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Mao Z, Mu J, Gao Z, Huang S, Chen L. Biological Functions and Potential Therapeutic Significance of O-GlcNAcylation in Hepatic Cellular Stress and Liver Diseases. Cells 2024; 13:805. [PMID: 38786029 PMCID: PMC11119800 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100805] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
O-linked-β-D-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) glycosylation (O-GlcNAcylation), which is dynamically regulated by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), is a post-translational modification involved in multiple cellular processes. O-GlcNAcylation of proteins can regulate their biological functions via crosstalk with other post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation, and methylation. Liver diseases are a major cause of death worldwide; yet, key pathological features of the disease, such as inflammation, fibrosis, steatosis, and tumorigenesis, are not fully understood. The dysregulation of O-GlcNAcylation has been shown to be involved in some severe hepatic cellular stress, viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, nonalcoholic fatty acid liver disease (NAFLD), malignant progression, and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through multiple molecular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the emerging link between O-GlcNAcylation and hepatic pathological processes and provide information about the development of therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zun Mao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.M.); (Z.G.)
| | - Junpeng Mu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China;
| | - Zhixiang Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.M.); (Z.G.)
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.M.); (Z.G.)
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Xie L, Chen H, Zhang L, Ma Y, Zhou Y, Yang YY, Liu C, Wang YL, Yan YJ, Ding J, Teng X, Yang Q, Liu XP, Wu J. JCAD deficiency attenuates activation of hepatic stellate cells and cholestatic fibrosis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:206-224. [PMID: 38190829 PMCID: PMC11016487 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2023.0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Cholestatic liver diseases including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are associated with active hepatic fibrogenesis, which ultimately progresses to cirrhosis. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main fibrogenic effectors in response to cholangiocyte damage. JCAD regulates cell proliferation and malignant transformation in nonalcoholic steatoheaptitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (NASH-HCC). However, its participation in cholestatic fibrosis has not been explored yet. METHODS Serial sections of liver tissue of PBC patients were stained with immunofluorescence. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in wild-type (WT), global JCAD knockout mice (JCAD-KO) and HSC-specific JCAD knockout mice (HSC-JCAD-KO), and evaluated by histopathology and biochemical tests. In situ-activated HSCs isolated from BDL mice were used to determine effects of JCAD on HSC activation. RESULTS In consistence with staining of liver sections from PBC patients, immunofluorescent staining revealed that JCAD expression was identified in smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA)-positive fibroblast-like cells and was significantly up-regulated in WT mice with BDL. JCAD deficiency remarkably ameliorated BDL-induced hepatic injury and fibrosis, as documented by liver hydroxyproline content, when compared to WT mice with BDL. Histopathologically, collagen deposition was dramatically reduced in both JCAD-KO and HSC-JCAD-KO mice compared to WT mice, as visualized by Trichrome staining and semi-quantitative scores. Moreover, JCAD deprivation significantly attenuated in situ HSC activation and reduced expression of fibrotic genes after BDL. CONCLUSION JCAD deficiency effectively suppressed hepatic fibrosis induced by BDL in mice, and the underlying mechanisms are largely through suppressed Hippo-YAP signaling activity in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Yu Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Li Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Jun Yan
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jing’an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Teng
- HistoIndex Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qiang Yang
- Hangzhou Choutu Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
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Zhou J, Sun X, Chen X, Liu H, Miao X, Guo Y, Fan Z, Li J, Xu Y, Li Z. Phosphatidic acid-enabled MKL1 contributes to liver regeneration: Translational implication in liver failure. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:256-272. [PMID: 38261867 PMCID: PMC10793099 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.011] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration following injury aids the restoration of liver mass and the recovery of liver function. In the present study we investigated the contribution of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1), a transcriptional modulator, to liver regeneration. We report that both MKL1 expression and its nuclear translocation correlated with hepatocyte proliferation in cell and animal models of liver regeneration and in liver failure patients. Mice with MKL1 deletion exhibited defective regenerative response in the liver. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MKL1 interacted with E2F1 to program pro-regenerative transcription. MAPKAPK2 mediated phosphorylation primed MKL1 for its interaction with E2F1. Of interest, phospholipase d2 promoted MKL1 nuclear accumulation and liver regeneration by catalyzing production of phosphatidic acid (PA). PA administration stimulated hepatocyte proliferation and enhanced survival in a MKL1-dependent manner in a pre-clinical model of liver failure. Finally, PA levels was detected to be positively correlated with expression of pro-regenerative genes and inversely correlated with liver injury in liver failure patients. In conclusion, our data reveal a novel mechanism whereby MKL1 contributes to liver regeneration. Screening for small-molecule compounds boosting MKL1 activity may be considered as a reasonable approach to treat acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xinyue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xuelian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Huimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252200, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252200, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252200, China
| | - Zilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252200, China
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Zhu Y, Kang A, Kuai Y, Guo Y, Miao X, Zhu L, Kong M, Li N. The chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 regulates HSC-myofibroblast differentiation and liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:826. [PMID: 38092723 PMCID: PMC10719330 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06351-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Excessive fibrogenic response in the liver disrupts normal hepatic anatomy and function heralding such end-stage liver diseases as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Myofibroblasts, derived primarily from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are the effector of liver fibrosis. In the present study we investigated the mechanism by which Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1, encoded by Smarca4) regulates HSC-myofibroblast transition and the implication in intervention against liver fibrosis. We report that BRG1 expression was elevated during HSC maturation in cell culture, in animal models, and in human cirrhotic liver biopsy specimens. HSC-specific deletion of BRG1 attenuated liver fibrosis in several different animal models. In addition, BRG1 ablation in myofibroblasts ameliorated liver fibrosis. RNA-seq identified IGFBP5 as a novel target for BRG1. Over-expression of IGFBP5 partially rescued the deficiency in myofibroblast activation when BRG1 was depleted. On the contrary, IGFBP5 knockdown suppressed HSC-myofibroblast transition in vitro and mollified liver fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, IGFBP5 interacted with Bat3 to stabilize the Bat3-TβR complex and sustain TGF-β signaling. In conclusion, our data provide compelling evidence that BRG1 is a pivotal regulator of liver fibrosis by programming HSC-myofibroblast transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aoqi Kang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yameng Kuai
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Ming Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Departments of Pathophysiology and Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Wu X, Zhu Y, Guo Y, Zhao Z, Li Z. Grb2-related adaptor protein GRAP is a novel regulator of liver fibrosis. Life Sci 2023; 327:121861. [PMID: 37343720 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Excessive liver fibrosis is frequently observed in chronic liver diseases and associated with decline of liver functions. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered the principal mediator of liver fibrosis by trans-differentiating into myofibroblasts. In the present study we investigated the role of Grb2-related adaptor protein (GRAP) in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. Gene expression was examined by quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated by EdU incorporation. DNA-protein interaction was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). KEY FINDINGS GRAP expression was up-regulated during HSC-myofibroblast transition both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, serum response factor (SRF) and myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) formed a complex to bind to the GRAP promoter and activate GRAP transcription. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated GRAP silencing blocked HSC-myofibroblast transition in vitro. Importantly, adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) mediated GRAP knockdown in myofibroblasts attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. Of note, inhibition of ERK signaling abrogated enhancement of HSC-myofibroblast transition by GRAP over-expression. SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that GRAP, possibly via ERK activation, regulates HSC-myofibroblast transition and contributes to liver fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule GRAP inhibitors may yield novel therapeutic solutions against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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Kong M, Dong W, Kang A, Kuai Y, Xu T, Fan Z, Shi L, Sun D, Lu Y, Li Z, Xu Y. Regulatory role and translational potential of CCL11 in liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2023; 78:120-135. [PMID: 36651177 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Myofibroblasts are considered the major effector cell type of liver fibrosis and primarily derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In the present study, we investigated the contribution of C-C motif chemokine (CCL11) to HSC-myofibroblast trans -differentiation and its implication in liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS We report that CCL11 levels were elevated in HSCs, but not in hepatocytes or Kupffer cells, isolated from mice with liver fibrosis compared with the control mice. CCL11 levels were also up-regulated by 2 pro-fibrogenic growth factors TGF-β and platelet derived growth factor in cultured HSCs. Mechanistically, zinc finger factor 281 bound to the CCL11 promoter and mediated CCL11 trans -activation in HSCs. Depletion of CCL11 attenuated whereas treatment with recombinant CCL11 promoted HSC activation. Further, global CCL11 deletion ( CCL11-/- ) or HSC/myofibroblast-specific CCL11 knockdown mitigated fibrogenesis in mice. RNA-sequencing revealed that CCL11 might regulate HSC activation by stimulating the transcription of Jagged 1. Reconstitution of Jagged 1 restored the fibrogenic response in CCL11-/- mice. Finally, several targeting strategies that aimed at blockading CCL11 signaling, either by administration of an antagonist to its receptor C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 or neutralizing antibodies against CCL11/C-C motif chemokine receptor 3, ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data unveil a previously unrecognized role for CCL11 in liver fibrosis and provide proof-of-concept evidence that targeting CCL11 can be considered as an effective therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aoqi Kang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yameng Kuai
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongchang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated With Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longqing Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated With Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Donglin Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated With Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated With Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Zilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Guo Y, Zhou A, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Chen Y, Gao Y, Miao X. Serum response factor activates peroxidasin transcription to block senescence of hepatic stellate cells. Life Sci 2023:121824. [PMID: 37270170 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121824] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Aberrant liver fibrosis is a hallmark event in end-stage liver diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered the major source of myofibroblasts in the liver that produce extracellular matrix proteins to promote liver fibrosis. HSCs undergo senescence in response to various stimuli, a process that can be exploited to dampen liver fibrosis. We investigated the role of serum response factor (SRF) in this process. METHODS AND MATERIALS Senescence was induced HSCs by serum withdrawal or progressive passage. DNA-protein interaction was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). RESULTS SRF expression was down-regulated in HSCs entering into senescence. Coincidently, SRF depletion by RNAi accelerated HSC senescence. Of note, treatment of an anti-oxidant (N-acetylcysteine or NAC) blocked HSC senescence by SRF deficiency suggesting that SRF may antagonize HSC senescence by eliminating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). PCR-array based screening identified peroxidasin (PXDN) as a potential target for SRF in HSCs. PXDN expression was inversely correlated with HSC senescence whereas PXDN knockdown accelerated HSC senescence. Further analysis reveals that SRF directly bound to the PXDN promoter and activated PXDN transcription. Consistently, PXDN over-expression protected whereas PXDN depletion amplified HSC senescence. Finally, PXDN knockout mice displayed diminished liver fibrosis compared to wild type mice when subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL). SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that SRF, via its downstream target PXDN, plays a key role in regulating HSC senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng Unviersity, Liaocheng, China
| | - Anqi Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng Unviersity, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng Unviersity, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng Unviersity, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical Unviersity, Changzhou, China; Institute of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng Unviersity, Liaocheng, China.
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Zhao YQ, Deng XW, Xu GQ, Lin J, Lu HZ, Chen J. Mechanical homeostasis imbalance in hepatic stellate cells activation and hepatic fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1183808. [PMID: 37152902 PMCID: PMC10157180 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1183808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease or repeated damage to hepatocytes can give rise to hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process of excessive sedimentation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagens, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans (PGs) in the hepatic parenchyma. Changes in the composition of the ECM lead to the stiffness of the matrix that destroys its inherent mechanical homeostasis, and a mechanical homeostasis imbalance activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts, which can overproliferate and secrete large amounts of ECM proteins. Excessive ECM proteins are gradually deposited in the Disse gap, and matrix regeneration fails, which further leads to changes in ECM components and an increase in stiffness, forming a vicious cycle. These processes promote the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. In this review, the dynamic process of ECM remodeling of HF and the activation of HSCs into mechanotransduction signaling pathways for myofibroblasts to participate in HF are discussed. These mechanotransduction signaling pathways may have potential therapeutic targets for repairing or reversing fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Quan Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xi-Wen Deng
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Guo-Qi Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Hua-Ze Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
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Liu L, Sun K, Luo Y, Wang B, Yang Y, Chen L, Zheng S, Wu T, Xiao P. Myocardin-related transcription factor A, regulated by serum response factor, contributes to diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice. Life Sci 2023; 317:121470. [PMID: 36758668 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a significant contributor to the global pandemic of heart failure. In the present study we investigated the involvement of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a transcriptional regulator, in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diabetic cardiomyopathy was induced in mice by feeding with a high-fat diet (HFD) or streptozotocin (STZ) injection. KEY FINDINGS We report that MRTF-A was up-regulated in the hearts of mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy. MRTF-A expression was also up-regulated by treatment with palmitate in cultured cardiomyocytes in vitro. Mechanistically, serum response factor (SRF) bound to the MRTF-A gene promoter and activated MRTF-A transcription in response to pro-diabetic stimuli. Knockdown of SRF abrogated MRTF-A induction in cardiomyocytes treated with palmitate. When cardiomyocytes conditional MRTF-A knockout mice (MRTF-A CKO) and wild type (WT) mice were placed on an HFD to induce diabetic cardiomyopathy, it was found that the CKO mice and the WT mice displayed comparable metabolic parameters including body weight, blood insulin concentration, blood cholesterol concentration, and glucose tolerance. However, both systolic and diastolic cardiac function were exacerbated by MRTF-A deletion in the heart. SIGNIFICANCE These data suggest that MRTF-A up-regulation might serve as an important compensatory mechanism to safeguard the deterioration of cardiac function during diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yajun Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bingshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Medical Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570216, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Medical Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Pingxi Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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10
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Raftar SKA, Ashrafian F, Abdollahiyan S, Yadegar A, Moradi HR, Masoumi M, Vaziri F, Moshiri A, Siadat SD, Zali MR. The anti-inflammatory effects of Akkermansia muciniphila and its derivates in HFD/CCL4-induced murine model of liver injury. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2453. [PMID: 35165344 PMCID: PMC8844054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a critical role in the promotion of hepatocyte damage and liver fibrosis. In recent years the protective role of Akkermansia muciniphila, a next-generation beneficial microbe, has been suggested for metabolic and inflammatory disorders. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its extra cellular vesicles (EVs) on inflammatory markers involved in liver fibrosis in a mouse model of a high-fat diet (HFD)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. Firstly, the responses of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its EVs were examined in the quiescent and LPS-activated LX-2 cells. Next, the anti-inflammatory effects of different forms of A. muciniphila were examined in the mouse model of HFD/CCl4-induced liver injury. The gene expression of various inflammatory markers was evaluated in liver, colon, and white adipose tissues. The cytokine secretion in the liver and white adipose tissues was also measured by ELISA. The results showed that administration of live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its EVs leads to amelioration in HSCs activation. Based on data obtained from the histopathological analysis, an improvement in gut health was observed through enhancing the epithelium and mucosal layer thickness and strengthening the intestinal integrity in all treatments. Moreover, live A. muciniphila and its EVs had inhibitory effects on liver inflammation and hepatocytes damage. In addition, the tissue cytokine production and inflammatory gene expression levels revealed that live A. muciniphila and its EVs had more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects on liver and adipose tissues. Furthermore, EVs had better effects on the modulation of gene expression related to TLRs, PPARs, and immune response in the liver. In conclusion, the present results showed that oral administration of A. muciniphila and its derivatives for four weeks could enhance the intestinal integrity and anti-inflammatory responses of the colon, adipose, and liver tissues and subsequently prevent liver injury in HFD/CCL4 mice.
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11
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Zhang S, Zhang Y, Min P. Single-Cell and Bulk Transcriptome Data Integration Reveals Dysfunctional Cell Types and Aberrantly Expressed Genes in Hypertrophic Scar. Front Genet 2022; 12:806740. [PMID: 35047019 PMCID: PMC8762316 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.806740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a common skin disorder characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. However, it is still unclear how the cellular composition, cell-cell communications, and crucial transcriptionally regulatory network were changed in HS. In the present study, we found that FB-1, which was identified a major type of fibroblast and had the characteristics of myofibroblast, was significantly expanded in HS by integrative analysis of the single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. Moreover, the proportion of KC-2, which might be a differentiated type of keratinocyte (KC), was reduced in HS. To decipher the intercellular signaling, we conducted the cell-cell communication analysis between the cell types, and found the autocrine signaling of HB-1 through COL1A1/2-CD44 and CD99-CD99 and the intercellular contacts between FB-1/FB-5 and KC-2 through COL1A1/COL1A2/COL6A1/COL6A2-SDC4. Almost all the ligands and receptors involved in the autocrine signaling of HB-1 were upregulated in HS by both scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. In contrast, the receptor of KC-2, SDC4, which could bind to multiple ligands, was downregulated in HS, suggesting that the reduced proportion of KC-2 and apoptotic phenotype of KC-2 might be associated with the downregulation of SDC4. Furthermore, we also investigated the transcriptionally regulatory network involved in HS formation. The integrative analysis of the scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data identified CREB3L1 and TWIST2 as the critical TFs involved in the myofibroblast of HS. In summary, the integrative analysis of the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data greatly improved our understanding of the biological characteristics during the HS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunuo Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiru Min
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Li R, Ong Q, Wong CC, Chu ESH, Sung JJY, Yang X, Yu J. O-GlcNAcylation inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:3477-3486. [PMID: 34547820 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Protein O-GlcNAcylation is a critical post-translational modification regulating gene expression and fundamental cell functions. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) emerged as a key regulator of liver pathophysiology and disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of OGT in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and its consequent role in liver fibrosis. METHODS Primary HSCs were isolated from C57/B6 mice. Cell morphology and α-SMA immunofluorescence staining were observed under scanning confocal microscope. Transcriptomic profile was evaluated by RNAseq (Illumina). Promoter activity was examined by luciferase and β--Galactosidase reporter assays. Liver fibrosis mouse models were induced either by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 at 3 times/week for 4 weeks or by feeding with methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks. RESULTS OGT protein expression and protein O-GlcNAcylation were significantly decreased in CCl4 - or MCD diet-induced liver fibrosis as compared with normal liver in mice. OGT expression and protein O-GlcNAcylation were also decreased in primary HSCs isolated from liver with CCl4 -induced fibrosis compared with those from normal liver. RNA-seq showed that OGT knockdown in HSCs modulated key signaling pathways involved in HSC activation. Promoter sequence analysis of the differentially expressed genes predicted serum response factor (SRF) as a key transcription factor regulated by OGT. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that OGT repressed activity of SRF to induce α-SMA transcription. Mutations of specific O-GlcNAcylation sites on SRF increased its transcriptional activity, validating negative regulation of SRF by OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OGT functions as a negative regulator of HSC activation by promoting SRF O-GlcNAcylation to protect against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qunxiang Ong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eagle S H Chu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Joseph J Y Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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13
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Keshavarz Azizi Raftar S, Ashrafian F, Yadegar A, Lari A, Moradi HR, Shahriary A, Azimirad M, Alavifard H, Mohsenifar Z, Davari M, Vaziri F, Moshiri A, Siadat SD, Zali MR. The Protective Effects of Live and Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila and Its Extracellular Vesicles against HFD/CCl4-Induced Liver Injury. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0048421. [PMID: 34549998 PMCID: PMC8557882 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00484-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila, as a member of the gut microbiota, has been proposed as a next-generation probiotic. Liver fibrosis is the main determinant of liver dysfunction and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. In this study, we aimed to determine the beneficial effects of live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its extracellular vesicles (EVs) on the prevention of liver fibrosis. The response of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its EVs was examined in quiescent, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated LX-2 cells. Liver fibrosis was induced in 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice, using a high-fat diet (HFD) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration for 4 weeks. The mice were concomitantly treated via oral gavage with three forms of bacteria. The relative expression of different fibrosis and inflammatory markers was assessed in the tissues. Histological markers, serum biochemical parameters, and cytokine production were also analyzed, and their correlations with the relative abundance of targeted fecal bacteria were examined. All A. muciniphila preparations exhibited protective effects against HSC activation; however, EVs showed the greatest activity in HSC regression. Oral gavage with A. muciniphila ameliorated the serum biochemical and inflammatory cytokines and improved liver and colon histopathological damages. The relative expression of fibrosis and inflammatory biomarkers was substantially attenuated in the tissues of all treated mice. The composition of targeted stool bacteria in the live A. muciniphila group was clearly different from that in the fibrosis group. This study indicated that A. muciniphila and its derivatives could successfully protect against HFD/CCl4-induced liver injury. However, further studies are needed to prove the beneficial effects of A. muciniphila on the liver. IMPORTANCE Akkermansia muciniphila, as a member of the gut microbiota, has been proposed as a next-generation probiotic. Liver fibrosis is the main determinant of liver dysfunction and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. In this study, we aimed to determine the beneficial effects of live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its extracellular vesicles (EVs) on the prevention of liver fibrosis. The results of the present study indicated that oral administration of live and pasteurized A. muciniphila and its EVs could normalize the fecal targeted bacteria composition, improve the intestinal permeability, modulate inflammatory responses, and subsequently prevent liver injury in HFD/CCl4-administered mice. Following the improvement of intestinal and liver histopathology, HFD/CCl4-induced kidney damage and adipose tissue inflammation were also ameliorated by different A. muciniphila treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrbanoo Keshavarz Azizi Raftar
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ashrafian
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Clinical Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezou Lari
- Systems Biomedicine Unit, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Moradi
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arefeh Shahriary
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zhaleh Mohsenifar
- Taleghani Hospital, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Davari
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzam Vaziri
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arfa Moshiri
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Therapy Unit, Laboratory of Oncology, Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Kong M, Dong W, Zhu Y, Fan Z, Miao X, Guo Y, Li C, Duan Y, Lu Y, Li Z, Xu Y. Redox-sensitive activation of CCL7 by BRG1 in hepatocytes during liver injury. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102079. [PMID: 34454163 PMCID: PMC8406035 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver injuries induced by various stimuli share in common an acute inflammatory response, in which circulating macrophages home to the liver parenchyma to participate in the regulation of repair, regeneration, and fibrosis. In the present study we investigated the role of hepatocyte-derived C-C motif ligand 7 (CCL7) in macrophage migration during liver injury focusing on its transcriptional regulation. We report that CCL7 expression was up-regulated in the liver by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection (acute liver injury) or methionine-and-choline-deficient (MCD) diet feeding (chronic liver injury) paralleling increased macrophage infiltration. CCL7 expression was also inducible in hepatocytes, but not in hepatic stellate cells or in Kupffer cells, by LPS treatment or exposure to palmitate in vitro. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), a chromatin remodeling protein, resulted in a concomitant loss of CCL7 induction and macrophage infiltration in the murine livers. Of interest, BRG1-induced CCL7 transcription and macrophage migration was completely blocked by the antioxidant N-acetylcystine. Further analyses revealed that BRG1 interacted with activator protein 1 (AP-1) to regulate CCL7 transcription in hepatocytes in a redox-sensitive manner mediated in part by casein kinase 2 (CK2)-catalyzed phosphorylation of BRG1. Importantly, a positive correlation between BRG1/CCL7 expression and macrophage infiltration was identified in human liver biopsy specimens. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel role for BRG1 as a redox-sensitive activator of CCL7 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Yan Guo
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Chengping Li
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, China
| | - Yunfei Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Zilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Invention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, China.
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15
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Yang Y, Wang H, Zhao H, Miao X, Guo Y, Zhuo L, Xu Y. A GSK3-SRF Axis Mediates Angiotensin II Induced Endothelin Transcription in Vascular Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:698254. [PMID: 34381779 PMCID: PMC8350349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.698254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin, encoded by ET1, is a vasoactive substance primarily synthesized in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). Elevation of endothelin levels, due to transcriptional hyperactivation, has been observed in a host of cardiovascular diseases. We have previously shown that serum response factor (SRF) is a regulator of ET1 transcription in VECs. Here we report that angiotensin II (Ang II) induced ET1 transcription paralleled activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in cultured VECs. GSK3 knockdown or pharmaceutical inhibition attenuated Ang II induced endothelin expression. Of interest, the effect of GSK3 on endothelin transcription relied on the conserved SRF motif within the ET1 promoter. Further analysis revealed that GSK3 interacted with and phosphorylated SRF at serine 224. Phosphorylation of SRF by GSK3 did not influence its recruitment to the ET1 promoter. Instead, GSK3-mediated SRF phosphorylation potentiated its interaction with MRTF-A, a key co-factor for SRF, which helped recruit the chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 to the ET1 promoter resulting in augmented histone H3 acetylation/H3K4 trimethylation. Consistently, over-expression of a constitutively active GSK enhanced Ang II-induced ET1 transcription and knockdown of either MRTF-A or BRG1 abrogated the enhancement of ET1 transcription. In conclusion, our data highlight a previously unrecognized mechanism that contributes to the transcriptional regulation of endothelin. Targeting this GSK3-SRF axis may yield novel approaches in the intervention of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Huidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Reduces Cholesterol-Induced Hepatic Fibrogenesis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3C Signaling Pathway in LX2 Cells. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.113321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis is often attributed to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive scar formation in the liver. Advanced stages of the disease often lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a secreted protein, which has anti-diabetic and lipocaic effects. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the ability of FGF21 to reduce hepatic fibrogenesis due to the accumulation of free cholesterol in the LX2 cell line (a type of HSC-derived cell line) and its mechanism of action. Methods: Cells were treated with 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM concentrations of cholesterol for 24 and 48 h. The mRNA expression of genes of TGF-β, αSMA, and collagen1α and the level of Smad3C protein were measured to assess liver fibrosis. Next, the cells were treated with FGF21 for 24 h, and the expression levels of TGF-β, αSMA, collagen 1α, and Smad3C protein were measured. Results: The results showed that the expression of TGF-β, αSMA, collagen 1α genes, and also the level of Smad3C protein in the presence of cholesterol increased significantly compared to the control group. Treatment with FGF-21 also significantly reduced the expression of TGF-β, αSMA, and collagen 1α genes. Conclusions: Cholesterol by increasing the level of Smad3C protein and activating the TGF-β signaling pathway increases major proteins involved in the production of extracellular matrix, including collagen 1α. Besides, FGF21 inhibits the further activation of HSCs by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3C signaling pathway and thus can prevent the progression of liver fibrosis.
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17
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Chen B, Zhu Y, Chen J, Feng Y, Xu Y. Activation of TC10-Like Transcription by Lysine Demethylase KDM4B in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:617549. [PMID: 34249900 PMCID: PMC8260841 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.617549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant colorectal cancers (CRCs) are characterized by enhanced migration and invasion thus acquiring the ability to metastasize. We have previously shown that the small GTPase TC10-like (TCL) contributes to aggressive migration and invasion in malignant CRC cells. TCL expression is differentially expressed in CRC cells and can be upregulated by hypoxia although the underlying epigenetic mechanism is not fully appreciated. Here, we report that differential TCL expression in CRC cells appeared to be associated with histone H3K9 methylation. RNAi screening revealed that the lysine demethylase KDM4B was essential for TCL transcription in CRC cells. KDM4B interacted with and was recruited by the sequence-specific transcription factor ETS-related gene 1 (ERG1) to the TCL promoter to activate transcription. Mechanistically, KDM4B mediated H3K9 demethylase facilitated the assembly of pre-initiation complex (PIC) on the TCL promoter. KDM4B knockdown attenuated migration and invasion of CRC cells. Importantly, KDM4B expression was upregulated in human CRC specimens of advanced stages compared to those of lower grades and associated with poor prognosis. Together, these data uncover a novel epigenetic mechanism underlying malignant transformation of CRC cells and suggest that KDM4B may be considered as a therapeutic target in CRC intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junliang Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yifei Feng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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18
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Liu L, Zhao Q, Lin L, Yang G, Yu L, Zhuo L, Yang Y, Xu Y. Myeloid MKL1 Disseminates Cues to Promote Cardiac Hypertrophy in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:583492. [PMID: 33898415 PMCID: PMC8063155 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.583492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a key pathophysiological process in the heart in response to stress cues. Although taking place in cardiomyocytes, the hypertrophic response is influenced by other cell types, both within the heart and derived from circulation. In the present study we investigated the myeloid-specific role of megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) in cardiac hypertrophy. Following transverse aortic constriction (TAC), myeloid MKL1 conditional knockout (MFCKO) mice exhibit an attenuated phenotype of cardiac hypertrophy compared to the WT mice. In accordance, the MFCKO mice were protected from excessive cardiac inflammation and fibrosis as opposed to the WT mice. Conditioned media collected from macrophages enhanced the pro-hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes exposed to endothelin in an MKL1-dependent manner. Of interest, expression levels of macrophage derived miR-155, known to promote cardiac hypertrophy, were down-regulated in the MFCKO mice compared to the WT mice. MKL1 depletion or inhibition repressed miR-155 expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, MKL1 interacted with NF-κB to activate miR-155 transcription in macrophages. In conclusion, our data suggest that MKL1 may contribute to pathological hypertrophy via regulating macrophage-derived miR-155 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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19
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Kong M, Zhu Y, Shao J, Fan Z, Xu Y. The Chromatin Remodeling Protein BRG1 Regulates SREBP Maturation by Activating SCAP Transcription in Hepatocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:622866. [PMID: 33718362 PMCID: PMC7947303 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.622866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterol response element binding protein (SREBP) is a master regulator of cellular lipogenesis. One key step in the regulation of SREBP activity is its sequential cleavage and trans-location by several different proteinases including SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP). We have previously reported that Brahma related gene 1 (BRG1) directly interacts with SREBP1c and SREBP2 to activate pro-lipogenic transcription in hepatocytes. We report here that BRG1 deficiency resulted in reduced processing and nuclear accumulation of SREBP in the murine livers in two different models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Exposure of hepatocytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and palmitate (PA) promoted SREBP accumulation in the nucleus whereas BRG1 knockdown or inhibition blocked SREBP maturation. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 played an essential role in the regulation of SCAP expression. Mechanistically, BRG1 interacted with Sp1 and directly bound to the SCAP promoter to activate SCAP transcription. Forced expression of exogenous SCAP partially rescued the deficiency in the expression of SREBP target genes in BRG1-null hepatocytes. In conclusion, our data uncover a novel mechanism by which BRG1 contributes to SREBP-dependent lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Shao
- Wu Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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20
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Hong W, Kong M, Qi M, Bai H, Fan Z, Zhang Z, Sun A, Fan X, Xu Y. BRG1 Mediates Nephronectin Activation in Hepatocytes to Promote T Lymphocyte Infiltration in ConA-Induced Hepatitis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:587502. [PMID: 33553140 PMCID: PMC7858674 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.587502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fulminant hepatitis (FH) is a major cause of acute liver failure. Concanavalin A (ConA) belongs to the lectin family and is frequently used as an inducer of FH in animal models. ConA induced FH is characterized by massive accumulation of T lymphocytes in the liver. A host of chemoattractive substances are known to promote T cell homing to the liver during acute hepatitis. Here we investigated the involvement of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), a chromatin remodeling protein, in FH. BRG1-flox mice were crossed to Alb-Cre mice to generate hepatocyte conditional BRG1 knockout (LKO) mice. The mice were peritoneally injected with a single dose of ConA to induce FH. BRG1 deficiency mitigated ConA-induced FH in mice. Consistently, there were fewer T lymphocyte infiltrates in the LKO livers compared to the wild type (WT) livers paralleling downregulation of T cell specific cytokines. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 deficiency repressed the expression of several chemokines critical for T cell homing including nephronectin (Npnt). BRG1 knockdown blocked the induction of Npnt in hepatocytes and attenuated T lymphocyte migration in vitro, which was reversed by the addition of recombinant nephronectin. Mechanistically, BRG1 interacted with β-catenin to directly bind to the Npnt promoter and activate Npnt transcription. Importantly, a positive correlation between infiltration of CD3+ T lymphocyes and nephronectin expression was detected in human acute hepatitis biopsy specimens. In conclusion, our data identify a novel role for BRG1 as a promoter of T lymphocyte trafficking by activating Npnt transcription in hepatocytes. Targeting the BRG1-Npnt axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions for FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Hong
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengwen Qi
- Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China.,Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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21
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Wu X, Dong W, Zhang T, Ren H, Wang J, Shang L, Zhu Z, Zhu W, Shi X, Xu Y. Epiregulin (EREG) and Myocardin Related Transcription Factor A (MRTF-A) Form a Feedforward Loop to Drive Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:591246. [PMID: 33520984 PMCID: PMC7843934 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.591246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trans-differentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into myofibroblast cells is considered the linchpin of liver fibrosis. A myriad of signaling pathways contribute to HSC activation and consequently liver fibrosis. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of cytokines signal through the cognate receptor EGFR to promote HSC activation. In the present study we investigated the transcription regulation of epiregulin (EREG), an EGFR ligand, during HSC activation. We report that EREG expression was significantly up-regulated in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs isolated from mice. In addition, there was an elevation of EREG expression in HSCs undergoing activation in vitro. Of interest, deficiency of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), a well-documented regulator of HSC trans-differentiation, attenuated up-regulation of EREG expression both in vivo and in vitro. Further analysis revealed that MRTF-A interacted with serum response factor (SRF) to bind directly to the EREG promoter and activate EREG transcription. EREG treatment promoted HSC activation in vitro, which was blocked by MRTF-A depletion or inhibition. Mechanistically, EREG stimulated nuclear trans-location of MRTF-A in HSCs. Together, our data portray an EREG-MRTF-A feedforward loop that contributes to HSC activation and suggest that targeting the EREG-MRTF-A axis may yield therapeutic solutions against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longcheng Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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22
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Epigenetic activation of the small GTPase TCL contributes to colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:86. [PMID: 32999272 PMCID: PMC7528090 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-00269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
TC10-like (TCL) is a small GTPase that has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Elevated TCL expression has been observed in many different types of cancers although the underlying epigenetic mechanism is poorly understood. Here we report that TCL up-regulation was associated with high malignancy in both human colorectal cancer biopsy specimens and in cultured colorectal cancer cells. Hypoxia, a pro-metastatic stimulus, up-regulated TCL expression in HT-29 cells. Further studies revealed that myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) promoted migration and invasion of HT-29 cells in a TCL-dependent manner. MRTF-A directly bound to the proximal TCL promoter in response to hypoxia to activate TCL transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that hypoxia stimulation specifically enhanced acetylation of histone H4K16 surrounding the TCL promoter, which was abolished by MRTF-A depletion or inhibition. Mechanistically, MRTF-A interacted with and recruited the H4K16 acetyltransferase hMOF to the TCL promoter to cooperatively regulate TCL transcription. hMOF depletion or inhibition attenuated hypoxia-induced TCL expression and migration/invasion of HT-29 cells. In conclusion, our data identify a novel MRTF-A-hMOF-TCL axis that contributes to colorectal cancer metastasis.
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23
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Wu T, Wang H, Xin X, Yang J, Hou Y, Fang M, Lu X, Xu Y. An MRTF-A-Sp1-PDE5 Axis Mediates Angiotensin-II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:839. [PMID: 33015041 PMCID: PMC7509415 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a critical intermediate step in the pathogenesis of heart failure. A myriad of signaling networks converge on cardiomyocytes to elicit hypertrophic growth in response to various injurious stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the cardiomyocyte-specific role of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying mechanism. We report that conditional MRTF-A deletion in cardiomyocytes attenuated Ang-II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice. Similarly, MRTF-A knockdown or inhibition suppressed Ang-II-induced prohypertrophic response in cultured cardiomyocytes. Of note, Ang II treatment upregulated expression of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), a known mediator of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, in cardiomyocytes, which was blocked by MRTF-A depletion or inhibition. Mechanistically, MRTF-A activated expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), which in turn bound to the PDE5 promoter and upregulated PDE5 transcription to promote hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in response to Ang II stimulation. Therefore, our data unveil a novel MRTF-A–Sp1–PDE5 axis that mediates Ang-II-induced hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes. Targeting this newly identified MRTF-A–Sp1–PDE5 axis may yield novel interventional solutions against heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojun Xin
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yannan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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24
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Chen B, Yuan Y, Sun L, Chen J, Yang M, Yin Y, Xu Y. MKL1 Mediates TGF-β Induced RhoJ Transcription to Promote Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:832. [PMID: 32984327 PMCID: PMC7478007 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential regulation of gene transcription contributes to cancer metastasis. We investigated the involvement of a Rho GTPase (RhoJ) in breast cancer metastasis focusing on the mechanism underlying RhoJ trans-activation by pro-metastatic cues. We report that expression of RhoJ was up-regulated in malignant breast cancer cells compared to more benign ones. Higher RhoJ expression was also detected in human breast cancer biopsy specimens of advanced stages. RhoJ depletion attenuated breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. The pro-metastatic stimulus TGF-β activated RhoJ via megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1). MKL1 interacted with and was recruited by ETS-related gene 1 (ERG1) to the RhoJ promoter to activate transcription. In conclusion, our data delineate a novel transcriptional pathway that contributes to breast cancer metastasis. Targeting the ERG1-MKL1-RhoJ axis may be considered as a reasonable approach to treat malignant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysioloy and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yibiao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysioloy and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, College of Life and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Junliang Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mengzhu Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongmei Yin
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysioloy and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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25
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Li T, Wan Y, Su Z, Li J, Han M, Zhou C. SRF Potentiates Colon Cancer Metastasis and Progression in a microRNA-214/PTK6-Dependent Manner. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:6477-6491. [PMID: 32801887 PMCID: PMC7395694 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s257422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Serum response factor (SRF), a sequence-specific transcription factor, is closely related to metastasis of gastric cancer, a digestive tract cancer. Herein, we probed the effect of SRF on metastasis and progression of colon cancer (CC), another digestive tract disorder, and the detailed mechanism. Methods Microarray analysis was conducted on tumor and adjacent tissues to filter differentially expressed miRNA, followed by RT-qPCR validation in CC cell lines. The transcription factor and the target gene of microRNA-214 (miR-214) were predicted, and their binding relationships were tested by luciferase reporter assays and ChIP assays. Subsequently, SRF and protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) expression in CC patients and cells was evaluated by RT-qPCR, while JAK2 and STAT3 expression in cells by Western blot analysis. To further explore functions of miR-214, PTK6 and SRF on CC, CC cells were delivered with si-PTK6, miR-214 mimic and/or SRF overexpression. Results miR-214 expressed poorly in CC tissues and cell lines, which related to advanced TNM staging and survival. miR-214 mimic inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, xenograft tumor growth and metastasis of CC cells. SRF, overexpressed in CC samples and cells, suppressed the transcription of miR-214. Meanwhile, SRF upregulation counteracted the inhibitory role of miR-214 mimic in CC cell growth. miR-214 negatively regulated PTK6 expression to impair the JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation, thereby halting CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, xenograft tumor growth and metastasis. Conclusion Altogether, miR-214 may perform as a tumor suppressor in CC, and the SRF/miR-214/PTK6/JAK2/STAT3 axis could be applied as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingchun Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyuan Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun Second Hospital, Changchun 130062, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Minna Han
- Department of Medicine, Medical School of Chinese People & Apos's Liberation Army, Chinese People & Apos's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, People's Republic of China
| | - Changyu Zhou
- Department of Digestion, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin, People's Republic of China
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26
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Li N, Liu S, Zhang Y, Yu L, Hu Y, Wu T, Fang M, Xu Y. Transcriptional Activation of Matricellular Protein Spondin2 (SPON2) by BRG1 in Vascular Endothelial Cells Promotes Macrophage Chemotaxis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:794. [PMID: 32974343 PMCID: PMC7461951 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The matricellular protein SPON2 plays diverse roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases. SPON2 is expressed in endothelial cells, but its transcription regulation in the context of atherogenesis remains incompletely appreciated. Here we report that SPON2 expression was up-regulated by pro-atherogenic stimuli (oxLDL and TNF-α) in vascular endothelia cells. In addition, endothelial SPON2 was elevated in Apoe–/– mice fed on a Western diet compared to the control mice. Induction of SPON2 in endothelial cells by pro-atherogenic stimuli was mediated by BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, both in vitro and in vivo. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 interacted with the sequence-specific transcription factor Egr-1 to activate SPON2 transcription. BRG1 contributed to SPON2 trans-activation by modulating chromatin structure surrounding the SPON2 promoter. Functionally, activation of SPON2 transcription by the Egr-1/BRG1 complex provided chemoattractive cues for macrophage trafficking. SPON2 depletion abrogated the ability of BRG1 or Egr-1 to stimulate endothelial derived chemoattractive cue for macrophage migration. On the contrary, recombinant SPON2 rescued endothelial chemo-attractability in the absence of BRG1 or Egr-1. In conclusion, our data have identified a novel transcriptional cascade in endothelial cells that may potentially promote macrophage recruitment and vascular inflammation leading to atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Department of Cardiology, Kaifeng People's Hospital, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanjiang Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liyang People's Hospital, Liyang, China
| | - Teng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational Institute, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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27
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Chen B, Zhao Q, Xu T, Yu L, Zhuo L, Yang Y, Xu Y. BRG1 Activates PR65A Transcription to Regulate NO Bioavailability in Vascular Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:774. [PMID: 32903816 PMCID: PMC7443572 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases by producing and disseminating angiocrine factors. Nitric oxide (NO), catalyzed by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), is one of the prototypical angiocrine factors. eNOS activity is modulated by site-specific phosphorylation. We have previously shown that endothelial-specific knockdown of BRG1 in Apoe–/– mice attenuates the development of atherosclerosis, in which eNOS-dependent NO catalysis plays an antagonizing role. Here we report that attenuation of atherogenesis in mice by BRG1 knockdown was accompanied by partial restoration of NO biosynthesis by 44% in the arteries and a simultaneous up-regulation of eNOS serine 1177 phosphorylation by 59%. Indeed, BRG1 depletion or inhibition ameliorated oxLDL-induced loss of NO bioavailability and eNOS phosphorylation in cultured endothelial cells. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 regulated eNOS phosphorylation and NO synthesis by activating the transcription of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) structural subunit a (encoded by PR65A). BRG1 interacted with ETS1, was recruited by ETS1 to the PR65A promoter, and cooperated with ETS1 to activate PR65A transcription. Finally, depletion of ETS1, similar to BRG1, repressed PR65A induction, normalized eNOS phosphorylation, and rescued NO biosynthesis in endothelial cells treated with oxLDL. In conclusion, our data characterize a novel transcriptional cascade that regulates NO bioavailability in vascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongchang Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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28
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Li Z, Kong X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Yu L, Guo J, Xu Y. Dual roles of chromatin remodeling protein BRG1 in angiotensin II-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:549. [PMID: 32683412 PMCID: PMC7368857 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is considered one of the processes underlying tissue fibrosis by contributing to the pool of myofibroblasts. In the present study, we investigated the epigenetic mechanism whereby angiotensin II (Ang II) regulates EndMT to promote cardiac fibrosis focusing on the role of chromatin remodeling protein BRG1. BRG1 knockdown or inhibition attenuated Ang II-induced EndMT, as evidenced by down-regulation of CDH5, an endothelial marker, and up-regulation of COL1A2, a mesenchymal marker, in cultured vascular endothelial cells. On the one hand, BRG1 interacted with and was recruited by Sp1 to the SNAI2 (encoding SLUG) promoter to activate SNAI2 transcription in response to Ang II stimulation. Once activated, SLUG bound to the CDH5 promoter to repress CDH5 transcription. On the other hand, BRG1 interacted with and was recruited by SRF to the COL1A2 promoter to activate COL1A2 transcription. Mechanistically, BRG1 evicted histones from the target promoters to facilitate the bindings of Sp1 and SRF. Finally, endothelial conditional BRG1 knockout mice (CKO) exhibited a reduction in cardiac fibrosis, compared to the wild type (WT) littermates, in response to chronic Ang II infusion. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that BRG1 is a key transcriptional coordinator programming Ang II-induced EndMT to contribute to cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xiaochen Kong
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Nanjing Municipal Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yangxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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Yang Y, Yang G, Yu L, Lin L, Liu L, Fang M, Xu Y. An Interplay Between MRTF-A and the Histone Acetyltransferase TIP60 Mediates Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Induced iNOS Transcription in Macrophages. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:484. [PMID: 32626711 PMCID: PMC7315810 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major pathophysiological event associated with permanent loss of heart function. Several inter-dependent processes contribute to cardiac IRI that include accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), aberrant inflammatory response, and depletion of energy supply. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a pro-inflammatory mediator and a major catalyst of ROS generation. In the present study we investigated the epigenetic mechanism whereby iNOS transcription is up-regulated in macrophages in the context of cardiac IRI. We report that germline deletion or systemic inhibition of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) in mice attenuated up-regulation of iNOS following cardiac IRI in the heart. In cultured macrophages, depletion or inhibition of MRTF-A suppressed iNOS induction by hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR). In contrast, MRTF-A over-expression potentiated activation of the iNOS promoter by HR. MRTF-A directly binds to the iNOS promoter in response to HR stimulation. MRTF-A binding to the iNOS promoter was synonymous with active histone modifications including trimethylated H3K4, acetylated H3K9, H3K27, and H4K16. Further analysis revealed that MRTF-A interacted with H4K16 acetyltransferase TIP60 to synergistically activate iNOS transcription. TIP60 depletion or inhibition achieved equivalent effects as MRTF-A depletion/inhibition in terms of iNOS repression. Of interest, TIP60 appeared to form a crosstalk with the H3K4 trimethyltransferase complex to promote iNOS trans-activation. In conclusion, we data suggest that the MRTF-A-TIP60 axis may play a critical role in iNOS transcription in macrophages and as such be considered as a potential target for the intervention of cardiac IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Soochow Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Soochow, China
| | - Liming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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30
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Fan Z, Kong M, Li M, Hong W, Fan X, Xu Y. Brahma Related Gene 1 (Brg1) Regulates Cellular Cholesterol Synthesis by Acting as a Co-factor for SREBP2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:259. [PMID: 32500071 PMCID: PMC7243037 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte is a hub for cholesterol metabolism. Augmented synthesis of cholesterol in the liver is associated with hypercholesterolemia and contributes to the pathogenesis of a host of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Sterol response element binding protein 2 (SREBP2) regulates hepatic cholesterol metabolism by activating the transcription of rate-limiting enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not well understood. We report here that mice with hepatocyte-specific knockout (CKO) of Brg1, a chromatin remodeling protein, exhibit reduced levels of hepatic cholesterol compared to the wild type (WT) littermates when placed on a high-fact diet (HFD) or a methionine-and-choline-deficient diet (MCD). Down-regulation of cholesterol levels as a result of BRG1 deficiency was accompanied by attenuation of cholesterogenic gene transcription. Likewise, BRG1 knockdown in hepatocytes markedly suppressed the induction of cholesterogenic genes by lipid depletion formulas. Brg1 interacted with SREBP2 and was recruited by SREBP2 to the cholesterogenic gene promoters. Reciprocally, Brg1 deficiency dampened the occupancies of SREBP2 on target promoters likely through modulating H3K9 methylation on the cholesterogenic gene promoters. Mechanistically, Brg1 recruited the H3K9 methyltransferase KDM3A to co-regulate pro-cholesterogenic transcription. KDM3A silencing dampened the cholesterogenic response in hepatocytes equivalent to Brg1 deficiency. In conclusion, our data demonstrate a novel epigenetic pathway that contributes to SREBP2-dependent cholesterol synthesis in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxuan Hong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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31
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Dong W, Kong M, Zhu Y, Shao Y, Wu D, Lu J, Guo J, Xu Y. Activation of TWIST Transcription by Chromatin Remodeling Protein BRG1 Contributes to Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:340. [PMID: 32478075 PMCID: PMC7237740 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00340] [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: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a complex pathophysiological process to which many different cell types contribute. Endothelial cells play versatile roles in the regulation of liver fibrosis. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not fully appreciated. In the present study, we investigated the role of BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, in the modulation of endothelial cells in response to pro-fibrogenic stimuli in vitro and liver fibrosis in mice. We report that depletion of BRG1 by siRNA abrogated TGF-β or hypoxia induced down-regulation of endothelial marker genes and up-regulation of mesenchymal marker genes in cultured endothelial cells. Importantly, endothelial-specific BRG1 deletion attenuated CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in mice. BRG1 knockdown in vitro or BRG1 knockout in vivo was accompanied by the down-regulation of TWIST, a key regulator of endothelial phenotype. Mechanistically, BRG1 interacted with and was recruited to the TWIST promoter by HIF-1α to activate TWIST transcription. BRG1 silencing rendered a more repressive chromatin structure surrounding the TWIST promoter likely contributing to TWIST down-regulation. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity dampened liver fibrosis in mice. Similarly, pharmaceutical inhibition of TWIST alleviated liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that epigenetic activation of TWIST by BRG1 contributes to the modulation of endothelial phenotype and liver fibrosis. Therefore, targeting the HIF1α-BRG1-TWIST axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Medical Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology on Medical Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research of the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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32
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Mao L, Liu L, Zhang T, Qin H, Wu X, Xu Y. Histone Deacetylase 11 Contributes to Renal Fibrosis by Repressing KLF15 Transcription. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:235. [PMID: 32363192 PMCID: PMC7180197 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis represents a key pathophysiological process in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and is typically associated with a poor prognosis. Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), in response to a host of pro-fibrogenic stimuli, can trans-differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells and produce extracellular matrix proteins to promote renal fibrosis. In the present study we investigated the role of histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) in this process and the underlying mechanism. We report that expression levels of HDAC11 were up-regulated in the kidneys in several different animal models of renal fibrosis. HDAC11 was also up-regulated by treatment of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in cultured RTECs. Consistently, pharmaceutical inhibition with a small-molecule inhibitor of HDAC11 (quisinostat) attenuated unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) induced renal fibrosis in mice. Similarly, HDAC11 inhibition by quisinostat or HDAC11 depletion by siRNA blocked Ang II induced pro-fibrogenic response in cultured RTECs. Mechanistically, HDAC11 interacted with activator protein 2 (AP-2α) to repress the transcription of Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15). In accordance, KLF15 knockdown antagonized the effect of HDAC11 inhibition or depletion and enabled Ang II to promote fibrogenesis in RTECs. Therefore, we data unveil a novel AP-2α-HDAC11-KLF15 axis that contributes to renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mao
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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33
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Lv F, Li N, Kong M, Wu J, Fan Z, Miao D, Xu Y, Ye Q, Wang Y. CDKN2a/p16 Antagonizes Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Modulating ROS Levels. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:176. [PMID: 32266258 PMCID: PMC7105638 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The lipid-storage hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play as pivotal role in liver fibrosis being able to trans-differentiate into myofibroblasts in response to various pro-fibrogenic stimuli. In the present study we investigated the role of CDKN2a/p16, a negative regulator of cell cycling, in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. Levels of p16 were significantly down-regulated in activated HSCs isolated from mice induced to develop liver fibrosis compared to quiescent HSCs isolated from the control mice ex vivo. There was a similar decrease in p16 expression in cultured HSCs undergoing spontaneous activation or exposed to TGF-β treatment in vitro. More important, p16 down-regulation was observed to correlate with cirrhosis in humans. In a classic model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis, fibrogenesis was far more extensive in mice with p16 deficiency (KO) than the wild type (WT) littermates. Depletion of p16 in cultured HSCs promoted the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Mechanistically, p16 deficiency accelerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HSCs likely through the p38 MAPK signaling. P38 inhibition or ROS cleansing attenuated ECM production in p16 deficient HSCs. Taken together, our data unveil a previously unappreciated role for p16 in the regulation of HSC activation. Screening for small-molecule compounds that can boost p16 activity may yield novel therapeutic strategies against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dengshun Miao
- Department of Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Qing Ye
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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34
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Deacetylation of MRTF-A by SIRT1 defies senescence induced down-regulation of collagen type I in fibroblast cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165723. [PMID: 32061777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aging provokes both morphological and functional changes in cells, which are accompanied by a fundamental shift in gene expression patterns. One of the characteristic alterations associated with senescence in fibroblast cells is the down-regulation of collagen type I genes. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of myocardin-related transcription factor A, or MRTF-A, in this process. In mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells, senescence, induced by either progressive passage or treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), led to augmented lysine acetylation of MRTF-A paralleling down-regulation of collagen type I and SIRT1, a lysine deacetylase. SIRT1 interacted with MRTF-A to promote MRTF-A deacetylation. SIRT1 over-expression or activation by selective agonists enhanced trans-activation of the collagen promoters by MRTF-A. On the contrary, SIRT1 depletion or inhibition by specific antagonists suppressed trans-activation of the collagen promoters by MRTF-A. Likewise, mutation of four lysine residues within MRTF-A rendered it more potent in terms of activating the collagen promoters but unresponsive to SIRT1. Importantly, SIRT1 activation in senescent fibroblasts mitigated repression of collagen type I expression whereas SIRT1 inhibition promoted the loss of collagen type I expression prematurely in young fibroblasts. Mechanistically, SIRT1 enhanced the affinity of MRTF-A for the collagen type I promoters. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel mechanism that underscores aging-associated loss of collagen type I in fibroblasts via SIRT1-mediated post-translational modification of MRTF-A.
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35
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MKL1 promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and liver fibrosis by activating TWIST1 transcription. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:899. [PMID: 31776330 PMCID: PMC6881349 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2101-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Excessive fibrogenic response in the liver disrupts normal hepatic anatomy and function heralding such end-stage liver diseases as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Sinusoidal endothelial cells contribute to myofibroblast activation and liver fibrosis by undergoing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). The underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. Here we report that inhibition or endothelial-specific deletion of MKL1, a transcriptional modulator, attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. MKL1 inhibition or deletion suppressed EndMT induced by TGF-β. Mechanistically, MKL1 was recruited to the promoter region of TWIST1, a master regulator of EndMT, and activated TWIST1 transcription in a STAT3-dependent manner. A small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor (C188-9) alleviated EndMT in cultured cells and bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver fibrosis in mice. Finally, direct inhibition of TWIST1 by a small-molecule compound harmine was paralleled by blockade of EndMT in cultured cells and liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel mechanism underlying EndMT and liver fibrosis and highlight the possibility of targeting the STAT3-MKL1-TWIST1 axis in the intervention of aberrant liver fibrogenesis.
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36
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Li Z, Lv F, Dai C, Wang Q, Jiang C, Fang M, Xu Y. Activation of Galectin-3 (LGALS3) Transcription by Injurious Stimuli in the Liver Is Commonly Mediated by BRG1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:310. [PMID: 31850346 PMCID: PMC6901944 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-3 (encoded by LGALS3) is a glycan-binding protein that regulates a diverse range of pathophysiological processes contributing to the pathogenesis of human diseases. Previous studies have found that galectin-3 levels are up-regulated in the liver by a host of different injurious stimuli. The underlying epigenetic mechanism, however, is unclear. Here we report that conditional knockout of Brahma related gene (BRG1), a chromatin remodeling protein, in hepatocytes attenuated induction of galectin-3 expression in several different animal models of liver injury. Similarly, BRG1 depletion or pharmaceutical inhibition in cultured hepatocytes suppressed the induction of galectin-3 expression by treatment with LPS plus free fatty acid (palmitate). Further analysis revealed that BRG1 interacted with AP-1 to bind to the proximal galectin-3 promoter and activate transcription. Mechanistically, DNA demethylation surrounding the galectin-3 promoter appeared to be a rate-limiting step in BRG1-mediated activation of galectin-3 transcription. BRG1 recruited the DNA 5-methylcytosine dioxygenase TET1 to the galectin-3 to promote active DNA demethylation thereby activating galectin-3 transcription. Finally, TET1 silencing abrogated induction of galectin-3 expression by LPS plus palmitate in cultured hepatocytes. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel epigenetic pathway that contributes to injury-associated activation of galectin-3 transcription in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangqiao Lv
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Congxin Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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37
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Li Z, Xia J, Fang M, Xu Y. Epigenetic regulation of lung cancer cell proliferation and migration by the chromatin remodeling protein BRG1. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:66. [PMID: 31695026 PMCID: PMC6834663 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant lung cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and migration. Aberrant lung cancer cell proliferation and migration are programmed by altered cancer transcriptome. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is unclear. Here we report that expression levels of BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, were significantly up-regulated in human lung cancer biopsy specimens of higher malignancy grades compared to those of lower grades. Small interfering RNA mediated depletion or pharmaceutical inhibition of BRG1 suppressed proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells. BRG1 depletion or inhibition was paralleled by down-regulation of cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and latent TGF-β binding protein 2 (LTBP2) in lung cancer cells. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 directly bound to the CCNB1 promoter to activate transcription in response to hypoxia stimulation by interacting with E2F1. On the other hand, BRG1 interacted with Sp1 to activate LTBP2 transcription. Mechanistically, BRG1 regulated CCNB1 and LTBP2 transcription by altering histone modifications on target promoters. Specifically, BRG1 recruited KDM3A, a histone H3K9 demethylase, to remove dimethyl H3K9 from target gene promoters thereby activating transcription. KDM3A knockdown achieved equivalent effects as BRG1 silencing by diminishing lung cancer proliferation and migration. Of interest, BRG1 directly activated KDM3A transcription by forming a complex with HIF-1α. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel epigenetic mechanism whereby malignant lung cancer cells acquired heightened ability to proliferate and migrate. Targeting BRG1 may yield effective interventional strategies against malignant lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Xia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Mingming Fang
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. .,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.
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