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Gavrilova NA, Borzenok SA, Revishchin AV, Tishchenko OE, Ostrovkiy DS, Bobrova MM, Safonova LA, Efimov AE, Agapova OI, Agammedov MB, Pavlova GV, Agapov II. The effect of biodegradable silk fibroin-based scaffolds containing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on the corneal regeneration process. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:264-276. [PMID: 34119551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Corneal injury due to ocular trauma or infection is one of the most challenging vision impairing pathologies. The aim of the work was to study the effect of biodegradable silk fibroin-based scaffolds containing GDNF on the corneal regeneration process. During cultivate the highest keratocytes proliferative activity was registered with scaffolds containing 250 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml GDNF. In mice with an experimental model of epithelial-stromal damage to the cornea, silk fibroin-based scaffolds containing GDNF in various concentrations were used (in groups 1, 2 and 3 silk fibroin-based scaffolds containing GDNF in a concentration of 50 ng/ml, 250 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml, respectively; in group 4 - silk fibroin-based scaffolds without GDNF; in group 5 - a solution of GDNF with concentration of 500 ng/ml; group 6- control). The area of the corneal epithelial defect in groups 2, 3, and 5 was less than in the other groups. The most pronounced positive immunohistochemical reaction with antibodies to Bcl2, Bax, phosphoERK1/2 and phospho-JNK1/2, Ki67, Gap43 was observed in groups 2 and 3. Thus, silk fibroin-based scaffolds with GDNF stimulate the epithelialization process, proliferative activity of epithelial cells and keratocytes, accelerate the formation of the stromal nerve plexus and exhibit anti-apoptotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Gavrilova
- The A.I. Evdokimov Моscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Healthcare the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - S A Borzenok
- The A.I. Evdokimov Моscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Healthcare the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - A V Revishchin
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - O E Tishchenko
- The A.I. Evdokimov Моscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Healthcare the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - D S Ostrovkiy
- The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - M M Bobrova
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - L A Safonova
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - A E Efimov
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - O I Agapova
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - M B Agammedov
- The A.I. Evdokimov Моscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry of the Ministry of Healthcare the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - G V Pavlova
- Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - I I Agapov
- Academician V.I. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Wong HL, Poon SHL, Bu Y, Lo ACY, Jhanji V, Chan YK, Shih KC. A Systematic Review on Cornea Epithelial-Stromal Homeostasis. Ophthalmic Res 2020; 64:178-191. [PMID: 32474566 DOI: 10.1159/000509030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review aims to summarise the role of different cells, genes, proteins and lipid in regulating cornea epithelial-stromal homeostasis. METHODS We performed an Entrez PubMed literature search using keywords "human," "cornea," "epithelial," "stromal," "homeostasis," "fibrosis response," and "pathogenesis" on 24th of September 2019, resulting in 35 papers, of which 18 were chosen after filtering for "English language" and "published within 10 years" as well as curation for relevance by the authors. RESULTS The 18 selected papers showed that corneal epithelial cells, fibroblasts and telocytes, together with genes such as Klf4, Pax6 and Id found in the cells, play important roles in achieving homeostasis to maintain corneal integrity and transparency. Proteins classified as pro-fibrotic ligands and anti-fibrotic ligands are responsible for regulating cornea stromal fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition, thus regulators of scar formation during wound healing. Anti-inflammatory ligands and wound repairing ligands are critical in eliciting protective inflammation and promoting epithelial healing, respectively. Protein receptors located on cellular membrane play a role in maintaining intercellular connections as well as corneal hydration. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION These studies prompt development of novel therapeutic strategies such as tear drops or ointments that target certain proteins to maintain corneal homeostasis. However, more in vitro and in vivo studies are required to prove the effectiveness of exogenous administration of molecules in improving healing outcome. Hence, future investigations of the molecular pathways highlighted in this review will reveal novel therapeutic tools such as gene or cell therapy to treat corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Lam Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephanie Hiu Ling Poon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yashan Bu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yau Kei Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,
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Lee HS, Hua HS, Wang CH, Yu MC, Chen BC, Lin CH. Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces connective tissue growth factor expression through the TLR2-JNK-AP-1 pathway in human lung fibroblasts. FASEB J 2019; 33:12554-12564. [PMID: 31451010 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900487r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection in lung causes pulmonary fibrosis, which leads to the irreversible reduction of pulmonary function. Fibrotic protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression has been confirmed to play a crucial role in lung fibrosis. However, the underlying signal pathway and effect of M.tb on CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts are unclear. Our results revaled that M.tb caused time- and concentration-dependent increases in CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts. A mechanistic investigation revealed that M.tb induced CTGF expression through TLR2 but not TLR4. The promoter activity assay indicated that M.tb-induced CTGF activity was mainly controlled by the promoter region at -747 to -184 bp, which contained signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding sites. Moreover, curcumin (AP-1 inhibitor) restrained M.tb-induced CTGF expression. M.tb also induced increases in AP-1 luciferase activity and DNA binding activity of c-Jun and c-Fos on the CTGF promoter. Furthermore, the knockdown of c-Jun by small interfering RNA attenuated M.tb-induced CTGF expression and AP-1 luciferase activity. A JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and a JNK dominant-negative mutant suppressed M.tb-induced CTGF expression. We also discovered that M.tb could induce the phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun. Furthermore, SP600125 inhibited M.tb-induced c-Jun phosphorylation and AP-1- luciferase activity. M.tb-induced fibronectin expression was inhibited by anti-CTGF antibody. These results demonstrate that M.tb is activated through TLR2 to induce JNK activation, further increasing the DNA binding activity of c-Jun and c-Fos and finally inducing CTGF expression and extracellular matrix production.-Lee, H.-S., Hua, H.-S., Wang, C.-H., Yu, M.-C., Chen, B.-C., Lin, C.-H. Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces connective tissue growth factor expression through the TLR2-JNK-AP-1 pathway in human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Sheng Hua
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hui Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Pulmonary Research Center, Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Yu
- Pulmonary Research Center, Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Respiratory Therapy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wanfang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Corneal chemical burn treatment through a delivery system consisting of TGF-β 1 siRNA: in vitro and in vivo. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2018; 8:1127-1138. [PMID: 29869292 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemical burns are major causes of corneal blindness. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) plays an important role in induction of corneal inflammation-related-fibrosis leading to the blindness. Here, a topical delivery system consisting anti-fibrotic TGF-β1 siRNA, an inflammatory suppressing gene, was designed for treatment of corneal injuries. TGF-β1 siRNA loaded in nanoparticles (NPs) made up of polyethyleneimine polymer demonstrated high fibroblast transfection efficiency. Moreover, TGF-β1 and PDGF genes and ECM deposition were suppressed in isolated human corneal fibroblasts. NPs inhibited proliferation and transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts by S-phase arrest and α-SMA suppression in vitro, respectively. The mentioned finding was also confirmed in vivo, addressing high wound-healing potential of prepared gene delivery system which was superior to conventional betamethasone treatment. Besides, CD4+ and α-SMA antibody staining showed inhibited angiogenesis and myofibroblast accumulation in treated corneas. This study opens a new way for treating corneal fibrosis through topical siRNA delivery.
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Ying Q, Wu G. Molecular mechanisms involved in podocyte EMT and concomitant diabetic kidney diseases: an update. Ren Fail 2017; 39:474-483. [PMID: 28413908 PMCID: PMC6014344 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2017.1313164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a tightly regulated process by which epithelial cells lose their hallmark epithelial characteristics and gain the features of mesenchymal cells. For podocytes, expression of nephrin, podocin, P-cadherin, and ZO-1 is downregulated, the slit diaphragm (SD) will be altered, and the actin cytoskeleton will be rearranged. Diabetes, especially hyperglycemia, has been demonstrated to incite podocyte EMT through several molecular mechanisms such as TGF-β/Smad classic pathway, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, Integrins/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway, MAPKs signaling pathway, Jagged/Notch signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. As one of the most fundamental prerequisites to develop ground-breaking therapeutic options to prevent the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of podocyte EMT is compulsory. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to update the research progress of these underlying signaling pathways and expound the podocyte EMT-related DKDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidi Ying
- a Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Guanzhong Wu
- a Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
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van Setten GB, Trost A, Schrödl F, Kaser-Eichberger A, Bogner B, van Setten M, Heindl LM, Grabner G, Reitsamer HA. Immunohistochemical Detection of CTGF in the Human Eye. Curr Eye Res 2016; 41:1571-1579. [DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2016.1143014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Trost
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Falk Schrödl
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Anatomy, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Bogner
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Ludwig M. Heindl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Günther Grabner
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Herbert A. Reitsamer
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University/SALK, Salzburg, Austria
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Sahu SK, Garding A, Tiwari N, Thakurela S, Toedling J, Gebhard S, Ortega F, Schmarowski N, Berninger B, Nitsch R, Schmidt M, Tiwari VK. JNK-dependent gene regulatory circuitry governs mesenchymal fate. EMBO J 2015; 34:2162-81. [PMID: 26157010 PMCID: PMC4557668 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201490693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process in which cells lose cell–cell contacts and become motile. EMT is used during development, for example, in triggering neural crest migration, and in cancer metastasis. Despite progress, the dynamics of JNK signaling, its role in genomewide transcriptional reprogramming, and involved downstream effectors during EMT remain largely unknown. Here, we show that JNK is not required for initiation, but progression of phenotypic changes associated with EMT. Such dependency resulted from JNK-driven transcriptional reprogramming of critical EMT genes and involved changes in their chromatin state. Furthermore, we identified eight novel JNK-induced transcription factors that were required for proper EMT. Three of these factors were also highly expressed in invasive cancer cells where they function in gene regulation to maintain mesenchymal identity. These factors were also induced during neuronal development and function in neuronal migration in vivo. These comprehensive findings uncovered a kinetically distinct role for the JNK pathway in defining the transcriptome that underlies mesenchymal identity and revealed novel transcription factors that mediate these responses during development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neha Tiwari
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Susanne Gebhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nikolai Schmarowski
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Nitsch
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Jeon KI, Phipps RP, Sime PJ, Huxlin KR. Inhibitory effects of PPARγ ligands on TGF-β1-induced CTGF expression in cat corneal fibroblasts. Exp Eye Res 2015; 138:52-8. [PMID: 26142957 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ligands of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ) possess strong anti-fibrotic properties in the cornea and several other body tissues. In the cornea, we recently showed this class of molecules to prevent stromal myofibroblast differentiation partially by blocking the actions of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). However, given the important role assigned to connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in mediating corneal fibrosis, here we asked whether PPARγ ligands also act by affecting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) 1-induced expression of CTGF in cultured corneal fibroblasts. Corneal keratocytes were isolated from young, adult cats and early passage cells were exposed to TGF-β1 with or without the PPARγ ligands Rosiglitazone, Troglitazone and 15d-PGJ2. Western blots were used to assay levels of CTGF and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a marker of myofibroblast differentiation. CTGF siRNA demonstrated a critical role for CTGF in TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, while exogenously applied CTGF potentiated the pro-fibrogenic effects of TGF-β1. TGF-β1-mediated increases in CTGF and αSMA expression were strongly inhibited by all three PPARγ ligands tested, and by a c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor. However, while extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, protein kinase B (AKT) and p38 MAPK inhibitors also blocked TGF-β1-induced αSMA induction, they did not dampen TGF-β1-induced increases in levels of CTGF. Thus, we conclude that PPARγ ligands block TGF-β1-induced increases in CTGF levels in cat corneal fibroblasts. They appear to do this in addition to their anti-fibrotic effect on p38 MAPK, providing a second intracellular pathway by which PPARγ ligands block αSMA induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kye-Im Jeon
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard P Phipps
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Patricia J Sime
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Krystel R Huxlin
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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RNA Interference Targeting Connective Tissue Growth Factor Inhibits the Transforming Growth Factor- β 2 Induced Proliferation in Human Tenon Capsule Fibroblasts. J Ophthalmol 2013; 2013:354798. [PMID: 24288593 PMCID: PMC3830853 DOI: 10.1155/2013/354798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. This study was to determine the effect of CTGF-small interfering RNA (siRNA) on TGF- β 2-induced proliferation in human Tenon capsule fibroblasts (HTFs). Methods. HTFs were transfected with four of CTGF-siRNAs separately for screening of gene silencing efficacy that was determined by transcript level measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Recombinant TGF- β 2 was added into the culture to stimulate the proliferation of HTFs. The gene silencing efficacy of the siRNAs was evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence of CTGF transcript and protein levels. The viability of HTFs was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). FCM was used to assess cell cycle after CTGF-siRNA transfection. Results. The expression of CTGF and proliferation of HTFs were increased significantly by TGF- β 2 stimulation. The transfection of CTGF-siRNA abolished the upregulation of CTGF and cell proliferation induced by TGF- β 2. The analysis of cell cycle indicated that CTGF-siRNA treatment stimulated cells from S phase to G0/G1 phase in comparison with the inverse physiologic function of TGF- β 2. Conclusion. CTGF targeting siRNA could effectively suppress the expression of CTGF and attenuate the proliferation of HTFs. The siRNA approach may provide a therapeutic option for eliminating filtration bleb scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS).
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A crosstalk between the Smad and JNK signaling in the TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32009. [PMID: 22384127 PMCID: PMC3288060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) induces the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the Smad and JNK signaling. However, it is unclear how these pathways interact in the TGF-β1-induced EMT in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs). Here, we show that inhibition of JNK activation by introducing the dominant-negative JNK1 gene attenuates the TGF-β1-down-regulated E-cadherin expression, and TGF-β1-up-regulated α-SMA, Collagen I, and PAI-1 expression, leading to the inhibition of EMT in primarily cultured RPMCs. Furthermore, TGF-β1 induces a bimodal JNK activation with peaks at 10 minutes and 12 hours post treatment in RPMCs. In addition, the inhibition of Smad3 activation by introducing a Smad3 mutant mitigates the TGF-β1-induced second wave, but not the first wave, of JNK1 activation in RPMCs. Moreover, the inhibition of JNK1 activation prevents the TGF-β1-induced Smad3 activation and nuclear translocation, and inhibition of the TGF-β1-induced second wave of JNK activation greatly reduced TGF-β1-induced EMT in RPMCs. These data indicate a crosstalk between the JNK1 and Samd3 pathways during the TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibrotic process in RPMCs. Therefore, our findings may provide new insights into understanding the regulation of the TGF-β1-related JNK and Smad signaling in the development of fibrosis.
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Shi L, Chang Y, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Yu FSX, Wu X. Activation of JNK signaling mediates connective tissue growth factor expression and scar formation in corneal wound healing. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32128. [PMID: 22363806 PMCID: PMC3283717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are key growth factors in regulating corneal scarring. Although CTGF was induced by TGF-β1 and mediated many of fibroproliferative effects of TGF-β1, the signaling pathway for CTGF production in corneal scarring remains to be clarified. In the present study, we firstly investigated the effects of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) on CTGF expression induce by TGF-β1 in Telomerase-immortalized human cornea stroma fibroblasts (THSF). Then, we created penetrating corneal wound model and determined the effect of JNK in the pathogenesis of corneal scarring. TGF-β1 activated MAPK pathways in THSF cells. JNK inhibitor significantly inhibited CTGF, fibronectin and collagen I expression induced by TGF-β1 in THSF. In corneal wound healing, the JNK inhibitor significantly inhibited CTGF expression, markedly improved the architecture of corneal stroma and reduced corneal scar formation, but did not have a measurable impact on corneal wound healing in vivo. Our results indicate that JNK mediates the expression of CTGF and corneal scarring in corneal wound healing, and might be considered as specific targets of drug therapy for corneal scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Shin X. Yu
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, United States of America
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Potential for modulation of the fas apoptotic pathway by epidermal growth factor in sarcomas. Sarcoma 2011; 2011:847409. [PMID: 22135505 PMCID: PMC3206362 DOI: 10.1155/2011/847409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One important mechanism by which cancer cells parasitize their host is by escaping apoptosis. Thus, selectively facilitating apoptosis is a therapeutic mechanism by which oncotherapy may prove highly advantageous. One major apoptotic pathway is mediated by Fas ligand (FasL). The death-inducing signaling Ccmplex (DISC) and subsequent death-domain aggregations are created when FasL is bound by its receptor thereby enabling programmed cell death. Conceptually, if a better understanding of the Fas pathway can be garnered, an oncoselective prodeath therapeutic approach can be tailored. Herein, we propose that EGF and CTGF play essential roles in the regulation of the Fas apoptotic pathway in sarcomas. Tumor and in vitro data suggest viable cells counter the prodeath signal induced by FasL by activating EGF, which in turn induces prosurvival CTGF. The prosurvival attributes of CTGF ultimately predominate over the death-inducing FasL. Cells destined for elimination inhibit this prosurvival response via a presently undefined pathway. This scenario represents a novel role for EGF and CTGF as regulators of the Fas pathway in sarcomas.
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Chen J, Wong-Chong J, SundarRaj N. FGF-2- and TGF-β1-induced downregulation of lumican and keratocan in activated corneal keratocytes by JNK signaling pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:8957-64. [PMID: 22025571 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-8078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Downregulation of lumican and keratocan expression is an undesirable phenotypic change that occurs during corneal wound healing. The present study was intended to determine whether the activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-signaling pathway is involved in their downregulation in TGF-β1- and FGF-2-activated keratocytes. METHODS Keratocytes, isolated from rabbit corneal stroma, and cultured in a serum-free medium, pretreated or not treated with JNK inhibitor (SP600125), were activated with FGF-2/heparin sulfate (HS) or TGF-β1 in the presence or absence of SP600125. In another set of experiments, keratocytes were transfected with JNK1/2 Dicer-substrate RNA (DsiRNA) and then activated with TGF-β1 or FGF-2/HS. Specific phenotypic changes were analyzed immunocytochemically and correlated with Western blot analyses. The relative levels of specific mRNAs were estimated by quantitative RT-PCR using specific reagents. RESULTS The FGF-2/HS- or TGF-β-induced activation of corneal stromal keratocytes to fibroblast- or myofibroblast-phenotype, respectively, resulted in marked decreases in cell surface-associated and secreted keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPGs). Both keratocan and lumican proteins and their mRNAs were downregulated in the activated keratocytes. However, JNK inhibition during the activation of keratocytes, pretreated with the JNK inhibitor, suppressed the reduction in the cell-surface associated and secreted KSPGs (lumican and keratocan), and their mRNA transcripts. Downregulation of total KSPGs and their mRNAs was also inhibited by decreasing JNK1 and JNK2 levels via JNK1/2 DsiRNA transfection of keratocytes before their activation. CONCLUSIONS Extrapolating from the present study, FGF-2- and TGF-β1-activation of JNK signaling pathway may be partly responsible for the downregulation of keratocan and lumican expression in activated corneal keratocytes observed during corneal stromal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology and Visual Science Research Center, Eye and Ear Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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