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Soofi A, Li V, Beamish JA, Abdrabh S, Hamad M, Das NK, Shah YM, Dressler GR. Renal-specific loss of ferroportin disrupts iron homeostasis and attenuates recovery from acute kidney injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F178-F188. [PMID: 37994409 PMCID: PMC11198972 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00184.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is increasing at an alarming rate and correlates with the increase in diabetes, obesity, and hypertension that disproportionately impact socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Iron plays essential roles in many biological processes including oxygen transport, mitochondrial function, cell proliferation, and regeneration. However, excess iron induces the generation and propagation of reactive oxygen species, which lead to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and ferroptosis. Iron homeostasis is regulated in part by the kidney through iron resorption from the glomerular filtrate and exports into the plasma by ferroportin (FPN). Yet, the impact of iron overload in the kidney has not been addressed. To test more directly whether excess iron accumulation is toxic to kidneys, we generated a kidney proximal tubule-specific knockout of FPN. Despite significant intracellular iron accumulation in FPN mutant tubules, basal kidney function was not measurably different from wild type kidneys. However, upon induction of acute kidney injury (AKI), FPN mutant kidneys exhibited significantly more damage and failed recovery, evidence for ferroptosis, and increased fibrosis. Thus, disruption of iron export in proximal tubules, leading to iron overload, can significantly impair recovery from AKI and can contribute to progressive renal damage indicative of chronic kidney disease. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate iron homeostasis in the kidney may provide new therapeutic strategies for progressive kidney disease and other ferroptosis-associated disorders.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Physiological iron homeostasis depends in part on renal resorption and export into the plasma. We show that specific deletion of iron exporters in the proximal tubules sensitizes cells to injury and inhibits recovery. This can promote a chronic kidney disease phenotype. Our paper demonstrates the need for iron balance in the proximal tubules to maintain and promote healthy recovery after acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Soofi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Vivie Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Beamish
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Sham Abdrabh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nupur K Das
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Gregory R Dressler
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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Buart S, Diop MK, Damei I, Chouaib S. Sunitinib Treatment of VHL C162F Cells Slows Down Proliferation and Healing Ability via Downregulation of ZHX2 and Confers a Mesenchymal Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:34. [PMID: 38201462 PMCID: PMC10778532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, due to mutations of the tumor suppressor VHL gene, is a rare hereditary syndrome with a high risk of developing clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We asked whether the VHL-C162F mutation interferes with proliferation, migration, healing and forming colony ability by using wild-type VHL (WT VHL) and VHL-C162F reconstituted cells. We then analyzed the in vitro impact of the sunitinib treatment on VHL-C162F cells. We showed that VHL-C162F mutations have no impact on cell morphology, colony formation and migration ability but confer a significant higher healing ability than in WT VHL cells. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that VHL-C162F mutation upregulates genes involved in hypoxia and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways by comparison with VHL WT cells. We next showed a decrease in healing ability in VHL-C162F cells depleting on ZHX2, an oncogenic driver of ccRCC, highlighting the potential involvement of ZHX2 in aggressiveness of the VHL-C162F cells. Moreover, we found that sunitinib treatment inhibits ZHX2 expression and induces a reduced proliferation correlating with downregulation of P-ERK. Sunitinib treatment also conferred a more mesenchymal profile to VHL-C162F cells with significant downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin, Slug and AXL. Sunitinib therapy may therefore promote disease progression in VHL-C162F patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Buart
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - M’boyba Khadija Diop
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Isabelle Damei
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France;
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Miao C, Wang Z, Wang X, Huang W, Gao X, Cao Z. Deoxynivalenol Induces Blood-Testis Barrier Dysfunction through Disrupting p38 Signaling Pathway-Mediated Tight Junction Protein Expression and Distribution in Mice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:12829-12838. [PMID: 37590035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is widely present in cereals and processed grains. It can disrupt the blood-testicular barrier (BTB), leading to sterility in males; however, the mechanism is unknown. In this study, 30 Kunming mice and TM4 cells were exposed to 0 or 4.8 mg/kg (28 d) and 0-2.4 μM (24 h) of DON, respectively. Histopathological findings showed that DON increased BTB permeability in mice, leading to tight junction (TJ) structural damage. Immunofluorescence results indicated that DON disrupted the localization of zonula occludens (ZO)-1. The results of protein and mRNA expression showed that the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-11 was reduced, and that the p38/GSK-3β/snail and p38/ATF-2/MLCK signaling pathways were activated in mouse testes and TM4 cells. Pretreatment with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 maintained TJ integrity in TM4 cells after exposure to DON. Thus, DON induced BTB dysfunction in mice by disrupting p38 pathway-mediated TJ expression and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjiao Miao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zijia Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wanyue Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
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Guo J, Zheng W, Liu Y, Zhou M, Shi Y, Lei M, Zhang C, Liu Z. Long non-coding RNA DLX6-AS1 is the key mediator of glomerular podocyte injury and albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy by targeting the miR-346/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:172. [PMID: 36854759 PMCID: PMC9975222 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05695-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Progressive albuminuria is the primary clinical symptom of diabetic nephropathy (DN), leading to a gradual decline in kidney function. DLX6-AS1 was the first reported long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) to participate in organogenesis and play crucial roles in the brain or neural cell development. Herein, we investigated the DLX6-AS1 (Dlx6-os1 in mice) role in DN pathogenesis. We found that DLX6-AS1 expression in DN patients correlated with the extent of albuminuria. Dlx6-os1 overexpression induced cellular damage and inflammatory responses in cultured podocytes through miR-346-mediated regulation of the GSK-3β pathway. In various established diabetic and newly developed knockout mouse models, Dlx6-os1 knockdown/knockout significantly reduced podocyte injury and albuminuria. The Dlx6-os1 effects were remarkably modulated by miR-346 mimics or mutants and significantly diminished in podocyte-specific GSK-3β-knockout mice. Thus, DLX6-AS1 (Dlx6-os1) promotes DN development by accelerating podocyte injury and inflammation through the upregulation of the GSK-3β pathway, providing a novel molecular target for DN therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Guo
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
| | - Wen Zheng
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Mengwen Zhou
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Yan Shi
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Min Lei
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Chaojie Zhang
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China
| | - Zhangsuo Liu
- Nephrology Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450052, P. R. China.
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Zhao N, He M, Chen W, Jin P, Cao L, Deng J, Cheng X, Wang L. FAM96A suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis by inhibiting TGFβ1 signals. Life Sci 2022; 301:120607. [PMID: 35513087 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of death in 90% of patients with tumors, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in this process. Family with sequence similarity 96 member A (FAM96A) is an evolutionarily conserved protein related to cytosolic iron assembly. However, no research has been conducted on its role in tumor metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis with Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with lower FAM96A expression in different tumors had shorter survival times and poorer prognoses. Here, we identified FAM96A as a crucial regulator of the TGFβ signaling pathway because it inhibits TGFβ-mediated tumor metastasis and EMT. FAM96A did not affect the proliferation or apoptosis of tumor cells but significantly reduced their migration and invasion abilities in vitro. The colonization and metastatic abilities of FAM96A-knockout tumor cells were significantly enhanced in vivo. Furthermore, the overexpression of exogenous FAM96A inhibited TGFβ-induced EMT through the SMAD-mediated pathway and downregulated the expression of endogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). These findings demonstrated a correlation between EMT and FAM96A gene expression for the first time, which is highly important for revealing the mechanism underlying tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Minwei He
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Jin
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Cao
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhai Deng
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China; Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Induction of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) by epigallocatechin-3-gallate to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SNAI1-overexpressed renal cells: A potential anti-fibrotic strategy. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 107:109066. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Sari DCR, Budiharjo S, Afifah H, Jasmin D, Kokasih O, Putri TG, Arifiani K, Setyaningsih WAW, Arfian N. Centella asiatica Extract Attenuates Kidney Fibrosis Through Reducing Mesenchymal Transition and Inflammation in Ureteral Ligation Model in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:621894. [PMID: 33815106 PMCID: PMC8010664 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.621894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Kidney fibrosis is the common final pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is characterized by inflammation, mesenchymal transition with myofibroblast formation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Centella asiatia (CeA) is an herb that has a reno-protective effect. However, its mechanism of action in kidney fibrosis has not been elucidated. Aim: To elucidate the effect of CeA in amelioration of kidney fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and focus on mesenchymal transition and inflammation. Methods: Unilateral ureteral obstruction was performed in male Swiss-background mice (age: 2–3 months, weight: 30–40 g, UUO group n = 6) to induce kidney fibrosis. Two doses of CeA extract with oral administration, 210 and 840 mg/kg body weight were added in UUO (U+C210 and U+C840 groups, each n = 6). The sham operation procedure was performed for the control group (SO, n = 6). The mice were euthanized at day-14 after operation. Tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis area fractions in kidney tissues of the mice were quantified based on periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Sirius Red (SR) staining. Immunostaining was performed for examination of fibroblast (PDGFR-β), myofibroblast (α-SMA), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage (CD68), meanwhile double immunofluorescence was performed with PDGFR-β and α-SMA. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to examine mRNA expression of TGF-β, Collagen-1, Snail, E-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), CD68, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and MCP-1. Results: We observed a significantly higher interstitial fibrosis area fraction and tubular injury (p < 0.001) with fibroblast expansion and myofibroblast formation in the UUO group than in the SO group. These findings were associated with higher mRNA expression of TGF-β, Collagen-1, Snail, vimentin, FSP-1, CD68, TLR4, and MCP-1 and lower mRNA expression of E-cadherin. The U+C840 group had a significantly lower tubular injury score and interstitial fibrosis area fraction, which associated with downregulation of mRNA expression of TGF-β, Collagen-1, Snail, vimentin, FSP-1, CD68, TLR4, and MCP-1, with upregulation of mRNA expression of E-cadherin. Immunostaining observation revealed the U+C840 group demonstrated reduction of macrophage infiltration and myofibroblast expansion. Conclusion: CeA treatment with dose-dependently ameliorates mesenchymal transition and inflammation in kidney fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Cahyani Ratna Sari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Santosa Budiharjo
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Husnari Afifah
- Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Destantry Jasmin
- Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Orisativa Kokasih
- Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiara Gitami Putri
- Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Karina Arifiani
- Siloam Hospitals Group, Ancillary and Medical Affairs Regional Head, Depok, Indonesia
| | | | - Nur Arfian
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Hu J, Qiao J, Yu Q, Liu B, Zhen J, Liu Y, Ma Q, Li Y, Wang Q, Wang C, Lv Z. Role of SIK1 in the transition of acute kidney injury into chronic kidney disease. J Transl Med 2021; 19:69. [PMID: 33588892 PMCID: PMC7885408 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02717-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute kidney injury (AKI), with a high morbidity and mortality, is recognized as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI-CKD transition has been regarded as one of the most pressing unmet needs in renal diseases. Recently, studies have showed that salt inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) plays a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation, which are the hallmarks of AKI-CKD transition. However, whether SIK1 is involved in AKI-CKD transition and by what mechanism it regulates AKI-CKD transition remains unknown. Methods We firstly detected the expression of SIK1 in kidney tissues of AKI patients and AKI mice by immunohistochemistry staining, and then we established Aristolochic acid (AA)-induced AKI-CKD transition model in C57BL/6 mice and HK2 cells. Subsequently, we performed immunohistochemistry staining, ELISA, real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining and Transwell assay to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SIK1 on AKI-CKD transition. Results The expression of SIK1 was down-regulated in AKI patients, AKI mice, AA-induced AKI-CKD transition mice, and HK2 cells. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of SIK1 alleviated AA-induced AKI-CKD transition and HK2 cells injury in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that SIK1 mediated AA-induced AKI-CKD transition by regulating WNT/β-catenin signaling, the canonical pathway involved in EMT, inflammation and renal fibrosis. In addition, we discovered that inhibition of WNT/β-catenin pathway and its downstream transcription factor Twist1 ameliorated HK2 cells injury, delaying the progression of AKI-CKD transition. Conclusions Our study demonstrated, for the first time, a protective role of SIK1 in AKI-CKD transition by regulating WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and its downstream transcription factor Twist1, which will provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment AKI-CKD transition in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Jiao Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qun Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Junhui Zhen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qiqi Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yanmei Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Qianhui Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhimei Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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10
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Cardiac and renal protective effects of 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib in angiotensin II and high-salt-induced hypertension model mice. J Hypertens 2020; 39:892-903. [PMID: 33252422 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We reported that 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DM-celecoxib), a celecoxib derivative that is unable to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, prevented cardiac remodeling induced by sarcomeric gene mutation, left ventricular pressure overload, or β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. This effect seemed to be mediated by the inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which has been suggested to play a key role in the development of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure. METHOD We investigated the effect of DM-celecoxib on cardiac remodeling and kidney injury in hypertension model mice induced by angiotensin II infusion in the absence or presence of high-salt load. RESULTS DM-celecoxib prevented cardiac remodeling and markedly reduced urinary albumin excretion without altering blood pressure in those mice. Moreover, DM-celecoxib prevented podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney of mice loaded with angiotensin II and high-salt load. DM-celecoxib reduced the phosphorylation level of Akt and activated glycogen synthase kinase-3, which led to the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signal in the heart and kidney. DM-celecoxib also reduced the expression level of snail, a key transcription factor for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and of which gene is a target of the Wnt/β-catenin signal. CONCLUSION Results of the current study suggested that DM-celecoxib could be beneficial for patients with hypertensive heart and kidney diseases.
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11
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Ding Z, Wu X, Wang Y, Ji S, Zhang W, Kang J, Li J, Fei G. Melatonin prevents LPS-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human alveolar epithelial cells via the GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110827. [PMID: 33065391 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress plays a critical role in pulmonary fibrosis after acute lung injury (ALI), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) events are involved in this process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of melatonin, a natural antioxidant, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced EMT in human alveolar epithelial cells. METHODS Human type II alveolar epithelial cell-derived A549 cells were incubated with LPS and melatonin alone or in combination for up to 24 h. The morphological changes of the treated cells were evaluated as well as indexes of oxidative stress. EMT-related proteins and the Nrf2 signaling pathway were detected by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, the effects of melatonin on cells transfected Nrf2 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and the PI3K / GSK-3β signaling pathway were evaluated. RESULTS Treatment with melatonin upregulated Nrf2 expression, inhibited LPS-induced cell morphological change, reversed the expressions of EMT-related proteins, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in A549 cells, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and anti-oxidative enzymes. Yet, the effects of melatonin were almost completely abolished in cells transfected Nrf2 shRNA. Furthermore, the data demonstrated that melatonin could activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, resulting in phosphorylation of GSK-3β (Ser9) and upregulation of the Nrf2 protein in A549 cells, which ultimately attenuated LPS-induced EMT. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to demonstrate that melatonin can protect human alveolar epithelial cells against oxidative stress by effectively inhibiting LPS-induced EMT, which was mostly dependent on upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway via the PI3K/GSK-3β axis. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of melatonin for the treatment of oxidative stress-associated diseases, as well as pulmonary fibrosis after ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Ding
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Yueguo Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Shuang Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Wenying Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Jiaying Kang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Center Lab of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Guanghe Fei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022 Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases Research and Medical Transformation of Anhui Province, China.
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12
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Zheng H, Yang Z, Xin Z, Yang Y, Yu Y, Cui J, Liu H, Chen F. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β: a promising candidate in the fight against fibrosis. Theranostics 2020; 10:11737-11753. [PMID: 33052244 PMCID: PMC7545984 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis exists in almost all organs/tissues of the human body, plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases and is also a hallmark of the aging process. However, there is no effective prevention or therapeutic method for fibrogenesis. As a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr)-protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a vital signaling mediator that participates in a variety of biological events and can inhibit extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, thereby exerting its protective role against the fibrosis of various organs/tissues, including the heart, lung, liver, and kidney. Moreover, we further present the upstream regulators and downstream effectors of the GSK-3β pathway during fibrosis and comprehensively summarize the roles of GSK-3β in the regulation of fibrosis and provide several potential targets for research. Collectively, the information reviewed here highlights recent advances vital for experimental research and clinical development, illuminating the possibility of GSK-3β as a novel therapeutic target for the management of tissue fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Zheng
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Zhenlong Xin
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yuan Yu
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. School of Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jihong Cui
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. School of Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Fulin Chen
- Lab of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi, Northwest University, 229 TaiBai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
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13
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Liu L, Zhang P, Bai M, He L, Zhang L, Liu T, Yang Z, Duan M, Liu M, Liu B, Du R, Qian Q, Sun S. p53 upregulated by HIF-1α promotes hypoxia-induced G2/M arrest and renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:371-382. [PMID: 30032308 PMCID: PMC7727266 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia plays an important role in the genesis and progression of renal fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms, however, have not been sufficiently elucidated. We examined the role of p53 in hypoxia-induced renal fibrosis in cell culture (human and rat renal tubular epithelial cells) and a mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Cell cycle of tubular cells was determined by flow cytometry, and the expression of profibrogenic factors was determined by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter experiments were performed to explore the effect of HIF-1α on p53 expression. We showed that, in hypoxic tubular cells, p53 upregulation suppressed the expression of CDK1 and cyclins B1 and D1, leading to cell cycle (G2/M) arrest (or delay) and higher expression of TGF-β, CTGF, collagens, and fibronectin. p53 suppression by siRNA or by a specific p53 inhibitor (PIF-α) triggered opposite effects preventing the G2/M arrest and profibrotic changes. In vivo experiments in the UUO model revealed similar antifibrotic results following intraperitoneal administration of PIF-α (2.2 mg/kg). Using gain-of-function, loss-of-function, and luciferase assays, we further identified an HRE3 region on the p53 promoter as the HIF-1α-binding site. The HIF-1α–HRE3 binding resulted in a sharp transcriptional activation of p53. Collectively, we show the presence of a hypoxia-activated, p53-responsive profibrogenic pathway in the kidney. During hypoxia, p53 upregulation induced by HIF-1α suppresses cell cycle progression, leading to the accumulation of G2/M cells, and activates profibrotic TGF-β and CTGF-mediated signaling pathways, causing extracellular matrix production and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lijie He
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Menglu Duan
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Minna Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baojian Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Qian
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Mayo Graduate School, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Peerapen P, Thongboonkerd V. Protective roles of trigonelline against oxalate-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in renal tubular epithelial cells: An in vitro study. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 135:110915. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Xu CG, Zhu XL, Wang W, Zhou XJ. Ursolic acid inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2019; 57:169-175. [PMID: 30905239 PMCID: PMC6442106 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1577464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ursolic acid (UA; 3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid), one of the pentacyclic triterpenoids found in various plants and herbs, possesses some beneficial effects under pathological conditions, including combating hepatic fibrosis. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effects of UA on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo, 24 male C57BL6 mice were divided into four groups. Eighteen mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and the remaining six sham-operated mice served as control. UUO mice received either vehicle or UA (50 or 100 mg/kg) by gastric gavage for 6 days. In vitro, HK-2 cells were treated with 10 or 50 μM UA and 10 ng/mL recombinant human transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The molecular mechanisms of fibrosis were investigated. RESULTS UUO induced marked interstitial collagen I and fibronectin deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and decreased E-cadherin. However, UA treatment significantly reduced collagen I and fibronectin accumulation in the fibrotic kidney. UA treatment also decreased α-SMA and preserved E-cadherin in vivo. In vitro, TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells demonstrated elevated α-SMA, snail1, slug, TGF-β1, and p-smad3, as well as diminished E-cadherin. UA pretreatment prevented E-cadherin loss and diminished α-SMA expression in HK-2 cells. UA downregulated mRNA expression of snail1 and slug. UA also lowered TGF-β1 protein expression and p-Smad3 in HK-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS UA attenuated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting EMT, and such inhibition may be achieved by decreasing profibrotic factors. UA may be a novel therapeutic agent for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Geng Xu
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia-Lian Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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16
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Dong R, Yu J, Yu F, Yang S, Qian Q, Zha Y. IGF-1/IGF-1R blockade ameliorates diabetic kidney disease through normalizing Snail1 expression in a mouse model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E686-E698. [PMID: 31361542 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00071.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the role of insulin-like growth factor-1/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1/IGF-1R) in the genesis and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse diabetes model. We showed elevated IGF-1 expression in the DKD kidneys after 16 wk of diabetic onset. Intraperitoneal administration of IGF-1R inhibitor (glycogen synthase kinase-3β, GSK4529) from week 8 to week 16 postdiabetes induction ameliorated urinary albumin excretion and kidney histological changes due to diabetes, including amelioration of glomerulomegaly, inflammatory infiltration, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The GSK4529 treatment also attenuated alterations in renal tubular expression of E-cad and matrix protein fibronectin. Moreover, renal fibrosis in DKD (without treatment) was associated with Snail1 overexpression that was effectively prevented by IGF-1R inhibition. Further experiments in cultured renal epithelial cells (NRK) showed that IGF-1 silencing reproduced in vivo effects of IGF-1R inhibition with markedly attenuated Snail1 expression and near normalization of the Ecad1 and fibronectin expression pattern. Further Snail1 silencing prevented high-glucose-induced changes without affecting IGF-1 expression, consistent with Snail1 acting downstream to IGF-1. The antifibrotic effects were also shown with benazepril or insulin treatment but to a much lesser degree. In summary, in STZ-induced diabetic mice, activation of IGF-1 in diabetic kidneys induces fibrogenesis through Snail1 upregulation. The diabetes-related histological and functional changes, as well as fibrogenesis, can be attenuated by IGF-1/IGF-1R inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Dong
- Guizhou University School of medicine, Gui Yang, China
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Gui Yang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunological Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Gui Yang, China
| | - Jiali Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Gui Yang, China
| | - Funxun Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunological Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Gui Yang, China
| | - Song Yang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Gui Yang, China
| | - Qi Qian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Yan Zha
- Guizhou University School of medicine, Gui Yang, China
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Gui Yang, China
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Mallikarjuna P, Raviprakash TS, Aripaka K, Ljungberg B, Landström M. Interactions between TGF-β type I receptor and hypoxia-inducible factor-α mediates a synergistic crosstalk leading to poor prognosis for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2141-2156. [PMID: 31339433 PMCID: PMC6986558 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1642069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the significance of expression of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and SNAIL1 proteins; and TGF-β signaling pathway proteins in ccRCC, their relation with clinicopathological parameters and patient's survival were examined. We also investigated potential crosstalk between HIF-α and TGF-β signaling pathway, including the TGF-β type 1 receptor (ALK5-FL) and the intracellular domain of ALK5 (ALK5-ICD). Tissue samples from 154 ccRCC patients and comparable adjacent kidney cortex samples from 38 patients were analyzed for HIF-1α/2α, TGF-β signaling components, and SNAIL1 proteins by immunoblot. Protein expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α were significantly higher, while SNAIL1 had similar expression levels in ccRCC compared with the kidney cortex. HIF-2α associated with poor cancer-specific survival, while HIF-1α and SNAIL1 did not associate with survival. Moreover, HIF-2α positively correlated with ALK5-ICD, pSMAD2/3, and PAI-1; HIF-1α positively correlated with pSMAD2/3; SNAIL1 positively correlated with ALK5-FL, ALK5-ICD, pSMAD2/3, PAI-1, and HIF-2α. Intriguingly, in vitro experiments performed under normoxic conditions revealed that ALK5 interacts with HIF-1α and HIF-2α, and promotes their expression and the expression of their target genes GLUT1 and CA9, in a VHL dependent manner. We found that ALK5 induces expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, through its kinase activity. Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-α proteins correlated with the activated TGF-β signaling pathway. In conclusion, we reveal that ALK5 plays a pivotal role in synergistic crosstalk between TGF-β signaling and hypoxia pathway, and that the interaction between ALK5 and HIF-α contributes to tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karthik Aripaka
- a Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Börje Ljungberg
- b Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Urology and Andrology, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
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Han R, Hu S, Qin W, Shi J, Zeng C, Bao H, Liu Z. Upregulated long noncoding RNA LOC105375913 induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:716. [PMID: 30679767 PMCID: PMC6345783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis impacts renal prognosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Based on transcriptomic analysis, we found that the level of LOC105375913 was increased in tubular cells of FSGS patients. C3a induced the expression of LOC105375913, which promoted the expression of fibronectin and collagen I in tubular cells. Silence of snail reversed the level of fibronectin and collagen I in cells overexpressing LOC105375913. MiR-27b was predicted and confirmed to regulate the expression of snail in tubular cells, and LOC105375913 contained the response element of miR-27b. The competitive binding between LOC105375913 and miR-27b increased the level of snail and promoted fibrogenesis in tubular cells. Upstream, p38 and XBP-1s regulated the expression of LOC105375913. Inhibition of p38 or silence of XBP-1s decreased the level of LOC105375913, and suppressed the expression of snail, fibronectin and collagen I in tubular cells treated with C3a. Overexpression of LOC105375913 decreased the level of miR-27b, increased the level of snail and caused tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, the activation of C3a/p38/XBP-1s pathway induces the expression of LOC105375913 in tubular cells, and LOC105375913 increases the level of snail and induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis through competitive binding of miR-27b in tubular cells of FSGS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhong Han
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China.,School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shuai Hu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Weisong Qin
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Jingsong Shi
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Caihong Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Hao Bao
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Zhihong Liu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210002, China.
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He WM, Yin JQ, Cheng XD, Lu X, Ni L, Xi Y, Yin GD, Lu GY, Sun W, Wei MG. Oleanolic acid attenuates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in NRK-52E cells. Altern Ther Health Med 2018; 18:205. [PMID: 29973206 PMCID: PMC6031099 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis, which finally leads to renal failure. Oleanolic acid (OA), an activator of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is reported to attenuate renal fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. However, the role of OA in the regulation of EMT and the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of OA on EMT of renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (NRK-52E) induced by TGF-β1, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism. Methods Cells were incubated with TGF-β1 in the presence or absence of OA. The epithelial marker E-cadherin, the mesenchymal markers, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, Nrf2, klotho, the signal transducer (p-Smad2/3), EMT initiator (Snail), and ILK were assayed by western blotting. Results Our results showed that the NRK-52E cells incubated with TGF-β1 induced EMT with transition to the spindle-like morphology, down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin but up-regulated the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin. However, the treatment with OA reversed all EMT markers in a dose-dependent manner. OA also restored the expression of Nrf2 and klotho, decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, ILK, and Snail in cells which was initiated by TGF-β1. Conclusion OA can attenuate TGF-β1 mediate EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells and may be a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Simon-Tillaux N, Hertig A. Snail and kidney fibrosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 32:224-233. [PMID: 28186539 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Snail family zinc finger 1 (SNAI1) is a transcription factor expressed during renal embryogenesis, and re-expressed in various settings of acute kidney injury (AKI). Subjected to tight regulation, SNAI1 controls major biological processes responsible for renal fibrogenesis, including mesenchymal reprogramming of tubular epithelial cells, shutdown of fatty acid metabolism, cell cycle arrest and inflammation of the microenvironment surrounding tubular epithelial cells. The present review describes in detail the interactions of SNAI1 with AKI-associated signalling pathways. We also discuss how this central factor has been iteratively (and promisingly) targeted in a number of animal models in order to prevent or slow down renal fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Simon-Tillaux
- French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR_S1155, Remodeling and Repair of Renal Tissue, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Hertig
- French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR_S1155, Remodeling and Repair of Renal Tissue, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06, UMR S_1155, Paris, France
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Takenaka T, Inoue T, Miyazaki T, Kobori H, Nishiyama A, Ishii N, Hayashi M, Suzuki H. Klotho suppresses the renin-angiotensin system in adriamycin nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 32:791-800. [PMID: 27798196 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Klotho protein interacts with the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptor and Wnt, which contribute to the progression of renal disease, inhibiting their signals. Renal and circulating klotho levels are diminished in chronic kidney disease. Methods Experiments were performed to assess whether supplementation of klotho protein could have protective effects on the kidney. Rats were injected with adriamycin (5 mg/kg) and divided into three groups: those treated with vehicle, those treated with klotho protein and those treated with klotho plus 4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione (TDZD). Rats without adriamycin treatment were used as a control. Results Adriamycin reduced the serum klotho concentration and renal expression of klotho and E-cadherin. Adriamycin also increased the renal expression of Wnt, TGF-β, and angiotensinogen, as well as the renal abundance of β-catenin and angiotensin II. Klotho supplementation suppressed adriamycin-induced elevations of β-catenin and angiotensin II with sustained Wnt expression. Combined treatment with klotho and TDZD reversed the klotho-induced improvements in the renal abundance of β-catenin and angiotensin II as well as the expression of TGF-β and angiotensinogen without affecting E-cadherin. Conclusions Our data indicate that Wnt is involved in the pathogenesis of adriamycin nephropathy. Furthermore, klotho supplementation inhibited Wnt signaling, ameliorating renal angiotensin II. Finally, klotho protein appears to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting TGF-β and Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuneo Takenaka
- Department of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Inoue
- Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takashi Miyazaki
- Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobori
- Department of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Akira Nishiyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Kagawa University, Kida, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Naohito Ishii
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Hiromichi Suzuki
- Department of Nephrology, Saitama Medical University, Iruma, Saitama, Japan
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Gudey SK, Sundar R, Heldin CH, Bergh A, Landström M. Pro-invasive properties of Snail1 are regulated by sumoylation in response to TGFβ stimulation in cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:97703-97726. [PMID: 29228645 PMCID: PMC5716685 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a key regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during embryogenesis and in tumors. The effect of TGFβ, on ΕΜΤ, is conveyed by induction of the pro-invasive transcription factor Snail1. In this study, we report that TGFβ stimulates Snail1 sumoylation in aggressive prostate, breast and lung cancer cells. Sumoylation of Snail1 lysine residue 234 confers its transcriptional activity, inducing the expression of classical EMT genes, as well as TGFβ receptor I (TβRI) and the transcriptional repressor Hes1. Mutation of Snail1 lysine residue 234 to arginine (K234R) abolished sumoylation of Snail1, as well as its migratory and invasive properties in human prostate cancer cells. An increased immunohistochemical expression of Snail1, Sumo1, TβRI, Hes1, and c-Jun was observed in aggressive prostate cancer tissues, consistent with their functional roles in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reshma Sundar
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Bergh
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marene Landström
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Wang L, Zhu Y, Wang L, Hou J, Gao Y, Shen L, Zhang J. Effects of chronic alcohol exposure on ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury in mice: the role of β-arrestin 2 and glycogen synthase kinase 3. Exp Mol Med 2017. [PMID: 28642577 PMCID: PMC5519017 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the effects of chronic alcohol intake on the outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI). Hence, we examined the effects of chronic alcohol intake on the development of renal fibrosis following AKI in an animal model of bilateral renal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. We first found that chronic alcohol exposure exacerbated bilateral IR-induced renal fibrosis and renal function impairment. This phenomenon was associated with increased bilateral IR-induced extracellular matrix deposition and an increased myofibroblast population as well as increased bilateral IR-induced expression of fibrosis-related genes in the kidneys. To explore the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, we showed that chronic alcohol exposure enhanced β-arrestin 2 (Arrb2) expression and Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3)β activation in the kidneys. Importantly, pharmacological GSK3 inhibition alleviated bilateral IR-induced renal fibrosis and renal function impairment. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Arrb2−/− mice exhibited resistance to IR-induced renal fibrosis and renal function impairment following chronic alcohol exposure, and these effects were associated with attenuated GSK3β activation in the kidneys. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic alcohol exposure may potentiate AKI via β-arrestin 2/Akt/GSK3β-mediated signaling in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Wang
- Division of Blood Purification, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yifei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Division of Blood Purification, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingjing Hou
- Division of Blood Purification, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yongning Gao
- Division of Blood Purification, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lei Shen
- Division of Blood Purification, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hematology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Karimzadeh F, Opas M. Calreticulin Is Required for TGF-β-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition during Cardiogenesis in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:1299-1311. [PMID: 28434939 PMCID: PMC5425659 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calreticulin, a multifunctional endoplasmic reticulum resident protein, is required for TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequent cardiomyogenesis. Using embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from calreticulin-null and wild-type (WT) embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we show that expression of EMT and cardiac differentiation markers is induced during differentiation of WT EBs. This induction is inhibited in the absence of calreticulin and can be mimicked by inhibiting TGF-β signaling in WT cells. The presence of calreticulin in WT cells permits TGF-β-mediated signaling via AKT/GSK3β and promotes repression of E-cadherin by SNAIL2/SLUG. This is paralleled by induction of N-cadherin in a process known as the cadherin switch. We show that regulated Ca2+ signaling between calreticulin and calcineurin is critical for the unabated TGF-β signaling that is necessary for the exit from pluripotency and the cadherin switch during EMT. Calreticulin is thus a key mediator of TGF-β-induced commencement of cardiomyogenesis in mouse ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karimzadeh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michal Opas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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25
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The cellular and signalling alterations conducted by TGF-β contributing to renal fibrosis. Cytokine 2016; 88:115-125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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26
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Sayarlioglu H, Okuyucu A, Bedir A, Salis O, Yenen E, Bekfilavioglu G, Kaya C. Is there any role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the pathogenesis of contrast nephropathy? Ren Fail 2016; 38:1249-55. [PMID: 27435174 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2016.1209381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Contrast medium-induced nephropathy is one of the major complications of intravenous contrast medium use. But its pathogenesis is unclear. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined as the transformation of the primer epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells. EMT in tubular cells might cause tubulointerstitial damage. In this study, we investigated whether or not EMT has a role in radiocontrast-induced nephropathy. Radiocontrast medium might be triggering reversible EMT via serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK 1). We investigated the effect of different concentrations of the contrast agent iopromide on human proximal tubule cell (HK-2) culture by measuring the level of SGK1, snail family zinc finger 1 (SNAIL1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1). METHODS We conducted a scratch assay and qPCR. HK-2 cells were cultured in the petri dishes/flasks and starved with serum-free medium. The 40, 20, and 10 mg/mL doses of iopromide were administrated to cells. The scratches were photographed immediately and again at the 20th hour. The levels of gene expression of SGK1, SNAIL1, CTGF, and COL1A1 were measured using the real-time qPCR system at the end of the 24th hour. RESULTS Iopromide caused the breaking of intercellular connections, the disappearance of the cobblestone appearance of cells, and the migration of cells at the 20th hour in the scratch assay. It also increased the expression of SGK1, SNAIL1, CTGF, and COL1A1 genes. CONCLUSION Our study concluded that certain important markers of EMT increase in different concentrations of the contrast agent. High osmolality might trigger EMT. The relationship between contrast agent and EMT has not been defined before. Further in vivo and in vitro studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayriye Sayarlioglu
- a Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Ali Okuyucu
- b Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Abdulkerim Bedir
- b Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Osman Salis
- c Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Sciences Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Eser Yenen
- d Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Garip Bekfilavioglu
- a Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Coskun Kaya
- a Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
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Wan J, Li P, Liu DW, Chen Y, Mo HZ, Liu BG, Chen WJ, Lu XQ, Guo J, Zhang Q, Qiao YJ, Liu ZS, Wan GR. GSK-3β inhibitor attenuates urinary albumin excretion in type 2 diabetic db/db mice, and delays epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mouse kidneys and podocytes. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1771-84. [PMID: 27357417 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by high glucose (HG) stimulation in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of HG on EMT and the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‑3β) in podocytes and the kidneys of db/db mice, and assessed the effects of (2'Z, 3'E)‑6‑bromoindirubin‑3'‑oxime (BIO), an inhibitor of GSK‑3β, on EMT and glomerular injury. The resulting data showed that the activity of GSK‑3β was upregulated by HG and downregulated by BIO in the podocytes and the renal cortex. The expression levels of epithelial markers, including nephrin, podocin and synaptopodin, were decreased by HG and increased by BIO, whereas the reverse were true for mesenchymal markers, including α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) and fibronectin. The expression levels of β‑catenin and Snail, in contrast to current understanding of the Wnt signaling pathway, were increased by HG and decreased by BIO. In addition, expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) was decreased by HG and increased by BIO. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the mechanism by which BIO inhibited HG‑mediated EMT in podocytes and the renal cortex was primarily due to the VDR. Treatment with BIO protected renal function by maintaining the integrity of the filtration membrane and decreasing UAE, but not by regulating blood glucose. Therefore, GSK‑3β may be used as a sensitive biomarker of DN, and its inhibition by BIO may be effective in the treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wan
- Henan Food and Drug Administration, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Peng Li
- Pharmaceutical College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Wei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Zhen Mo
- Department of Food Science, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Ben-Guo Liu
- Department of Food Science, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jie Chen
- Modern Education Technology Center, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Jin Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Zhang-Suo Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450012, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Rui Wan
- Pharmaceutical College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
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Xu XY, Chai JJ, Chen YP, Rui HL, Wang YY, Dong HR, Man YL, Cheng H. Hirsutella sinensis Attenuates Aristolochic Acid-Induced Renal Tubular Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Inhibiting TGF-β1 and Snail Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149242. [PMID: 26890569 PMCID: PMC4759455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect of Hirsutella sinensis (HS) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells induced by aristolochic acid (AA) and its possible mechanism. METHODS 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into the following 3 groups: AA group, AA+HS group and control group. Urinary protein excretion and creatinine clearance (CCr) were measured. All rats were sacrificed at the end of 12th week. The pathological examination of renal tissue was performed and the mRNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cytokeratin-18 and Snail in renal cortex were determined by real time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining respectively. In addition, human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells line (HKC) was divided into the following 4 groups: AA group, AA+HS group, HS control group and control group. The above mRNA and protein expression in HKC was determined by real time quantitative PCR and Western blot respectively. RESULTS (1) CCr was significantly decreased, and the urinary protein excretion and relative area of renal interstitial fibrosis were significantly increased in the rats of AA and AA+HS group compared to those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); all the above abnormalities significantly lightened in the rats of AA+HS group compared to those in AA group (P<0.05). (2) The mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA and Snail was significantly up-regulated and the expression of cytokeratin-18 was significantly down-regulated in the rat renal cortex as well as in the cultured HKC cells in AA and AA+HS groups compared to those in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); all the above abnormalities significantly alleviated in AA+HS group compared to those in AA group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (3) Knockdown endogenous Snail expression by siRNA could ameliorate AA-induced EMT of HKC cells, while overexpression of Snail by plasmid transfection diminished the antagonistic effect of HS on AA-induced EMT. These results suggest Snail might be a potential target of HS effect. CONCLUSION HS is able to antagonize, to some extent, tubular EMT and renal interstitial fibrosis caused by AA, which might be related to its inhibitory effects on the TGF-β1 and Snail expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-yi Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing-jing Chai
- Emergency Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yi-pu Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Hong-liang Rui
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan-yan Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hong-rui Dong
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yu-lin Man
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
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Muylaert DEP, de Jong OG, Slaats GGG, Nieuweboer FE, Fledderus JO, Goumans MJ, Hierck BP, Verhaar MC. Environmental Influences on Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Developing Implanted Cardiovascular Tissue-Engineered Grafts. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2015; 22:58-67. [PMID: 26414174 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2015.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tissue-engineered grafts for cardiovascular structures experience biochemical stimuli and mechanical forces that influence tissue development after implantation such as the immunological response, oxidative stress, hemodynamic shear stress, and mechanical strain. Endothelial cells are a cell source of major interest in vascular tissue engineering because of their ability to form a luminal antithrombotic monolayer. In addition, through their ability to undergo endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), endothelial cells may yield a cell type capable of increased production and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is of major importance to the mechanical function of all cardiovascular structures. Tissue engineering approaches may employ EndMT to recapitulate, in part, the embryonic development of cardiovascular structures. Improved understanding of how the environment of an implanted graft could influence EndMT in endothelial cells may lead to novel tissue engineering strategies. This review presents an overview of biochemical and mechanical stimuli capable of influencing EndMT, discusses the influence of these stimuli as found in the direct environment of cardiovascular grafts, and discusses approaches to employ EndMT in tissue-engineered constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri E P Muylaert
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier G de Jong
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gisela G G Slaats
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frederieke E Nieuweboer
- 2 Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology , Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joost O Fledderus
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jose Goumans
- 3 Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Beerend P Hierck
- 4 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- 1 Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht, The Netherlands
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miR-363 induces transdifferentiation of human kidney tubular cells to mesenchymal phenotype. Clin Exp Nephrol 2015; 20:394-401. [DOI: 10.1007/s10157-015-1167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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31
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Singh SP, Tao S, Fields TA, Webb S, Harris RC, Rao R. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition attenuates fibroblast activation and development of fibrosis following renal ischemia-reperfusion in mice. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:931-40. [PMID: 26092126 PMCID: PMC4527294 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays an important role in renal tubular injury and regeneration in acute kidney injury. However, its role in the development of renal fibrosis, often a long-term consequence of acute kidney injury, is unknown. Using a mouse model of renal fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury, we demonstrate increased GSK3β expression and activity in fibrotic kidneys, and its presence in myofibroblasts in addition to tubular epithelial cells. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 using TDZD-8 starting before or after ischemia-reperfusion significantly suppressed renal fibrosis by reducing the myofibroblast population, collagen-1 and fibronectin deposition, inflammatory cytokines, and macrophage infiltration. GSK3 inhibition in vivo reduced TGF-β1, SMAD3 activation and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. Consistently in vitro, TGF-β1 treatment increased GSK3β expression and GSK3 inhibition abolished TGF-β1-induced SMAD3 activation and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in cultured renal fibroblasts. Importantly, overexpression of constitutively active GSK3β stimulated α-SMA expression even in the absence of TGF-β1 treatment. These results suggest that TGF-β regulates GSK3β, which in turn is important for TGF-β–SMAD3 signaling and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Overall, these studies demonstrate that GSK3 could promote renal fibrosis by activation of TGF-β signaling and the use of GSK3 inhibitors might represent a novel therapeutic approach for progressive renal fibrosis that develops as a consequence of acute kidney injury. Summary: GSK3 promotes renal fibrosis by activation of TGF-β signaling, and the use of GSK3 inhibitors might represent a novel therapeutic approach for progressive renal fibrosis that develops as a consequence of acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra P Singh
- The Kidney Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-3018, USA
| | - Shixin Tao
- The Kidney Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-3018, USA
| | - Timothy A Fields
- The Kidney Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-3018, USA
| | - Sydney Webb
- The Kidney Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-3018, USA
| | - Raymond C Harris
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Reena Rao
- The Kidney Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160-3018, USA
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32
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Rodell CB, Rai R, Faubel S, Burdick JA, Soranno DE. Local immunotherapy via delivery of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor β antagonist for treatment of chronic kidney disease. J Control Release 2015; 206:131-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Huart A, Klein J, Gonzalez J, Buffin-Meyer B, Neau E, Delage C, Calise D, Ribes D, Schanstra JP, Bascands JL. Kinin B1 receptor antagonism is equally efficient as angiotensin receptor 1 antagonism in reducing renal fibrosis in experimental obstructive nephropathy, but is not additive. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:8. [PMID: 25698969 PMCID: PMC4313587 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the pathological hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) remain the sole therapy in human displaying antifibrotic properties. Further antifibrotic molecules are needed. We have recently reported that the delayed blockade of the bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R) reduced the development of fibrosis in two animal models of renal fibrosis. The usefulness of new drugs also resides in outperforming the gold standards and eventually being additive or complementary to existing therapies. Methods: In this study we compared the efficacy of a B1R antagonist (B1Ra) with that of an angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1a) in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of renal fibrosis and determined whether bi-therapy presented higher efficacy than any of the drugs alone. Results: B1R antagonism was as efficient as the gold-standard AT1a treatment. However, bitherapy did not improve the antifibrotic effects at the protein level. We sought for the reason of the absence of this additive effect by studying the expression of a panel of genes involved in the fibrotic process. Interestingly, at the molecular level the different drugs targeted different players of fibrosis that, however, in this severe model did not result in improved reduction of fibrosis at the protein level. Conclusions: As the B1R is induced specifically in the diseased organ and thus potentially displays low side effects it might be an interesting alternative in cases of poor tolerability to RAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Huart
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Department of Nephrology, CHU-Rangueil Toulouse, France
| | - Julie Klein
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Gonzalez
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
| | - Bénédicte Buffin-Meyer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Neau
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
| | - Christine Delage
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
| | - Denis Calise
- Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France ; Unité mixte de Service US006, CHU-Rangueil Toulouse, France
| | - David Ribes
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Department of Nephrology, CHU-Rangueil Toulouse, France
| | - Joost P Schanstra
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Loup Bascands
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Toulouse, France ; Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier Toulouse, France
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Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an evolutionarily conserved, highly complex, key developmental pathway that regulates cell fate, organ development, tissue homeostasis, as well as injury and repair. Although relatively silent in normal adult kidney, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is re-activated after renal injury in a wide variety of animal models and in human kidney disorders. Whereas some data point to a protective role of this signaling in healing and repair after acute kidney injury, increasing evidence suggests that sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin is associated with the development and progression of renal fibrotic lesions. In kidney cells, Wnt/β-catenin promotes the expression of numerous fibrosis-related genes such as Snail1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-7. Recent studies also indicate that multiple components of the renin-angiotensin system are the direct downstream targets of Wnt/β-catenin. Consistently, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by an assortment of strategies ameliorates kidney injury and mitigates renal fibrotic lesions in various models of chronic kidney disease, suggesting that targeting this signaling could be a plausible strategy for therapeutic intervention. In this mini review, we will briefly discuss the regulation, downstream targets, and mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis.
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Slaats GG, Ghosh AK, Falke LL, Le Corre S, Shaltiel IA, van de Hoek G, Klasson TD, Stokman MF, Logister I, Verhaar MC, Goldschmeding R, Nguyen TQ, Drummond IA, Hildebrandt F, Giles RH. Nephronophthisis-associated CEP164 regulates cell cycle progression, apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004594. [PMID: 25340510 PMCID: PMC4207587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that centrosomal protein 164 (CEP164) regulates both cilia and the DNA damage response in the autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease nephronophthisis. Here we examine the functional role of CEP164 in nephronophthisis-related ciliopathies and concomitant fibrosis. Live cell imaging of RPE-FUCCI (fluorescent, ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator) cells after siRNA knockdown of CEP164 revealed an overall quicker cell cycle than control cells, although early S-phase was significantly longer. Follow-up FACS experiments with renal IMCD3 cells confirm that Cep164 siRNA knockdown promotes cells to accumulate in S-phase. We demonstrate that this effect can be rescued by human wild-type CEP164, but not disease-associated mutants. siRNA of CEP164 revealed a proliferation defect over time, as measured by CyQuant assays. The discrepancy between accelerated cell cycle and inhibited overall proliferation could be explained by induction of apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Reduction of CEP164 levels induces apoptosis in immunofluorescence, FACS and RT-QPCR experiments. Furthermore, knockdown of Cep164 or overexpression of dominant negative mutant allele CEP164 Q525X induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and concomitant upregulation of genes associated with fibrosis. Zebrafish injected with cep164 morpholinos likewise manifest developmental abnormalities, impaired DNA damage signaling, apoptosis and a pro-fibrotic response in vivo. This study reveals a novel role for CEP164 in the pathogenesis of nephronophthisis, in which mutations cause ciliary defects coupled with DNA damage induced replicative stress, cell death, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and suggests that these events drive the characteristic fibrosis observed in nephronophthisis kidneys. Nephronophthisis is a leading inherited cause of renal failure in children and young adults. This work contributes to understanding of the disease mechanism of nephronophthisis, which is characterized by multi-cystic and fibrotic kidneys. The genes mutated in patients with nephronophthisis all seem to encode proteins involved in cilia function, and some of them are recently reported to also function in DNA damage signaling. We investigated how loss of cilia and impaired DNA damage signaling could cause the excessive fibrosis seen in nephronophthisis. Studies during the past decade have focused on treating the cysts of this early-onset renal disease. However, we think that understanding and curing the fibrosis seen in these patients will provide new treatment opportunities. Our work gives insight into the orchestration of downstream effects on the cellular level after loss of nephronophthisis gene CEP164 as a result of loss of cilia and accumulating DNA damage signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela G. Slaats
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Amiya K. Ghosh
- Division of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lucas L. Falke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stéphanie Le Corre
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Indra A. Shaltiel
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Glenn van de Hoek
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy D. Klasson
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn F. Stokman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ive Logister
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne C. Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tri Q. Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iain A. Drummond
- Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rachel H. Giles
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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miR-34c attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and kidney fibrosis with ureteral obstruction. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4578. [PMID: 24694752 PMCID: PMC3974136 DOI: 10.1038/srep04578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act as posttranscriptional repressors by binding to the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs. On the other hand, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (EMT) and kidney fibrosis is a pathological process of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its relationship to miRNAs is becoming recognized as a potential target for CKD therapies. To find new miRNAs involved in EMT, we examined miRNA expression in experimental models of EMT and renal epithelialization using microarray, and found that miR-34c attenuates EMT induced by TGF-β in a mouse tubular cell line. To confirm the effects of miR-34c in vivo, we administered the precursor of miR-34c to mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction, and miR-34c decreased kidney fibrosis area and the expression of connective tissue growth factor, α-SMA, collagen type 1, collagen type 3 and fibronectin. In conclusion, our study showed miR-34c attenuates EMT and kidney fibrosis of mice with ureteral obstruction.
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Wilkinson R, Wang X, Kassianos AJ, Zuryn S, Roper KE, Osborne A, Sampangi S, Francis L, Raghunath V, Healy H. Laser capture microdissection and multiplex-tandem PCR analysis of proximal tubular epithelial cell signaling in human kidney disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87345. [PMID: 24475278 PMCID: PMC3903679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interstitial fibrosis, a histological process common to many kidney diseases, is the precursor state to end stage kidney disease, a devastating and costly outcome for the patient and the health system. Fibrosis is historically associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but emerging evidence is now linking many forms of acute kidney disease (AKD) with the development of CKD. Indeed, we and others have observed at least some degree of fibrosis in up to 50% of clinically defined cases of AKD. Epithelial cells of the proximal tubule (PTEC) are central in the development of kidney interstitial fibrosis. We combine the novel techniques of laser capture microdissection and multiplex-tandem PCR to identify and quantitate "real time" gene transcription profiles of purified PTEC isolated from human kidney biopsies that describe signaling pathways associated with this pathological fibrotic process. Our results: (i) confirm previous in-vitro and animal model studies; kidney injury molecule-1 is up-regulated in patients with acute tubular injury, inflammation, neutrophil infiltration and a range of chronic disease diagnoses, (ii) provide data to inform treatment; complement component 3 expression correlates with inflammation and acute tubular injury, (iii) identify potential new biomarkers; proline 4-hydroxylase transcription is down-regulated and vimentin is up-regulated across kidney diseases, (iv) describe previously unrecognized feedback mechanisms within PTEC; Smad-3 is down-regulated in many kidney diseases suggesting a possible negative feedback loop for TGF-β in the disease state, whilst tight junction protein-1 is up-regulated in many kidney diseases, suggesting feedback interactions with vimentin expression. These data demonstrate that the combined techniques of laser capture microdissection and multiplex-tandem PCR have the power to study molecular signaling within single cell populations derived from clinically sourced tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Wilkinson
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Medical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xiangju Wang
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Kassianos
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Steven Zuryn
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathrein E. Roper
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Osborne
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandeep Sampangi
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leo Francis
- Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vishwas Raghunath
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Healy
- Conjoint Kidney Research Laboratory, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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38
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Xu-Dubois YC, Galichon P, Brocheriou I, Baugey E, Morichon R, Jouanneau C, Ouali N, Rondeau E, Hertig A. Expression of the transcriptional regulator snail1 in kidney transplants displaying epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition features. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2013; 29:2136-44. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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39
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Rampanelli E, Rouschop K, Teske GJD, Claessen N, Leemans JC, Florquin S. CD44v3-v10 reduces the profibrotic effects of TGF-β1 and attenuates tubular injury in the early stage of chronic obstructive nephropathy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 305:F1445-54. [PMID: 24026183 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00340.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD44 family members are cell surface glycoproteins, which are expressed on tubular epithelial cells (TEC) solely upon kidney injury and are involved in renal fibrosis development. Renal interstitial fibrosis is the final manifestation of chronic kidney diseases and is regulated by a complex network of cytokines, including the profibrotic factor transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and the two antifibrotic cytokines bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The present study investigates the potential role of CD44 standard (CD44s) and CD44v3-v10 (CD44v3) isoforms as modulators of the balance between TGF-β1 and HGF/BMP-7. CD44s is the shortest and most common isoform. CD44v3-v10 (CD44v3) has heparan sulfate moieties, which enable the binding to HGF/BMP-7, and hence, might exert renoprotective effects. Using transgenic mice overexpressing either CD44s or CD44v3 specifically on proximal TEC, we found that in vitro the overexpression of CD44v3 on primary TEC renders cells less susceptible to TGF-β1 profibrotic actions and more sensitive to BMP-7 and HGF compared with TEC overexpressing CD44s. One day after unilateral ureteric obstruction, obstructed kidneys from CD44v3 transgenic mice showed less tubular damage and myofibroblasts accumulation, which was associated with decreased TGF-β1 signaling and increased BMP-7 synthesis and signaling compared with kidneys from wild-type and CD44s transgenic mice. These data suggest that CD44v3 plays a renoprotective role in early stage of chronic obstructive nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rampanelli
- Dept. of Pathology, Rm. L2-112, Academic Medical Center, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Li Y, Sun Y, Liu F, Sun L, Li J, Duan S, Liu H, Peng Y, Xiao L, Liu Y, Xi Y, You Y, Li H, Wang M, Wang S, Hou T. Norcantharidin inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking the tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66356. [PMID: 23825538 PMCID: PMC3692527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to contribute to the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising agent for inhibiting renal interstitial fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of NCTD are unclear. In this study, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model was established and treated with intraperitoneal NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day). The UUO rats treated with NCTD showed a reduction in obstruction-induced upregulation of α-SMA and downregulation of E-cadherin in the rat kidney (P<0.05). Human renal proximal tubule cell lines (HK-2) stimulated with TGF-β1 were treated with different concentrations of NCTD. HK-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β1 in vitro led to downregulation of E-cadherin and increased de novo expression of α-SMA; co-treatment with NCTD attenuated all of these changes (P<0.05). NCTD reduced TGF-β1-induced expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and downregulated the expression of Snail1 (P<0.05). These results suggest that NCTD antagonizes tubular EMT by inhibiting the Smad pathway. NCTD may play a critical role in preserving the normal epithelial phenotype and modulating tubular EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China. mail:
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Chiang C, Ayyanathan K. Snail/Gfi-1 (SNAG) family zinc finger proteins in transcription regulation, chromatin dynamics, cell signaling, development, and disease. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2012; 24:123-31. [PMID: 23102646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Snail/Gfi-1 (SNAG) family of zinc finger proteins is a group of transcriptional repressors that have been intensively studied in mammals. SNAG family members are similarly structured with an N-terminal SNAG repression domain and a C-terminal zinc finger DNA binding domain, however, the spectrum of target genes they regulate and the ranges of biological functions they govern vary widely between them. They play active roles in transcriptional regulation, formation of repressive chromatin structure, cellular signaling and developmental processes. They can also result in disease states due to deregulation. We have performed a thorough investigation of the relevant literature and present a comprehensive mini-review. Based on the available information, we also propose a mechanism by which SNAG family members may function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Chiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
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Regulation of adherens junction dynamics by phosphorylation switches. JOURNAL OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION 2012; 2012:125295. [PMID: 22848810 PMCID: PMC3403498 DOI: 10.1155/2012/125295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adherens junctions connect the actin cytoskeleton of neighboring cells through transmembrane cadherin receptors and a network of adaptor proteins. The interactions between these adaptors and cadherin as well as the activity of actin regulators localized to adherens junctions are tightly controlled to facilitate cell junction assembly or disassembly in response to changes in external or internal forces and/or signaling. Phosphorylation of tyrosine, serine, or threonine residues acts as a switch on the majority of adherens junction proteins, turning "on" or "off" their interactions with other proteins and/or their enzymatic activity. Here, we provide an overview of the kinases and phosphatases regulating phosphorylation of adherens junction proteins and bring examples of phosphorylation events leading to the assembly or disassembly of adherens junctions, highlighting the important role of phosphorylation switches in regulating their dynamics.
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Nagarajan D, Melo T, Deng Z, Almeida C, Zhao W. ERK/GSK3β/Snail signaling mediates radiation-induced alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:983-92. [PMID: 22198183 PMCID: PMC3288246 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the major treatment regimes for thoracic malignancies, but can lead to severe lung complications including pneumonitis and fibrosis. Recent studies suggest that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in tissue injury leading to organ fibrosis. To investigate whether radiation can induce EMT in lung epithelial cells and also to understand the potential mechanism(s) associated with this change, rat alveolar type II lung epithelial RLE-6TN cells were irradiated with 8 Gy of (137)Cs γ-rays. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses revealed a time-dependent decrease in E-cadherin with a concomitant increase in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin after radiation, suggesting that the epithelial cells acquired a mesenchymal-like morphology. Protein levels and nuclear translocation of Snail, the key inducer of EMT, were significantly elevated in the irradiated cells. Radiation also induced a time-dependent inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), an endogenous inhibitor of Snail. A marked increase in phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not JNK or p38, was observed in irradiated RLE-6TN cells. Silencing ERK1/2 using siRNAs and the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 attenuated the radiation-induced phosphorylation of GSK3β and altered the protein levels of Snail, α-SMA, and E-cadherin in RLE-6TN cells. Preincubating RLE-6TN cells with N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant, abolished the radiation-induced phosphorylation of ERK and altered protein levels of Snail, E-cadherin, and α-SMA. These findings reveal, for the first time, that radiation-induced EMT in alveolar type II epithelial cells is mediated by the ERK/GSK3β/Snail pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devipriya Nagarajan
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Tahira Melo
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Celine Almeida
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Weiling Zhao
- Departments of Radiation Oncology Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Weiling Zhao, Department of Radiation Oncology Wake Forest School of Medicine Medical Center Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Tel. 336-713-7633 Fax 336-713-7639
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44
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c-Jun-N-Terminal Kinase Signaling Is Involved in Cyclosporine-Induced Epithelial Phenotypic Changes. J Transplant 2011; 2012:348604. [PMID: 22028950 PMCID: PMC3199056 DOI: 10.1155/2012/348604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubular epithelial cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic nephropathies. Previous toxicogenomic studies have demonstrated that cyclosporine- (CsA-) induced epithelial phenotypic changes (EPCs) are reminiscent of an incomplete epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a TGF-β-independent manner. Furthermore, we identified endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as a potential mechanism that may participate in the modulation of tubular cell plasticity during CsA exposure. Because c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), which is activated during ER stress, is implicated in kidney fibrogenesis, we undertook the current study to identify the role of JNK signaling in EPCs induced by CsA. In primary cultures of human renal epithelial cells, CsA activates JNK signaling, and the treatment with a JNK inhibitor reduces the occurrence of cell shape changes, E-cadherin downregulation, cell migration, and Snail-1 expression. Our results suggest that CsA activates JNK signaling, which, in turn, may participate in the morphological alterations through the regulation of Snail-1 expression.
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45
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Li H, Wang H, Wang F, Gu Q, Xu X. Snail involves in the transforming growth factor β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23322. [PMID: 21853110 PMCID: PMC3154444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells resulting from an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which leads to complex retinal detachment and the loss of vision. Genes of Snail family encode the zinc finger transcription factors that have been reported to be essential in EMT during embryonic development and cancer metastasis. However, the function of Snail in RPE cells undergoing EMT is largely unknown. Principal Findings Transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β)-1 resulted in EMT in human RPE cells (ARPE-19), which was characterized by the expected decrease in E-cadherin and Zona occludin-1(ZO-1) expression, and the increase in fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, as well as the associated increase of Snail expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, TGF-β1 treatment caused a significant change in ARPE-19 cells morphology, with transition from a typical epithelial morphology to mesenchymal spindle-shaped. More interestingly, Snail silencing significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells by decreasing the mesenchymal markers fibronectin and a-SMA and increasing the epithelial marker E-cadherin and ZO-1. Snail knockdown could effectively suppress ARPE-19 cell migration. Finally, Snail was activated in epiretinal membranes from PVR patients. Taken together, Snail plays very important roles in TGF-β-1-induced EMT in human RPE cells and may contribute to the development of PVR. Significance Snail transcription factor plays a critical role in TGF-β1-induced EMT in human RPE cells, which provides deep insight into the pathogenesis of human PVR disease. The specific inhibition of Snail may provide a new approach to treat and prevent PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Affiliate of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Huang B, Pi L, Chen C, Yuan F, Zhou Q, Teng J, Jiang T. WT1 and Pax2 re-expression is required for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 5/6 nephrectomized rats and cultured kidney tubular epithelial cells. Cells Tissues Organs 2011; 195:296-312. [PMID: 21778682 DOI: 10.1159/000327530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature tubular epithelial cells in the adult kidney can undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotypic change that is linked to the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis. EMT may be considered the reverse of mesenchymal-epithelial transition, which occurs during normal kidney development. The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene WT1 and the paired box 2 gene Pax2 are needed to induce mesenchymal-epithelial transition and play key roles in the progression of nephrogenesis. However, until now, WT1 and Pax2 have not been tested for their direct involvement in the process of renal tubular EMT. In this study, we explored the potential roles of WT1 and Pax2 in EMT that is induced in the remnant kidney of rats following 5/6 nephrectomy. We also examined WT1 and Pax2 in cultured renal tubular epithelial (NRK52E) cells treated with interleukin-1α and investigated the effects of blocking EMT using RNA interference. We showed that WT1 and Pax2 were re-expressed in the EMT models, and these were accompanied by decreased expression of E-cadherin and increased expression of vimentin, Snail and α-smooth muscle actin. Silencing WT1 and Pax2 by RNA interference blocked the interleukin-1α-induced EMT in the NRK52E cells, as reflected in the suppression of α-SMA and Snail expression, the restoration of E-cadherin expression and normal cell morphology. Our experiments suggested that the re-expression of WT1 and Pax2 in the tubular epithelial cells plays important roles in the promotion of EMT, and there may be therapeutic value in silencing Pax2 and WT1 to prevent or reverse renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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HAb18G/CD147 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition through TGF-β signaling and is transcriptionally regulated by Slug. Oncogene 2011; 30:4410-27. [PMID: 21532623 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. HAb18G/CD147, which belongs to the CD147 family, is an HCC-associated antigen that has a crucial role in tumor invasion and metastasis. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of HAb18G/CD147 during EMT in hepatocarcinogenesis. Human normal hepatic cell lines QZG and L02, primary mouse hepatocytes and nude mouse models were used to determine the role of HAb18G/CD147 in EMT, and the involvement of the TGF-β-driven pathway. A dual-luciferase reporter assay and ChIP were used to investigate the transcriptional regulation of the CD147 gene. Samples from patients with liver disease were assessed to determine the relationship between HAb18G/CD147 and typical markers for EMT. Our results show that upregulation of HAb18G/CD147 is induced by TGF-β coupled with downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin. The expression of HAb18G/CD147 is controlled by the cell survival PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, and is directly regulated by the transcription factor Slug. Transfection of CD147 also induces an elevated expression of TGF-β. CD147-transfected hepatocytes have mesenchymal phenotypes that accelerate tumor formation and tumor metastasis in vivo. Immunohistochemistry analysis shows a negative correlation between HAb18G/CD147 and E-cadherin expression (r(s)=-0.3622, P=0.0105), and a positive correlation between HAb18G/CD147 and Slug expression (r(s)=0.3064, P=0.0323) in human HCC tissues. Our study uncovers a novel role of HAb18G/CD147 in mediating EMT in the process of HCC progression and showed that CD147 is a Slug target gene in the signaling cascade TGF-β→PI3K/Akt→GSK3β→Snail→Slug→CD147. Our results suggest that CD147 may be a potential target for the treatment and prevention of HCC.
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Quaggin SE, Kapus A. Scar wars: mapping the fate of epithelial-mesenchymal-myofibroblast transition. Kidney Int 2011; 80:41-50. [PMID: 21430641 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2011.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) might be a contributor to the accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts (MFs) in the kidney during fibrogenesis was postulated 15 years ago. This paradigm offered an elegant explanation of how the loss of epithelial functions is coupled to the gain of deleterious mesenchymal functions; for example, excessive matrix deposition. Moreover, it interpreted chronic kidney disease in a developmental context: because the tubular epithelium originates from the metanephric mesenchyme, EMT can be viewed as a dedifferentiation process in response to injury, which might serve healing or--if dysregulated--might facilitate fibrosis. Several observations support the role of EMT in renal fibrosis: (1) Tubular cells can transform to fibroblasts and MFs in vitro. (2) Histological 'snapshots' reveal the coexistence of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in transitioning tubular cells in fibrosis models and human kidney diseases. (3) Early lineage-tracing experiments detected mesenchymal markers in the genetically tagged epithelium. However, the paradigm has been recently challenged; new fate-mapping studies found no evidence for the expression of (myo)fibroblast markers in the epithelium during fibrogenesis. This review summarizes the key findings and caveats, aiming at a balanced view, which neither overestimates the role of the epithelium in MF generation nor denies the importance of epithelial plasticity in fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Quaggin
- Division of Nephrology, St Michael's Hospital, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kaneyama T, Kobayashi S, Aoyagi D, Ehara T. Tranilast modulates fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and peritubular capillary injury in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats. Pathology 2011; 42:564-73. [PMID: 20854076 DOI: 10.3109/00313025.2010.508784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Tranilast is an anti-allergic compound suppressing transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) induced fibrosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of tranilast to attenuate renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats in relation to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and peritubular capillary injury. METHODS Rats were divided into four groups: UUO with vehicle or tranilast and sham operation with vehicle or tranilast. Tranilast (400 mg/kg/day) was administrated to rats for 7 and 14 days after UUO. RESULTS Fibrosis and tubular injuries were attenuated in UUO kidneys with tranilast (Tr-UUO kidneys) compared with UUO kidneys with vehicle (V-UUO kidneys). Decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin expression in the tubular epithelium and Snail expression in V-UUO kidneys were also attenuated in Tr-UUO kidneys in which heparan sulfate proteoglycan in the tubular basement membrane was preserved and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression was attenuated. Increased TGF-β1 and phospho-Smad2 expression and increased numbers of myofibroblasts and macrophages in V-UUO kidneys were attenuated by tranilast. Decreased VE-cadherin expression and cytoplasmic swelling of the endothelium of peritubular capillaries that occurred in V-UUO kidneys was prevented by tranilast. CONCLUSIONS Tranilast modulates fibrogenesis by reducing EMT, preventing disintegration of the tubular basement membrane, and reducing peritubular capillary injury in UUO kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Kaneyama
- Department of Histopathology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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He W, Kang YS, Dai C, Liu Y. Blockade of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by paricalcitol ameliorates proteinuria and kidney injury. J Am Soc Nephrol 2010; 22:90-103. [PMID: 21030600 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2009121236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies implicate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in podocyte dysfunction. Because vitamin D analogs can inhibit β-catenin in other tissues, we tested whether the vitamin D analog paricalcitol could ameliorate podocyte injury, proteinuria, and renal fibrosis in adriamycin (ADR) nephropathy. Compared with vehicle-treated controls, paricalcitol preserved expression of nephrin, podocin, and WT1; prevented proteinuria; and reduced glomerulosclerotic lesions induced by ADR. Paricalcitol also inhibited expression of proinflammatory cytokines, reduced renal infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, hampered activation of renal myofibroblasts, and suppressed expression of the fibrogenic TGF-β1, CTGF, fibronectin, and types I and III collagen. Selective suppression of renal Wnt4, Wnt7a, Wnt7b, and Wnt10a expression after ADR accompanied these renoprotective effects of paricalcitol. Significant upregulation of β-catenin, predominantly in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells, accompanied renal injury; paricalcitol largely abolished this induction of renal β-catenin and inhibited renal expression of Snail, a downstream effector of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Administration of paricalcitol also ameliorated established proteinuria. In vitro, paricalcitol induced a physical interaction between the vitamin D receptor and β-catenin in podocytes, which led to suppression of β-catenin-mediated gene transcription. In summary, these findings suggest that paricalcitol prevents podocyte dysfunction, proteinuria, and kidney injury in adriamycin nephropathy by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichun He
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, S-405 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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