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Xu Z, Zhang S, Han T, Cai L, Zhong S, Yang X, Zhang S, Li Y, Liu K, Zhou B, Tian X. Continuous genetic monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene activities in distal tubule and collecting duct epithelial cells during renal fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30541. [PMID: 38372186 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30541] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells (ECs) have been proposed to contribute to myofibroblasts or fibroblasts through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during renal fibrosis. However, since EMT may occur dynamically, transiently, and reversibly during kidney fibrosis, conventional lineage tracing based on Cre-loxP recombination in renal ECs could hardly capture the transient EMT activity, yielding inconsistent results. Moreover, previous EMT research has primarily focused on renal proximal tubule ECs, with few reports of distal tubules and collecting ducts. Here, we generated dual recombinases-mediated genetic lineage tracing systems for continuous monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene expression in E-cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs of distal tubules and collecting ducts during renal fibrosis. Activation of key EMT-inducing transcription factor (EMT-TF) Zeb1 and mesenchymal markers αSMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin, were investigated following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Our data revealed that E-cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs did not transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, nor transiently expressed these mesenchymal genes during renal fibrosis. In contrast, in vitro a large amount of cultured renal ECs upregulated mesenchymal genes in response to TGF-β, a major inducer of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaotong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Simin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueying Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China
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Chang LY, Chao YL, Chiu CC, Chen PL, Lin HYH. Mitochondrial Signaling, the Mechanisms of AKI-to-CKD Transition and Potential Treatment Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1518. [PMID: 38338797 PMCID: PMC10855342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031518] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasing in prevalence and causes a global health burden. AKI is associated with significant mortality and can subsequently develop into chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidney is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the human body and has a role in active solute transport, maintenance of electrochemical gradients, and regulation of fluid balance. Renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs) are the primary segment to reabsorb and secrete various solutes and take part in AKI initiation. Mitochondria, which are enriched in PTCs, are the main source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells as generated through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial dysfunction may result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, impaired biogenesis, oxidative stress multiplication, and ultimately leading to cell death. Even though mitochondrial damage and malfunction have been observed in both human kidney disease and animal models of AKI and CKD, the mechanism of mitochondrial signaling in PTC for AKI-to-CKD transition remains unknown. We review the recent findings of the development of AKI-to-CKD transition with a focus on mitochondrial disorders in PTCs. We propose that mitochondrial signaling is a key mechanism of the progression of AKI to CKD and potential targeting for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yun Chang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (L.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.)
| | - Yu-Lin Chao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (L.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.)
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Phang-Lang Chen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Hugo Y.-H. Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (L.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Fendt BM, Hirschmann A, Bruns M, Camarillo-Retamosa E, Ospelt C, Vogetseder A. Protein atlas of fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1)/S100A4. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1391-1401. [PMID: 37154201 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1)/S100A4 is a calcium binding protein which has been linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tissue fibrosis, pulmonary vascular disease, metastatic tumour development, increased tumour cell motility and invasiveness. This protein is reported to be also expressed in newly formed and differentiated fibroblasts and has been used in various studies to demonstrate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We aimed to characterize S100A4 positive cells in different human tissue compartments, with the focus on fibroblasts/myofibroblast. We found S100A4 expression in a wide range of cells. Fibroblasts/myofibroblasts showed a broad spectrum of staining intensity, ranging from negative to strong expression of S100A4, with the strongest expression in smooth muscle actin positive myofibroblasts. Cells of haematopoietic lineage, namely CD4 and CD8 positive T-lymphocytes, but not B-lymphocytes expressed S100A4. All investigated monocytes, macrophages and specialised histiocytes were positive for S100A4. Even some epithelial cells of the kidney and bladder were positive for S100A4. Expression was also found in the vasculature. Here, cells of the subendothelial space, tunica adventitia and some smooth muscle cells of the tunica media were positive for S100A4. In summary, S100A4 is expressed in various cell types of different lineage and is not, as originally believed, specific for fibroblasts (FSP). Results attained under the premise of specificity of FSP1/S100A4 for fibroblasts, like the founding research on EMT type 2 in kidney and liver, therefore need to be reinterpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Astrid Hirschmann
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Malgorzata Bruns
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Eva Camarillo-Retamosa
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Ospelt
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Aboulhoda BE, Othman DA, Rashed LA, Alghamdi MA, E. Esawy AELW. Evaluating the hepatotoxic versus the nephrotoxic role of iron oxide nanoparticles: One step forward into the dose-dependent oxidative effects. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21202. [PMID: 37942152 PMCID: PMC10628677 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study has been designed to detect the dose-dependent effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) on the liver and kidney of rats by evaluating three different doses 30, 300, 1000 mg/kg/day IONPs for 28 days. Forty rats were divided into four groups; I (control), II (low dose), III (medium dose) and IV (high dose). There also was a statistically-significant elevation in the serum levels of hepatic enzymes; AST and ALT in medium & high dose. The elevation of serum ALP, on the other hand, was significant in all IONPs doses. There was significant elevation in the levels of urea creatinine, and MDA in the medium and high doses of IONPs. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) showed significant decrease in the high dose only compared to the control group. The serum iron levels increased in a dose-dependent manner in the IONPs-treated groups with highly significant increase in the moderate and high dose groups. On comparing the effect of different doses of IONPs between the liver and kidney, the high dose revealed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the area percent of collagen deposition (54.4 ± 3.9 versus 6.1 ± 2.6) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) reaction (7.7 ± 1.5 versus 17.8 ± 4.3) in the liver relative to the kidney. The medium and high doses revealed statistically significant difference in optical density of Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reaction (45 ± 3.4 versus 50.3 ± 1.8 in the medium dose, and 38.9 ± 6 versus 63 ± 3 in the high dose) and area percent of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) reaction (12.98 ± 2.7 versus 3.5 ± 0.5 in the medium dose, and 27.91 ± 1.5 versus 7.7 ± 0.6 in the high dose) in the liver relative to the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Emad Aboulhoda
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Doaa Abdullah Othman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Laila A. Rashed
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mansour A. Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
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Nørregaard R, Mutsaers HAM, Frøkiær J, Kwon TH. Obstructive nephropathy and molecular pathophysiology of renal interstitial fibrosis. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2827-2872. [PMID: 37440209 PMCID: PMC10642920 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00027.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The kidneys play a key role in maintaining total body homeostasis. The complexity of this task is reflected in the unique architecture of the organ. Ureteral obstruction greatly affects renal physiology by altering hemodynamics, changing glomerular filtration and renal metabolism, and inducing architectural malformations of the kidney parenchyma, most importantly renal fibrosis. Persisting pathological changes lead to chronic kidney disease, which currently affects ∼10% of the global population and is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Studies on the consequences of ureteral obstruction date back to the 1800s. Even today, experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) remains the standard model for tubulointerstitial fibrosis. However, the model has certain limitations when it comes to studying tubular injury and repair, as well as a limited potential for human translation. Nevertheless, ureteral obstruction has provided the scientific community with a wealth of knowledge on renal (patho)physiology. With the introduction of advanced omics techniques, the classical UUO model has remained relevant to this day and has been instrumental in understanding renal fibrosis at the molecular, genomic, and cellular levels. This review details key concepts and recent advances in the understanding of obstructive nephropathy, highlighting the pathophysiological hallmarks responsible for the functional and architectural changes induced by ureteral obstruction, with a special emphasis on renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Nørregaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jørgen Frøkiær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tae-Hwan Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu, Korea
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Pohl L, Schiessl IM. Endothelial cell plasticity in kidney fibrosis and disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14038. [PMID: 37661749 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Renal endothelial cells demonstrate an impressive remodeling potential during angiogenic sprouting, vessel repair or while transitioning into mesenchymal cells. These different processes may play important roles in both renal disease progression or regeneration while underlying signaling pathways of different endothelial cell plasticity routes partly overlap. Angiogenesis contributes to wound healing after kidney injury and pharmaceutical modulation of angiogenesis may home a great therapeutic potential. Yet, it is not clear whether any differentiated endothelial cell can proliferate or whether regenerative processes are largely controlled by resident or circulating endothelial progenitor cells. In the glomerular compartment for example, a distinct endothelial progenitor cell population may remodel the glomerular endothelium after injury. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the kidney is vastly documented and often associated with endothelial dysfunction, fibrosis, and kidney disease progression. Especially the role of EndoMT in renal fibrosis is controversial. Studies on EndoMT in vivo determined possible conclusions on the pathophysiological role of EndoMT in the kidney, but whether endothelial cells really contribute to kidney fibrosis and if not what other cellular and functional outcomes derive from EndoMT in kidney disease is unclear. Sequencing data, however, suggest no participation of endothelial cells in extracellular matrix deposition. Thus, more in-depth classification of cellular markers and the fate of EndoMT cells in the kidney is needed. In this review, we describe different signaling pathways of endothelial plasticity, outline methodological approaches and evidence for functional and structural implications of angiogenesis and EndoMT in the kidney, and eventually discuss controversial aspects in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Pohl
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Kumar S, Fan X, Rasouly HM, Sharma R, Salant DJ, Lu W. ZEB2 controls kidney stromal progenitor differentiation and inhibits abnormal myofibroblast expansion and kidney fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e158418. [PMID: 36445780 PMCID: PMC9870089 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXD1+ cell-derived stromal cells give rise to pericytes and fibroblasts that support the kidney vasculature and interstitium but are also major precursors of myofibroblasts. ZEB2 is a SMAD-interacting transcription factor that is expressed in developing kidney stromal progenitors. Here we show that Zeb2 is essential for normal FOXD1+ stromal progenitor development. Specific conditional knockout of mouse Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors (Zeb2 cKO) leads to abnormal interstitial stromal cell development, differentiation, and kidney fibrosis. Immunofluorescent staining analyses revealed abnormal expression of interstitial stromal cell markers MEIS1/2/3, CDKN1C, and CSPG4 (NG2) in newborn and 3-week-old Zeb2-cKO mouse kidneys. Zeb2-deficient FOXD1+ stromal progenitors also took on a myofibroblast fate that led to kidney fibrosis and kidney failure. Cell marker studies further confirmed that these myofibroblasts expressed pericyte and resident fibroblast markers, including PDGFRβ, CSPG4, desmin, GLI1, and NT5E. Notably, increased interstitial collagen deposition associated with loss of Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors was accompanied by increased expression of activated SMAD1/5/8, SMAD2/3, SMAD4, and AXIN2. Thus, our study identifies a key role of ZEB2 in maintaining the cell fate of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors during kidney development, whereas loss of ZEB2 leads to differentiation of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors into myofibroblasts and kidney fibrosis.
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Wu Y, Liang M, Huang F, Cheng OH, Xiao X, Lee TH, Truong L, Cheng J. Notch Blockade Specifically in Bone Marrow-Derived FSP-1-Positive Cells Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020214. [PMID: 36672147 PMCID: PMC9856686 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infiltration of inflammatory cells during a kidney injury stimulates myofibroblast activation leading to kidney fibrosis. Fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1) positive cells have been reported as either myofibroblasts or monocytes during tissue fibrosis. The functions of FSP-1+ cells that are associated with the development of renal fibrosis and the signaling pathways that regulate FSP-1+ cell activation have not been well defined. METHODS In mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), we characterized FSP-1+ cells and determined the role of the Notch signaling pathway in the activation of bone marrow-derived FSP-1+ cells during kidney fibrosis. RESULTS In kidneys from mice with UUO, the FSP-1+ cells accumulated significantly in the tubulointerstitial area. By using immunostaining and FSP-1 reporter mice, we found that FSP-1 was co-stained with inflammatory cell markers, but not myofibroblast markers. Results from mice with bone marrow transplantations showed that FSP-1+ cells in obstructed kidneys represent a bone marrow-derived population of inflammatory cells. In cultured FSP-1+ cells, the inhibition of Notch signaling suppressed the activation and cytokine secretion of FSP-1+ cells that were induced by LPS but not by IL-4. The specific KO or blockade of Notch signaling in bone marrow-derived FSP-1+ cells suppressed UUO-induced ECM deposition, the infiltration of FSP-1+ inflammatory cells, and cytokine production. These responses ameliorated myofibroblast accumulation and renal fibrosis in obstructed kidneys. CONCLUSION Our study reveals that most FSP-1+ cells in obstructed kidneys are activated macrophages that are derived from bone marrow and that Notch signaling activates the production of M1 cytokines in FSP-1+ monocytes/macrophages, which is important for renal inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdong Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (J.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-2698 (J.C.); Fax: +1-713-798-5010 (J.C.)
| | - Fengzhang Huang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Owen H. Cheng
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoguang Xiao
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Lee
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luan Truong
- Department of Pathology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jizhong Cheng
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (J.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-2698 (J.C.); Fax: +1-713-798-5010 (J.C.)
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Martínez-Salgado C, Sánchez-Juanes F, López-Hernández FJ, Muñoz-Félix JM. Endothelial Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 1 (ALK1) Regulates Myofibroblast Emergence and Peritubular Capillary Stability in the Early Stages of Kidney Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:843732. [PMID: 35770075 PMCID: PMC9234496 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.843732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal tubulo-interstitial fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tubular interstitium during chronic kidney disease. The main source of ECM proteins are emerging and proliferating myofibroblasts. The sources of myofibroblasts in the renal tubular interstitium have been studied during decades, in which the epithelial contribution of the myofibroblast population through the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) process was assumed to be the major mechanism. However, it is now accepted that the EMT contribution is very limited and other mechanisms such as the proliferation of local resident fibroblasts or the transdifferentiation of endothelial cells seem to be more relevant. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is a type I receptor which belongs to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, with a key role in tissue fibrosis and production of ECM by myofibroblast. Predominantly expressed in endothelial cells, ALK1 also plays an important role in angiogenesis and vessel maturation, but the relation of these processes with kidney fibrosis is not fully understood. We show that after 3 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), ALK1 heterozygous mice (Alk1+/−) display lower levels of kidney fibrosis associated to a lower number of myofibroblasts. Moreover, Alk1+/− mice have a lower degree of vascular rarefaction, showing improved peritubular microvasculature after UUO. All these data suggest an important role of ALK1 in regulating vascular rarefaction and emergence of myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Salgado
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Translational Research on Renal and Cardiovascular Diseases (TRECARD)-REDINREN (ISCIII), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- *Correspondence: Carlos Martínez-Salgado, ; José M. Muñoz-Félix,
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco J. López-Hernández
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Translational Research on Renal and Cardiovascular Diseases (TRECARD)-REDINREN (ISCIII), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- *Correspondence: Carlos Martínez-Salgado, ; José M. Muñoz-Félix,
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Suryawanshi H, Yang H, Lubetzky M, Morozov P, Lagman M, Thareja G, Alonso A, Li C, Snopkowski C, Belkadi A, Mueller FB, Lee JR, Dadhania DM, Salvatore SP, Seshan SV, Sharma VK, Suhre K, Suthanthiran M, Tuschl T, Muthukumar T. Detection of infiltrating fibroblasts by single-cell transcriptomics in human kidney allografts. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267704. [PMID: 35657798 PMCID: PMC9165878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of human kidney allograft biopsies will reveal distinct cell types and states and yield insights to decipher the complex heterogeneity of alloimmune injury. We selected 3 biopsies of kidney cortex from 3 individuals for scRNA-seq and processed them fresh using an identical protocol on the 10x Chromium platform; (i) HK: native kidney biopsy from a living donor, (ii) AK1: allograft kidney with transplant glomerulopathy, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and worsening graft function, and (iii) AK2: allograft kidney after successful treatment of active antibody-mediated rejection. We did not study T-cell-mediated rejections. We generated 7217 high-quality single cell transcriptomes. Taking advantage of the recipient-donor sex mismatches revealed by X and Y chromosome autosomal gene expression, we determined that in AK1 with fibrosis, 42 months after transplantation, more than half of the kidney allograft fibroblasts were recipient-derived and therefore likely migratory and graft infiltrative, whereas in AK2 without fibrosis, 84 months after transplantation, most fibroblasts were donor-organ-derived. Furthermore, AK1 was enriched for tubular progenitor cells overexpressing profibrotic extracellular matrix genes. AK2, eight months after successful treatment of rejection, contained plasmablast cells with high expression of immunoglobulins, endothelial cell elaboration of T cell chemoattractant cytokines, and persistent presence of cytotoxic T cells. In addition to these key findings, our analysis revealed unique cell types and states in the kidney. Altogether, single-cell transcriptomics yielded novel mechanistic insights, which could pave the way for individualizing the care of transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Suryawanshi
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Hua Yang
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Michelle Lubetzky
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Pavel Morozov
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Mila Lagman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Gaurav Thareja
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alicia Alonso
- Epigenomics Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Carol Li
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Catherine Snopkowski
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Aziz Belkadi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Franco B. Mueller
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - John R. Lee
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Darshana M. Dadhania
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Steven P. Salvatore
- Division of Renal Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Surya V. Seshan
- Division of Renal Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Vijay K. Sharma
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Karsten Suhre
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Manikkam Suthanthiran
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thomas Tuschl
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Thangamani Muthukumar
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States of America
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11
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Sang Y, Tsuji K, Fukushima K, Takahashi K, Kitamura S, Wada J. Semaporin3A-inhibitor ameliorates renal fibrosis through the regulation of JNK signaling. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 321:F740-F756. [PMID: 34747196 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00234.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the common pathological pathway in progressive renal diseases. In the study, we analyzed the roles of Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) on renal fibrosis and the effect of SEMA3A-inhibitor (SEMA3A-I) using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model. The expression of SEMA3A in the proximal tubulus and neuropilin-1 (NRP1), a recepor of SEMA3A, in fibloblast and tubular cells were increased in the UUO kidneys. The increased expression of myofibroblast marker tenascin-C and fibronection as well as renal fibrosis were increased in UUO kidneys, all of which were ameliorated by SEMA3A-I. In addition, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway known as the target of SEMA3A signaling, was activated in proximal tubular cells and fibroblast cells after UUO surgery while SEMA3A-I significantly attenuated the activation. In vitro, treatments with SEMA3A as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in human proximal tubular cells lost epithelial cell characters while SEMA3A-I significantly ameliorated this transformation. JNK inhibitor, SP600125, partially reversed SEMA3A and TGF-β1-induced cell transformation, indicating that JNK signaling is involved in SEMA3A-induced renal fibrosis. In addition, the treatment with SEMA3A in fibroblast cells activated the expression of tenascin-C, collagen type I and fibronection, indicating that SEMA3A may accelerate renal fibrosis through the activation of fibroblast cells. The analysis of human data revealed the positive correlation between urinary SEMA3A and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, indicating the association between SEMA3A and tubular injury. In conclusion, SEMA3A signaling is involved in renal fibrosis through JNK signaling pathway and SEMA3A-I might be the therapeutic option for protecting from renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Sang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsuji
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Fukushima
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kensaku Takahashi
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinji Kitamura
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jun Wada
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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12
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Higgins CE, Tang J, Higgins SP, Gifford CC, Mian BM, Jones DM, Zhang W, Costello A, Conti DJ, Samarakoon R, Higgins PJ. The Genomic Response to TGF-β1 Dictates Failed Repair and Progression of Fibrotic Disease in the Obstructed Kidney. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:678524. [PMID: 34277620 PMCID: PMC8284093 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.678524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common and diagnostic hallmark of a spectrum of chronic renal disorders. While the etiology varies as to the causative nature of the underlying pathology, persistent TGF-β1 signaling drives the relentless progression of renal fibrotic disease. TGF-β1 orchestrates the multifaceted program of kidney fibrogenesis involving proximal tubular dysfunction, failed epithelial recovery or re-differentiation, capillary collapse and subsequent interstitial fibrosis eventually leading to chronic and ultimately end-stage disease. An increasing complement of non-canonical elements function as co-factors in TGF-β1 signaling. p53 is a particularly prominent transcriptional co-regulator of several TGF-β1 fibrotic-response genes by complexing with TGF-β1 receptor-activated SMADs. This cooperative p53/TGF-β1 genomic cluster includes genes involved in cellular proliferative control, survival, apoptosis, senescence, and ECM remodeling. While the molecular basis for this co-dependency remains to be determined, a subset of TGF-β1-regulated genes possess both p53- and SMAD-binding motifs. Increases in p53 expression and phosphorylation, moreover, are evident in various forms of renal injury as well as kidney allograft rejection. Targeted reduction of p53 levels by pharmacologic and genetic approaches attenuates expression of the involved genes and mitigates the fibrotic response confirming a key role for p53 in renal disorders. This review focuses on mechanisms underlying TGF-β1-induced renal fibrosis largely in the context of ureteral obstruction, which mimics the pathophysiology of pediatric unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, and the role of p53 as a transcriptional regulator within the TGF-β1 repertoire of fibrosis-promoting genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Stephen P. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Cody C. Gifford
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Badar M. Mian
- The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, Albany, NY, United States
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David M. Jones
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Wenzheng Zhang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Angelica Costello
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David J. Conti
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Rohan Samarakoon
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Paul J. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
- The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, Albany, NY, United States
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, United States
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13
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Li L, Galichon P, Xiao X, Figueroa-Ramirez AC, Tamayo D, Lee JJK, Kalocsay M, Gonzalez-Sanchez D, Chancay MS, McCracken KW, Lee NN, Ichimura T, Mori Y, Valerius MT, Wilflingseder J, Lemos DR, Edelman ER, Bonventre JV. Orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII enhances myofibroblast glycolysis leading to kidney fibrosis. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51169. [PMID: 34031962 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that metabolic disturbance, such as augmented glycolysis, contributes to fibrosis. The molecular regulation of this metabolic perturbation in fibrosis, however, has been elusive. COUP-TFII (also known as NR2F2) is an important regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. Its contribution to organ fibrosis is undefined. Here, we found increased COUP-TFII expression in myofibroblasts in human fibrotic kidneys, lungs, kidney organoids, and mouse kidneys after injury. Genetic ablation of COUP-TFII in mice resulted in attenuation of injury-induced kidney fibrosis. A non-biased proteomic study revealed the suppression of fatty acid oxidation and the enhancement of glycolysis pathways in COUP-TFII overexpressing fibroblasts. Overexpression of COUP-TFII in fibroblasts also induced production of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen 1. Knockout of COUP-TFII decreased glycolysis and collagen 1 levels in fibroblasts. Chip-qPCR revealed the binding of COUP-TFII on the promoter of PGC1α. Overexpression of COUP-TFII reduced the cellular level of PGC1α. Targeting COUP-TFII serves as a novel treatment approach for mitigating fibrosis in chronic kidney disease and potentially fibrosis in other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pierre Galichon
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Xiao
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Diana Tamayo
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jake J-K Lee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marian Kalocsay
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Maria S Chancay
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle W McCracken
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan N Lee
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takaharu Ichimura
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yutaro Mori
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Todd Valerius
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Dario R Lemos
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elazer R Edelman
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph V Bonventre
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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14
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Dissecting the Involvement of Ras GTPases in Kidney Fibrosis. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060800. [PMID: 34073961 PMCID: PMC8225075 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many different regulatory mechanisms of renal fibrosis are known to date, and those related to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced signaling have been studied in greater depth. However, in recent years, other signaling pathways have been identified, which contribute to the regulation of these pathological processes. Several studies by our team and others have revealed the involvement of small Ras GTPases in the regulation of the cellular processes that occur in renal fibrosis, such as the activation and proliferation of myofibroblasts or the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Intracellular signaling mediated by TGF-β1 and Ras GTPases are closely related, and this interaction also occurs during the development of renal fibrosis. In this review, we update the available in vitro and in vivo knowledge on the role of Ras and its main effectors, such as Erk and Akt, in the cellular mechanisms that occur during the regulation of kidney fibrosis (ECM synthesis, accumulation and activation of myofibroblasts, apoptosis and survival of tubular epithelial cells), as well as the therapeutic strategies for targeting the Ras pathway to intervene on the development of renal fibrosis.
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15
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Wang WJ, Chen XM, Cai GY. Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype: Potential therapeutic targets for renal fibrosis. Exp Gerontol 2021; 151:111403. [PMID: 33984448 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis plays a crucial role in the progression of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. However, because the aetiology of this pathological process is complex and remains unclear, there is still no effective treatment. Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) have been reported to lead to renal fibrosis. This review first discusses the relationships among cellular senescence, the SASP and renal fibrosis. Then, the key role of the SASP in irreversible renal fibrosis, including fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation, is discussed, with the results of studies having indicated that inhibiting cellular senescence and the SASP might be a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis. Finally, we summarize promising therapeutic strategies revealed by existing research on senescent cells and the SASP, including emerging interventions targeting the SASP, caloric restriction and mimetics, and novel regeneration therapies with stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiang-Mei Chen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Guang-Yan Cai
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Nephrology Institute of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Research, Beijing 100853, China.
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16
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Zhou J, Li R, Zhang J, Liu Q, Wu T, Tang Q, Huang C, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Huang H, Zhang G, Zhao Y, Zhang T, Mo L, Li Y, He J. Targeting Interstitial Myofibroblast-Expressed Integrin αvβ3 Alleviates Renal Fibrosis. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1373-1385. [PMID: 33544609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the final manifestation of various chronic kidney diseases. Interstitial myofibroblasts, which are reported to highly express integrin αvβ3, are the effector cells in renal fibrogenesis. Since current therapies do not efficiently target these cells, there is no effective therapeutic method for preventing or mitigating the disease. Here, we modified sterically stable PEGylated liposomes with the pentapeptide cRGDfC (RGD-Lip), which has a high affinity for αvβ3, to specifically deliver drug to renal interstitial myofibroblasts. Our results showed that attaching cRGDfC to liposomes significantly increased their uptake by activated renal fibroblasts NRK-49F cells, and this effect was greatly abolished by adding excess-free cRGDfC or a knockdown of αvβ3. Systemic administration of RGD-Lip gave rise to significant accumulation in a fibrotic kidney, which is ascribed to the specific recognition with integrin αvβ3 on interstitial myofibroblasts. When loaded with celastrol, RGD-guided liposomes dramatically depressed the proliferation and activation of NRK-49F cells in vitro. Additionally, celastrol-loaded RGD-Lip markedly attenuated renal fibrosis, injury, and inflammation induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice, without inducing significant systemic toxicity. Thus, this liposomal system shows great promise for delivering therapeutic agents to interstitial myofibroblasts for renal fibrosis treatment with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cuiyuan Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ya Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guorong Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yingnan Zhao
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Mo
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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17
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Li YY, Jiang GT, Chen LJ, Jiang YH, Jiao JD. Formin mDia1 contributes to migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells exposed to TGF-β1. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:3861-3870. [PMID: 31692057 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Renal tubular epithelial cells may undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to stimuli, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, leading to myofibroblast activation and renal fibrosis. The formin mDia1 is required for nucleation and polymerization of actin and the microtubule cytoskeleton. The present study sought to explore the role of mDia1 in EMT of tubular epithelial cells. A rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was established. The expression of TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, and mDia1 in the kidneys was examined at day 7 after surgery. The effect of mDia1 on EMT was explored in NRK-52E cells by exposing them to TGF-β1. Increased expression of TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, and mDia1 was found in obstructive kidneys of UUO model rats. Exposing rat tubular epithelial cells to TGF-β1 promoted collagen I and collagen III expression but had no effect on mDia1 expression. Silencing mDia1 expression impeded epithelial cell migration as well as reduced TGF-β1, collagen, and Profilin1 expression, whereas mDia1 overexpression exerted an opposite effect. Furthermore, mDia1 regulated the expression of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and E-cadherin and focal adhesion-kinase (FAK)/Src activation through Profilin1. Inhibition of the mDia1 activator RhoA by fasudil reversed EMT, and FAK/Src activation induced by mDia1. In conclusion, mDia1 regulated tubular epithelial cell migration, collagen expression, and EMT in NRK-52E cells exposed to TGF-β1. Thus, suppression of mDia1 activation might be a strategy to counteract renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.,Department of Nephrology, The 962 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guo-Tao Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Li-Jie Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Harbin, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan-Hong Jiang
- Department of Paediatrics, Hefei BOE Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jun-Dong Jiao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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18
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Niao Du Kang Mixture Increases the Expression of mir-129-5p to Relieve Renal Fibrosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1841890. [PMID: 32454849 PMCID: PMC7222611 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1841890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the efficacy of Niao Du Kang (NDK) mixture in renal fibrosis of rats and to explore the mechanism underlying the effect of NDK on renal fibrosis. Methods Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was used to replicate a rat renal interstitial fibrosis model. The drug-administered groups were given 20 ml/kg (NDK-H), 10 ml/kg (NDK-M), and 5 ml/kg (NDK-L) NDK mixture once a day for 21 days beginning 48 hours after surgery. The 24-hour urine protein and serum creatinine (CR) levels in the sham group rats, UUO rats, and NDK mixture-treated rats were measured after the last administration. The pathological changes of rat kidney tissue were observed by HE staining. The degree of fibrosis was observed by Masson's staining and scored. The expression levels of TGF-β, α-SMA mRNA, and mir-129-5p in kidney were detected by qRT-PCR. HK-2 cells were treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β to induce HK-2 cell fibrosis. The expression levels of TGF-β, α-SMA mRNA, and mir-129-5p in HK-2 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. TargetScan predicted the target gene of mir-129-5p, HK-2 cells were transfected with mir-129-5p mimic, and an overexpressed mir-129-5p HK-2 cell model was constructed. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of PDPK1 mRNA. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PDPK1, AKT, and p-AKT in HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β and in UUO rats. Results NDK mixture significantly reduced the 24-hour urine protein and CR levels of UUO rats. HE staining showed that the NDK mixture group exhibited a significantly reduced degree of renal interstitial fibrosis. NDK mixture also reduced the expression of TGF-β and α-SMA, and the middle-dose group showed a better therapeutic effect. In vitro studies showed that NDK mixture-containing serum increased the expression of mir-129-5p to reduce renal fibrosis. In addition, NDK mixture increased the expression of mir-129-5p in vivo. Further studies indicated that mir-129-5p could target PDPKl to reduce its expression. The NDK-containing serum group also exhibited reduced expression of PDPK1. Conclusion NDK mixture can significantly improve renal function and improve renal fibrosis in UUO model rats. Furthermore, NDK mixture can inhibit the expression of PDPK1 by upregulating the expression of mir-129-5p and then inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway to improve renal fibrosis.
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19
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Zhang S, Breidenbach JD, Khalaf FK, Dube PR, Mohammed CJ, Lad A, Stepkowski S, Hinds TD, Kumarasamy S, Kleinhenz A, Tian J, Malhotra D, Kennedy DJ, Cooper CJ, Haller ST. Renal Fibrosis Is Significantly Attenuated Following Targeted Disruption of Cd40 in Experimental Renal Ischemia. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e014072. [PMID: 32200719 PMCID: PMC7428653 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.014072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Renal artery stenosis is a common cause of renal ischemia, contributing to the development of chronic kidney disease. To investigate the role of local CD40 expression in renal artery stenosis, Goldblatt 2‐kidney 1‐clip surgery was performed on hypertensive Dahl salt‐sensitive rats (S rats) and genetically modified S rats in which CD40 function is abolished (Cd40mutant). Methods and Results Four weeks following the 2‐kidney 1‐clip procedure, Cd40mutant rats demonstrated significantly reduced blood pressure and renal fibrosis in the ischemic kidneys compared with S rat controls. Similarly, disruption of Cd40 resulted in reduced 24‐hour urinary protein excretion in Cd40mutant rats versus S rat controls (46.2±1.9 versus 118.4±5.3 mg/24 h; P<0.01), as well as protection from oxidative stress, as indicated by increased paraoxonase activity in Cd40mutant rats versus S rat controls (P<0.01). Ischemic kidneys from Cd40mutant rats demonstrated a significant decrease in gene expression of the profibrotic mediator, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (P<0.05), and the proinflammatory mediators, C‐C motif chemokine ligand 19 (P<0.01), C‐X‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 9 (P<0.01), and interleukin‐6 receptor (P<0.001), compared with S rat ischemic kidneys, as assessed by quantitative PCR assay. Reciprocal renal transplantation documented that CD40 exclusively expressed in the kidney contributes to ischemia‐induced renal fibrosis. Furthermore, human CD40‐knockout proximal tubule epithelial cells suggested that suppression of CD40 signaling significantly inhibited expression of proinflammatory and ‐fibrotic genes. Conclusions Taken together, our data suggest that activation of CD40 induces a significant proinflammatory and ‐fibrotic response and represents an attractive therapeutic target for treatment of ischemic renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shungang Zhang
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Joshua D. Breidenbach
- Department of Medical Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Fatimah K. Khalaf
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Prabhatchandra R. Dube
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Chrysan J. Mohammed
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Apurva Lad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Stanislaw Stepkowski
- Department of Medical Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Terry D. Hinds
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Sivarajan Kumarasamy
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Andrew Kleinhenz
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Jiang Tian
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Deepak Malhotra
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - David J. Kennedy
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Christopher J. Cooper
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
| | - Steven T. Haller
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOH
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20
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Hreha TN, Collins CA, Daugherty AL, Twentyman J, Paluri N, Hunstad DA. TGFβ1 orchestrates renal fibrosis following Escherichia coli pyelonephritis. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14401. [PMID: 32227630 PMCID: PMC7104652 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal scarring after pyelonephritis is linked to long-term health risks for hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Androgen exposure increases susceptibility to, and severity of, uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) pyelonephritis and resultant scarring in both male and female mice, while anti-androgen therapy is protective against severe urinary tract infection (UTI) in these models. This work employed androgenized female C57BL/6 mice to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of post-infectious renal fibrosis and to determine how these pathways are altered by the presence of androgens. We found that elevated circulating testosterone levels primed the kidney for fibrosis by increasing local production of TGFβ1 before the initiation of UTI, altering the ratio of transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3 and increasing the presence of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells and Gli1 + activated myofibroblasts, the cells primarily responsible for deposition of scar components. Increased production of TGFβ1 and aberrations in Smad2:Smad3 were maintained throughout the course of infection in the presence of androgen, correlating with renal scarring that was not observed in non-androgenized female mice. Pharmacologic inhibition of TGFβ1 signaling blunted myofibroblast activation. We conclude that renal fibrosis after pyelonephritis is exacerbated by the presence of androgens and involves activation of the TGFβ1 signaling cascade, leading to increases in cortical populations of MSC-like cells and the Gli1 + activated myofibroblasts that are responsible for scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri N. Hreha
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | | | | | - Joy Twentyman
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
- Present address:
Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Nitin Paluri
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - David A. Hunstad
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
- Department of Molecular MicrobiologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
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21
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Roach KM, Bradding P. Ca 2+ signalling in fibroblasts and the therapeutic potential of K Ca3.1 channel blockers in fibrotic diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1003-1024. [PMID: 31758702 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Ca2+ signalling in fibroblasts is of great interest in fibrosis-related diseases. Intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i ) is a ubiquitous secondary messenger, regulating a number of cellular functions such as secretion, metabolism, differentiation, proliferation and contraction. The intermediate conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channel KCa 3.1 is pivotal in Ca2+ signalling and plays a central role in fibroblast processes including cell activation, migration and proliferation through the regulation of cell membrane potential. Evidence from a number of approaches demonstrates that KCa 3.1 plays an important role in the development of many fibrotic diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and cardiovascular disease. The KCa 3.1 selective blocker senicapoc was well tolerated in clinical trials for sickle cell disease, raising the possibility of rapid translation to the clinic for people suffering from pathological fibrosis. This review after analysing all the data, concludes that targeting KCa 3.1 should be a high priority for human fibrotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy M Roach
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Peter Bradding
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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22
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Higgins CE, Tang J, Mian BM, Higgins SP, Gifford CC, Conti DJ, Meldrum KK, Samarakoon R, Higgins PJ. TGF-β1-p53 cooperativity regulates a profibrotic genomic program in the kidney: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. FASEB J 2019; 33:10596-10606. [PMID: 31284746 PMCID: PMC6766640 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900943r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease affects >15% of the U.S. population and >850 million individuals worldwide. Fibrosis is the common outcome of many chronic renal disorders and, although the etiology varies (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, ischemia, acute injury, and urologic obstructive disorders), persistently elevated renal TGF-β1 levels result in the relentless progression of fibrotic disease. TGF-β1 orchestrates the multifaceted program of renal fibrogenesis involving proximal tubular dysfunction, failed epithelial recovery and redifferentiation, and subsequent tubulointerstitial fibrosis, eventually leading to chronic renal disease. Recent findings implicate p53 as a cofactor in the TGF-β1-induced signaling pathway and a transcriptional coregulator of several TGF-β1 profibrotic response genes by complexing with receptor-activated SMADs, which are homologous to the small worms (SMA) and Drosophilia mothers against decapentaplegic (MAD) gene families. The cooperative p53-TGF-β1 genomic cluster includes genes involved in cell growth control and extracellular matrix remodeling [e.g., plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1; serine protease inhibitor, clade E, member 1), connective tissue growth factor, and collagen I]. Although the molecular basis for this codependency is unclear, many TGF-β1-responsive genes possess p53 binding motifs. p53 up-regulation and increased p53 phosphorylation; moreover, they are evident in nephrotoxin- and ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, diabetic nephropathy, ureteral obstructive disease, and kidney allograft rejection. Pharmacologic and genetic approaches that target p53 attenuate expression of the involved genes and mitigate the fibrotic response, confirming a key role for p53 in renal disorders. This review focuses on mechanisms whereby p53 functions as a transcriptional regulator within the TGF-β1 cluster with an emphasis on the potent fibrosis-promoting PAI-1 gene.-Higgins, C. E., Tang, J., Mian, B. M., Higgins, S. P., Gifford, C. C., Conti, D. J., Meldrum, K. K., Samarakoon, R., Higgins, P. J. TGF-β1-p53 cooperativity regulates a profibrotic genomic program in the kidney: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Badar M. Mian
- The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, Albany, New York, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Stephen P. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Cody C. Gifford
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - David J. Conti
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kirstan K. Meldrum
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA
| | - Rohan Samarakoon
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Paul J. Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
- The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, Albany, New York, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
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23
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Wei J, Zhang J, Wang L, Jiang S, Fu L, Buggs J, Liu R. New mouse model of chronic kidney disease transitioned from ischemic acute kidney injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 317:F286-F295. [PMID: 31116604 PMCID: PMC6732455 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00021.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) significantly increases the risk of development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is closely associated with the severity of AKI. However, the underlying mechanisms for the AKI to CKD transition remain unclear. Several animal models with AKI to CKD transition have been generated and widely used in research; however, none of them exhibit the typical changes in glomerular filtration rate or plasma creatinine, the hallmarks of CKD. In the present study, we developed a novel model with a typical phenotype of AKI to CKD transition in C57BL/6 mice. In this model, life-threatening ischemia-reperfusion injury was performed in one kidney, whereas the contralateral kidney was kept intact to maintain animal survival; then, after 2 wk of recovery, when the renal function of the injured kidney restored above the survival threshold, the contralateral intact kidney was removed. Animals of this two-stage unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury model with pedicle clamping of 21 and 24 min exhibited an incomplete recovery from AKI and subsequent progression of CKD with characteristics of a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, increase in plasma creatinine, worsening of proteinuria, and deleterious histopathological changes, including interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. In conclusion, a new model of the AKI to CKD transition was generated in C57BL/6 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wei
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine , Tampa, Florida
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine , Tampa, Florida
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine , Tampa, Florida
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine , Tampa, Florida
| | - Liying Fu
- Tampa General Hospital , Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Ruisheng Liu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine , Tampa, Florida
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24
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Li Q, Tu J, Zhou B. The tannins from Punica granatum L, natural regulator of TGF-β1/Smad signaling activity improves nephrectomy and adriamycin induced focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in vivo. J Funct Foods 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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25
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Ackerman JE, Nichols AEC, Studentsova V, Best KT, Knapp E, Loiselle AE. Cell non-autonomous functions of S100a4 drive fibrotic tendon healing. eLife 2019; 8:e45342. [PMID: 31124787 PMCID: PMC6546390 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of pro-regenerative approaches to improve tendon healing is critically important as the fibrotic healing response impairs physical function. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that S100a4 haploinsufficiency or inhibition of S100a4 signaling improves tendon function following acute injury and surgical repair in a murine model. We demonstrate that S100a4 drives fibrotic tendon healing primarily through a cell non-autonomous process, with S100a4 haploinsufficiency promoting regenerative tendon healing. Moreover, inhibition of S100a4 signaling via antagonism of its putative receptor, RAGE, also decreases scar formation. Mechanistically, S100a4 haploinsufficiency decreases myofibroblast and macrophage content at the site of injury, with both cell populations being key drivers of fibrotic progression. Moreover, S100a4-lineage cells become α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, via loss of S100a4 expression. Using a combination of genetic mouse models, small molecule inhibitors and in vitro studies we have defined S100a4 as a novel, promising therapeutic candidate to improve tendon function after acute injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Ackerman
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Anne EC Nichols
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Valentina Studentsova
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Katherine T Best
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Emma Knapp
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
| | - Alayna E Loiselle
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Orthopaedics and RehabilitationUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterUnited States
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26
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Sun MY, Wang SJ, Li XQ, Shen YL, Lu JR, Tian XH, Rahman K, Zhang LJ, Nian H, Zhang H. CXCL6 Promotes Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy by Activating JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:224. [PMID: 30967776 PMCID: PMC6442023 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study the role of CXCL6 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) was investigated. It was found to be overexpression in DN patients and DN rat model. And the expression of fibrosis-related cytokines was consistent with the expression of CXCL6. High glucose significantly increased the proliferation of rat renal fibroblasts NRK-49F cell and the expression of CXCL6. Knockdown of CXCL6 ameliorated the pro-proliferation effect of high glucose and decreased the expression of fibrosis-related cytokines, while CXCL6 overexpression exhibited the opposite phenomenon. Gene set enrichment analysis, Western blot and ELISA showed that Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and CYTOKINE_CYTOKINE_RECEPTOR_INTERACTION signaling pathways were correlative with CXCL6. This data indicates that CXCL6 may promote fibrosis-related factors to accelerate the development of DN renal interstitial fibrosis by activating JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. CXCL6 is promising to be a potential novel therapeutic target and candidate biomarker for JAK/STAT3 signaling for the treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Sun
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Juan Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Drug Preparation, Hospital of TCM and Hui Nationality Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Li
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Li Shen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Rao Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Hui Tian
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Khalid Rahman
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Nian
- Department of Pharmacy, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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27
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MKP2 suppresses TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through JNK inhibition. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:545-550. [PMID: 30760641 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial fibrosis is a typical feature of end-stage renal diseases, regardless of the initial cause of kidney injury. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a mechanism that is thought to play a role in generating the interstitial matrix-producing myofibroblasts and is prominently induced by the transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1). TGF-β1 signals through a variety of Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. In a study published in a recent issue of Clinical Science (Clin. Sci. (2018) 132(21),2339-2355), Li et al. investigated the potential role of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 2 (MKP2), also known as Dusp4, in the control of EMT and renal fibrosis. Based on results obtained with an animal model of kidney fibrosis and a proximal tubular epithelial cell line system, the authors put forward a role for MKP2 as a negative feedback regulator of TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibrosis in the kidney. Intriguingly, MKP2 is found to down-regulate activity of c-Jun, but not that of other MAPKs, extracellular signal-regulated kinases or p38, implying a role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase-dependent signaling in renal fibrosis. In this commentary, I discuss the findings of Li and co-workers in the context of the recent literature placing a focus on potential clinical/therapeutic implications.
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28
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Hwang I, Uddin MJ, Lee G, Jiang S, Pak ES, Ha H. Peroxiredoxin 3 deficiency accelerates chronic kidney injury in mice through interactions between macrophages and tubular epithelial cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 131:162-172. [PMID: 30529270 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become epidemic worldwide. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress is an important mediator of CKD, and Prx3 plays a critical role in maintenance of mitochondrial ROS. The present study examined the role of Prx3 in the context of fibrosis, a common feature of CKD, using Prx3 KO mice under obstructive and diabetic stress. Prx3 deficiency accelerated fibrosis and inflammation accompanied by mitochondrial oxidative stress in obstructed and diabetic kidneys as well as in proximal tubular epithelial (mProx) cells. In addition, Prx3 deficiency induced Raw264.7 macrophages activation, leading to upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Conditioned media from LPS-stimulated Prx3 deficient macrophages accelerated proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines in mProx cells. Interestingly, Prx3 deficiency induced most inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines at basal condition in both tissues and cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Prx3 deficiency can accelerate CKD through interactions between macrophages and tubular epithelial cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arginase/genetics
- Arginase/metabolism
- Cell Communication
- Chemokine CCL2/genetics
- Chemokine CCL2/metabolism
- Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology
- Cyclooxygenase 2/genetics
- Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Epithelial Cells/pathology
- Fibronectins/genetics
- Fibronectins/metabolism
- Fibrosis
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Interleukin-10/genetics
- Interleukin-10/metabolism
- Interleukin-6/genetics
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Kidney Tubules/drug effects
- Kidney Tubules/metabolism
- Kidney Tubules/pathology
- Macrophage Activation/drug effects
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Mitochondria/pathology
- Primary Cell Culture
- RAW 264.7 Cells
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/genetics
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/metabolism
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Streptozocin
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Affiliation(s)
- Inah Hwang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gayoung Lee
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Songling Jiang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Seon Pak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hunjoo Ha
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Myofibroblast in Kidney Fibrosis: Origin, Activation, and Regulation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1165:253-283. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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Jin H, Wang Y, Wang D, Zhang L. Effects of Qingshen Granules on the Oxidative Stress-NF/kB Signal Pathway in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:4761925. [PMID: 29576795 PMCID: PMC5822778 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4761925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background. The activation of NF-kappa B (NF/kB) signaling pathway plays an important role in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in renal tubules. The process of oxidative stress reaction in kidney is via excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to activate NF/kB signaling pathway. Qingshen Granule (QSG) is an effective Chinese formula utilized to treat chronic renal failure. Previous studies confirmed that QSG could inhibit RIF in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. In this study, we used UUO rats to investigate the effects of QSG on oxidative stress and the activation of NF/kB signaling. Seventy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham group, UUO model group, Qingshen Granules (QSG) high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups, PDTC group, and candesartan group (10 rats in each group). Our study demonstrated that oxidative stress-NF/kB signal pathway contributed to the formation of UUO renal interstitial fibrosis. QSG may protect against RIF by inhibiting the oxidative stress-NF/kB signal pathway, reducing inflammation, and improving renal tubular EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
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31
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Jackson L, Woodward M, Coward RJ. The molecular biology of pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. Pediatr Nephrol 2018; 33:553-571. [PMID: 28286898 PMCID: PMC5859056 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-017-3629-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years routine ultrasound scanning has identified increasing numbers of neonates as having hydronephrosis and pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). This patient group presents a diagnostic and management challenge for paediatric nephrologists and urologists. In this review we consider the known molecular mechanisms underpinning PUJO and review the potential of utilising this information to develop novel therapeutics and diagnostic biomarkers to improve the care of children with this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jackson
- Bristol Renal Group, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. .,Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.
| | - Mark Woodward
- 0000 0004 0399 4960grid.415172.4Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard J. Coward
- 0000 0004 1936 7603grid.5337.2Bristol Renal Group, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY UK ,0000 0004 0399 4960grid.415172.4Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK
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32
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Higgins SP, Tang Y, Higgins CE, Mian B, Zhang W, Czekay RP, Samarakoon R, Conti DJ, Higgins PJ. TGF-β1/p53 signaling in renal fibrogenesis. Cell Signal 2017; 43:1-10. [PMID: 29191563 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic disorders of the renal, pulmonary, cardiac, and hepatic systems are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Effective therapies to prevent or curtail the advancement to organ failure, however, remain a major clinical challenge. Chronic kidney disease, in particular, constitutes an increasing medical burden affecting >15% of the US population. Regardless of etiology (diabetes, hypertension, ischemia, acute injury, urologic obstruction), persistently elevated TGF-β1 levels are causatively linked to the activation of profibrotic signaling networks and disease progression. TGF-β1 is the principal driver of renal fibrogenesis, a dynamic pathophysiologic process that involves tubular cell injury/apoptosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, interstitial fibroblast activation and excess extracellular matrix synthesis/deposition leading to impaired kidney function and, eventually, to chronic and end-stage disease. TGF-β1 activates the ALK5 type I receptor (which phosphorylates SMAD2/3) as well as non-canonical (e.g., src kinase, EGFR, JAK/STAT, p53) pathways that collectively drive the fibrotic genomic program. Such multiplexed signal integration has pathophysiological consequences. Indeed, TGF-β1 stimulates the activation and assembly of p53-SMAD3 complexes required for transcription of the renal fibrotic genes plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, connective tissue growth factor and TGF-β1. Tubular-specific ablation of p53 in mice or pifithrin-α-mediated inactivation of p53 prevents epithelial G2/M arrest, reduces the secretion of fibrotic effectors and attenuates the transition from acute to chronic renal injury, further supporting the involvement of p53 in disease progression. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of TGF-β1-initiated renal fibrogenesis and the role of p53 as a regulator of profibrotic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Craig E Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Badar Mian
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States; The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Wenzheng Zhang
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Ralf-Peter Czekay
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Rohan Samarakoon
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - David J Conti
- Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States; Division of Transplantation Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Paul J Higgins
- Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States; Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States; The Urological Institute of Northeastern New York, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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33
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Monitoring and manipulating cellular crosstalk during kidney fibrosis inside a 3D in vitro co-culture. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14490. [PMID: 29101326 PMCID: PMC5670242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In pharmacological research the development of promising lead compounds requires a detailed understanding of the dynamics of disease progression. However, for many diseases, such as kidney fibrosis, gaining such understanding requires complex real-time, multi-dimensional analysis of diseased and healthy tissue. To allow for such studies with increased throughput we established a dextran hydrogel-based in vitro 3D co-culture as a disease model for kidney fibrosis aimed at the discovery of compounds modulating the epithelial/mesenchymal crosstalk. This platform mimics a simplified pathological renal microenvironment at the interface between tubular epithelial cells and surrounding quiescent fibroblasts. We combined this 3D technology with epithelial reporter cell lines expressing fluorescent biomarkers in order to visualize pathophysiological cell state changes resulting from toxin-mediated chemical injury. Epithelial cell damage onset was robustly detected by image-based monitoring, and injured epithelial spheroids induced myofibroblast differentiation of co-cultured quiescent human fibroblasts. The presented 3D co-culture system therefore provides a unique model system for screening of novel therapeutic molecules capable to interfere and modulate the dialogue between epithelial and mesenchymal cells.
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Itano S, Satoh M, Kadoya H, Sogawa Y, Uchida A, Sasaki T, Kashihara N. Colchicine attenuates renal fibrosis in a murine unilateral ureteral obstruction model. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:4169-4175. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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35
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Wang S, Zeng H, Chen ST, Zhou L, Xie XJ, He X, Tao YK, Tuo QH, Deng C, Liao DF, Chen JX. Ablation of endothelial prolyl hydroxylase domain protein-2 promotes renal vascular remodelling and fibrosis in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:1967-1978. [PMID: 28266128 PMCID: PMC5571552 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-α) hydroxylase system has a critical role in vascular remodelling. Using an endothelial-specific prolyl hydroxylase domain protein-2 (PHD2) knockout (PHD2EC KO) mouse model, this study investigates the regulatory role of endothelial HIF-α hydroxylase system in the development of renal fibrosis. Knockout of PHD2 in EC up-regulated the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, resulting in a significant decline of renal function as evidenced by elevated levels of serum creatinine. Deletion of PHD2 increased the expression of Notch3 and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) in EC, thus further causing glomerular arteriolar remodelling with an increased pericyte and pericyte coverage. This was accompanied by a significant elevation of renal resistive index (RI). Moreover, knockout of PHD2 in EC up-regulated the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) and increased interstitial fibrosis in the kidney. These alterations were strongly associated with up-regulation of Notch3 and TGF-β1. We concluded that the expression of PHD2 in endothelial cells plays a critical role in renal fibrosis and vascular remodelling in adult mice. Furthermore, these changes were strongly associated with up-regulation of Notch3/TGF-β1 signalling and excessive pericyte coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Heng Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sean T Chen
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Liying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Xue-Jiao Xie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.,Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaochen He
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Yong-Kang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Qin-Hui Tuo
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Changqin Deng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Duan-Fang Liao
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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36
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Prunotto M, Chaykovska L, Bongiovanni M, Frattini M, Cagarelli T, Weibel F, Bruschi M, de Herreros AG, Moll S. Tubular Cytoplasmic Expression of Zinc Finger Protein SNAI1 in Renal Transplant Biopsies: A Sign of Diseased Epithelial Phenotype? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 187:55-69. [PMID: 27863213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze in vivo the role of zinc finger protein SNAI1 (SNAI1) on renal fibrosis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction injury was induced in Snai1 knockout mice. Snai1 gene deletion was, however, only partial and could therefore not be correlated to reduced fibrosis. Expression of SNAI1 protein and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation markers was then assessed in human chronic allograft nephropathy biopsy specimens. Significant up-regulation of SNAI1 protein was detected within cytoplasm of proximal tubules localized, for some of them, near foci of fibrosis and tubular atrophy. No concomitant epithelial-mesenchymal transformation could, however, be demonstrated analyzing the expression of the fibroblast markers vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and S100A4. SNAI1 cytoplasmic up-regulation was particularly evident in biopsy specimens obtained from calcineurin inhibitor-treated patients, which might be because of, as suggested by in vitro experiments, a decrease of the proteasome chimotrypsin activity. Deeper analysis on chronic allograft nephropathy biopsy specimens suggested that SNAI1 cytoplasmic up-regulation was preceded by a transient increase of phosphorylated heat shock protein 27, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β. Concomitant down-regulation of the polyubuquitinylated conjugates was detected in SNAI1+ tubules. Altogether, these results might suggest that calcineurin inhibitor-induced tubular SNAI1 protein cytoplasmic accumulation, possibly because of impaired SNAI1 proteasomal degradation and nuclear translocation, might be a sign of a diseased profibrotic epithelial phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Prunotto
- Discovery Technologies, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Lyubov Chaykovska
- Clinics for Cardiovascular Surgery, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Massimo Bongiovanni
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Cagarelli
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Weibel
- Discovery Technologies, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Laboratory of Uremia Pathophysiology, Giannina Gaslini Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Solange Moll
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Ma Z, Jin X, He L, Wang Y. CXCL16 regulates renal injury and fibrosis in experimental renal artery stenosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 311:H815-21. [PMID: 27496882 PMCID: PMC5142186 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00948.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that inflammation plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of hypertensive kidney disease, including renal artery stenosis. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying the induction of inflammation are poorly understood. We found that CXCL16 was induced in the kidney in a murine model of renal artery stenosis. To determine whether CXCL16 is involved in renal injury and fibrosis, wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice were subjected to renal artery stenosis induced by placing a cuff on the left renal artery. Wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice had comparable blood pressure at baseline. Renal artery stenosis caused an increase in blood pressure that was similar between wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice. CXCL16 knockout mice were protected from RAS-induced renal injury and fibrosis. CXCL16 deficiency suppressed bone marrow-derived fibroblast accumulation and myofibroblast formation in the stenotic kidneys, which was associated with less expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Furthermore, CXCL16 deficiency inhibited infiltration of F4/80(+) macrophages and CD3(+) T cells in the stenotic kidneys compared with those of wild-type mice. Taken together, our results indicate that CXCL16 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of renal artery stenosis-induced renal injury and fibrosis through regulation of bone marrow-derived fibroblast accumulation and macrophage and T-cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Ma
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Xiaogao Jin
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Liqun He
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases and Renal Section, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
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38
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He T, Xiong J, Nie L, Yu Y, Guan X, Xu X, Xiao T, Yang K, Liu L, Zhang D, Huang Y, Zhang J, Wang J, Sharma K, Zhao J. Resveratrol inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by regulating AMPK/NOX4/ROS pathway. J Mol Med (Berl) 2016; 94:1359-1371. [PMID: 27488452 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-016-1451-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is a major pathologic feature of diabetic nephropathy, while the pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions of diabetic renal interstitial fibrosis are not well established. In this study, we first demonstrated that high glucose could induce renal fibroblast (NRK-49F) cell proliferation and activation to myofibroblasts, accompanied by a significant increase in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4). ROS-mediated ERK1/2 activation was found to play a crucial role in high glucose-induced fibroblast proliferation and activation. Resveratrol, like the NOX4-targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA), markedly inhibited high glucose-induced fibroblast proliferation and activation by reducing NOX4-derived ROS production. It was then revealed that the increase in the expression of NOX4 induced by high glucose was due to the inactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which could be reversed by resveratrol. Further in vivo investigation demonstrated that resveratrol treatment significantly attenuated renal fibrosis in db/db mice, accompanied by an evident increase in phospho-AMPK and decrease in NOX4. In summary, our results suggest that high glucose can directly promote renal fibroblasts proliferation and activation in a ROS-dependent manner, and resveratrol is a potential therapeutic agent against diabetic renal fibrosis via regulation of AMPK/NOX4/ROS signaling. KEY MESSAGE Resveratrol inhibits high glucose-induced NRK cell activation by decreasing NOX4-derived ROS. Resveratrol inhibits high glucose-induced NOX4 expression in NRK cells via activation of AMPK. ROS-activated ERK1/2 signaling is involved in high glucose-induced NRK cell activation. Resveratrol attenuated renal fibrosis in db/db mice via regulation of AMPK/NOX4/ROS signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting He
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiachuan Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Guan
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinli Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Tangli Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Daohai Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunjian Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingbo Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China
| | - Kumar Sharma
- Center for Renal Translational Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Hypertension, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jinghong Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology of Chongqing and Kidney Center of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, People's Republic of China.
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Liang H, Ma Z, Peng H, He L, Hu Z, Wang Y. CXCL16 Deficiency Attenuates Renal Injury and Fibrosis in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28715. [PMID: 27353044 PMCID: PMC4926114 DOI: 10.1038/srep28715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive kidney disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of inflammation are not completely understood. We have found that CXCL16 is induced in the kidney in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. Here we examined whether CXCL16 is involved in DOCA-salt-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. Wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice were subjected to uninephrectomy and DOCA-salt treatment for 3 weeks. There was no difference in blood pressure at baseline between wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice. DOCA-salt treatment resulted in significant elevation in blood pressure that was comparable between wild-type and CXCL16 knockout mice. CXCL16 knockout mice exhibited less severe renal dysfunction, proteinuria, and fibrosis after DOCA-salt treatment compared with wild-type mice. CXCL16 deficiency attenuated extracellular matrix protein production and suppressed bone marrow–derived fibroblast accumulation and myofibroblast formation in the kidneys following DOCA-salt treatment. Furthermore, CXCL16 deficiency reduced macrophage and T cell infiltration into the kidneys in response to DOCA-salt hypertension. Taken together, our results indicate that CXCL16 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of renal injury and fibrosis in salt-sensitive hypertension through regulation of bone marrow–derived fibroblast accumulation and macrophage and T cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Foshan, China
| | - Zhiheng Ma
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqun He
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyong Hu
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID) and Renal Section, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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40
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Hu P, Xia X, Xuan Q, Huang BY, Liu SY, Zhang DD, Jiang GM, Xu Y, Qin YH. Neutral endopeptidase and natriuretic peptide receptors participate in the regulation of C-type natriuretic peptide expression in renal interstitial fibrosis. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2016; 37:71-83. [PMID: 27278005 DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2016.1155068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xuan
- Department of Urology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao Yu Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Si Yan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Dong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Mei Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Han Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
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41
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Li L, Wu YB, Xu HS, Wang CS. [Influence of PAX2 gene silencing on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2016; 18:551-557. [PMID: 27324546 PMCID: PMC7389078 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of silencing PAX2 gene in vivo on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular cells in rats with renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS A total of 64 Wistar rats were anaesthetized, and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was performed to establish a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis. The 64 rats were randomly divided into negative control and PAX2 gene silencing groups (n=32 each). The rats in the control group were transfected with 200 μL NC-siRNA-in vivo jetPEI(TM) solution. Those in the PAX2 gene silencing group were transfected with 200 μL PAX2-siRNA-in vivo jetPEI(TM) solution. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups based on the post-transfection time (3, 5, 7 and 14 days after transfection), with 8 rats in each subgroup. Renal tissue samples were harvested in each group. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of PAX2 in the renal cortex, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and α-SMA. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the PAX2 gene silencing group showed significantly lower mRNA and protein expression of PAX2 (P<0.05). In the two groups, the mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin were gradually reduced over the time of obstruction, while those of α-SMA gradually increased. At 14 days after transfection, the PAX2 gene silencing group had significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin but lower mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PAX2 gene silencing can significantly inhibit the process of EMT of renal tubular cells in rats with advanced fibrosis, suggesting that PAX2 gene silencing may have a therapeutic effect on renal interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Pediatrics, First Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154002, China.
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42
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Yan J, Zhang Z, Jia L, Wang Y. Role of Bone Marrow-Derived Fibroblasts in Renal Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2016; 7:61. [PMID: 26941655 PMCID: PMC4766307 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis represents a common pathway leading to progression of chronic kidney disease. Renal interstitial fibrosis is characterized by extensive fibroblast activation and excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which leads to progressive loss of kidney function. There is no effective therapy available clinically to halt or even reverse renal fibrosis. Although activated fibroblasts/myofibroblasts are responsible for the excessive production and deposition of ECM, their origin remains controversial. Recent evidence suggests that bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Understanding the molecular signaling mechanisms underlying the recruitment and activation of the bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors will lead to novel therapy for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the recruitment and activation of bone marrow-derived fibroblast precursors in the kidney and the development of renal fibrosis and highlights new insights that may lead to novel therapies to prevent or reverse the development of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyin Yan
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhengmao Zhang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Jia
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health and Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, TX, USA; Renal Section, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical CenterHouston, TX, USA
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Apobec-1 Complementation Factor (A1CF) Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Migration of Normal Rat Kidney Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17020197. [PMID: 26848653 PMCID: PMC4783931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apobec-1 complementation factor (A1CF) is a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) family, which participates in site-specific posttranscriptional RNA editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) transcript. The posttranscriptional editing of apoB mRNA by A1CF in the small intestine is required for lipid absorption. Apart from the intestine, A1CF mRNA is also reported to be highly expressed in the kidneys. However, it is remained unknown about the functions of A1CF in the kidneys. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential functions of A1CF in the kidneys. Our results demonstrated that in C57BL/6 mice A1CF was weakly expressed in embryonic kidneys from E15.5dpc while strongly expressed in mature kidneys after birth, and it mainly existed in the tubules of inner cortex. More importantly, we identified A1CF negatively regulated the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in kidney tubular epithelial cells. Our results found ectopic expression of A1CF up-regulated the epithelial markers E-cadherin, and down-regulated the mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in NRK52e cells. In addition, knockdown of A1CF enhanced EMT contrary to the overexpression effect. Notably, the two A1CF variants led to the similar trend in the EMT process. Taken together, these data suggest that A1CF may be an antagonistic factor to the EMT process of kidney tubular epithelial cells.
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Liu Y, Dong Z, Liu H, Zhu J, Liu F, Chen G. Transition of mesothelial cell to fibroblast in peritoneal dialysis: EMT, stem cell or bystander? Perit Dial Int 2015; 35:14-25. [PMID: 25700459 DOI: 10.3747/pdi.2014.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) can lead to fibrotic changes in the peritoneum, characterized by loss of mesothelial cells (MCs) and thickening of the submesothelial area with an accumulation of collagen and myofibroblasts. The origin of myofibroblasts is a central question in peritoneal fibrosis that remains unanswered at present. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have suggested that MCs, through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contribute to the pool of peritoneal myofibroblasts. However, recent work has placed significant doubts on the paradigm of EMT in organ fibrogenesis (in the kidney particularly), highlighting the need to reconsider the role of EMT in the generation of myofibroblasts in peritoneal fibrosis. In particular, selective cell isolation and lineage-tracing experiments have suggested the existence of progenitor cells in the peritoneum, which are able to switch to fibroblast-like cells when stimulated by the local environment. These findings highlight the plastic nature of MCs and its contribution to peritoneal fibrogenesis. In this review, we summarize the key findings and caveats of EMT in organ fibrogenesis, with a focus on PD-related peritoneal fibrosis, and discuss the potential of peritoneal MCs as a source of myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jiefu Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Fuyou Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Guochun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University and Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Li WN, Wei JL, Wu M, Wu W, Huang Y, Xie MW, Han H. AEG-1 participates in high glucose-induced activation of Rho kinase and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in proximal tubular epithelial cells. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2015; 8:1076-1078. [PMID: 26706683 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prove whether astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) plays a role in high glucose-stimulated Rho kinase activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. METHODS The protein levels of AEG-1, alpha-smooth muscle actin, E-cadherin and MYPT1 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS AEG-1 protein level was upregulated in HK-2 cells stimulated with high glucose. AEG-1 siRNA downregulated Rho kinase protein expression and blocked high glucose-induced EMT. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that AEG-1 acts a key role in high glucose-induced activation of Rho kinase and EMT in HK-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ning Li
- Department of Nephrology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, China; Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Jia-Li Wei
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China.
| | - Ming Wu
- Hainan Health Department, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Mao-Wei Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Nephrology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
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A population of mitochondrion-rich cells in the pars recta of mouse kidney. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:791-803. [PMID: 26337515 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Following perfusion of adult mouse kidney with a solution of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), certain epithelial cells in the pars recta (S3) segments of proximal tubules react to form cytoplasmic deposits of blue diformazan particles. Such cells are characterized by dark cytoplasm, small and often elliptical nuclei, elaborate, process-bearing profiles, and abundant mitochondria. The atypical epithelial cells display the additional characteristic of immunoreactivity for a wide spectrum of antigens, including mesenchymal proteins such as vimentin. Though present in kidneys of untreated or sham-operated animals, they are particularly evident under experimental conditions such as unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), appearing in both contralateral and obstructed kidneys over the course of a week's duration, but disappearing from the obstructed kidney as it undergoes the profound atrophy attributable to deterioration of the population of its proximal tubules. The cells do not appear in neonatal kidneys, even those undergoing UUO, but begin to be recognizable soon after weaning (28 days). It is possible that diformazan-positive cells in the mouse S3 tubular segment constitute a resident population of cells that can replenish or augment the tubule. Although somewhat similar cells, with dark cytoplasm and vimentin expression, have been described in human, rat, and transgenic mouse kidney (Smeets et al. in J Pathol 229: 645-659, 2013; Berger et al. in Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 111: 1533-1538, 2014), those cells-known as "scattered tubule cells" or "proximal tubule rare cells"- differ from the S3-specific cells in that they are present throughout the entire proximal tubule, often lack a brush border, and have only a few mitochondria.
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47
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Venkatachalam MA, Weinberg JM, Kriz W, Bidani AK. Failed Tubule Recovery, AKI-CKD Transition, and Kidney Disease Progression. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 26:1765-76. [PMID: 25810494 PMCID: PMC4520181 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 493] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition of AKI to CKD has major clinical significance. As reviewed here, recent studies show that a subpopulation of dedifferentiated, proliferating tubules recovering from AKI undergo pathologic growth arrest, fail to redifferentiate, and become atrophic. These abnormal tubules exhibit persistent, unregulated, and progressively increasing profibrotic signaling along multiple pathways. Paracrine products derived therefrom perturb normal interactions between peritubular capillary endothelium and pericyte-like fibroblasts, leading to myofibroblast transformation, proliferation, and fibrosis as well as capillary disintegration and rarefaction. Although signals from injured endothelium and inflammatory/immune cells also contribute, tubule injury alone is sufficient to produce the interstitial pathology required for fibrosis. Localized hypoxia produced by microvascular pathology may also prevent tubule recovery. However, fibrosis is not intrinsically progressive, and microvascular pathology develops strictly around damaged tubules; thus, additional deterioration of kidney structure after the transition of AKI to CKD requires new acute injury or other mechanisms of progression. Indeed, experiments using an acute-on-chronic injury model suggest that additional loss of parenchyma caused by failed repair of AKI in kidneys with prior renal mass reduction triggers hemodynamically mediated processes that damage glomeruli to cause progression. Continued investigation of these pathologic mechanisms should reveal options for preventing renal disease progression after AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel M Weinberg
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Wilhelm Kriz
- Medical Fakultät Mannheim, Abteilung Anatomie und Entwicklungsbiologie Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany; and
| | - Anil K Bidani
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University and Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital, Maywood, Illinois
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Zhang J, Xu P, Wang Y, Wang M, Li H, Lin S, Mao C, Wang B, Song X, Lv C. Astaxanthin prevents pulmonary fibrosis by promoting myofibroblast apoptosis dependent on Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2215-31. [PMID: 26119034 PMCID: PMC4568926 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Promotion of myofibroblast apoptosis is a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the antifibrotic effect of astaxanthin on the promotion of myofibroblast apoptosis based on dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that astaxanthin can inhibit lung parenchymal distortion and collagen deposition, as well as promote myofibroblast apoptosis. Astaxanthin demonstrated pro-apoptotic function in myofibroblasts by contributing to mitochondrial fission, thereby leading to apoptosis by increasing the Drp1 expression and enhancing Drp1 translocation into the mitochondria. Two specific siRNAs were used to demonstrate that Drp1 is necessary to promote astaxanthin-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in myofibroblasts. Drp1-associated genes, such as Bcl-2-associated X protein, cytochrome c, tumour suppressor gene p53 and p53-up-regulated modulator of apoptosis, were highly up-regulated in the astaxanthin group compared with those in the sham group. This study revealed that astaxanthin can prevent pulmonary fibrosis by promoting myofibroblast apoptosis through a Drp1-dependent molecular pathway. Furthermore, astaxanthin provides a potential therapeutic value in pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Zhang
- Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Pan Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital to Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Youlei Wang
- School of Special Education, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Meirong Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital to Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital to Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Shengcui Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital to Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Cuiping Mao
- Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Bingsi Wang
- Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Changjun Lv
- Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital to Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
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Du F, Li S, Wang T, Zhang HY, Zong ZH, Du ZX, Li DT, Wang HQ, Liu B, Miao JN, Bian XH. Cordyceps sinensis attenuates renal fibrosis and suppresses BAG3 induction in obstructed rat kidney. Am J Transl Res 2015; 7:932-940. [PMID: 26175854 PMCID: PMC4494144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BAG3 regulates a number of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the role of BAG3 in renal tubular EMT and renal interstitial fibrosis remains elusive. This study aimed to examine the dynamic expression of BAG3 during renal fibrosis, and to investigate the efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) on renal fibrosis. A rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was established, and the expression of BAG3 and α-SMA, and the efficacy of C. sinensis on renal fibrosis induced by UUO were examined. The results showed that UUO led to collagen accumulation, which was significantly suppressed by C. sinensis. UUO increased the expression of BAG3 and α-SMA, a mesenchymal marker, while UUO induced BAG3 and α-SMA expression was significantly inhibited by C. sinensis. In addition, immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that BAG3 immunoreactivity was restricted to tubular epithelium. In conclusion, BAG3 is a potential target for the prevention and/or treatment of renal fibrosis, and C. Sinensis is a promising agent for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Du
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Si Li
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Zong
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhen-Xian Du
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The 1 Affiliated Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - De-Tian Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Hua-Qin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Jia-Ning Miao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Bian
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110004, China
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50
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Slusser A, Bathula CS, Sens DA, Somji S, Sens MA, Zhou XD, Garrett SH. Cadherin expression, vectorial active transport, and metallothionein isoform 3 mediated EMT/MET responses in cultured primary and immortalized human proximal tubule cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120132. [PMID: 25803827 PMCID: PMC4372585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cultures of human proximal tubule cells have been widely utilized to study the role of EMT in renal disease. The goal of this study was to define the role of growth media composition on classic EMT responses, define the expression of E- and N-cadherin, and define the functional epitope of MT-3 that mediates MET in HK-2 cells. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, microdissection, real-time PCR, western blotting, and ELISA were used to define the expression of E- and N-cadherin mRNA and protein in HK-2 and HPT cell cultures. Site-directed mutagenesis, stable transfection, measurement of transepithelial resistance and dome formation were used to define the unique amino acid sequence of MT-3 associated with MET in HK-2 cells. RESULTS It was shown that both E- and N-cadherin mRNA and protein are expressed in the human renal proximal tubule. It was shown, based on the pattern of cadherin expression, connexin expression, vectorial active transport, and transepithelial resistance, that the HK-2 cell line has already undergone many of the early features associated with EMT. It was shown that the unique, six amino acid, C-terminal sequence of MT-3 is required for MT-3 to induce MET in HK-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the HK-2 cell line can be an effective model to study later stages in the conversion of the renal epithelial cell to a mesenchymal cell. The HK-2 cell line, transfected with MT-3, may be an effective model to study the process of MET. The study implicates the unique C-terminal sequence of MT-3 in the conversion of HK-2 cells to display an enhanced epithelial phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Slusser
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Chandra S. Bathula
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Donald A. Sens
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Seema Somji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Mary Ann Sens
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Xu Dong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
| | - Scott H. Garrett
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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