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Liao L, Duan L, Guo Y, Zhou B, Xu Q, Zhang C, Liu W, Liu W, Liu Z, Hu J, Chen J, Lu J. TRIM46 upregulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting Axin1 to mediate hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK2 cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2829-2839. [PMID: 35670901 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04467-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia can cause Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular cells, and in turn, renal fibrosis. We tested the expression of TRIM46, a member of tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family proteins, and mesenchymal markers under hypoxia. Our results showed that hypoxia significantly enhanced expression of TRIM46 in HK2 human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. Our data further showed that hypoxia led to upregulated expression of mesenchymal markers including α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and Snail, and downregulated expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin, coupled with an increased abundance of nuclear β-catenin. However, such effects were reversed when TRIM46 expression was knocked down. TRIM46 overexpression had similar effects as hypoxia exposure, and such effects were reversed when cells were treated with XAV-939, a selective inhibitor for β-catenin. Furthermore, we found that TRIM46 promoted ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of Axin1 protein, a robust negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity. Finally, increased TRIM46 coupled with decreased Axin1 was observed in a rat renal fibrosis model. These data suggest a novel mechanism contributing to EMT that mediates hypoxia-induced renal fibrosis. Our results suggest that selectively inhibiting this pathway that activates fibrosis in human kidney may lead to development of a novel therapeutic approach for managing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Lianxiang Duan
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Baojuan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Qiming Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Chuanfu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Wenrui Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Ziyang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China.
| | - Jianrao Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.358 Datong Road in Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200137, China.
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Handl J, Čapek J, Majtnerová P, Báčová J, Roušar T. The effect of repeated passaging on the susceptibility of human proximal tubular HK-2 cells to toxic compounds. Physiol Res 2020; 69:731-738. [PMID: 32672047 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human proximal tubular HK-2 cell line is an immortalized cell line commonly used for studying proximal tubular toxicity. Even as their use is presently increasing, there unfortunately are no studies focused on functional changes in HK-2 cells associated with passaging. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to evaluate the functional stability of HK-2 cells during 13 weeks of continuous passaging after 6 and 24 h of treatment with model nephrotoxic compounds (i.e., acetaminophen, cisplatin, CdCl(2)). Short tandem repeat profile, the doubling time, cell diameter, glutathione concentration, and intracellular dehydrogenase activity were measured in HK-2 cells at each tested passage. The results showed that HK-2 cells exhibit stable morphology, cell size, and cell renewal during passaging. Mean doubling time was determined to be 54 h. On the other hand, we observed a significant effect of passaging on the susceptibility of HK-2 cells to toxic compounds. The largest difference in results was found in both cadmium and cisplatin treated cells across passages. We conclude that the outcomes of scientific studies on HK-2 cells can be affected by the number of passages even after medium-term cultivation and passaging for 13 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Handl
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Pardubice, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
Organ fibrosis is defined as a deregulated wound-healing process characterized by a progressive accumulation of fibrous tissue and by reduced remodeling that can lead to the loss of functionality of the affected organ. This pathological process is quite common in several parenchymal organs such as kidneys, liver, and lungs and represents a real health emergency in developed western countries since a real anti-fibrotic therapy is not yet available in most cases. Heparanase (HPSE), which is the enzyme that cuts off the side chains of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan, appears to be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of fibrosis in all these organs, even if with different mechanisms. Here we discuss how the interplay between HPSE and components of the immune and inflammatory responses can activate recruitment, proliferation, and activation of myofibroblasts which represent the main cell type responsible for the deposition of fibrous matrix. Finally, bearing in mind that once the activity of HPSE is inhibited no other molecule is able to perform the same function, it is desirable that this enzyme could prove to be a suitable pharmacological target in anti-fibrotic therapy.
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Research Advances in the Mechanisms of Hyperuricemia-Induced Renal Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5817348. [PMID: 32685502 PMCID: PMC7336201 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5817348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans, and its excessive accumulation leads to hyperuricemia and urate crystal deposition in tissues including joints and kidneys. Hyperuricemia is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Although the symptoms of hyperuricemia-induced renal injury have long been known, the pathophysiological molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. In this review, we focus on the research advances in the mechanisms of hyperuricemia-caused renal injury, primarily on oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, renal fibrosis, and inflammation. Furthermore, we discuss the progress in hyperuricemia management.
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Xiong XY, Bai L, Bai SJ, Wang YK, Ji T. Uric acid induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells through PI3K/p-Akt signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:15563-15569. [PMID: 30740669 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The phenotypic changes of tubular epithelial cell are hallmark features of renal diseases caused by abnormal uric acid levels. We hereby intend to investigate whether PI3K/p-Akt signaling plays a role in uric-acid induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. The normal rat kidney cell line (NRK-52E) was used as a proximal tubular cell model in this study. NRK-52E cells were exposed to different concentrations of uric acid, or PI3K inhibitor LY294002, or both, respectively. The effects of uric acid on cell morphology were examined by phase contrast microscopy, while molecular alternations were assessed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. We found that uric acid induced visible morphological alterations in NRK-52E cells accompanied by increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin and reduced expression of E-cadherin. Moreover, phosphorylation of Akt protein was obviously increased, whereas Akt level remained stable. Furthermore, the above effects were abolished when PI3K/p-Akt pathway was blocked by the PI3K inhibitor. These findings demonstrated that high uric acid could induce phenotypic transition of cultured renal tubular cells, which was probably via activating PI3K/p-Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Huai'an Second People's Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Shou-Jun Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Kun Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Ji
- Department of Nephrology, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Chen Z, Dong F, Lu J, Wei L, Tian L, Ge H, Zou Y, Ma X, Yang Y, Zhou L, Han J, Fu R, Wang L. Polarized M2c macrophages have a promoting effect on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of human renal tubular epithelial cells. Immunobiology 2018; 223:826-833. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Masola V, Granata S, Bellin G, Gambaro G, Onisto M, Rugiu C, Lupo A, Zaza G. Specific heparanase inhibition reverses glucose-induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 32:1145-1154. [PMID: 28064160 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells induced by high glucose (HG) levels is a major biological mechanism leading to myofibroblast accumulation in the omentum of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Heparanase (HPSE), an endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate chains, is involved in the EMT of several cell lines, and may have a major role in this pro-fibrotic process potentially responsible for the failure of dialysis. Its specific inhibition may therefore plausibly minimize this pathological condition. Methods An in vitro study employing several biomolecular strategies was conducted to assess the role of HPSE in the HG-induced mesothelial EMT process, and to measure the effects of its specific inhibition by SST0001, a N-acetylated glycol-split heparin with a strong anti-HPSE activity. Rat mesothelial cells were grown for 6 days in HG (200 mM) culture medium with or without SST0001. Then EMT markers (VIM, α-SMA, TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (a factor involved in neoangiogenesis) were measured by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence/western blotting. As a functional analysis, trans-epithelial resistance (TER) and permeability to albumin were also measured in our in vitro model using a Millicell-ERS ohmmeter and a spectrophotometer, respectively. Results Our results showed that 200 mM of glucose induced a significant gene and protein up-regulation of VEGF and all EMT markers after 6 days of culture. Intriguingly, adding SST0001 on day 3 reversed these biological and cellular effects. HPSE inhibition also restored the normal TER and permeability lost during the HG treatment. Conclusion Taken together, our data confirm that HG can induce EMT of mesothelial cells, and that HPSE plays a central part in this process. Our findings also suggest that pharmacological HPSE inhibition could prove a valuable therapeutic tool for minimizing fibrosis and avoiding a rapid decline in the efficacy of dialysis in patients on PD, though clinical studies and/or trials would be needed to confirm the clinical utility of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Masola
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona Granata
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Gloria Bellin
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Onisto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Rugiu
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Lupo
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Masola V, Zaza G, Bellin G, Dall'Olmo L, Granata S, Vischini G, Secchi MF, Lupo A, Gambaro G, Onisto M. Heparanase regulates the M1 polarization of renal macrophages and their crosstalk with renal epithelial tubular cells after ischemia/reperfusion injury. FASEB J 2018; 32:742-756. [PMID: 28970256 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700597r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Heparanase (HPSE) is part of the biologic network triggered by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a complication of renal transplantation and acute kidney injury. During this period, the kidney or graft undergoes a process of macrophages recruitment and activation. HPSE may therefore control these biologic effects. We measured the ability of HPSE and its inhibitor, SST0001, to regulate macrophage polarization and the crosstalk between macrophages and HK-2 renal tubular cells during in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Furthermore, we evaluated in vivo renal inflammation, macrophage polarization, and histologic changes in mice subjected to monolateral I/R and treated with SST0001 for 2 or 7 d. The in vitro experiments showed that HPSE sustained M1 macrophage polarization and modulated apoptosis, the release of damage associated molecular patterns in post-H/R tubular cells, the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, and the up-regulation of TLRs on both epithelial cells and macrophages. HPSE also regulated M1 polarization induced by H/R-injured tubular cells and the partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition of these epithelial cells by M1 macrophages. All these effects were prevented by inhibiting HPSE. Furthermore, the inhibition of HPSE in vivo reduced inflammation and M1 polarization in mice undergoing I/R injury, partially restored renal function and normal histology, and reduced apoptosis. These results show for the first time that HPSE regulates macrophage polarization as well as renal damage and repair after I/R. HPSE inhibitors could therefore provide a new pharmacologic approach to minimize acute kidney injury and to prevent the chronic profibrotic damages induced by I/R.-Masola, V., Zaza, G., Bellin, G., Dall'Olmo, L., Granata, S., Vischini, G., Secchi, M. F., Lupo, A., Gambaro, G., Onisto, M. Heparanase regulates the M1 polarization of renal macrophages and their crosstalk with renal epithelial tubular cells after ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Masola
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gloria Bellin
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Dall'Olmo
- Azienda Ulss 3 Serenissima, Ospedale San Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Italy
| | - Simona Granata
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gisella Vischini
- Renal Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; and
| | | | - Antonio Lupo
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Renal Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; and
| | - Maurizio Onisto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Padova, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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9
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Masola V, Zaza G, Gambaro G, Onisto M, Bellin G, Vischini G, Khamaysi I, Hassan A, Hamoud S, Nativ O, N. Heyman S, Lupo A, Vlodavsky I, Abassi Z. Heparanase: A Potential New Factor Involved in the Renal Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Induced by Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) Injury. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160074. [PMID: 27467172 PMCID: PMC4965068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is an important cause of acute renal failure and delayed graft function, and it may induce chronic renal damage by activating epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular cells. Heparanase (HPSE), an endoglycosidase that regulates FGF-2 and TGFβ-induced EMT, may have an important role. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate its role in the I/R-induced renal pro-fibrotic machinery by employing in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS Wild type (WT) and HPSE-silenced renal tubular cells were subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation in the presence or absence of SST0001, an inhibitor of HPSE. In vivo, I/R injury was induced by bilateral clamping of renal arteries for 30 min in transgenic mice over-expressing HPSE (HPA-tg) and in their WT littermates. Mice were sacrificed 48 and 72 h after I/R. Gene and protein EMT markers (α-SMA, VIM and FN) were evaluated by bio-molecular and histological methodologies. RESULTS In vitro: hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) significantly increased the expression of EMT-markers in WT, but not in HPSE-silenced tubular cells. Notably, EMT was prevented in WT cells by SST0001 treatment. In vivo: I/R induced a remarkable up-regulation of EMT markers in HPA-tg mice after 48-72 h. Noteworthy, these effects were absent in WT animals. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results add new insights towards understanding the renal biological mechanisms activated by I/R and they demonstrate, for the first time, that HPSE is a pivotal factor involved in the onset and development of I/R-induced EMT. It is plausible that in future the inhibition of this endoglycosidase may represent a new therapeutic approach to minimize/prevent fibrosis and slow down chronic renal disease progression in native and transplanted kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Renal Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Onisto
- University of Padova, Department of Biomedical Sciences Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Gisella Vischini
- Renal Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Iyad Khamaysi
- Gastroenterology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ahmad Hassan
- Internal Medicine A, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shadi Hamoud
- Internal Medicine E, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Omri Nativ
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Samuel N. Heyman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Antonio Lupo
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zaid Abassi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Research Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Granata S, Dalla Gassa A, Carraro A, Brunelli M, Stallone G, Lupo A, Zaza G. Sirolimus and Everolimus Pathway: Reviewing Candidate Genes Influencing Their Intracellular Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050735. [PMID: 27187382 PMCID: PMC4881557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirolimus (SRL) and everolimus (EVR) are mammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR-I) largely employed in renal transplantation and oncology as immunosuppressive/antiproliferative agents. SRL was the first mTOR-I produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus and approved for several medical purposes. EVR, derived from SRL, contains a 2-hydroxy-ethyl chain in the 40th position that makes the drug more hydrophilic than SRL and increases oral bioavailability. Their main mechanism of action is the inhibition of the mTOR complex 1 and the regulation of factors involved in a several crucial cellular functions including: protein synthesis, regulation of angiogenesis, lipid biosynthesis, mitochondrial biogenesis and function, cell cycle, and autophagy. Most of the proteins/enzymes belonging to the aforementioned biological processes are encoded by numerous and tightly regulated genes. However, at the moment, the polygenic influence on SRL/EVR cellular effects is still not completely defined, and its comprehension represents a key challenge for researchers. Therefore, to obtain a complete picture of the cellular network connected to SRL/EVR, we decided to review major evidences available in the literature regarding the genetic influence on mTOR-I biology/pharmacology and to build, for the first time, a useful and specific “SRL/EVR genes-focused pathway”, possibly employable as a starting point for future in-depth research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Granata
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University/Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | | | - Amedeo Carraro
- Liver Transplant Unit, Department of General Surgery and Odontoiatrics, University/Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Stallone
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Lupo
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University/Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University/Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy.
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Tomei P, Masola V, Granata S, Bellin G, Carratù P, Ficial M, Ventura VA, Onisto M, Resta O, Gambaro G, Chilosi M, Lupo A, Zaza G. Everolimus-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bronchial/pulmonary cells: when the dosage does matter in transplantation. J Nephrol 2016; 29:881-891. [PMID: 27026415 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-016-0295-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Everolimus (EVE) is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTOR-I) widely used in transplantation that may determine some severe adverse events, including pulmonary fibrosis. The pathogenic mechanism of mTOR-I-associated pulmonary toxicity is still unclear, but epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of bronchial/pulmonary cells may play a role. METHODS Three cell lines-human type II pneumocyte-derived A549, normal bronchial epithelial, and bronchial epithelial homozygous for the delta F508 cystic fibrosis-causing mutation-were treated with EVE or tacrolimus at different concentrations. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate mRNA and protein levels of EMT markers (alpha-SMA, vimentin, fibronectin). Subsequently, in 13 EVE- and 13 tacrolimus-treated patients we compared the rate of lung fibrosis, estimated by an arbitrary pulmonary fibrosis index score (PFIS). RESULTS Biomolecular experiments demonstrated that high doses of EVE (100 nM) up-regulated EMT markers in all cell lines at both gene- and protein level. High concentrations of EVE were also able to reduce the mRNA levels of epithelial markers (E-cadherin and ZO-1) and to induce the phosphorylation of AKT. In the in vivo part of the study, PFIS was significantly higher in the EVE-group than the tacrolimus-group (p = 0.03) and correlated with trough levels (R2 = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal, for the first time, a dose-dependent EVE-induced EMT in airway cells. They suggest that clinicians should employ, wherever possible, low dosages of mTOR-Is in transplant recipients, assessing periodically their pulmonary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Tomei
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Valentina Masola
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Simona Granata
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Gloria Bellin
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, VR, Italy
| | | | - Miriam Ficial
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic, Anatomic Pathology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Onisto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Onofrio Resta
- Institute of Pulmonary Disease, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambaro
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, School of Medicine Rome, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Chilosi
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic, Anatomic Pathology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Lupo
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, VR, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Department of Medicine, Renal Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale A. Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, VR, Italy.
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Pathogenesis of Type 2 Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Renal and Hepatic Fibrosis. J Clin Med 2015; 5:jcm5010004. [PMID: 26729181 PMCID: PMC4730129 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), particularly, type 2 EMT, is important in progressive renal and hepatic fibrosis. In this process, incompletely regenerated renal epithelia lose their epithelial characteristics and gain migratory mesenchymal qualities as myofibroblasts. In hepatic fibrosis (importantly, cirrhosis), the process also occurs in injured hepatocytes and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), as well as ductular reaction-related bile epithelia. Interestingly, the ductular reaction contributes partly to hepatocarcinogenesis of HPCs, and further, regenerating cholangiocytes after injury may be derived from hepatic stellate cells via mesenchymal to epithelia transition, a reverse phenomenon of type 2 EMT. Possible pathogenesis of type 2 EMT and its differences between renal and hepatic fibrosis are reviewed based on our experimental data.
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