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Son DO, Benitez R, Diao L, Hinz B. How to Keep Myofibroblasts under Control: Culture of Mouse Skin Fibroblasts on Soft Substrates. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01885-2. [PMID: 39078357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
During the physiological healing of skin wounds, fibroblasts recruited from the uninjured adjacent dermis and deeper subcutaneous fascia layers are transiently activated into myofibroblasts to first secrete and then contract collagen-rich extracellular matrix into a mechanically resistant scar. Scar tissue restores skin integrity after damage but comes at the expense of poor esthetics and loss of tissue function. Stiff scar matrix also mechanically activates various precursor cells into myofibroblasts in a positive feedback loop. Persistent myofibroblast activation results in pathologic accumulation of fibrous collagen and hypertrophic scarring, called fibrosis. Consequently, the mechanisms of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast activation and persistence are studied to develop antifibrotic and prohealing treatments. Mechanistic understanding often starts in a plastic cell culture dish. This can be problematic because contact of fibroblasts with tissue culture plastic or glass surfaces invariably generates myofibroblast phenotypes in standard culture. We describe a straight-forward method to produce soft cell culture surfaces for fibroblast isolation and continued culture and highlight key advantages and limitations of the approach. Adding a layer of elastic silicone polymer tunable to the softness of normal skin and the stiffness of pathologic scars allows to control mechanical fibroblast activation while preserving the simplicity of conventional 2-dimensional cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ok Son
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Raquel Benitez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Li Diao
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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2
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Chaudhry FN, Michki NS, Shirmer DL, McGrath-Morrow S, Young LR, Frank DB, Zepp JA. Dynamic Hippo pathway activity underlies mesenchymal differentiation during lung alveolar morphogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202430. [PMID: 38602485 PMCID: PMC11112347 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Alveologenesis, the final stage in lung development, substantially remodels the distal lung, expanding the alveolar surface area for efficient gas exchange. Secondary crest myofibroblasts (SCMF) exist transiently in the neonatal distal lung and are crucial for alveologenesis. However, the pathways that regulate SCMF function, proliferation and temporal identity remain poorly understood. To address this, we purified SCMFs from reporter mice, performed bulk RNA-seq and found dynamic changes in Hippo-signaling components during alveologenesis. We deleted the Hippo effectors Yap/Taz from Acta2-expressing cells at the onset of alveologenesis, causing a significant arrest in alveolar development. Using single cell RNA-seq, we identified a distinct cluster of cells in mutant lungs with altered expression of marker genes associated with proximal mesenchymal cell types, airway smooth muscle and alveolar duct myofibroblasts. In vitro studies confirmed that Yap/Taz regulates myofibroblast-associated gene signature and contractility. Together, our findings show that Yap/Taz is essential for maintaining functional myofibroblast identity during postnatal alveologenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima N. Chaudhry
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nigel S. Michki
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dain L. Shirmer
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sharon McGrath-Morrow
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lisa R. Young
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B. Frank
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jarod A. Zepp
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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3
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Rajak S. Dynamics of cellular plasticity in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167102. [PMID: 38422712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a pathogenic stage of the broader non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Histological presentation of NASH includes hepatocyte ballooning, macrophage polarization, ductular reaction, and hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation. At a cellular level, a heterogenous population of cells such as hepatocytes, macrophages, cholangiocytes, and HSCs undergo dramatic intra-cellular changes in response to extracellular triggers, which are termed "cellular plasticity. This dynamic switch in the cellular structure and function of hepatic parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells and their crosstalk culminates in the perpetuation of inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. This review presents an overview of our current understanding of cellular plasticity in NASH and its molecular mechanisms, along with possible targeting to develop cell-specific NASH therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangam Rajak
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India.
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4
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Cappelletto A, Alfì E, Volf N, Vu TVA, Bortolotti F, Ciucci G, Vodret S, Fantuz M, Perin M, Colliva A, Rozzi G, Rossi M, Ruozi G, Zentilin L, Vuerich R, Borin D, Lapasin R, Piazza S, Chiesa M, Lorizio D, Triboli L, Kumar S, Morello G, Tripodo C, Pinamonti M, Piperno GM, Benvenuti F, Rustighi A, Jo H, Piccolo S, Del Sal G, Carrer A, Giacca M, Zacchigna S. EMID2 is a novel biotherapeutic for aggressive cancers identified by in vivo screening. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:15. [PMID: 38195652 PMCID: PMC10777502 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02942-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New drugs to tackle the next pathway or mutation fueling cancer are constantly proposed, but 97% of them are doomed to fail in clinical trials, largely because they are identified by cellular or in silico screens that cannot predict their in vivo effect. METHODS We screened an Adeno-Associated Vector secretome library (> 1000 clones) directly in vivo in a mouse model of cancer and validated the therapeutic effect of the first hit, EMID2, in both orthotopic and genetic models of lung and pancreatic cancer. RESULTS EMID2 overexpression inhibited both tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, consistent with prolonged survival of patients with high levels of EMID2 expression in the most aggressive human cancers. Mechanistically, EMID2 inhibited TGFβ maturation and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, resulting in more elastic ECM and reduced levels of YAP in the nuclei of cancer cells. CONCLUSION This is the first in vivo screening, precisely designed to identify proteins able to interfere with cancer cell invasiveness. EMID2 was selected as the most potent protein, in line with the emerging relevance of the tumor extracellular matrix in controlling cancer cell invasiveness and dissemination, which kills most of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Cappelletto
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Alfì
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nina Volf
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Thi Van Anh Vu
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Bortolotti
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulio Ciucci
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Fantuz
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Perin
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Colliva
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rozzi
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Matilde Rossi
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Ruozi
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Roman Vuerich
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Daniele Borin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Romano Lapasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- Bioinformatics, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Bioinformatics Facility, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Triboli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Cancer Cell Signaling, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gaia Morello
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Histopathology Unit, Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM), ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pinamonti
- Pathology Department Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina and University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Piperno
- Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Benvenuti
- Cellular Immunology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rustighi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Cancer Cell Signaling, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Giannino Del Sal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Cancer Cell Signaling, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carrer
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- King's College London, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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5
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Jain I, Brougham-Cook A, Underhill GH. Effect of distinct ECM microenvironments on the genome-wide chromatin accessibility and gene expression responses of hepatic stellate cells. Acta Biomater 2023; 167:278-292. [PMID: 37343907 PMCID: PMC10527607 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the primary drivers of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although HSC activation in liver disease is associated with changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, it remains unclear how ECM regulates the phenotypic state transitions of HSCs. Using high-throughput cellular microarrays, coupled with genome-wide ATAC and RNA sequencing within engineered ECM microenvironments, we investigated the effect of ECM and substrate stiffness on chromatin accessibility and resulting gene expression in activated primary human HSCs. Cell microarrays demonstrated the cooperative effects of stiffness and ECM composition on H3K4 and H3K9 methylation/acetylation. ATAC sequencing revealed higher chromatin accessibility in HSCs on 1kPa compared to 25kPa substrates for all ECM conditions. Gene set enrichment analysis using RNA sequencing data of HSCs in defined ECM microenvironments demonstrated higher enrichment of NAFLD and fibrosis-related genes in pre-activated HSCs on 1kPa relative to 25kPa. Overall, these findings are indicative of a microenvironmental adaptation response in HSCs, and the acquisition of a persistent activation state. Combined ATAC/RNA sequencing analyses enabled identification of candidate regulatory factors, including HSD11B1 and CEBPb. siRNA-mediated knockdown of HSD11b1 and CEBPb demonstrated microenvironmental controlled reduction in fibrogenic markers in HSCs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the primary drivers of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although HSC activation in liver disease is associated with changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, it remains unclear how ECM regulates the phenotypic state transitions of HSCs. Using high-throughput cellular microarrays, coupled with genome-wide ATAC and RNA sequencing within engineered ECM microenvironments, we investigated the effect of ECM and substrate stiffness on chromatin accessibility and resulting gene expression in activated primary human HSCs. Overall, these findings were indicative of a microenvironmental adaptation response in HSCs, and the acquisition of a persistent activation state. Combined ATAC/RNA sequencing analyses enabled identification of candidate regulatory factors, including HSD11B1 and CEBPb. siRNA-mediated knockdown of HSD11b1 and CEBPb demonstrated microenvironmental controlled reduction in fibrogenic markers in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Jain
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, USA
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6
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Gäberlein K, Schröder SK, Nanda I, Steinlein C, Haaf T, Buhl EM, Sauvant P, Sapin V, Abergel A, Weiskirchen R. Genetic Characterization of Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell Line PAV-1. Cells 2023; 12:1603. [PMID: 37371073 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat hepatic stellate cell line PAV-1 was established two decades ago and proposed as a cellular model to study aspects of hepatic retinoic acid metabolism. This cell line exhibits a myofibroblast-like phenotype but also has the ability to store retinyl esters and synthesize retinoic acid from its precursor retinol. Importantly, when cultured with palmitic acid alone or in combination with retinol, the cells switch to a deactivated phenotype in which the proliferation and expression of profibrogenic marker genes are suppressed. Despite these interesting characteristics, the cell line has somehow fallen into oblivion. However, based on the fact that working with in vivo models is becoming increasingly complicated, genetically characterized established cell lines that mimic aspects of hepatic stellate cell biology are of fundamental value for biomedical research. To genetically characterize PAV-1 cells, we performed karyotype analysis using conventional chromosome analysis and multicolor spectral karyotyping (SKY), which allowed us to identify numerical and specific chromosomal alteration in PAV-1 cells. In addition, we used a panel of 31 species-specific allelic variant sites to define a unique short tandem repeat (STR) profile for this cell line and performed bulk mRNA-sequencing, showing that PAV-1 cells express an abundance of genes specific for the proposed myofibroblastic phenotype. Finally, we used Rhodamine-Phalloidin staining and electron microscopy analysis, which showed that PAV-1 cells contain a robust intracellular network of filamentous actin and process typical ultrastructural features of hepatic stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara Gäberlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah K Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Indrajit Nanda
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claus Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva M Buhl
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Patrick Sauvant
- UMR CNRS 5248, CBMN, University Bordeaux, 33600 Pessac, France
- Feed & Food Department, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 33175 Gradignan, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Team "Translational Approach to Epithelial Injury and Repair", Institute Genetics, Reproduction and Development (iGReD), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- Department of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Medecine, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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7
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Cooley JC, Javkhlan N, Wilson JA, Foster DG, Edelman BL, Ortiz LA, Schwartz DA, Riches DW, Redente EF. Inhibition of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins with ABT-263 induces fibroblast apoptosis, reversing persistent pulmonary fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e163762. [PMID: 36752201 PMCID: PMC9977433 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs) carry a poor prognosis and have limited therapeutic options. A hallmark feature is fibroblast resistance to apoptosis, leading to their persistence, accumulation, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. A complex balance of the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein family controlling the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and fibroblast reliance on antiapoptotic proteins has been hypothesized to contribute to this resistant phenotype. Examination of lung tissue from patients with PF-ILD (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis) and mice with PF-ILD (repetitive bleomycin and silicosis) showed increased expression of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members in α-smooth muscle actin-positive fibroblasts, suggesting that fibroblasts from fibrotic lungs may exhibit increased susceptibility to inhibition of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-W with the BH3 mimetic ABT-263. We used 2 murine models of PF-ILD to test the efficacy of ABT-263 in reversing established persistent pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment with ABT-263 induced fibroblast apoptosis, decreased fibroblast numbers, and reduced lung collagen levels, radiographic disease, and histologically evident fibrosis. Our studies provide insight into how fibroblasts gain resistance to apoptosis and become sensitive to the therapeutic inhibition of antiapoptotic proteins. By targeting profibrotic fibroblasts, ABT-263 offers a promising therapeutic option for PF-ILDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Cooley
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nomin Javkhlan
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jasmine A. Wilson
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel G. Foster
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Edelman
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Luis A. Ortiz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A. Schwartz
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - David W.H. Riches
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth F. Redente
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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8
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Sun Q, Schwabe RF. Hepatic Stellate Cell Depletion and Genetic Manipulation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2669:207-220. [PMID: 37247062 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3207-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) exert key roles in the development of liver disease. Cell-specific genetic labeling, gene knockout and depletion are important for the understanding of the HSC in homeostasis and a wide range of diseases ranging from acute liver injury and liver regeneration to nonalcoholic liver disease and cancer. Here, we will review and compare different Cre-dependent and Cre-independent methods for genetic labeling, gene knockout, HSC tracing and depletion, and their applications to different disease models. We provide detailed protocols for each method including methods to confirm successful and efficient targeting of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Sun
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Caracena T, Blomberg R, Hewawasam RS, Fry ZE, Riches DWH, Magin CM. Alveolar epithelial cells and microenvironmental stiffness synergistically drive fibroblast activation in three-dimensional hydrogel lung models. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:7133-7148. [PMID: 36366982 PMCID: PMC9729409 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00827k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disease that progressively and irreversibly alters the lung parenchyma, eventually leading to respiratory failure. The study of this disease has been historically challenging due to the myriad of complex processes that contribute to fibrogenesis and the inherent difficulty in accurately recreating the human pulmonary environment in vitro. Here, we describe a poly(ethylene glycol) PEG hydrogel-based three-dimensional model for the co-culture of primary murine pulmonary fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells that reproduces the micro-architecture, cell placement, and mechanical properties of healthy and fibrotic lung tissue. Co-cultured cells retained normal levels of viability up to at least three weeks and displayed differentiation patterns observed in vivo during IPF progression. Interrogation of protein and gene expression within this model showed that myofibroblast activation required both extracellular mechanical cues and the presence of alveolar epithelial cells. Differences in gene expression indicated that cellular co-culture induced TGF-β signaling and proliferative gene expression, while microenvironmental stiffness upregulated the expression of genes related to cell-ECM interactions. This biomaterial-based cell culture system serves as a significant step forward in the accurate recapitulation of human lung tissue in vitro and highlights the need to incorporate multiple factors that work together synergistically in vivo into models of lung biology of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Caracena
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - Rachel Blomberg
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - Rukshika S Hewawasam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - Zoe E Fry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
| | - David W H Riches
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
- Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Chelsea M Magin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, USA.
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
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10
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Ruozi G, Bortolotti F, Mura A, Tomczyk M, Falcione A, Martinelli V, Vodret S, Braga L, Dal Ferro M, Cannatà A, Zentilin L, Sinagra G, Zacchigna S, Giacca M. Cardioprotective factors against myocardial infarction selected in vivo from an AAV secretome library. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo0699. [PMID: 36044596 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Therapies for patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure are urgently needed, in light of the breadth of these conditions and lack of curative treatments. To systematically identify previously unidentified cardioactive biologicals in an unbiased manner in vivo, we developed cardiac FunSel, a method for the systematic, functional selection of effective factors using a library of 1198 barcoded adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding for the mouse secretome. By pooled vector injection into the heart, this library was screened to functionally select for factors that confer cardioprotection against myocardial infarction. After two rounds of iterative selection in mice, cardiac FunSel identified three proteins [chordin-like 1 (Chrdl1), family with sequence similarity 3 member C (Fam3c), and Fam3b] that preserve cardiomyocyte viability, sustain cardiac function, and prevent pathological remodeling. In particular, Chrdl1 exerted its protective activity by binding and inhibiting extracellular bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), which resulted in protection against cardiomyocyte death and induction of autophagy in cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. Chrdl1 also inhibited fibrosis and maladaptive cardiac remodeling by binding transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and preventing cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. Production of secreted and circulating Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b from the liver also protected the heart from myocardial infarction, thus supporting the use of the three proteins as recombinant factors. Together, these findings disclose a powerful method for the in vivo, unbiased selection of tissue-protective factors and describe potential cardiac therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ruozi
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Bortolotti
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy.,Cardiovascular Department, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Mura
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mateusz Tomczyk
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy.,British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Antonella Falcione
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Valentina Martinelli
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Braga
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy.,British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | | | - Antonio Cannatà
- Cardiovascular Department, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy.,British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Cardiovascular Department, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy.,British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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11
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Pituitary Tumor-Transforming Gene 1/Delta like Non-Canonical Notch Ligand 1 Signaling in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136897. [PMID: 35805898 PMCID: PMC9267054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) remains a challenge, and identifying effective treatments is a major unmet medical need. In the current review we focus on the pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1)/delta like non-canonical notch ligand 1 (DLK1) axis as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate the progression of these pathological conditions. PTTG1 is a proto-oncogene involved in proliferation and metabolism. PTTG1 expression has been related to inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis in cancer and experimental fibrosis. On the other hand, DLK1 has been identified as one of the most abundantly expressed PTTG1 targets in adipose tissue and has shown to contribute to hepatic fibrosis by promoting the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Here, we extensively analyze the increasing amount of information pointing to the PTTG1/DLK1 signaling pathway as an important player in the regulation of these disturbances. These data prompted us to hypothesize that activation of the PTTG1/DLK1 axis is a key factor upregulating the tissue remodeling mechanisms characteristic of CLDs. Therefore, disruption of this signaling pathway could be useful in the therapeutic management of CLDs.
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12
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Mederacke I, Filliol A, Affo S, Nair A, Hernandez C, Sun Q, Hamberger F, Brundu F, Chen Y, Ravichandra A, Huebener P, Anke H, Shi H, de la Torre RAMG, Smith JR, Henderson NC, Vondran FWR, Rothlin CV, Baehre H, Tabas I, Sancho-Bru P, Schwabe RF. The purinergic P2Y14 receptor links hepatocyte death to hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrogenesis in the liver. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabe5795. [PMID: 35385339 PMCID: PMC9436006 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abe5795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis contributes to ~45% of deaths in western countries. In chronic liver disease, fibrosis is a major factor determining outcomes, but efficient antifibrotic therapies are lacking. Although platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-β constitute key fibrogenic mediators, they do not account for the well-established link between cell death and fibrosis in the liver. Here, we hypothesized that damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) may link epithelial cell death to fibrogenesis in the injured liver. DAMP receptor screening identified purinergic receptor P2Y14 among several candidates as highly enriched in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main fibrogenic cell type of the liver. Conversely, P2Y14 ligands uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP)-glucose and UDP-galactose were enriched in hepatocytes and were released upon different modes of cell death. Accordingly, ligand-receptor interaction analysis that combined proteomic and single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed P2Y14 ligands and P2Y14 receptor as a link between dying cells and HSCs, respectively. Treatment with P2Y14 ligands or coculture with dying hepatocytes promoted HSC activation in a P2Y14-dependent manner. P2Y14 ligands activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling in HSCs, resulting in ERK-dependent HSC activation. Global and HSC-selective P2Y14 deficiency attenuated liver fibrosis in multiple mouse models of liver injury. Functional expression of P2Y14 was confirmed in healthy and diseased human liver and human HSCs. In conclusion, P2Y14 ligands and their receptor constitute a profibrogenic DAMP pathway that directly links cell death to fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Mederacke
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Aveline Filliol
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Silvia Affo
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ajay Nair
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Celine Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Current affiliation: Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK
| | - Qiuyan Sun
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Florian Hamberger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Francesco Brundu
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Aashreya Ravichandra
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Current affiliation: Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TUM, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Huebener
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Current affiliation: First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helena Anke
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, 30625 Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hongxue Shi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Raquel A. Martínez García de la Torre
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - James R. Smith
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Neil C. Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Florian W. R. Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Carla V. Rothlin
- Department of Immunobiology and Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Heike Baehre
- Research Core Unit Metabolomics, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Physiology; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert F. Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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13
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Kamm DR, McCommis KS. Hepatic stellate cells in physiology and pathology. J Physiol 2022; 600:1825-1837. [PMID: 35307840 PMCID: PMC9012702 DOI: 10.1113/jp281061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) comprise a minor cell population in the liver but serve numerous critical functions in the normal liver and in response to injury. HSCs are primarily known for their activation upon liver injury and for producing the collagen-rich extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis. In the absence of liver injury, HSCs reside in a quiescent state, in which their main function appears to be the storage of retinoids or vitamin A-containing metabolites. Less appreciated functions of HSCs include amplifying the hepatic inflammatory response and expressing growth factors that are critical for liver development and both the initiation and termination of liver regeneration. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies have corroborated earlier studies indictaing that HSC activation involves a diverse array of phenotypic alterations and identified unique HSC populations. This review serves to highlight these many functions of HSCs, and to briefly describe the recent genetic tools that will help to thoroughly investigate the role of HSCs in hepatic physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R. Kamm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis MO
| | - Kyle S. McCommis
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis MO
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14
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Brougham-Cook A, Jain I, Kukla DA, Masood F, Kimmel H, Ryoo H, Khetani SR, Underhill GH. High throughput interrogation of human liver stellate cells reveals microenvironmental regulation of phenotype. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:240-253. [PMID: 34800715 PMCID: PMC8738161 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common feature of progressive liver disease and is manifested as a dynamic series of alterations in both the biochemical and biophysical properties of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reside within the perisinusoidal space of the liver sinusoid and are one of the main drivers of liver fibrosis, yet it remains unclear how changes to the sinusoidal microenvironment impact HSC phenotype in the context of liver fibrosis. Cellular microarrays were used to examine and deconstruct the impacts of bio-chemo-mechanical changes on activated HSCs in vitro. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness were found to act individually and in combination to regulate HSC fibrogenic phenotype and proliferation. Hyaluronic acid and collagen III promoted elevated collagen I expression while collagen IV mediated a decrease. Previously activated HSCs exhibited reduced lysyl oxidase (Lox) expression as array substrate stiffness increased, with less dependence on ECM composition. Collagens III and IV increased HSC proliferation, whereas hyaluronic acid had the opposite effect. Meta-analysis performed on these data revealed distinct phenotypic clusters (e.g. low fibrogenesis/high proliferation) as a direct function of their microenvironmental composition. Notably, soft microenvironments mimicking healthy tissue (1 kPa), promoted higher levels of intracellular collagen I and Lox expression in activated HSCs, compared to stiff microenvironments mimicking fibrotic tissue (25 kPa). Collectively, these data suggest potential HSC functional adaptations in response to specific bio-chemo-mechanical changes relevant towards the development of therapeutic interventions. These findings also underscore the importance of the microenvironment when interrogating HSC behavior in healthy, disease, and treatment settings. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work we utilized high-throughput cellular microarray technology to systematically interrogate the complex interactions between HSCs and their microenvironment in the context of liver fibrosis. We observed that HSC phenotype is regulated by ECM composition and stiffness, and that these phenotypes can be classified into distinct clusters based on their microenvironmental context. Moreover, the range of these phenotypic responses to microenvironmental stimuli is substantial and a direct consequence of the combinatorial pairing of ECM protein and stiffness signals. We also observed a novel role for microenvironmental context in affecting HSC responses to potential fibrosis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Brougham-Cook
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Ishita Jain
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - David A Kukla
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Faisal Masood
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hyeon Ryoo
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Salman R Khetani
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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15
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Bone morphogenetic protein 1.3 inhibition decreases scar formation and supports cardiomyocyte survival after myocardial infarction. Nat Commun 2022; 13:81. [PMID: 35013172 PMCID: PMC8748453 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of ischemic heart diseases worldwide, no antibody-based treatment currently exists. Starting from the evidence that a specific isoform of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1 (BMP1.3) is particularly elevated in both patients and animal models of myocardial infarction, here we assess whether its inhibition by a specific monoclonal antibody reduces cardiac fibrosis. We find that this treatment reduces collagen deposition and cross-linking, paralleled by enhanced cardiomyocyte survival, both in vivo and in primary cultures of cardiac cells. Mechanistically, we show that the anti-BMP1.3 monoclonal antibody inhibits Transforming Growth Factor β pathway, thus reducing myofibroblast activation and inducing cardioprotection through BMP5. Collectively, these data support the therapeutic use of anti-BMP1.3 antibodies to prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reduce collagen deposition and preserve cardiac function after ischemia. Here the authors show that a monoclonal antibody against a soluble isoform of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 1 prevents cardiac cell death, reducing fibrosis and preserving cardiac function after myocardial ischemia.
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16
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Wet-dry-wet drug screen leads to the synthesis of TS1, a novel compound reversing lung fibrosis through inhibition of myofibroblast differentiation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 13:2. [PMID: 34916483 PMCID: PMC8677786 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Therapies halting the progression of fibrosis are ineffective and limited. Activated myofibroblasts are emerging as important targets in the progression of fibrotic diseases. Previously, we performed a high-throughput screen on lung fibroblasts and subsequently demonstrated that the inhibition of myofibroblast activation is able to prevent lung fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice. High-throughput screens are an ideal method of repurposing drugs, yet they contain an intrinsic limitation, which is the size of the library itself. Here, we exploited the data from our "wet" screen and used "dry" machine learning analysis to virtually screen millions of compounds, identifying novel anti-fibrotic hits which target myofibroblast differentiation, many of which were structurally related to dopamine. We synthesized and validated several compounds ex vivo ("wet") and confirmed that both dopamine and its derivative TS1 are powerful inhibitors of myofibroblast activation. We further used RNAi-mediated knock-down and demonstrated that both molecules act through the dopamine receptor 3 and exert their anti-fibrotic effect by inhibiting the canonical transforming growth factor β pathway. Furthermore, molecular modelling confirmed the capability of TS1 to bind both human and mouse dopamine receptor 3. The anti-fibrotic effect on human cells was confirmed using primary fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Finally, TS1 prevented and reversed disease progression in a murine model of lung fibrosis. Both our interdisciplinary approach and our novel compound TS1 are promising tools for understanding and combating lung fibrosis.
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17
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Suppression of the fibrotic encapsulation of silicone implants by inhibiting the mechanical activation of pro-fibrotic TGF-β. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:1437-1456. [PMID: 34031559 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fibrotic encapsulation of implants involves the mechanical activation of myofibroblasts and of pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Here, we show that both softening of the implant surfaces and inhibition of the activation of TGF-β1 reduce the fibrotic encapsulation of subcutaneous silicone implants in mice. Conventionally stiff silicones (elastic modulus, ~2 MPa) coated with a soft silicone layer (elastic modulus, ~2 kPa) reduced collagen deposition as well as myofibroblast activation without affecting the numbers of macrophages and their polarization states. Instead, fibroblasts around stiff implants exhibited enhanced intracellular stress, increased the recruitment of αv and β1 integrins, and activated TGF-β1 signalling. In vitro, the recruitment of αv integrin to focal adhesions and the activation of β1 integrin and of TGF-β were higher in myofibroblasts grown on latency-associated peptide (LAP)-coated stiff silicones than on soft silicones. Antagonizing αv integrin binding to LAP through the small-molecule inhibitor CWHM-12 suppressed active TGF-β signalling, myofibroblast activation and the fibrotic encapsulation of stiff subcutaneous implants in mice.
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18
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Kordes C, Bock HH, Reichert D, May P, Häussinger D. Hepatic stellate cells: current state and open questions. Biol Chem 2021; 402:1021-1032. [PMID: 34008380 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This review article summarizes 20 years of our research on hepatic stellate cells within the framework of two collaborative research centers CRC575 and CRC974 at the Heinrich Heine University. Over this period, stellate cells were identified for the first time as mesenchymal stem cells of the liver, and important functions of these cells in the context of liver regeneration were discovered. Furthermore, it was determined that the space of Disse - bounded by the sinusoidal endothelium and hepatocytes - functions as a stem cell niche for stellate cells. Essential elements of this niche that control the maintenance of hepatic stellate cells have been identified alongside their impairment with age. This article aims to highlight previous studies on stellate cells and critically examine and identify open questions and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Kordes
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans H Bock
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen Reichert
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Petra May
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Häussinger
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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19
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Vacani-Martins N, Meuser-Batista M, dos Santos CDLP, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Henriques-Pons A. The Liver and the Hepatic Immune Response in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection, a Historical and Updated View. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091074. [PMID: 34578107 PMCID: PMC8465576 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease was described more than a century ago and, despite great efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to cardiac and digestive manifestations in chronic patients, much remains to be clarified. The disease is found beyond Latin America, including Japan, the USA, France, Spain, and Australia, and is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Dr. Carlos Chagas described Chagas disease in 1909 in Brazil, and hepatomegaly was among the clinical signs observed. Currently, hepatomegaly is cited in most papers published which either study acutely infected patients or experimental models, and we know that the parasite can infect multiple cell types in the liver, especially Kupffer cells and dendritic cells. Moreover, liver damage is more pronounced in cases of oral infection, which is mainly found in the Amazon region. However, the importance of liver involvement, including the hepatic immune response, in disease progression does not receive much attention. In this review, we present the very first paper published approaching the liver's participation in the infection, as well as subsequent papers published in the last century, up to and including our recently published results. We propose that, after infection, activated peripheral T lymphocytes reach the liver and induce a shift to a pro-inflammatory ambient environment. Thus, there is an immunological integration and cooperation between peripheral and hepatic immunity, contributing to disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Vacani-Martins
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-361, Brazil; (N.V.-M.); (C.d.L.P.d.S.)
| | - Marcelo Meuser-Batista
- Depto de Anatomia Patológica e Citopatologia, Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil;
| | - Carina de Lima Pereira dos Santos
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-361, Brazil; (N.V.-M.); (C.d.L.P.d.S.)
| | | | - Andrea Henriques-Pons
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-361, Brazil; (N.V.-M.); (C.d.L.P.d.S.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Liu S, Ngo U, Tang XZ, Ren X, Qiu W, Huang X, DeGrado W, Allen CD, Jo H, Sheppard D, Sundaram AB. Integrin α2β1 regulates collagen I tethering to modulate hyperresponsiveness in reactive airway disease models. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:138140. [PMID: 33956668 DOI: 10.1172/jci138140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma remains challenging to manage and has limited treatment options. We have previously shown that targeting smooth muscle integrin α5β1 interaction with fibronectin can mitigate the effects of airway hyperresponsiveness by impairing force transmission. In this study, we show that another member of the integrin superfamily, integrin α2β1, is present in airway smooth muscle and capable of regulating force transmission via cellular tethering to the matrix protein collagen I and, to a lesser degree, laminin-111. The addition of an inhibitor of integrin α2β1 impaired IL-13-enhanced contraction in mouse tracheal rings and human bronchial rings and abrogated the exaggerated bronchoconstriction induced by allergen sensitization and challenge. We confirmed that this effect was not due to alterations in classic intracellular myosin light chain phosphorylation regulating muscle shortening. Although IL-13 did not affect surface expression of α2β1, it did increase α2β1-mediated adhesion and the level of expression of an activation-specific epitope on the β1 subunit. We developed a method to simultaneously quantify airway narrowing and muscle shortening using 2-photon microscopy and demonstrated that inhibition of α2β1 mitigated IL-13-enhanced airway narrowing without altering muscle shortening by impairing the tethering of muscle to the surrounding matrix. Our data identified cell matrix tethering as an attractive therapeutic target to mitigate the severity of airway contraction in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Liu
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine
| | - Uyen Ngo
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine
| | - Xin-Zi Tang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
| | - Xin Ren
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine
| | - Wenli Qiu
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine
| | - Xiaozhu Huang
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine
| | - William DeGrado
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and
| | - Christopher Dc Allen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center.,Department of Anatomy, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hyunil Jo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine.,Cardiovascular Research Institute
| | - Aparna B Sundaram
- Lung Biology Center, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep, Department of Medicine
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21
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Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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22
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Zepp JA, Morley MP, Loebel C, Kremp MM, Chaudhry FN, Basil MC, Leach JP, Liberti DC, Niethamer TK, Ying Y, Jayachandran S, Babu A, Zhou S, Frank DB, Burdick JA, Morrisey EE. Genomic, epigenomic, and biophysical cues controlling the emergence of the lung alveolus. Science 2021; 371:371/6534/eabc3172. [PMID: 33707239 PMCID: PMC8320017 DOI: 10.1126/science.abc3172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The lung alveolus is the functional unit of the respiratory system required for gas exchange. During the transition to air breathing at birth, biophysical forces are thought to shape the emerging tissue niche. However, the intercellular signaling that drives these processes remains poorly understood. Applying a multimodal approach, we identified alveolar type 1 (AT1) epithelial cells as a distinct signaling hub. Lineage tracing demonstrates that AT1 progenitors align with receptive, force-exerting myofibroblasts in a spatial and temporal manner. Through single-cell chromatin accessibility and pathway expression (SCAPE) analysis, we demonstrate that AT1-restricted ligands are required for myofibroblasts and alveolar formation. These studies show that the alignment of cell fates, mediated by biophysical and AT1-derived paracrine signals, drives the extensive tissue remodeling required for postnatal respiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarod A. Zepp
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Co-Corresponding authors: ,
| | - Michael P. Morley
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Madison M. Kremp
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fatima N. Chaudhry
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria C. Basil
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - John P. Leach
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Derek C. Liberti
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Terren K. Niethamer
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yun Ying
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sowmya Jayachandran
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Apoorva Babu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David B. Frank
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward E. Morrisey
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA.,Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Co-Corresponding authors: ,
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Redente EF, Chakraborty S, Sajuthi S, Black BP, Edelman BL, Seibold MA, Riches DW. Loss of Fas signaling in fibroblasts impairs homeostatic fibrosis resolution and promotes persistent pulmonary fibrosis. JCI Insight 2020; 6:141618. [PMID: 33290280 PMCID: PMC7821600 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.141618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible fibrotic disease of the distal lung alveoli that culminates in respiratory failure and reduced lifespan. Unlike normal lung repair in response to injury, IPF is associated with the accumulation and persistence of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as continued production of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Prior in vitro studies have led to the hypothesis that the development of resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis by lung fibroblasts and myofibroblasts contributes to their accumulation in the distal lung tissues of IPF patients. Here, we test this hypothesis in vivo in the resolving model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Using genetic loss-of-function approaches to inhibit Fas signaling in fibroblasts, potentially novel flow cytometry strategies to quantify lung fibroblast subsets, and transcriptional profiling of lung fibroblasts by bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, we show that Fas is necessary for lung fibroblast apoptosis during homeostatic resolution of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. Furthermore, we show that loss of Fas signaling leads to the persistence and continued profibrotic functions of lung fibroblasts. Our studies provide insights into the mechanisms that contribute to fibroblast survival, persistence, and continued ECM deposition in the context of IPF and how failure to undergo Fas-induced apoptosis impairs fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth F Redente
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Sangeeta Chakraborty
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Satria Sajuthi
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Bart P Black
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Ben L Edelman
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Max A Seibold
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - David Wh Riches
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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24
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Jiang C, Iwaisako K, Cong M, Diggle K, Hassanein T, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. Traditional Chinese Medicine Fuzheng Huayu Prevents Development of Liver Fibrosis in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:561-580. [PMID: 33210080 PMCID: PMC7671588 DOI: 10.26502/acbr.50170125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effect of FZHY on hepatic fibrosis in mice and to determine the mechanism of its action. Methods: Wild type mice were subjected to toxic (carbon tetrachloride, CCl4) or cholestatic (bile duct ligation, BDL). Upon induction of liver fibrosis, mice were treated with FZHY (4.0g/kg, 2w, oral gavage) or vehicle (PBS). Livers were analyzed by Sirius Red staining, immunostaining and RT-PCR for profibrogenic and pro-inflammatory genes. The effect of FZHY on hepatocytes, inflammatory responses, activation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts, and ROS production was assessed. Results: FZHY strongly inhibited the development of CCl4- and BDL-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Liver fibrosis was significantly improved in FZHY-treated mice, as demonstrated by reduced content of hepatic hydroxyproline and Sirius Red positive area. Moreover, the number of SMA +and Desmin+ myofibroblasts was significantly reduced in the livers of FZHY-treated mice, and correlated with downregulation of the mRNA levels of α-SMA, collagen-α1(I), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), TGF-β1 and its receptor TGF-βRI, and platelet-derived growth factor-β (PDGF-β), suggesting that FZHY inhibits activation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Furthermore, administration of FZHY markedly decreased recruitment of F4/80+ inflammatory macrophages to the livers of CCl4- and BDL-injured mice, and this effect was associated with downregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1) mRNA. In addition, the lipid peroxidation products 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced, demonstrating that treatment with FZHY can effectively block ROS production in livers of CCl4- and BDL-injured mice. Conclusions: Traditional Chinese Medicine FZHY has a variety of anti-fibrotic effects, including strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on myeloid cells and hepatocytes. Although FZHY compound does not seem to directly affect HSCs, it regulates HSC activation via inhibition of macrophage recruitment to fibrotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Jiang
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Keiko Iwaisako
- Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Min Cong
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Corresponding author: Tatiana Kisseleva, MD, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA,
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25
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Targeting fibroblast CD248 attenuates CCL17-expressing macrophages and tissue fibrosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16772. [PMID: 33033277 PMCID: PMC7544830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of fibroblasts in tissue fibrosis has been extensively studied. Activated fibroblasts, namely myofibroblasts, produce pathological extracellular matrix. CD248, a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed in fibroblasts after birth. In human chronic kidney disease, upregulated CD248 in myofibroblasts is linked to poor renal survival. In this study, we demonstrated a novel interaction between CD248 and macrophages to be a key step in mediating tissue fibrosis. CD248 was upregulated in myofibroblasts in murine models of renal and peritoneal fibrosis. Cd248 knockout (Cd248–/–) could attenuate both renal and peritoneal fibrosis. By parabiosis of GFP reporter mice and Cd248–/– mice, we showed that attenuation of renal fibrosis was associated with a decrease of macrophage infiltration in Cd248–/– mice. Moreover, decrease of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 17 and Ccl22 was found in macrophages isolated from the fibrotic kidneys of Cd248–/– mice. Because galectin-3-deficient macrophages showed decreased Ccl17 and Ccl22 in fibrotic kidneys, we further demonstrated that CD248 interacted specifically with galectin-3 of macrophages who then expressed CCL17 to activate collagen production in myofibroblasts. Mice with DNA vaccination targeting CD248 showed decreased fibrosis. We thus propose that CD248 targeting should be studied in the clinical tissue fibrosis setting.
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26
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Petrou CL, D'Ovidio TJ, Bölükbas DA, Tas S, Brown RD, Allawzi A, Lindstedt S, Nozik-Grayck E, Stenmark KR, Wagner DE, Magin CM. Clickable decellularized extracellular matrix as a new tool for building hybrid-hydrogels to model chronic fibrotic diseases in vitro. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:6814-6826. [PMID: 32343292 PMCID: PMC9020195 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb00613k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic disorders account for over one third of mortalities worldwide. Despite great efforts to study the cellular and molecular processes underlying fibrosis, there are currently few effective therapies. Dual-stage polymerization reactions are an innovative tool for recreating heterogeneous increases in extracellular matrix (ECM) modulus, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases in vivo. Here, we present a clickable decellularized ECM (dECM) crosslinker incorporated into a dynamically responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-α-methacrylate (PEGαMA) hybrid-hydrogel to recreate ECM remodeling in vitro. An off-stoichiometry thiol-ene Michael addition between PEGαMA (8-arm, 10 kg mol-1) and the clickable dECM resulted in hydrogels with an elastic modulus of E = 3.6 ± 0.24 kPa, approximating healthy lung tissue (1-5 kPa). Next, residual αMA groups were reacted via a photo-initiated homopolymerization to increase modulus values to fibrotic levels (E = 13.4 ± 0.82 kPa) in situ. Hydrogels with increased elastic moduli, mimicking fibrotic ECM, induced a significant increase in the expression of myofibroblast transgenes. The proportion of primary fibroblasts from dual-reporter mouse lungs expressing collagen 1a1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin increased by approximately 60% when cultured on stiff and dynamically stiffened hybrid-hydrogels compared to soft. Likewise, fibroblasts expressed significantly increased levels of the collagen 1a1 transgene on stiff regions of spatially patterned hybrid-hydrogels compared to the soft areas. Collectively, these results indicate that hybrid-hydrogels are a new tool that can be implemented to spatiotemporally induce a phenotypic transition in primary murine fibroblasts in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Petrou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E 19th Ave MS C272 Aurora, Denver, CO 80045, USA
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27
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Fu X, Liu Q, Li C, Li Y, Wang L. Cardiac Fibrosis and Cardiac Fibroblast Lineage-Tracing: Recent Advances. Front Physiol 2020; 11:416. [PMID: 32435205 PMCID: PMC7218116 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological change associated with cardiac injuries and diseases. Even though the accumulation of collagens and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may have some protective effects in certain situations, prolonged fibrosis usually negatively affects cardiac function and often leads to deleterious consequences. While the development of cardiac fibrosis involves several cell types, the major source of ECM proteins is cardiac fibroblast. The high plasticity of cardiac fibroblasts enables them to quickly change their behaviors in response to injury and transition between several differentiation states. However, the study of cardiac fibroblasts in vivo was very difficult due to the lack of specific research tools. The development of cardiac fibroblast lineage-tracing mouse lines has greatly promoted cardiac fibrosis research. In this article, we review the recent cardiac fibroblast lineage-tracing studies exploring the origin of cardiac fibroblasts and their complicated roles in cardiac fibrosis, and briefly discuss the translational potential of basic cardiac fibroblast researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Qianglin Liu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chaoyang Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Yuxia Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Leshan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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28
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Special Issue on "Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Fibrosis". Cells 2020; 9:cells9051105. [PMID: 32365575 PMCID: PMC7291324 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special issue contains 48 contributions highlighting novel findings and current concepts in basic and clinical liver fibrosis research. These articles emphasize issues on pathogenesis, cellular mediators, modulators, molecular pathways, disease-specific therapies, scoring systems, as well as novel preclinical animal models for the study of liver fibrogenesis. This editorial aims to briefly summarize the content of these papers.
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29
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Mou F, Mou C. Necrostatin-1 Alleviates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis and Extracellular Matrix Expression in Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e919739. [PMID: 32019905 PMCID: PMC7020761 DOI: 10.12659/msm.919739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is harmful for patients’ life and health. The effective treatment of IPF is lacking because of unclear pathogenesis. Necrostatin-1 has protective effects on lung injury and can suppress the fibrosis development. I this study we investigated whether necrostatin-1 could decrease the proliferation of pulmonary fibroblasts, pulmonary fibrosis and expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF. Material/Methods The IPF mice model was conducted by intra-tracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM) (2 mg/kg) for C57BL/6N mice. Necrostatin-1 treatment was performed with 1 mg/kg necrostatin-1 by an intravenous injection for C57BL/6N mice. Lung tissue structures and collagen deposition were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining. IPF in vitro model was constructed by MRC-5 cells induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). And, 20 μM necrostatin-1 was used to treat the TGF-β1 induced MRC-5 cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay detected the viability of MRC-5 cells. The expression of receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 and -3 (RIPK1 and RIPK3), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen IV, collagen I, fibronectin (FN), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in lung tissues and MRC-5 cells was measured by western blot analysis. The α-SMA expression in lung tissues was also analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results The expression of RIPK1 and RIPK3 in lung tissues of BLM induced mice was increased. The degree of pulmonary fibrosis and expression of α-SMA, collagen IV, collagen I, FN, and TGF-β in lung tissues of BLM induced mice was enhanced. The proliferation of MRC-5 cells was increased when MRC-5 cells were induced by TGF-β. The expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, α-SMA, collagen IV, collagen I, and FN was increased in TGF-β induced MRC-5 cells. And, necrostatin-1 could effectively reverse the changes of pulmonary fibrosis, RIPK1, RIPK3, and ECM in vivo and in vitro experiments. Conclusions Necrostatin-1 attenuated pulmonary fibrosis in lung tissues of BLM induced mice and inhibited the fibroblast proliferation. And, necrostatin-1 also decreased the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, and ECM in lung tissues of BLM induced mice and TGF-β induced fibroblasts. Necrostatin-1 could be a new effective drug for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghong Mou
- Department of Respiration, The People's Hospital of Kaizhou District, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Canglang Mou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China (mainland)
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30
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Zhu H, Shan Y, Ge K, Lu J, Kong W, Jia C. Specific Overexpression of Mitofusin-2 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in Mice Model. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:103-109. [PMID: 31802713 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that could further develop to cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are primary effector cells to initiate liver fibrosis. We aimed to explore the function and underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial fusion protein Mitofusin-2 (MFN2) in liver fibrosis. First, we utilized an alpha-smooth muscle actin promoter to overexpress MFN2 specifically in HSCs using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector (AAV-MFN2). Overexpression of MFN2 was specifically achieved in HSC-T6 cells, but not in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages or hepatocyte AML-12 cells. We found that high expression of MFN2 induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that high level of MFN2 inhibited TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, triggered downregulation of type I, type III, and type IV collagen, and antagonized the formation of factors associated with liver fibrosis. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of MFN2 using AAV-MFN2 ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo with significantly decreased immune cell infiltration. Taken together, our findings indicate that MFN2 is critical in regulating apoptosis and liver fibrosis in HSCs, which might be a useful therapeutic target to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhang Zhu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqiang Shan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Ge
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wencheng Kong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Changku Jia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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31
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Rockey DC, Du Q, Weymouth ND, Shi Z. Smooth Muscle α-Actin Deficiency Leads to Decreased Liver Fibrosis via Impaired Cytoskeletal Signaling in Hepatic Stellate Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:2209-2220. [PMID: 31476284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the liver, smooth muscle α-actin (SM α-actin) is up-regulated in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as they transition to myofibroblasts during liver injury and the wound healing response. Whether SM α-actin has specific functional effects on cellular effectors of fibrosis such as HSC is controversial. Here, the relationship between SM α-actin and type 1 collagen expression (COL1A1), a major extracellular matrix protein important in liver fibrosis, is investigated with the results demonstrating that knockout of SM α-actin leads to reduced liver fibrosis and COL1 expression. The mechanism for the reduction in fibrogenesis in vivo is multifactorial, including not only a reduction in the number of HSCs, but also an HSC-specific reduction in COL1 expression in Acta2-deficient HSCs. Despite a compensatory increase in expression of cytoplasmic β-actin and γ-actin isoforms in Acta2-/- HSCs, defects were identified in each transforming growth factor beta/Smad2/3 and ET-1/Erk1/2 signaling in Acta2-/- HSCs. These data not only suggest a molecular link between the SM α-actin cytoskeleton and classic fibrogenic signaling cascades, but also emphasize the relationship between SM α-actin and fibrogenesis in hepatic myofibroblasts in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don C Rockey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| | - Qinghong Du
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Zengdun Shi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
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32
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Rehman M, Vodret S, Braga L, Guarnaccia C, Celsi F, Rossetti G, Martinelli V, Battini T, Long C, Vukusic K, Kocijan T, Collesi C, Ring N, Skoko N, Giacca M, Del Sal G, Confalonieri M, Raspa M, Marcello A, Myers MP, Crovella S, Carloni P, Zacchigna S. High-throughput screening discovers antifibrotic properties of haloperidol by hindering myofibroblast activation. JCI Insight 2019; 4:123987. [PMID: 30996132 PMCID: PMC6538355 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.123987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of various diseases, with very limited therapeutic solutions. A key event in the fibrotic process is the expression of contractile proteins, including α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) by fibroblasts, which become myofibroblasts. Here, we report the results of a high-throughput screening of a library of approved drugs that led to the discovery of haloperidol, a common antipsychotic drug, as a potent inhibitor of myofibroblast activation. We show that haloperidol exerts its antifibrotic effect on primary murine and human fibroblasts by binding to sigma receptor 1, independent from the canonical transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway. Its mechanism of action involves the modulation of intracellular calcium, with moderate induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress response, which in turn abrogates Notch1 signaling and the consequent expression of its targets, including αSMA. Importantly, haloperidol also reduced the fibrotic burden in 3 different animal models of lung, cardiac, and tumor-associated fibrosis, thus supporting the repurposing of this drug for the treatment of fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Corrado Guarnaccia
- Biotechnology Development, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fulvio Celsi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Computational Biomedicine Section, Institute of Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chiara Collesi
- Molecular Medicine, and
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Natasa Skoko
- Biotechnology Development, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine, and
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giannino Del Sal
- National Laboratory CIB, Area Science Park Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marcello Raspa
- National Research Council, CNR-Campus International Development (EMMA-INFRAFRONTIER-IMPC), Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Michael P. Myers
- Protein Networks Laboratories, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Biotechnology Development, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Computational Biomedicine Section, Institute of Advanced Simulation IAS-5 and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Abstract
Extracellular adenosine nucleoside is a potent, endogenous mediator that signals through specific G protein-coupled receptors, and exerts pleiotropic effects on liver physiology, in health and disease. Particularly, adenosinergic or adenosine-mediated signaling pathways impact the progression of hepatic fibrosis, a common feature of chronic liver diseases, through regulation of matrix deposition by liver myofibroblasts. This review examines the current lines of evidence on adenosinergic regulation of liver fibrosis and myofibroblasts, identifies unanswered research questions, and proposes important future areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Fausther
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock, Arkansas
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34
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Zacchigna S, Martinelli V, Moimas S, Colliva A, Anzini M, Nordio A, Costa A, Rehman M, Vodret S, Pierro C, Colussi G, Zentilin L, Gutierrez MI, Dirkx E, Long C, Sinagra G, Klatzmann D, Giacca M. Paracrine effect of regulatory T cells promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation during pregnancy and after myocardial infarction. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2432. [PMID: 29946151 PMCID: PMC6018668 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04908-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocyte proliferation stops at birth when the heart is no longer exposed to maternal blood and, likewise, to regulatory T cells (Tregs) that are expanded to promote maternal tolerance towards the fetus. Here, we report a role of Tregs in promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation. Treg-conditioned medium promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation, similar to the serum from pregnant animals. Proliferative cardiomyocytes are detected in the heart of pregnant mothers, and Treg depletion during pregnancy decreases both maternal and fetal cardiomyocyte proliferation. Treg depletion after myocardial infarction results in depressed cardiac function, massive inflammation, and scarce collagen deposition. In contrast, Treg injection reduces infarct size, preserves contractility, and increases the number of proliferating cardiomyocytes. The overexpression of six factors secreted by Tregs (Cst7, Tnfsf11, Il33, Fgl2, Matn2, and Igf2) reproduces the therapeutic effect. In conclusion, Tregs promote fetal and maternal cardiomyocyte proliferation in a paracrine manner and improve the outcome of myocardial infarction. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expand during pregnancy to promote tolerance towards the fetus. Here the authors show that Tregs induce proliferation of fetal and maternal cardiomyocytes during pregnancy and enhance myocardial repair via proliferation-promoting paracrine actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy. .,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy and Center for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34129, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Valentina Martinelli
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Moimas
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy and Center for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34129, Trieste, Italy.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Colliva
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Anzini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy and Center for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34129, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Nordio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy and Center for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34129, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Costa
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michael Rehman
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Vodret
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Pierro
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Colussi
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Ines Gutierrez
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ellen Dirkx
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlin Long
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy and Center for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34129, Trieste, Italy
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 959, Immunology-Immunopathology-Immunotherapy (i3), F-75005, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Biotherapies, Clinical Investigation Center in Biotherapy and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy and Center for Translational Cardiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34129, Trieste, Italy.,Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
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35
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Suppression of TGFβ-mediated conversion of endothelial cells and fibroblasts into cancer associated (myo)fibroblasts via HDAC inhibition. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:1359-1368. [PMID: 29695769 PMCID: PMC5959903 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0072-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support tumour progression and invasion, and they secrete abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) that may shield tumour cells from immune checkpoint or kinase inhibitors. Targeting CAFs using drugs that revert their differentiation, or inhibit their tumour-supportive functions, has been considered as an anti-cancer strategy. Methods We have used human and murine cell culture models, atomic force microscopy (AFM), microarray analyses, CAF/tumour cell spheroid co-cultures and transgenic fibroblast reporter mice to study how targeting HDACs using small molecule inhibitors or siRNAs re-directs CAF differentiation and function in vitro and in vivo. Results From a small molecule screen, we identified Scriptaid, a selective inhibitor of HDACs 1/3/8, as a repressor of TGFβ-mediated CAF differentiation. Scriptaid inhibits ECM secretion, reduces cellular contraction and stiffness, and impairs collective cell invasion in CAF/tumour cell spheroid co-cultures. Scriptaid also reduces CAF abundance and delays tumour growth in vivo. Conclusions Scriptaid is a well-tolerated and effective HDACi that reverses many of the functional and phenotypic properties of CAFs. Impeding or reversing CAF activation/function by altering the cellular epigenetic regulatory machinery could control tumour growth and invasion, and be beneficial in combination with additional therapies that target cancer cells or immune cells directly.
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36
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FOXQ1/NDRG1 axis exacerbates hepatocellular carcinoma initiation via enhancing crosstalk between fibroblasts and tumor cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 417:21-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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37
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Nelson CM, Gleghorn JP, Pang MF, Jaslove JM, Goodwin K, Varner VD, Miller E, Radisky DC, Stone HA. Microfluidic chest cavities reveal that transmural pressure controls the rate of lung development. Development 2017; 144:4328-4335. [PMID: 29084801 DOI: 10.1242/dev.154823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are increasingly recognized to regulate morphogenesis, but how this is accomplished in the context of the multiple tissue types present within a developing organ remains unclear. Here, we use bioengineered 'microfluidic chest cavities' to precisely control the mechanical environment of the fetal lung. We show that transmural pressure controls airway branching morphogenesis, the frequency of airway smooth muscle contraction, and the rate of developmental maturation of the lungs, as assessed by transcriptional analyses. Time-lapse imaging reveals that branching events are synchronized across distant locations within the lung, and are preceded by long-duration waves of airway smooth muscle contraction. Higher transmural pressure decreases the interval between systemic smooth muscle contractions and increases the rate of morphogenesis of the airway epithelium. These data reveal that the mechanical properties of the microenvironment instruct crosstalk between different tissues to control the development of the embryonic lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M Nelson
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA .,Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jason P Gleghorn
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Mei-Fong Pang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jacob M Jaslove
- Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Katharine Goodwin
- Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Victor D Varner
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Erin Miller
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Derek C Radisky
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Howard A Stone
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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38
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Misra A, Feng Z, Zhang J, Lou ZY, Greif DM. Using In Vivo and Tissue and Cell Explant Approaches to Study the Morphogenesis and Pathogenesis of the Embryonic and Perinatal Aorta. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28930997 DOI: 10.3791/56039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The aortic wall is composed of an inner layer of endothelial cells, a middle layer of alternating elastic lamellae and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and an outer layer of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix. In contrast to the widespread study of pathological models (e.g., atherosclerosis) in the adult aorta, much less is known about the embryonic and perinatal aorta. Here, we focus on SMCs and provide protocols for the analysis of the morphogenesis and pathogenesis of embryonic and perinatal aortic SMCs in normal development and disease. Specifically, the four protocols included are: i) in vivo embryonic fate mapping and clonal analysis; ii) explant embryonic aorta culture; iii) SMC isolation from the perinatal aorta; and iv) subcutaneous osmotic mini-pump placement in pregnant (or non-pregnant) mice. Thus, these approaches facilitate the investigation of the origin(s), fate, and clonal architecture of SMCs in the aorta in vivo. They allow for modulating embryonic aorta morphogenesis in utero by continuous exposure to pharmacological agents. In addition, isolated aortic tissue explants or aortic SMCs can be used to gain insights into the role of specific gene targets during fundamental processes such as muscularization, proliferation, and migration. These hypothesis-generating experiments on isolated SMCs and the explanted aorta can then be assessed in the in vivo context through pharmacological and genetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Misra
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Zhonghui Feng
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Jiasheng Zhang
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Zhi-Yin Lou
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine; Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
| | - Daniel M Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine;
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39
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Liver myofibroblasts of murine origins express mesothelin: Identification of novel rat mesothelin splice variants. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184499. [PMID: 28898276 PMCID: PMC5595315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver myofibroblasts are specialized effector cells that drive hepatic fibrosis, a hallmark process of chronic liver diseases, leading to progressive scar formation and organ failure. Liver myofibroblasts are increasingly recognized as heterogeneous with regards to their origin, phenotype, and functions. For instance, liver myofibroblasts express cell markers that are universally represented such as, ItgαV and Pdgfrβ, or restricted to a given subpopulation such as, Lrat exclusively expressed in hepatic stellate cells, and Gpm6a in mesothelial cells. To study liver myofibroblasts in vitro, we have previously generated and characterized a SV40-immortalized polyclonal rat activated portal fibroblast cell line called RGF-N2 expressing multiple mesothelin mRNA transcripts. Mesothelin, a cell-surface molecule expressed in normal mesothelial cells and overexpressed in several cancers such as, mesothelioma and cholangiocarcinoma, was recently identified as a key regulator of portal myofibroblast proliferation, and fibrosis progression in the setting of chronic cholestatic liver disease. Here, we identify novel mesothelin splice variants expressed in rat activated portal fibroblasts. RGF-N2 portal fibroblast cDNA was used as template for insertion of hemagglutinin tag consensus sequence into the complete open reading frame of rat mesothelin variant coding sequences by extension PCR. Purified amplicons were subsequently cloned into an expression vector for in vitro translation and transfection in monkey COS7 fibroblasts, before characterization of fusion proteins by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. We show that rat activated portal fibroblasts, hepatic stellate cells, and cholangiocarcinoma cells express wild-type mesothelin and additional splice variants, while mouse activated hepatic stellate cells appear to only express wild-type mesothelin. Notably, rat mesothelin splice variants differ from the wild-type isoform by their protein properties and cellular distribution in transfected COS7 fibroblasts. We conclude that mesothelin is a marker of activated murine liver myofibroblasts. Mesothelin gene expression and regulation may be critical in liver myofibroblasts functions and fibrosis progression.
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40
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Spleen-derived lipocalin-2 in the portal vein regulates Kupffer cells activation and attenuates the development of liver fibrosis in mice. J Transl Med 2017; 97:890-902. [PMID: 28504685 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver has an immune tolerance against gut-derived products from the portal vein (PV). A disruption of the gut-liver axis leads to liver injury and fibrosis. The spleen is connected to the PV and regulates immune functions. However, possible splenic effects on liver fibrosis development are unclear. Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) is an antimicrobial protein that regulates macrophage activation. To clarify the role of the spleen in liver fibrosis development, we induced liver fibrosis in mice after splenectomy, and investigated liver fibrosis development. Liver fibrosis resulted in significantly increased splenic Lcn2 levels, but all other measured cytokine levels were unchanged. Splenectomized mice showed enhanced liver fibrosis and inflammation accompanied by significantly decreased Lcn2 levels in PV. Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary Kupffer cells, resident liver macrophages, which were treated with recombinant Lcn2 (rLcn2) produced less tumor necrosis factor-α and Ccl2 and the activation of hepatic stellate cells, the effector cells for collagen production in the liver, was suppressed by co-culture with rLcn2-treated Kupffer cells. In addition, the involvement of gut-derived products in splenectomized mice was evaluated by gut sterilization. Interestingly, gut sterilization blocked the effect of splenectomy on liver fibrosis development. In conclusion, spleen deficiency accelerated liver fibrosis development and decreased PV Lcn2 levels. The mechanism of splenic protection against liver fibrosis development may involve the splenic Lcn2, triggered by gut-derived products that enter the liver through the PV, regulates Kupffer cells activated by the gut-liver axis. Thus, the splenic Lcn2 may have an important role in regulating the immune tolerance of the liver in liver fibrosis development.
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41
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Pinzani M, Luong TV. Pathogenesis of biliary fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:1279-1283. [PMID: 28754450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are associated with active hepatic fibrogenesis, and, ultimately, to the development of cirrhosis. However, the precise relationship between cholestasis, in its broad meaning, and liver tissue fibrosis is still poorly defined. Fibrogenesis is currently viewed as a dynamic process that appears strictly related to the extent and duration of parenchymal injury. This relationship is clearly evident in the presence of reiterative hepatocellular necrosis due to viral infection or alcohol abuse. It appears that "pure" intralobular intrahepatic cholestasis secondary to biliary secretory failure of the hepatocyte, in absence of hepatocellular damage, lobular inflammation and bile duct damage and/or proliferation, is not associated with marked and/or progressive liver tissue fibrosis. In contrast, marked and progressive liver tissue fibrosis always follows liver diseases characterized by chronic inflammatory bile duct damage as seen in PBC and PSC or chronic mechanical obstruction of the biliary tree. Overall, the fibrogenic process in these clinical conditions appears to be related to a more complex interaction between immune/inflammatory mechanisms, cytokine networks and the derangement of the homeostasis between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The elucidation of these mechanisms is indeed crucial for the identification of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, United Kingdom
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Sousa D, Silva M, Sequeira J, Madureira A, Nunes L. Caracterização do imunofenótipo das células envolvidas no processo fibrótico de fígados bovinos cronicamente infectados por Fasciola hepatica. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO A fasciolose é uma doença parasitária causada por trematódeo do gênero Fasciola sp., que pode ocasionar fibrose hepática. Objetivou-se caracterizar o imunofenótipo das células que participam da fibrogênese de fígados bovinos frente à infecção por F. hepatica. Foram utilizados fragmentos dos lobos direito e esquerdo de 74 fígados bovinos com fasciolose. Os fragmentos foram submetidos a processamento histológico, coloração com tricrômico de Masson e imuno-histoquímica. Utilizaram-se análise estatística descritiva e teste de correlação de Spearmann com 5% de probabilidade. Na classificação do grau de fibrose, observou-se prevalência do grau 1, com associação positiva e significativa entre o grau de fibrose e o lobo hepático esquerdo (ρ=0,41; P<0,0001). Os imunofenótipos observados foram células estreladas hepáticas (CEHs) no parênquima e miofibroblastos (MFs) no espaço porta (EP). Não foram encontrados fibroblastos. Não houve correlação significativa entre o grau de fibrose e a quantidade de CEH nos lobos hepáticos, direito e esquerdo. Verificou-se aumento do número de estruturas portais, bem como do número de camadas circundando cada estrutura no EP, contudo não houve influência de qualquer estrutura sobre o grau de fibrose hepática (P>0,05). Concluiu-se que as células CEH e os MFs participam da fibrogênese de fígados bovinos com fasciolose crônica.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.R. Sousa
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - M.A. Silva
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | | | - L.C. Nunes
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
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43
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Zhou CL, Kong DL, Liu JF, Lu ZK, Guo HF, Wang W, Qiu JF, Liu XJ, Wang Y. MHC II -, but not MHC II +, hepatic Stellate cells contribute to liver fibrosis of mice in infection with Schistosoma japonicum. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:1848-1857. [PMID: 28483578 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered as the main effector cells in vitamin A metabolism and liver fibrosis, as well as in hepatic immune regulation. Recently, researches have revealed that HSCs have plasticity and heterogeneity, which depend on their lobular location and whether liver is normal or injured. This research aimed to explore the biological characteristics and heterogeneity of HSCs in mice with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection, and determine the subpopulation of HSCs in pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis caused by S. japonicum infection. Results revealed that HSCs significantly increased the expressions of MHC II and fibrogenic genes after S. japonicum infection, and could be classified into MHC II+ HSCs and MHC II- HSCs subsets. Both two HSCs populations suppressed the proliferation of activated CD4+T cells, whereas only MHC II- HSCs displayed a myofibroblast-like phenotype. In response to IFN-γ, HSCs up-regulated the expressions of MHC II and CIITA, while down-regulated the expression of fibrogenic gene Col1. In addition, praziquantel treatment decreased the expressions of fibrogenic genes in MHC II- HSCs. These results confirmed that HSCs from S. japonicum-infected mice have heterogeneity. The MHC II- α-SMA+ HSCs were major subsets of HSCs contributing to liver fibrosis and could be considered as a potential target of praziquantel anti-fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lei Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - De-Long Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Jin-Feng Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Zhong-Kui Lu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Hong-Fei Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Jing-Fan Qiu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Xin-Jian Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, PR China.
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Platelet-derived growth factor signaling modulates adult hair follicle dermal stem cell maintenance and self-renewal. NPJ Regen Med 2017; 2:11. [PMID: 29302347 PMCID: PMC5665619 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-017-0013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair follicle regeneration is dependent on reciprocal signaling between epithelial cells and underlying mesenchymal cells within the dermal papilla. Hair follicle dermal stem cells reside within the hair follicle mesenchyme, self-renew in vivo, and function to repopulate the dermal papilla and regenerate the connective tissue sheath with each hair cycle. The identity and temporal pattern of signals that regulate hair follicle dermal stem cell function are not known. Here, we show that platelet-derived growth factor signaling is crucial for hair follicle dermal stem cell function and platelet-derived growth factor deficiency results in a progressive depletion of the hair follicle dermal stem cell pool and their progeny. Using αSMACreERT2:RosaYFP:Pdgfrαflox mice, we ablated Pdgfrα specifically within the adult hair follicle dermal stem cell lineage. This led to significant loss of hair follicle dermal stem cell progeny in connective tissue sheath and dermal papilla of individual follicles, and a progressive reduction in total number of anagen hair follicles containing YFP+ve cells. As well, over successive hair cycles, fewer hair follicle dermal stem cells were retained within each telogen hair follicle suggesting an impact on hair follicle dermal stem cell self-renewal. To further assess this, we grew prospectively isolated hair follicle dermal stem cells (Sox2GFP+ve αSMAdsRed+ve) in the presence or absence of platelet-derived growth factor ligands. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB enhanced proliferation, increased the frequency of Sox2+ve hair follicle dermal stem cell progeny and improved inductive capacity of hair follicle dermal stem cells in an ex vivo hair follicle formation assay. Similar effects on proliferation were observed in adult human SKPs. Our findings impart novel insights into the signals that comprise the adult hair follicle dermal stem cell niche and suggest that platelet-derived growth factor signaling promotes self renewal, is essential to maintain the hair follicle dermal stem cell pool and ultimately their regenerative capacity within the hair follicle. Signals from a protein that regulates cell division are essential to maintain the stem cells that regenerate hair follicles. Jeff Biernaskie and colleagues at Canada’s University of Calgary found signals from platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) promote self-renewal of ‘hair follicle dermal stem cells’ (hfDSCs)—cells present at the bottom of hair follicles important for their regeneration. They ‘turned off’ the gene responsible for PDGF production in hfDSCs in mice. This led to a significant reduction in the stem cells with successive hair cycles. They also tested the effects of PDGF signaling molecules on isolated hfDSCs and found they improved their ability to proliferate and to induce follicle regeneration. The results suggest disruption to PDGF signaling may contribute to hair loss. PDGF could be an important additive to rapidly expand hfDSCs ex vivo for cell-based therapies.
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Carotti S, Perrone G, Amato M, Vespasiani Gentilucci U, Righi D, Francesconi M, Pellegrini C, Zalfa F, Zingariello M, Picardi A, Onetti Muda A, Morini S. Reelin expression in human liver of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Eur J Histochem 2017; 61:2745. [PMID: 28348420 PMCID: PMC5365015 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2017.2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Reelin is a secreted extracellular glycoprotein that plays a critical role during brain development. Several studies have described Reelin expression in hepatic stellate cells of the human liver. In order to investigate the possible role of Reelin in the process of hepatic fibrogenesis, in this study we investigated Reelin expression in the liver tissue of patients infected with the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). On this basis, Reelin expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry during liver biopsies of 81 patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis. A Knodell score was used to stage liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblast immunohistochemical markers (CRBP-1, alpha-SMA) were also evaluated. As further confirmed by co-localization experiments (Reelin +CRBP-1), Reelin protein was expressed by hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts, and a significant positive correlation was found between Reelin expression and the stage of liver fibrosis (P=0.002). Moreover, Reelin correlated with CRBP-1 positive cells (P=0.002), but not with alpha-SMA, suggesting that Reelin should not be regarded as a marker of hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts differentiation but rather as a functional protein expressed during some phases of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, Disabled-1 (Dab1), a Reelin adaptor protein, was expressed in cells of ductular reaction suggesting a paracrine role for Reelin with regards these elements. In conclusion, Reelin was expressed by human hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts and the number of these cells increased significantly in the lobule as the liver fibrosis progressed, suggesting a role for Reelin in the activation of hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts during liver injury. Reelin may potentially be incorporated into liver injury evaluations in combination with other histological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Carotti
- Campus Bio-Medico University, Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy.
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The stellate cell system (vitamin A-storing cell system). Anat Sci Int 2017; 92:387-455. [PMID: 28299597 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-017-0395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Past, present, and future research into hepatic stellate cells (HSCs, also called vitamin A-storing cells, lipocytes, interstitial cells, fat-storing cells, or Ito cells) are summarized and discussed in this review. Kupffer discovered black-stained cells in the liver using the gold chloride method and named them stellate cells (Sternzellen in German) in 1876. Wake rediscovered the cells in 1971 using the same gold chloride method and various modern histological techniques including electron microscopy. Between their discovery and rediscovery, HSCs disappeared from the research history. Their identification, the establishment of cell isolation and culture methods, and the development of cellular and molecular biological techniques promoted HSC research after their rediscovery. In mammals, HSCs exist in the space between liver parenchymal cells (PCs) or hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) of the hepatic lobule, and store 50-80% of all vitamin A in the body as retinyl ester in lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. SCs also exist in extrahepatic organs such as pancreas, lung, and kidney. Hepatic (HSCs) and extrahepatic stellate cells (EHSCs) form the stellate cell (SC) system or SC family; the main storage site of vitamin A in the body is HSCs in the liver. In pathological conditions such as liver fibrosis, HSCs lose vitamin A, and synthesize a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including collagen, proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan, and adhesive glycoproteins. The morphology of these cells also changes from the star-shaped HSCs to that of fibroblasts or myofibroblasts.
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Kisseleva T. The origin of fibrogenic myofibroblasts in fibrotic liver. Hepatology 2017; 65:1039-1043. [PMID: 27859502 PMCID: PMC5476301 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic liver injury of different etiologies. It is characterized by dysregulation of physiological remodeling, activation of myofibroblasts, and formation of a fibrous scar. Myofibroblasts develop contractile functions and secrete the extracellular matrix proteins that form this fibrous scar. Myofibroblasts are not present in the normal liver but activate and proliferate in response to injury and inflammation. This review summarizes the understanding and controversies on the contribution of cell populations to the myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis. (Hepatology 2017;65:1039-1043).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California–San Diego, San Diego, CA
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48
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Khialeeva E, Carpenter EM. Nonneuronal roles for the reelin signaling pathway. Dev Dyn 2016; 246:217-226. [PMID: 27739126 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The reelin signaling pathway has been established as an important regulator of cell migration during development of the central nervous system, and disruptions in reelin signaling alter the positioning of many types of neurons. Reelin is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein and governs cell migration through activation of multiple intracellular signaling events by means of the receptors ApoE receptor 2 (ApoER2) and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), and the intracellular adaptor protein Disabled-1 (Dab1). Earlier studies reported expression of reelin in nonneuronal tissues, but the functions of this signaling pathway outside of the nervous system have not been studied until recently. A large body of evidence now suggests that reelin functions during development and disease of multiple nonneuronal tissues. This review addresses recent advances in the field of nonneuronal reelin signaling. Developmental Dynamics 246:217-226, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Khialeeva
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ellen M Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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Roeder E, Matthews BG, Kalajzic I. Visual reporters for study of the osteoblast lineage. Bone 2016; 92:189-195. [PMID: 27616604 PMCID: PMC5056847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Advancing our understanding of osteoblast biology and differentiation is critical to elucidate the pathological mechanisms responsible for skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. Histology and histomorphometry, the classical methods to study osteoblast biology, identify osteoblasts based on their location and morphology and ability to mineralize matrix, but do not clearly define their stage of differentiation. Introduction of visual transgenes into the cells of osteoblast lineage has revolutionized the field and resulted in a paradigm shift that allowed for specific identification and isolation of subpopulations within the osteoblast lineage. Knowledge acquired from the studies based on GFP transgenes has allowed for more precise interpretation of studies analyzing targeted overexpression or deletion of genes in the osteoblast lineage. Here, we provide a condensed overview of the currently available promoter-fluorescent reporter transgenic mice that have been generated and evaluated to varying extents. We cover different stages of the lineage as transgenes have been utilized to identify osteoprogenitors, pre-osteoblasts, osteoblasts, or osteocytes. We show that each of these promoters present with advantages and disadvantages. The studies based on the use of these reporter mice have improved our understanding of bone biology. They constitute attractive models to target osteoblasts and help to understand their cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Roeder
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Brya G Matthews
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Ivo Kalajzic
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
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50
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Liberal R, Grant CR. Cirrhosis and autoimmune liver disease: Current understanding. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:1157-1168. [PMID: 27729952 PMCID: PMC5055585 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i28.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) constitute the classic autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs). While AIH target the hepatocytes, in PBC and PSC the targets of the autoimmune attack are the biliary epithelial cells. Persistent liver injury, associated with chronic AILD, leads to un-resolving inflammation, cell proliferation and the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins by hepatic stellate cells and portal myofibroblasts. Liver cirrhosis, and the resultant loss of normal liver function, inevitably ensues. Patients with cirrhosis have higher risks or morbidity and mortality, and that in the decompensated phase, complications of portal hypertension and/or liver dysfunction lead to rapid deterioration. Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of cirrhosis is, therefore of upmost importance. Liver biopsy is currently the gold standard technique, but highly promising non-invasive methodology is under development. Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective therapeutic option for the management of end-stage liver disease secondary to AIH, PBC and PSC. LT is indicated for AILD patients who have progressed to end-stage chronic liver disease or developed intractable symptoms or hepatic malignancy; in addition, LT may also be indicated for patients presenting with acute liver disease due to AIH who do not respond to steroids.
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