression of fibrosis and CKD. Several factors that induce fibrosis have been identified, not only by TGF-β-dependent mechanisms, but also by TGF-β-independent mechanisms. Among these factors are the (partially) TGF-β-independent profibrotic pathways involving connective tissue growth factor, epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor and their receptors. In this Review, we discuss the specific roles of these pathways, their interactions and preclinical evidence supporting their qualification as additional targets for novel antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Kok
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tri Q Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, H04.312, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
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The CCN family proteins: modulators of bone development and novel targets in bone-associated tumors. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:437096. [PMID: 24551846 PMCID: PMC3914550 DOI: 10.1155/2014/437096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The CCN family of proteins is composed of six extracellular matrix-associated proteins that play crucial roles in skeletal development, wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. Members of the CCN family share four conserved cysteine-rich modular domains that trigger signal transduction in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival through direct binding to specific integrin receptors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In the present review, we discuss the roles of the CCN family proteins in regulating resident cells of the bone microenvironment. In vertebrate development, the CCN family plays a critical role in osteo/chondrogenesis and vasculo/angiogenesis. These effects are regulated through signaling via integrins, bone morphogenetic protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, Wnt, and Notch via direct binding to CCN family proteins. Due to the important roles of CCN family proteins in skeletal development, abnormal expression of CCN proteins is related to the tumorigenesis of primary bone tumors such as osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Additionally, emerging studies have suggested that CCN proteins may affect progression of secondary metastatic bone tumors by moderating the bone microenvironment. CCN proteins could therefore serve as potential therapeutic targets for drug development against primary and metastatic bone tumors.
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Pais RS, Moreno-Barriuso N, Hernández-Porras I, López IP, De Las Rivas J, Pichel JG. Transcriptome analysis in prenatal IGF1-deficient mice identifies molecular pathways and target genes involved in distal lung differentiation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83028. [PMID: 24391734 PMCID: PMC3877002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) is a multifunctional regulator of somatic growth and development throughout evolution. IGF1 signaling through IGF type 1 receptor (IGF1R) controls cell proliferation, survival and differentiation in multiple cell types. IGF1 deficiency in mice disrupts lung morphogenesis, causing altered prenatal pulmonary alveologenesis. Nevertheless, little is known about the cellular and molecular basis of IGF1 activity during lung development. Methods/Principal Findings Prenatal Igf1−/− mutant mice with a C57Bl/6J genetic background displayed severe disproportional lung hypoplasia, leading to lethal neonatal respiratory distress. Immuno-histological analysis of their lungs showed a thickened mesenchyme, alterations in extracellular matrix deposition, thinner smooth muscles and dilated blood vessels, which indicated immature and delayed distal pulmonary organogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis of Igf1−/− E18.5 lungs using RNA microarrays identified deregulated genes related to vascularization, morphogenesis and cellular growth, and to MAP-kinase, Wnt and cell-adhesion pathways. Up-regulation of immunity-related genes was verified by an increase in inflammatory markers. Increased expression of Nfib and reduced expression of Klf2, Egr1 and Ctgf regulatory proteins as well as activation of ERK2 MAP-kinase were corroborated by Western blot. Among IGF-system genes only IGFBP2 revealed a reduction in mRNA expression in mutant lungs. Immuno-staining patterns for IGF1R and IGF2, similar in both genotypes, correlated to alterations found in specific cell compartments of Igf1−/− lungs. IGF1 addition to Igf1−/− embryonic lungs cultured ex vivo increased airway septa remodeling and distal epithelium maturation, processes accompanied by up-regulation of Nfib and Klf2 transcription factors and Cyr61 matricellular protein. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrated the functional tissue specific implication of IGF1 on fetal lung development in mice. Results revealed novel target genes and gene networks mediators of IGF1 action on pulmonary cellular proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and immunity, and on vascular and distal epithelium maturation during prenatal lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosete Sofía Pais
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de la Rioja, Fundación Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain
| | - Nuria Moreno-Barriuso
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer - Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Isabel Hernández-Porras
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer - Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Icíar Paula López
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de la Rioja, Fundación Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain
| | - Javier De Las Rivas
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer - Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José García Pichel
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de la Rioja, Fundación Rioja Salud, Logroño, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Li S, Ge S, Yang P. Immunohistochemical localization of connective tissue growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1 and phosphorylated-smad2/3 in the developing periodontium of rats. J Periodontal Res 2013; 49:624-33. [PMID: 24224514 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine; School and Hospital of Stomatology; Shandong University; Jinan Shandong Province China
| | - S. Ge
- Department of Periodontology; Hospital of Stomatology; Shandong University; Jinan Shandong Province China
| | - P. Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine; School and Hospital of Stomatology; Shandong University; Jinan Shandong Province China
- Department of Periodontology; Hospital of Stomatology; Shandong University; Jinan Shandong Province China
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Kunzmann S, Collins JJ, Kuypers E, Kramer BW. Thrown off balance: the effect of antenatal inflammation on the developing lung and immune system. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 208:429-37. [PMID: 23313727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, translational research with various animal models has been helpful to answer basic questions about the effect of antenatal inflammation on maturation and development of the fetal lung and immune system. The fetal lung and immune systems are very plastic and their development can be conditioned and influenced by both endogenous and/or exogenous factors. Antenatal inflammation can induce pulmonary inflammation, leading to lung injury and remodeling in the fetal lung. Exposure to antenatal inflammation can induce interleukin-1α production, which enhances surfactant protein and lipid synthesis thereby promoting lung maturation. Interleukin-1α is therefore a candidate for the link between lung inflammation and lung maturation, preventing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Antenatal inflammation can, however, cause structural changes in the fetal lung and affect the expression of growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-10, or bone morphogenetic protein-4, which are essential for branching morphogenesis. These alterations cause alveolar and microvascular simplification resembling the histology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Antenatal inflammation may also affect neonatal outcome by modulating the responsiveness of the immune system. Lipopolysaccharide-tolerance (endotoxin hyporesponsiveness/immunoparalysis), induced by exposure to inflammation in utero, may prevent fetal lung damage, but increases susceptibility to postnatal infections. Moreover, prenatal exposure to inflammation appears to be a predisposition for the development of adverse neonatal outcomes, like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, if the preterm infant is exposed to a second postnatal hit, such as mechanical ventilation oxygen exposure, infections, or steroids.
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Ponticos M. Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) in blood vessels. Vascul Pharmacol 2013; 58:189-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Lambi AG, Pankratz TL, Mundy C, Gannon M, Barbe MF, Richtsmeier JT, Popoff SN. The skeletal site-specific role of connective tissue growth factor in prenatal osteogenesis. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1944-59. [PMID: 23073844 PMCID: PMC3752831 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a matricellular protein that is highly expressed during bone development. Mice with global CTGF ablation (knockout, KO) have multiple skeletal dysmorphisms and perinatal lethality. A quantitative analysis of the bone phenotype has not been conducted. RESULTS We demonstrated skeletal site-specific changes in growth plate organization, bone microarchitecture, and shape and gene expression levels in CTGF KO compared with wild-type mice. Growth plate malformations included reduced proliferation zone and increased hypertrophic zone lengths. Appendicular skeletal sites demonstrated decreased metaphyseal trabecular bone, while having increased mid-diaphyseal bone and osteogenic expression markers. Axial skeletal analysis showed decreased bone in caudal vertebral bodies, mandibles, and parietal bones in CTGF KO mice, with decreased expression of osteogenic markers. Analysis of skull phenotypes demonstrated global and regional differences in CTGF KO skull shape resulting from allometric (size-based) and nonallometric shape changes. Localized differences in skull morphology included increased skull width and decreased skull length. Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β-CTGF axis coupled with unique morphologic traits provides a potential mechanistic explanation for the skull phenotype. CONCLUSIONS We present novel data on a skeletal phenotype in CTGF KO mice, in which ablation of CTGF causes site-specific aberrations in bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex G. Lambi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Talia L. Pankratz
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Christina Mundy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maureen Gannon
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Division of Diabetes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mary F. Barbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joan T. Richtsmeier
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven N. Popoff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Muromachi K, Kamio N, Narita T, Annen-Kamio M, Sugiya H, Matsushima K. MMP-3 provokes CTGF/CCN2 production independently of protease activity and dependently on dynamin-related endocytosis, which contributes to human dental pulp cell migration. J Cell Biochem 2012; 113:1348-58. [PMID: 22134873 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) expression is promoted after pulpotomy, and application of MMP-3 to dental pulp after pulpotomy accelerates angiogenesis and hard tissue formation. However, the mechanism by which MMP-3 promotes dental pulp wound healing is still unclear. Connective tissue growth factor/CCN family 2 (CTGF/CCN2), a protein belonging to the CCN family, is considered to participate in wound healing, angiogenesis, and cell migration. In this study, we examined the involvement of CTGF/CCN2 in MMP-3-induced cell migration in human dental pulp (fibroblast-like) cells. In human dental pulp cells, MMP-3 promoted cell migration, but this effect was clearly blocked in the presence of anti-CTGF/CCN2 antibody. MMP-3 provoked mRNA and protein expression and secretion of CTGF/CCN2 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The MMP-3 inhibitor NNGH failed to suppress MMP-3-induced CTGF/CCN2 protein expression. The potent dynamin inhibitor dynasore clearly inhibited MMP-3-induced CTGF/CCN2 expression. These results strongly suggest that MMP-3 induces CTGF/CCN2 production independently of the protease activity of MMP-3 and dependently on dynamin-related endocytosis, which is involved in cell migration in human dental pulp cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Muromachi
- Department of Endodontics, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8587, Japan.
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Regulation of pancreatic function by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2). Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2012; 24:59-68. [PMID: 22884427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a cysteine-rich matricellular secreted protein that regulates diverse cell functions including adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival, senescence and apoptosis. In the pancreas, CTGF/CCN2 regulates critical functions including β cell replication during embryogenesis, stimulation of fibrogenic pathways in pancreatic stellate cells during pancreatitis, and regulation of the epithelial and stromal components in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This article reviews the evidence establishing CTGF/CCN2 as an important player in pancreatic physiology and pathology, highlighting the specific cell types that are involved in each process and the importance of CTGF/CCN2 as a component of autocrine or paracrine signaling within or between these various cells. Translational applications, including the potential for CTGF/CCN2-based therapies in diabetes, fibrosis, or cancer, are discussed.
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Pi L, Shenoy AK, Liu J, Kim S, Nelson N, Xia H, Hauswirth WW, Petersen BE, Schultz GS, Scott EW. CCN2/CTGF regulates neovessel formation via targeting structurally conserved cystine knot motifs in multiple angiogenic regulators. FASEB J 2012; 26:3365-79. [PMID: 22611085 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-200154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessels are formed during development and tissue repair through a plethora of modifiers that coordinate efficient vessel assembly in various cellular settings. Here we used the yeast 2-hybrid approach and demonstrated a broad affinity of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) to C-terminal cystine knot motifs present in key angiogenic regulators Slit3, von Willebrand factor, platelet-derived growth factor-B, and VEGF-A. Biochemical characterization and histological analysis showed close association of CCN2/CTGF with these regulators in murine angiogenesis models: normal retinal development, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), and Lewis lung carcinomas. CCN2/CTGF and Slit3 proteins worked in concert to promote in vitro angiogenesis and downstream Cdc42 activation. A fragment corresponding to the first three modules of CCN2/CTGF retained this broad binding ability and gained a dominant-negative function. Intravitreal injection of this mutant caused a significant reduction in vascular obliteration and retinal neovascularization vs. saline injection in the OIR model. Knocking down CCN2/CTGF expression by short-hairpin RNA or ectopic expression of this mutant greatly decreased tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. These results provided mechanistic insight into the angiogenic action of CCN2/CTGF and demonstrated the therapeutic potential of dominant-negative CCN2/CTGF mutants for antiangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Pi
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100232, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Arnott JA, Lambi AG, Mundy C, Hendesi H, Pixley RA, Owen TA, Safadi FF, Popoff SN. The role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in skeletogenesis. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2012; 21:43-69. [PMID: 21967332 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukargeneexpr.v21.i1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a 38 kDa, cysteine rich, extracellular matrix protein composed of 4 domains or modules. CTGF has been shown to regulate a diverse array of cellular functions and has been implicated in more complex biological processes such as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. A role for CTGF in the development and maintenance of skeletal tissues first came to light in studies demonstrating its expression in cartilage and bone cells, which was dramatically increased during skeletal repair or regeneration. The physiological significance of CTGF in skeletogenesis was confirmed in CTGF-null mice, which exhibited multiple skeletal dysmorphisms as a result of impaired growth plate chondrogenesis, angiogenesis, and bone formation/mineralization. Given the emerging importance of CTGF in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, this review will focus on its expression in skeletal tissues, its effects on osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation and function, and the skeletal implications of ablation or over-expression of CTGF in knockout or transgenic mouse models, respectively. In addition, this review will examine the role of integrin-mediated signaling and the regulation of CTGF expression as it relates to skeletogenesis. We will emphasize CTGF studies in bone or bone cells, and will identify opportunities for future investigations concerning CTGF and chondrogenesis/osteogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Arnott
- Basic Sciences Department, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
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Taking aim at the extracellular matrix: CCN proteins as emerging therapeutic targets. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2011; 10:945-63. [PMID: 22129992 DOI: 10.1038/nrd3599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 496] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Members of the CCN family of matricellular proteins are crucial for embryonic development and have important roles in inflammation, wound healing and injury repair in adulthood. Deregulation of CCN protein expression or activities contributes to the pathobiology of various diseases - many of which may arise when inflammation or tissue injury becomes chronic - including fibrosis, atherosclerosis, arthritis and cancer, as well as diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Emerging studies indicate that targeting CCN protein expression or signalling pathways holds promise in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for such diseases. This Review summarizes the biology of CCN proteins, their roles in various pathologies and their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Ahlfeld SK, Conway SJ. Aberrant signaling pathways of the lung mesenchyme and their contributions to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 94:3-15. [PMID: 22125178 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.22869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in infants born extremely preterm, typically before 28 weeks' gestation, characterized by a prolonged need for supplemental oxygen or positive pressure ventilation beyond 36 weeks postmenstrual age. The limited number of autopsy samples available from infants with BPD in the postsurfactant era has revealed a reduced capacity for gas exchange resulting from simplification of the distal lung structure with fewer, larger alveoli because of a failure of normal lung alveolar septation and pulmonary microvascular development. The mechanisms responsible for alveolar simplification in BPD have not been fully elucidated, but mounting evidence suggests that aberrations in the cross-talk between growth factors of the lung mesenchyme and distal airspace epithelium have a key role. Animal models that recapitulate the human condition have expanded our knowledge of the pathology of BPD and have identified candidate matrix components and growth factors in the developing lung that are disrupted by conditions that predispose infants to BPD and interfere with normal vascular and alveolar morphogenesis. This review focuses on the deviations from normal lung development that define the pathophysiology of BPD and summarizes the various candidate mesenchyme-associated proteins and growth factors that have been identified as being disrupted in animal models of BPD. Finally, future areas of research to identify novel targets affected in arrested lung development and recovery are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn K Ahlfeld
- Developmental Biology and Neonatal Medicine Program, H.B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Oswald G, Lawson C, Raymond G, Golden WC, Braverman N. Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 1 and fulminant neonatal respiratory failure, a case report and discussion of pathophysiology. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:3160-3. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Hall-Glenn F, Lyons KM. Roles for CCN2 in normal physiological processes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:3209-17. [PMID: 21858450 PMCID: PMC3670951 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor, is a member of the CCN (CCN1-6) family of modular matricellular proteins. Analysis of CCN2 function in vivo has focused primarily on its key role as a mediator of excess ECM synthesis in multiple fibrotic diseases. However, CCN2 and related family members are widely expressed during development. Recent studies using new genetic models are revealing that CCN2 has essential roles in the development of many tissues. This review focuses on current and emerging data on CCN2 and its functions in chondrogenesis and angiogenesis, and on new studies showing that CCN2 has essential functions during embryonic and postnatal development in a number of epithelial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Hall-Glenn
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA/Orthopaedic Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 510 Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, 615 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Karen M. Lyons
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA/Orthopaedic Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 510 Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, 615 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
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Ruttenstock EM, Doi T, Dingemann J, Puri P. Prenatal administration of retinoic acid upregulates connective tissue growth factor in the nitrofen CDH model. Pediatr Surg Int 2011; 27:573-7. [PMID: 21258935 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-010-2833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies have suggested that retinoids may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of pulmonary hypoplasia (PH) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a key role in foetal lung development and remodelling during later gestation. CTGF knockout mice exhibit PH with similar characteristics to the human and nitrofen-induced PH. Prenatal administration of retinoic acid (RA) has been shown to stimulate alveologenesis in nitrofen-induced PH. In vitro studies have revealed that RA can induce CTGF gene expression. We hypothesized that pulmonary gene expression of CTGF is downregulated during the later stages of lung development, and that prenatal administration of RA upregulates CTGF in the nitrofen CDH model. METHODS Pregnant rats were exposed to either olive oil or nitrofen on day 9 (D9) of gestation. RA was given intraperitoneally on D18, D19 and D20. Foetuses were harvested on D21 and divided into control, CDH, control + RA and CDH + RA group. Pulmonary CTGF gene and protein expression levels were determined using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS On D21, CTGF relative mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated in CDH group compared to controls. After RA treatment, expression levels of CTGF were significantly upregulated in CDH + RA and control + RA compared to the CDH group. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed these results. CONCLUSION Downregulation of pulmonary CTGF gene and protein expression during later stages of lung development may interfere with normal alveologenesis in the nitrofen CDH model. Upregulation of CTGF pulmonary gene expression after prenatal RA treatment may promote lung growth by promoting alveologenesis in the nitrofen-induced CDH model.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor/biosynthesis
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor/drug effects
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic/chemically induced
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic/genetics
- Hernia, Diaphragmatic/prevention & control
- Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital
- Immunohistochemistry
- Phenyl Ethers/toxicity
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy, Animal
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tretinoin/administration & dosage
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
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Burgos CM, Nord M, Roos A, Didon L, Eklöf AC, Frenckner B. Connective tissue growth factor expression pattern in lung development. Exp Lung Res 2010; 36:441-50. [DOI: 10.3109/01902141003714056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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44
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Zuo GW, Kohls CD, He BC, Chen L, Zhang W, Shi Q, Zhang BQ, Kang Q, Luo J, Luo X, Wagner ER, Kim SH, Restegar F, Haydon RC, Deng ZL, Luu HH, He TC, Luo Q. The CCN proteins: important signaling mediators in stem cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. Histol Histopathol 2010; 25:795-806. [PMID: 20376786 DOI: 10.14670/hh-25.795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The CCN proteins contain six members, namely CCN1 to CCN6, which are small secreted cysteine-rich proteins. The CCN proteins are modular proteins, containing up to four functional domains. Many of the CCN members are induced by growth factors, cytokines, or cellular stress. The CCNs show a wide and highly variable expression pattern in adult and in embryonic tissues. The CCN proteins can integrate and modulate the signals of integrins, BMPs, VEGF, Wnts, and Notch. The involvement of integrins in mediating CCN signaling may provide diverse context-dependent responses in distinct cell types. CCN1 and CCN2 play an important role in development, angiogenesis and cell adhesion, whereas CCN3 is critical to skeletal and cardiac development. CCN4, CCN5 and CCN6 usually inhibit cell growth. Mutations of Ccn6 are associated with the progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda. In stem cell differentiation, CCN1, CCN2, and CCN3 play a principal role in osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and angiogenesis. Elevated expression of CCN1 is associated with more aggressive phenotypes of human cancer, while the roles of CCN2 and CCN3 in tumorigenesis are tumor type-dependent. CCN4, CCN5 and CCN6 function as tumor suppressors. Although CCN proteins may play important roles in fine-tuning other major signaling pathways, the precise function and mechanism of action of these proteins remain undefined. Understanding of the biological functions of the CCN proteins would not only provide insight into their roles in numerous cellular processes but also offer opportunities for developing therapeutics by targeting CCN functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Wei Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, and The Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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45
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Rot I, Kablar B. The influence of acoustic and static stimuli on development of inner ear sensory epithelia. Int J Dev Neurosci 2010; 28:309-15. [PMID: 20188812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2010.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2010] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli affect differentiation of specific cell types in several organs of mouse fetuses that develop without any skeletal musculature. To that end, we employed Myf5(-/-):MyoD(-/-) mouse embryos that completely lack skeletal musculature, and analyzed the development of sensory fields in the inner ear. Amyogenic fetuses lack skeletal muscles that move the chain of three middle ear ossicles which normally transfers sound vibrations. They also cannot tilt their head, which prevents the perception of angular acceleration. While our findings in the spiral organ of Corti are surprisingly normal, our results show that the development of cristae ampullaris, vestibular sensory fields sensitive to the angular acceleration, was the most affected. In cristae, hair cells and supporting cells were significantly smaller in the mutant embryos, but hair cells completely lacked tenascin, while supporting cells were more numerous. In maculae, supporting cells were significantly smaller but more numerous in the mutants. Here, we propose that our finding of a specific type I hair cell absence in the mutant's crista may now be employed in the identification of a profile of genes specific for the lacking cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Rot
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology and the Neuroscience Institute, Dalhousie University, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 5850 College St, B3H 1X5, Halifax, NS, Canada
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46
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Baguma‐Nibasheka M, Kablar B. Altered retinal cell differentiation in the AP‐3 delta mutant (Mocha) mouse. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 27:701-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Revised: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Baguma‐Nibasheka
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyDalhousie University Faculty of Medicine5850 College StreetHalifaxNSCanadaB3H 1X5
| | - Boris Kablar
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyDalhousie University Faculty of Medicine5850 College StreetHalifaxNSCanadaB3H 1X5
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Wu S, Platteau A, Chen S, McNamara G, Whitsett J, Bancalari E. Conditional overexpression of connective tissue growth factor disrupts postnatal lung development. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2009; 42:552-63. [PMID: 19541844 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2009-0068oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of an emerging family of immediate-early gene products that coordinates complex biological processes during development, differentiation, and tissue repair. Overexpression of CTGF is associated with mechanical ventilation with high tidal volume and oxygen exposure in newborn lungs. However, the role of CTGF in postnatal lung development and remodeling is not well understood. In the present study, a double-transgenic mouse model was generated with doxycycline-inducible overexpression of CTGF in respiratory epithelial cells. Overexpression of CTGF from Postnatal Days 1-14 resulted in thicker alveolar septa and decreased secondary septal formation. This is correlated with increased myofibroblast differentiation and disorganized elastic fiber deposition in alveolar septa. Overexpression of CTGF also decreased alveolar capillary network formation. There were increased alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and collagen deposition, and dramatic thickening in the peribronchial/peribronchiolar and perivascular regions in the double-transgenic lungs. Furthermore, overexpression of CTGF increased integrin-linked kinase expression, activated its downstream signaling target, Akt, as well as increased mRNA expression of fibronectin. These data demonstrate that overexpression of CTGF disrupts alveologenesis and capillary formation, and induces fibrosis during the critical period of alveolar development. These histologic changes are similar to those observed in lungs of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.
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Mitani A, Nagase T, Fukuchi K, Aburatani H, Makita R, Kurihara H. Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif is essential for normal alveolarization in mice. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 180:326-38. [PMID: 19498055 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200812-1827oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is assumed to act as a coactivator of several transcription factors including smad2/3. In the lung, surfactant protein C (Sftpc) is known to be a downstream target of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1)-TAZ transcriptional coactivation. OBJECTIVES The lung phenotype of Taz-deficient mice was explored. METHODS Taz-deficient mice were analyzed pathologically and physiologically. Next, we performed microarray analysis to determine the genes closely related to abnormal lung development. Finally, Taz-heterozygous mice were injected with bleomycin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Taz-deficient homozygotes showed abnormal alveolarization during lung development, which caused in adult mice airspace enlargement mimicking emphysema. There was no significant difference in the expression of Sftpc between wild-type and Taz-deficient lungs. Instead, microarray analysis identified some candidate downstream genes related to the pathogenesis, including the connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) gene, which is required for normal lung development. In vitro studies showed that TAZ up-regulated Ctgf expression not only by reinforcing transforming growth factor-beta/smad signals, but also by interfering in the more proximal Ctgf promoter region (from bp -123 to -76), defined as the TAZ response element. Furthermore, Taz-heterozygous mice were resistant to bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the importance of TAZ in lung alveolarization and its involvement in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Mitani
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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49
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Bennewith KL, Huang X, Ham CM, Graves EE, Erler JT, Kambham N, Feazell J, Yang GP, Koong A, Giaccia AJ. The role of tumor cell-derived connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in pancreatic tumor growth. Cancer Res 2009; 69:775-84. [PMID: 19179545 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-0987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and refractory to existing therapies. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a fibrosis-related gene that is thought to play a role in pancreatic tumor progression. However, CCN2 can be expressed in a variety of cell types, and the contribution of CCN2 derived from either tumor cells or stromal cells as it affects the growth of pancreatic tumors is unknown. Using genetic inhibition of CCN2, we have discovered that CCN2 derived from tumor cells is a critical regulator of pancreatic tumor growth. Pancreatic tumor cells derived from CCN2 shRNA-expressing clones showed dramatically reduced growth in soft agar and when implanted s.c. We also observed a role for CCN2 in the growth of pancreatic tumors implanted orthotopically, with tumor volume measurements obtained by positron emission tomography imaging. Mechanistically, CCN2 protects cells from hypoxia-mediated apoptosis, providing an in vivo selection for tumor cells that express high levels of CCN2. We found that CCN2 expression and secretion was increased in hypoxic pancreatic tumor cells in vitro, and we observed colocalization of CCN2 and hypoxia in pancreatic tumor xenografts and clinical pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, we found increased CCN2 staining in clinical pancreatic tumor tissue relative to stromal cells surrounding the tumor, supporting our assertion that tumor cell-derived CCN2 is important for pancreatic tumor growth. Taken together, these data improve our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for pancreatic tumor growth and progression, and also indicate that CCN2 produced by tumor cells represents a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L Bennewith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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50
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Wallace MJ, Probyn ME, Zahra VA, Crossley K, Cole TJ, Davis PG, Morley CJ, Hooper SB. Early biomarkers and potential mediators of ventilation-induced lung injury in very preterm lambs. Respir Res 2009; 10:19. [PMID: 19284536 PMCID: PMC2662809 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-10-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is closely associated with ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in very preterm infants. The greatest risk of VILI may be in the immediate period after birth, when the lungs are surfactant deficient, still partially filled with liquid and not uniformly aerated. However, there have been very few studies that have examined this immediate post-birth period and identified the initial injury-related pathways that are activated. We aimed to determine if the early response genes; connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), cysteine rich-61 (CYR61) and early growth response 1 (EGR1), were rapidly induced by VILI in preterm lambs and whether ventilation with different tidal volumes caused different inflammatory cytokine and early response gene expression. Methods To identify early markers of VILI, preterm lambs (132 d gestational age; GA, term ~147 d) were resuscitated with an injurious ventilation strategy (VT 20 mL/kg for 15 min) then gently ventilated (5 mL/kg) for 15, 30, 60 or 120 min (n = 4 in each). To determine if early response genes and inflammatory cytokines were differentially regulated by different ventilation strategies, separate groups of preterm lambs (125 d GA; n = 5 in each) were ventilated from birth with a VT of 5 (VG5) or 10 mL/kg (VG10) for 135 minutes. Lung gene expression levels were compared to levels prior to ventilation in age-matched control fetuses. Results CTGF, CYR61 and EGR1 lung mRNA levels were increased ~25, 50 and 120-fold respectively (p < 0.05), within 30 minutes of injurious ventilation. VG5 and VG10 caused significant increases in CTGF, CYR61, EGR1, IL1-β, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels compared to control levels. CTGF, CYR61, IL-6 and IL-8 expression levels were higher in VG10 than VG5 lambs; although only the IL-6 and CYR61 mRNA levels reached significance. Conclusion CTGF, CYR61 and EGR1 may be novel early markers of lung injury and mechanical ventilation from birth using relatively low tidal volumes may be less injurious than using higher tidal volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Wallace
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
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