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Suhail H, Peng H, Matrougui K, Rhaleb NE. Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1352222. [PMID: 38495093 PMCID: PMC10940518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1352222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and cardiac fibrosis are prevalent pathophysiologic conditions associated with hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers the cells to activate unfolded protein responses (UPRs) and upregulate the ER stress chaperon, enzymes, and downstream transcription factors to restore normal ER function. The mechanisms that link ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and NF-κB activation that results in cardiac inflammation and collagen production remain elusive. N-Acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP), a natural tetrapeptide that negatively regulates inflammation and fibrosis, has been reported. Whether it can inhibit ER stress-induced collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. We aimed to study whether Ac-SDKP inhibits tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress signaling, NF-κB signaling, the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, and collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). HCFs were pre-treated with Ac-SDKP (10 nM) and then stimulated with TM (0.25 μg/mL). We found that Ac-SDKP inhibits TM-induced collagen production by attenuating ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and CHOP/NF-κB transcriptional signaling pathways. CHOP deletion by specific shRNA maintains the inhibitory effect of Ac-SDKP on NF-κB and type-1 collagen (Col-1) expression at both protein and mRNA levels. Attenuating ER stress-induced UPR sensor signaling by Ac-SDKP seems a promising therapeutic strategy to combat detrimental cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Suhail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Hongmei Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- Department of Physiology Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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2
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Ramasamy V, Ntsekhe M, Sturrock E. Investigating the antifibrotic potential of N-acetyl seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline sequence peptides. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1558-1565. [PMID: 34347311 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13565] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a physiological antifibrotic peptide that is hydrolysed by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). The beneficial antifibrotic effects of ACE inhibitors have been attributed, in part, to its inhibition of Ac-SDKP cleavage. There is indirect evidence that the SDK fragment of Ac-SDKP is the main component required for its antiproliferative action. However, the exact component of the physiological peptide that is responsible for its antifibrotic effect has yet to be determined. Ac-SDKP-derived analogues that are resistant to ACE degradation may provide a new avenue for fibrosis therapy. We tested the antifibrotic potential of various Ac-SDKP peptide sequences and an analogue resistant to ACE degradation in lung fibroblasts. We investigated the contribution and molecular mechanism of action of the amino acid residues in the Ac-SDKP sequence to its antifibrotic effects, and the effects of Ac-SDKP peptides in the prevention of collagen deposition in cells. The Ac-DKP fragment moderately inhibited endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediated transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) expression, and could be slowly cleaved by ACE, revealing a different sequence requirement for the antifibrotic action of Ac-SDKP. The Ac-SDψKP analogue (where the peptide bond between the aspartate and lysine is reduced) inhibited TGF-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad)-3 signalling and collagen deposition. The Ac-SDKP peptide, in combination with ACEi, demonstrated a greater inhibition of hydroxyproline as compared to Ac-SDKP alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinasha Ramasamy
- Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mpiko Ntsekhe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Sturrock
- Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Sun X, Nkennor B, Mastikhina O, Soon K, Nunes SS. Endothelium-mediated contributions to fibrosis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 101:78-86. [PMID: 31791693 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, characterized by abnormal and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, results in compromised tissue and organ structure. This can lead to reduced organ function and eventual failure. Although activated fibroblasts, called myofibroblasts, are considered the central players in fibrosis, the contribution of endothelial cells to the inception and progression of fibrosis has become increasingly recognized. Endothelial cells can contribute to fibrosis by acting as a source of myofibroblasts via endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), or by becoming senescent, by secretion of profibrotic mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and exosomes, promoting the recruitment of immune cells, and by participating in vascular rarefaction and decreased angiogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the different aspects of fibrosis in which endothelial cells have been implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuetao Sun
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 101 College St., Canada
| | - Blessing Nkennor
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 101 College St., Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada
| | - Olya Mastikhina
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 101 College St., Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Kayla Soon
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 101 College St., Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara S Nunes
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 101 College St., Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada.
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Kassem KM, Vaid S, Peng H, Sarkar S, Rhaleb NE. Tβ4-Ac-SDKP pathway: Any relevance for the cardiovascular system? Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:589-599. [PMID: 30854877 PMCID: PMC6824425 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last 20 years witnessed the emergence of the thymosin β4 (Tβ4)-N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) pathway as a new source of future therapeutic tools to treat cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this review article, we attempted to shed light on the numerous experimental findings pertaining to the many promising cardiovascular therapeutic avenues for Tβ4 and (or) its N-terminal derivative, Ac-SDKP. Specifically, Ac-SDKP is endogenously produced from the 43-amino acid Tβ4 by 2 successive enzymes, meprin α and prolyl oligopeptidase. We also discussed the possible mechanisms involved in the Tβ4-Ac-SDKP-associated cardiovascular biological effects. In infarcted myocardium, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP facilitate cardiac repair after infarction by promoting endothelial cell migration and myocyte survival. Additionally, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in the arteries, heart, lungs, and kidneys, and stimulate both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. The effects of Tβ4 can be mediated directly through a putative receptor (Ku80) or via its enzymatically released N-terminal derivative Ac-SDKP. Despite the localization and characterization of Ac-SDKP binding sites in myocardium, more studies are needed to fully identify and clone Ac-SDKP receptors. It remains promising that Ac-SDKP or its degradation-resistant analogs could serve as new therapeutic tools to treat cardiac, vascular, and renal injury and dysfunction to be used alone or in combination with the already established pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M Kassem
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- b Internal Medicine Department, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Sonal Vaid
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- c Internal Medicine Department, St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
| | - Hongmei Peng
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Sarah Sarkar
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- d Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Yang L, Hu J, Hao HZ, Yin Z, Liu G, Zou XJ. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates the transforming growth factor-β1-induced differentiation of atrial fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in vitro. Int J Mol Med 2015; 35:1026-32. [PMID: 25647570 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of atrial fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is a critical event in atrial fibrosis. One of the most important factors in atrial fibroblast differentiation is transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Accumulating evidence indicates that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antifibrotic properties. In this study, we therefore investigated whether STS attenuates the TGF-β1‑induced differentiation of atrial fibroblasts. TGF-β1 enhanced collagen production, collagen synthesis and the expression of collagen type I and III, as shown by hydroxyproline assay, collagen synthesis assay and western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, as shown by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis, TGF-β1 enhanced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), which is the hallmark of myofibroblast differentiation. These responses were attenuated by treatment with STS. In addition, STS suppressed the TGF-β1‑induced expression of phosphorylated (p)Smad/pSmad3 expression and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, STS suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that STS exerts antifibrotic effects by modulating atrial fibroblast differentiation through ERK phosphorylation and the Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jin Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Zhen Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Deng H, Yang F, Xu H, Sun Y, Xue X, Du S, Wang X, Li S, Liu Y, Wang R. Ac-SDKP suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition in A549 cells via HSP27 signaling. Exp Mol Pathol 2014; 97:176-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Knockout of endothelial cell-derived endothelin-1 attenuates skin fibrosis but accelerates cutaneous wound healing. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97972. [PMID: 24853267 PMCID: PMC4031171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin (ET)-1 is known for the most potent vasoconstrictive peptide that is released mainly from endothelial cells. Several studies have reported ET-1 signaling is involved in the process of wound healing or fibrosis as well as vasodilation. However, little is known about the role of ET-1 in these processes. To clarify its mechanism, we compared skin fibrogenesis and wound repair between vascular endothelial cell-specific ET-1 knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. Bleomycin-injected fibrotic skin of the knockout mice showed significantly decreased skin thickness and collagen content compared to that of wild-type mice, indicating that bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis is attenuated in the knockout mice. The mRNA levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were decreased in the bleomycin-treated skin of ET-1 knockout mice. On the other hand, skin wound healing was accelerated in ET-1 knockout mice, which was indicated by earlier granulation tissue reduction and re-epithelialization in these mice. The mRNA levels of TGF-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were reduced in the wound of ET-1 knockout mice. In endothelial ET-1 knockout mouse, the expression of TNF-α, CTGF and TGF-β was down-regulated. Bosentan, an antagonist of dual ET receptors, is known to attenuate skin fibrosis and accelerate wound healing in systemic sclerosis, and such contradictory effect may be mediated by above molecules. The endothelial cell-derived ET-1 is the potent therapeutic target in fibrosis or wound healing, and investigations of the overall regulatory mechanisms of these pathological conditions by ET-1 may lead to a new therapeutic approach.
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Gonzalez-Villalobos RA, Shen XZ, Bernstein EA, Janjulia T, Taylor B, Giani JF, Blackwell WLB, Shah KH, Shi PD, Fuchs S, Bernstein KE. Rediscovering ACE: novel insights into the many roles of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. J Mol Med (Berl) 2013; 91:1143-54. [PMID: 23686164 PMCID: PMC3779503 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-013-1051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is best known for the catalytic conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. However, the use of gene-targeting techniques has led to mouse models highlighting many other biochemical properties and actions of this enzyme. This review discusses recent studies examining the functional significance of ACE tissue-specific expression and the presence in ACE of two independent catalytic sites with distinct substrates and biological effects. It is these features which explain why ACE makes important contributions to many different physiological processes including renal development, blood pressure control, inflammation, and immunity.
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Antifibrotic peptideN-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP): Opportunities for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor design. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2013; 40:535-41. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Rhaleb NE, Pokharel S, Sharma UC, Peng H, Peterson E, Harding P, Yang XP, Carretero OA. N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro inhibits interleukin-1β-mediated matrix metalloproteinase activation in cardiac fibroblasts. Pflugers Arch 2013; 465:1487-95. [PMID: 23652767 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial matrix turnover involves a dynamic balance between collagen synthesis and degradation, which is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP) is a small peptide that inhibits cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. However, its role in MMP regulation is not known. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP promotes MMP activation in cardiac fibroblasts and decreases collagen deposition via this mechanism. To that end, we tested the effects of Ac-SDKP on interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 5 ng/ml)-stimulated adult rat cardiac fibroblasts. We measured total collagenase activity, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 expressions, and activity along with their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2. In order to examine the effects of Ac-SDKP on the signaling pathway that controls MMP transcription, we also measured nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Ac-SDKP did not alter collagenase or gelatinase activity in cardiac fibroblasts under basal conditions, but blunted the IL-1β-induced increase in total collagenase activity. Similarly, Ac-SDKP normalized the IL-1β-mediated increase in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and MMP-13 expression. Inhibition of MMPs by Ac-SDKP was associated with increased TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expressions. Collagen production was not affected by Ac-SDKP, IL-1β, or a combination of both agents. Ac-SDKP blocked IL-1β-induced p42/44 phosphorylation and NFκB activation in cardiac fibroblasts. We concluded that the Ac-SDKP-inhibited collagenase expression and activation was associated with increased expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. These pharmacological effects of Ac-SDKP may be linked to the inhibition of MAPK and NFκB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, E&R 7121, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA,
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