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Dehmel S, Weiss KJ, El-Merhie N, Callegari J, Konrad B, Mutze K, Eickelberg O, Königshoff M, Krauss-Etschmann S. microRNA Expression Profile of Purified Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1420. [PMID: 36011331 PMCID: PMC9407429 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alveolar type II (ATII) cells are essential for the maintenance of the alveolar homeostasis. However, knowledge of the expression of the miRNAs and miRNA-regulated networks which control homeostasis and coordinate diverse functions of murine ATII cells is limited. Therefore, we asked how miRNAs expressed in ATII cells might contribute to the regulation of signaling pathways. We purified "untouched by antibodies" ATII cells using a flow cytometric sorting method with a highly autofluorescent population of lung cells. TaqMan® miRNA low-density arrays were performed on sorted cells and intersected with miRNA profiles of ATII cells isolated according to a previously published protocol. Of 293 miRNAs expressed in both ATII preparations, 111 showed equal abundances. The target mRNAs of bona fide ATII miRNAs were used for pathway enrichment analysis. This analysis identified nine signaling pathways with known functions in fibrosis and/or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In particular, a subset of 19 miRNAs was found to target 21 components of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Three of these miRNAs (miR-16-5p, -17-5p and -30c-5p) were down-modulated by TGF-β1 stimulation in human A549 cells, and concomitant up-regulation of associated mRNA targets (BMPR2, JUN, RUNX2) was observed. These results suggest an important role for miRNAs in maintaining the homeostasis of the TGF-β signaling pathway in ATII cells under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dehmel
- Institute for Lung Biology and Disease, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Asklepios Clinic Gauting and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Department Strategy, Programs, Resources, Helmholtz Zentrum München German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katharina J. Weiss
- Institute for Lung Biology and Disease, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Asklepios Clinic Gauting and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Natalia El-Merhie
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the Airway Research Center North (ARCN), 23845 Borstel, Germany
| | - Jens Callegari
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Lung Repair and Regeneration, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bergisch Gladbach, Ferrenbergstraße, 51465 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Birte Konrad
- Institute for Lung Biology and Disease, Ludwig-Maximilians University Hospital Munich, Asklepios Clinic Gauting and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Mutze
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Lung Repair and Regeneration, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Lung Repair and Regeneration, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etschmann
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the Airway Research Center North (ARCN), 23845 Borstel, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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Górska A, Mazur AJ. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK): the known vs. the unknown and perspectives. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:100. [PMID: 35089438 PMCID: PMC8799556 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a multifunctional molecular actor in cell-matrix interactions, cell adhesion, and anchorage-dependent cell growth. It combines functions of a signal transductor and a scaffold protein through its interaction with integrins, then facilitating further protein recruitment within the ILK-PINCH-Parvin complex. ILK is involved in crucial cellular processes including proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, which reflects on systemic changes in the kidney, heart, muscle, skin, and vascular system, also during the embryonal development. Dysfunction of ILK underlies the pathogenesis of various diseases, including the pro-oncogenic activity in tumorigenesis. ILK localizes mostly to the cell membrane and remains an important component of focal adhesion. We do know much about ILK but a lot still remains either uncovered or unclear. Although it was initially classified as a serine/threonine-protein kinase, its catalytical activity is now questioned due to structural and functional issues, leaving the exact molecular mechanism of signal transduction by ILK unsolved. While it is known that the three isoforms of ILK vary in length, the presence of crucial domains, and modification sites, most of the research tends to focus on the main isoform of this protein while the issue of functional differences of ILK2 and ILK3 still awaits clarification. The activity of ILK is regulated on the transcriptional, protein, and post-transcriptional levels. The crucial role of phosphorylation and ubiquitylation has been investigated, but the functions of the vast majority of modifications are still unknown. In the light of all those open issues, here we present an extensive literature survey covering a wide spectrum of latest findings as well as a past-to-present view on controversies regarding ILK, finishing with pointing out some open questions to be resolved by further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Górska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Antonina Joanna Mazur
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
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Differential Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein 1 on Human Bronchial and Alveolar Lung Mucosa Models: Implications for Pathogenicity. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122537. [PMID: 34960806 PMCID: PMC8708014 DOI: 10.3390/v13122537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mediates attachment of the virus to the host cell receptor and fusion between the virus and the cell membrane. The S1 subunit of the spike glycoprotein (S1 protein) contains the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding domain. The SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern contain mutations in the S1 subunit. The spike protein is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies generated following infection, and constitutes the viral component of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: Therefore, in this work we assessed the effect of exposure (24 h) to 10 nM SARS-CoV-2 recombinant S1 protein on physiologically relevant human bronchial (bro) and alveolar (alv) lung mucosa models cultured at air–liquid interface (ALI) (n = 6 per exposure condition). Corresponding sham exposed samples served as a control. The bro-ALI model was developed using primary bronchial epithelial cells and the alv-ALI model using representative type II pneumocytes (NCI-H441). Results: Exposure to S1 protein induced the surface expression of ACE2, toll like receptor (TLR) 2, and TLR4 in both bro-ALI and alv-ALI models. Transcript expression analysis identified 117 (bro-ALI) and 97 (alv-ALI) differentially regulated genes (p ≤ 0.01). Pathway analysis revealed enrichment of canonical pathways such as interferon (IFN) signaling, influenza, coronavirus, and anti-viral response in the bro-ALI. Secreted levels of interleukin (IL) 4 and IL12 were significantly (p < 0.05) increased, whereas IL6 decreased in the bro-ALI. In the case of alv-ALI, enriched terms involving p53, APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) tight junction, integrin kinase, and IL1 signaling were identified. These terms are associated with lung fibrosis. Further, significantly (p < 0.05) increased levels of secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNγ, IL1ꞵ, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL13, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were detected in alv-ALI, whereas IL12 was decreased. Altered levels of these cytokines are also associated with lung fibrotic response. Conclusions: In conclusion, we observed a typical anti-viral response in the bronchial model and a pro-fibrotic response in the alveolar model. The bro-ALI and alv-ALI models may serve as an easy and robust platform for assessing the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern at different lung regions.
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Zhang G, Xue C, Zeng Y. β-elemene alleviates airway stenosis via the ILK/Akt pathway modulated by MIR143HG sponging miR-1275. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:28. [PMID: 34118875 PMCID: PMC8199800 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously found that β-elemene could inhibit the viability of airway granulation fibroblasts and prevent airway hyperplastic stenosis. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and protective efficacy of β-elemene in vitro and in vivo. Methods Microarray and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify altered pathways related to cell viability in a β-elemene-treated primary cell model and to construct a β-elemene-altered ceRNA network modulating the target pathway. Loss of function and gain of function approaches were performed to examine the role of the ceRNA axis in β-elemene's regulation of the target pathway and cell viability. Additionally, in a β-elemene-treated rabbit model of airway stenosis, endoscopic and histological examinations were used to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and further verify its mechanism of action. Results The hyperactive ILK/Akt pathway and dysregulated LncRNA-MIR143HG, which acted as a miR-1275 ceRNA to modulate ILK expression, were suppressed in β-elemene-treated airway granulation fibroblasts; β-elemene suppressed the ILK/Akt pathway via the MIR143HG/miR-1275/ILK axis. Additionally, the cell cycle and apoptotic phenotypes of granulation fibroblasts were altered, consistent with ILK/Akt pathway activity. In vivo application of β-elemene attenuated airway granulation hyperplasia and alleviated scar stricture, and histological detections suggested that β-elemene's effects on the MIR143HG/miR-1275/ILK axis and ILK/Akt pathway were in line with in vitro findings. Conclusions MIR143HG and ILK may act as ceRNA to sponge miR-1275. The MIR143HG/miR-1275/ILK axis mediates β-elemene-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of airway granulation fibroblasts by modulating the ILK/Akt pathway, thereby inhibiting airway granulation proliferation and ultimately alleviating airway stenosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-021-00261-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Center of Fujian Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhongshan North Road No.34, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Cheng Xue
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Center of Fujian Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhongshan North Road No.34, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Center of Fujian Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhongshan North Road No.34, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.
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Cell-surface translocation of annexin A2 contributes to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by mediating inflammatory response in mice. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 133:789-804. [PMID: 30902828 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bleomycin, a widely used anti-cancer drug, may give rise to pulmonary fibrosis, a serious side effect which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the intensive efforts, the precise pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis still remain to be clarified. Our previous study showed that bleomycin bound directly to annexin A2 (ANXA2, or p36), leading to development of pulmonary fibrosis by impeding transcription factor EB (TFEB)-induced autophagic flux. Here, we demonstrated that ANXA2 also played a critical role in bleomycin-induced inflammation, which represents another major cause of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. We found that bleomycin could induce the cell surface translocation of ANXA2 in lung epithelial cells through exosomal secretion, associated with enhanced interaction between ANXA2 and p11. Knockdown of ANXA2 or blocking membrane ANXA2 mitigated bleomycin-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway and production of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in lung epithelial cells. ANXA2-deficient (ANXA2-/-) mice treated with bleomycin exhibit reduced pulmonary fibrosis along with decreased cytokine production compared with bleomycin-challenged wild-type mice. Further, the surface ANXA2 inhibitor TM601 could ameliorate fibrotic and inflammatory response in bleomycin-treated mice. Taken together, our results indicated that, in addition to disturbing autophagic flux, ANXA2 can contribute to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by mediating inflammatory response.
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Verma A, Bennett J, Örme AM, Polycarpou E, Rooney B. Cocaine addicted to cytoskeletal change and a fibrosis high. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2019; 76:177-185. [PMID: 30623590 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is one of the most widely abused illicit drugs due to its euphoric and addictive properties. Cocaine-mediated cognitive impairments are the result of dynamic cytoskeletal rearrangements involved in mediating structural and behavioural plasticity. Cytoskeletal changes initiated following cocaine abuse are regulated by the Rho family of GTPases with significant downstream activity in key actin binding proteins. Moreover, signalling via the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, sigma-1 receptor has highlighted the possibility of cocaine regulated pathology in other organ systems. However, the question of whether upstream stimulation of such a high affinity binding receptor is directly involved in cocaine-mediated cytoskeletal changes at present remains unknown. In this review, we describe the functional role of key cytoskeletal regulators in response to cocaine-induced signalling cues. In addition, we ascertain the extent of whether global cytoskeletal modulators involved in cocaine-induced neurological stimulation can be used as a platform for future studies into elucidating its fibrotic potential within the hepatic microenvironment. A focus on aspects still poorly understood relating to the nonneuronal pathological impact of cocaine is discussed in the sphere of hepatic dysregulation. Lastly, we suggest that cocaine may mediate its pathological capacity via the sigma1 receptor in regulating hepatoxicity, hepatic stellate cells activity, cytoskeletal dynamics, and the transcriptional regulation of key hepato-fibrogenic modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avnish Verma
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Bennett
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayşe Merve Örme
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Polycarpou
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Rooney
- Kingston University, Department of Applied and Human Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Ciszewski WM, Sobierajska K, Wawro ME, Klopocka W, Chefczyńska N, Muzyczuk A, Siekacz K, Wujkowska A, Niewiarowska J. The ILK-MMP9-MRTF axis is crucial for EndMT differentiation of endothelial cells in a tumor microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:2283-2296. [PMID: 28893556 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment is a critical factor supporting cancer progression, chemoresistance and metastasis. Recently, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been recognized as a crucial tumor stromal component promoting cancer growth and invasiveness via modulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, tumor metabolism and immune reprogramming. One of the main sources of CAFs are endothelial cells undergoing the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). EndMT is mainly promoted by the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family secreted by tumor cells, though the role of particular members in EndMT regulation remains poorly understood. Our findings demonstrate that TGF-β2 induces mesenchymal transdifferentiation of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1 cells) to CAF-like cells in association with elongated cell morphology, modulation of stress fiber organization, higher α-SMA protein levels and activation of RhoA and Rac-1 pathways. Such regulation is similar to that observed in cells maintained using conditioned medium from invasive colorectal cancer cell line culture. Furthermore, TGF-β2 stimulation resulted in myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) activation and upregulation. Our results demonstrate for the first time that such interaction is sufficient for integrin-linked kinase (ILK) overexpression. ILK upregulation also enhanced MRTF activation via RhoA and Rac-1-MMP9 via inside-out integrin activation. Herein, we propose a new ILK-MMP9-MRTF axis that appears to be critical for EndMT differentiation of endothelial to CAF-like cells. Thus, it might be an attractive target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech M Ciszewski
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sobierajska
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Marta E Wawro
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Wanda Klopocka
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natasza Chefczyńska
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Angelika Muzyczuk
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kamil Siekacz
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agata Wujkowska
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jolanta Niewiarowska
- Department of Medical Cell Mechanisms, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-216 Lodz, Poland.
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Zhubanchaliyev A, Temirbekuly A, Kongrtay K, Wanshura LC, Kunz J. Targeting Mechanotransduction at the Transcriptional Level: YAP and BRD4 Are Novel Therapeutic Targets for the Reversal of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:462. [PMID: 27990121 PMCID: PMC5131002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of a deregulated wound healing process characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are activated in response to liver injury, are the major source of extracellular matrix and drive the wound healing process. However, chronic liver damage leads to perpetual HSC activation, progressive formation of pathological scar tissue and ultimately, cirrhosis and organ failure. HSC activation is triggered largely in response to mechanosignaling from the microenvironment, which induces a profibrotic nuclear transcription program that promotes HSC proliferation and extracellular matrix secretion thereby setting up a positive feedback loop leading to matrix stiffening and self-sustained, pathological, HSC activation. Despite the significant progress in our understanding of liver fibrosis, the molecular mechanisms through which the extracellular matrix promotes HSC activation are not well understood and no effective therapies have been approved to date that can target this early, reversible, stage in liver fibrosis. Several new lines of investigation now provide important insight into this area of study and identify two nuclear targets whose inhibition has the potential of reversing liver fibrosis by interfering with HSC activation: Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional co-activator and effector of the mechanosensitive Hippo pathway, and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic regulator of gene expression. YAP and BRD4 activity is induced in response to mechanical stimulation of HSCs and each protein independently controls waves of early gene expression necessary for HSC activation. Significantly, inhibition of either protein can revert the chronic activation of HSCs and impede pathological progression of liver fibrosis in clinically relevant model systems. In this review we will discuss the roles of these nuclear co-activators in HSC activation, their mechanism of action in the fibrotic process in the liver and other organs, and the potential of targeting their activity with small molecule drugs for fibrosis reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altynbek Zhubanchaliyev
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev UniversityAstana, Kazakhstan; Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National UniversityAstana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aibar Temirbekuly
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Kuralay Kongrtay
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Jeannette Kunz
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University Astana, Kazakhstan
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Li Y, Li G, Hu X, Lin W, Sun J, Mi L, Wang R, Wang J, Wang X, Zhou R. Integrin-Linked Kinase Senses Hypoxia During Scar Angiogenesis. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2016; 15:286-295. [PMID: 27230895 DOI: 10.1177/1534734616649485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) mediates signal transduction between cells and the extracellular matrix, regulating cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. However, its roles in the formation of hypertrophic scars are not yet clear. In this study, we found that ILK was predominantly expressed on the microvascular endothelial cells and the epidermal basal cells of human hypertrophic scars. The proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of primary human scar microvascular endothelial cells (HSMECs) were significantly inhibited after ILK was silenced. The ILK inhibitor QLT0267 had the same effect of impeding angiogenesis in vitro by blocking ILK activity. Both siRNA and QLT0267 markedly decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, but not its receptors, such as human vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 1 or kinase insert domain-containing receptor. We also showed that the expression of ILK was enhanced by inducing mild hypoxia with CoCl2, but it was suppressed under serious hypoxia. Thus, ILK regulates HSMEC proliferation and angiogenesis and participates in the formation of hypertrophic scars, in which mild hypoxia may be the mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeyang Li
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Lin
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingen Sun
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Mi
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renkun Wang
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlun Wang
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rixing Zhou
- 1 Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Xing Y, Cui L, Kang Q. Silencing of ILK attenuates the abnormal proliferation and migration of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts induced by TGF-β2. Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:407-16. [PMID: 27315599 PMCID: PMC4935455 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytokine, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), plays a key role in wound healing and tissue repair. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a downstream factor of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Research on ILK has mainly focused on its role in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. However, little has been reported on the effects of ILK in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs). In this study, we investigated the role of ILK in the proliferation and migration of HTFs exposed to TGF-β2. A lentiviral vector targeting ILK was screened from three candidates and the experimental result indicated that RNA interference can be used to inhibit ILK expression at both the mRNA and protein level. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess ILK mRNA expression. Cell proliferation was quantified by MTT assay and cell cycle progression was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Migration was measured by wound healing assay. It was observed that the silencing of ILK suppressed the TGF-β2-induced proliferation of HTFs and led to G1 phase cell cycle arrest and the significant downregulation of cyclin D1 expression. The migration ability of the HTFs decreased following the silencing of ILK, while the downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin expression and the upregulation of E-cadherin expression were observed. The findings of our study indicate that the silencing of ILK attenuates the abnormal proliferation and migration of HTFs induced by TGF-β2, which reveals the therapeutic potential of ILK inhibition in the prevention of scarring following glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xing
- Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qianyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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11
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Makarev E, Izumchenko E, Aihara F, Wysocki PT, Zhu Q, Buzdin A, Sidransky D, Zhavoronkov A, Atala A. Common pathway signature in lung and liver fibrosis. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:1667-73. [PMID: 27267766 PMCID: PMC4957589 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1152435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, encompasses a wide spectrum of distinct organs, and accounts for an increasing burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the tremendous clinical impact, the mechanisms governing the fibrotic process are not yet understood, and to date, no clinically reliable therapies for fibrosis have been discovered. Here we applied Regeneration Intelligence, a new bioinformatics software suite for qualitative analysis of intracellular signaling pathway activation using transcriptomic data, to assess a network of molecular signaling in lung and liver fibrosis. In both tissues, our analysis detected major conserved signaling pathways strongly associated with fibrosis, suggesting that some of the pathways identified by our algorithm but not yet wet-lab validated as fibrogenesis related, may be attractive targets for future research. While the majority of significantly disrupted pathways were specific to histologically distinct organs, several pathways have been concurrently activated or downregulated among the hepatic and pulmonary fibrosis samples, providing new evidence of evolutionary conserved pathways that may be relevant as possible therapeutic targets. While future confirmatory studies are warranted to validate these observations, our platform proposes a promising new approach for detecting fibrosis-promoting pathways and tailoring the right therapy to prevent fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Makarev
- a Atlas Regeneration, Inc. , Winston-Salem , NC , USA.,b Insilico Medicine, Inc., ETC, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Evgeny Izumchenko
- c Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Fumiaki Aihara
- d Advanced Academic Programs, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Piotr T Wysocki
- c Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Qingsong Zhu
- b Insilico Medicine, Inc., ETC, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Anton Buzdin
- e The Biogerontology Research Foundation , London , UK
| | - David Sidransky
- c Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- b Insilico Medicine, Inc., ETC, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA.,f Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- a Atlas Regeneration, Inc. , Winston-Salem , NC , USA.,g Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Ltd , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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12
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Zheng G, Zhang J, Zhao H, Wang H, Pang M, Qiao X, Lee SR, Hsu TT, Tan TK, Lyons JG, Zhao Y, Tian X, Loebel DAF, Rubera I, Tauc M, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang YM, Cao Q, Wang C, Lee VWS, Alexander SI, Tam PPL, Harris DCH. α3 Integrin of Cell-Cell Contact Mediates Kidney Fibrosis by Integrin-Linked Kinase in Proximal Tubular E-Cadherin Deficient Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:1847-1860. [PMID: 27182643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Loss of E-cadherin marks a defect in epithelial integrity and polarity during tissue injury and fibrosis. Whether loss of E-cadherin plays a causal role in fibrosis is uncertain. α3β1 Integrin has been identified to complex with E-cadherin in cell-cell adhesion, but little is known about the details of their cross talk. Herein, E-cadherin gene (Cdh1) was selectively deleted from proximal tubules of murine kidney by Sglt2Cre. Ablation of E-cadherin up-regulated α3β1 integrin at cell-cell adhesion. E-cadherin-deficient proximal tubular epithelial cell displayed enhanced transforming growth factor-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin expression, which was suppressed by siRNA silencing of α3 integrin, but not β1 integrin. Up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1-induced α-SMA was mediated by an α3 integrin-dependent increase in integrin-linked kinase (ILK). Src phosphorylation of β-catenin and consequent p-β-catenin-Y654/p-Smad2 transcriptional complex underlies the transcriptional up-regulation of ILK. Kidney fibrosis after unilateral ureteric obstruction or ischemia reperfusion was increased in proximal tubule E-cadherin-deficient mice in comparison to that of E-cadherin intact control mice. The exacerbation of fibrosis was explained by the α3 integrin-dependent increase of ILK, β-catenin nuclear translocation, and α-SMA/proximal tubular-specific Cre double positive staining in proximal tubular epithelial cell. These studies delineate a nonconventional integrin/ILK signaling by α3 integrin-dependent Src/p-β-catenin-Y654/p-Smad2-mediated up-regulation of ILK through which loss of E-cadherin leads to kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoping Zheng
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jianlin Zhang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailong Wang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Pang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Qiao
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Renal Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - So R Lee
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tzu-Ting Hsu
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thian K Tan
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Guy Lyons
- Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Centenary Institute and Department of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ye Zhao
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Xinrui Tian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - David A F Loebel
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabella Rubera
- Laboratory of Molecular Physio-Medicine, National Centre for Scientific Research, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Michel Tauc
- Laboratory of Molecular Physio-Medicine, National Centre for Scientific Research, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Ya Wang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yiping Wang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yuan M Wang
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Qi Cao
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Changqi Wang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vincent W S Lee
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David C H Harris
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Zheng YP, Zhang SB, Wang F, Liu H, Zhang W, Song B, Liu ZY, Xiong L, Fan YZ, Liao DY. Effects of lentiviral RNA interference-mediated downregulation of integrin-linked kinase on biological behaviors of human lens epithelial cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:21-8. [PMID: 26949605 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.01.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of lentivirus (LV) mediated integrin-linked kinase (ILK) RNA interference (RNAi) on biological behaviors of human lens epithelial cells (LECs). METHODS Human cataract LECs and immortalized human LEC line, human lens epithelial (HLE) B-3 cells were transfected by lentiviral vector expressing ILK-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and then stimulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), the silencing of ILK gene and protein was identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot methods; biological behaviors including cell cycle and apoptosis, cell morphology, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) stress fiber formation and cell migration were examined. RESULTS Remarkable decreases of ILK protein expression were detected in LECs carrying lentiviral ILK-shRNA vector; flow cytometry revealed arresting of cell cycle progression through the G1/S transition and higher apoptosis rate in ILK-RNAi-LV transfected cells. Less α-SMA stress fiber formation and migration was observed in ILK-RNAi-LV transfected LECs. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that ILK was an important regulator for LECs proliferation and migration. LV mediated ILK RNAi is an effective way to decrease ILK-regulated cell growth by arresting cell cycle progression and increasing cell apoptosis, as well as, to prevent cell migration by inhibiting TGF-β induced α-SMA stress fiber formation. Thus, LV mediated ILK RNAi might be useful to prevent posterior capsular opacification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ping Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shao-Bo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zi-Yao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lei Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ya-Zhi Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ding-Ying Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
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14
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Kulkarni YM, Dutta S, Iyer AKV, Venkatadri R, Kaushik V, Ramesh V, Wright CA, Semmes OJ, Yakisich JS, Azad N. A proteomics approach to identifying key protein targets involved in VEGF inhibitor mediated attenuation of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Proteomics 2015; 16:33-46. [PMID: 26425798 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with a life expectancy of less than 5 years post diagnosis for most patients. Poor molecular characterization of IPF has led to insufficient understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, resulting in lack of effective therapies. In this study, we have integrated a label-free LC-MS based approach with systems biology to identify signaling pathways and regulatory nodes within protein interaction networks that govern phenotypic changes that may lead to IPF. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of proteins modulated in response to bleomycin treatment identified PI3K/Akt and Wnt signaling as the most significant profibrotic pathways. Similar analysis of proteins modulated in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor (CBO-P11) treatment identified natural killer cell signaling and PTEN signaling as the most significant antifibrotic pathways. Mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were identified to be key mediators of pro- and antifibrotic response, where bleomycin (BLM) treatment resulted in increased expression and VEGF inhibitor treatment attenuated expression of mTOR and ERK. Using a BLM mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis and VEGF inhibitor CBO-P11 as a therapeutic measure, we identified a comprehensive set of signaling pathways and proteins that contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis that can be targeted for therapy against this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh M Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Sucharita Dutta
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Leroy T. Canoles Jr, Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Anand Krishnan V Iyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Rajkumar Venkatadri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Vivek Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Vani Ramesh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Clayton A Wright
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Oliver John Semmes
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Leroy T. Canoles Jr, Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Juan S Yakisich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
| | - Neelam Azad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
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15
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Rustad KC, Wong VW, Gurtner GC. The role of focal adhesion complexes in fibroblast mechanotransduction during scar formation. Differentiation 2013; 86:87-91. [PMID: 23623400 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Historically, great efforts have been made to elucidate the biochemical pathways that direct the complex process of wound healing; however only recently has there been recognition of the importance that mechanical signals play in the process of tissue repair and scar formation. The body's physiologic response to injury involves a dynamic interplay between mechanical forces and biochemical cues which directs a cascade of signals leading ultimately to the formation of fibrotic scar. Fibroblasts are a highly mechanosensitive cell type and are also largely responsible for the generation of the fibrotic matrix during scar formation and are thus a critical player in the process of mechanotransduction during tissue repair. Mechanotransduction is initiated at the interface between the cell membrane and the extracellular matrix where mechanical signals are first translated into a biochemical response. Focal adhesions are dynamic multi-protein complexes through which the extracellular matrix links to the intracellular cytoskeleton. These focal adhesion complexes play an integral role in the propagation of this initial mechanical cue into an extensive network of biochemical signals leading to widespread downstream effects including the influx of inflammatory cells, stimulation of angiogenesis, keratinocyte migration, fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the importance of the biomechanical milieu in healing wounds and suggests that an integrated approach to the discovery of targets to decrease scar formation may prove more clinically efficacious than previous purely biochemical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine C Rustad
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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16
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Serrano I, McDonald PC, Lock FE, Dedhar S. Role of the integrin-linked kinase (ILK)/Rictor complex in TGFβ-1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Oncogene 2012; 32:50-60. [PMID: 22310280 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) causes fibrosis, cancer progression and metastasis. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a focal adhesion adaptor and a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates cell proliferation, survival and EMT. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms necessary for development and progression of human malignancies is critical to predict the most appropriate targets for cancer therapy. Here, we used transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ-1) to promote EMT and migration in mammary epithelial cells. We demonstrate a requirement of ILK activity for TGFβ-1-mediated EMT in mammary epithelial cells. In addition to nuclear translocation of Snail and Slug, TGFβ-1 treatment also induced expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 component Rictor and its phosphorylation on Thr1135. Interestingly, TGFβ-1 treatment also induced an interaction between ILK and Rictor. All of these TGFβ-1-induced processes were significantly suppressed by inhibiting ILK activity or by disrupting the ILK/Rictor complex using small-interfering RNA-mediated knockdown. Furthermore, we identified ILK/Rictor complex formation in cancer but not in normal cell types, and this was accompanied by ILK-dependent phosphorylation of Rictor on residue Thr1135. Inhibition of ILK partially reversed the basal mesenchymal phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells and prevented EMT in MCF10A cells after TGFβ-1 treatment. These data demonstrate a requirement for ILK function in TGFβ-1-induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells and identify the ILK/Rictor complex as a potential molecular target for preventing/reversing EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Serrano
- Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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