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Pan X, Wang L, Yang J, Li Y, Xu M, Liang C, Liu L, Li Z, Xia C, Pang J, Wang M, Li M, Guo S, Yan P, Ding C, Rosas IO, Yu G. TRβ activation confers AT2-to-AT1 cell differentiation and anti-fibrosis during lung repair via KLF2 and CEBPA. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8672. [PMID: 39375377 PMCID: PMC11458772 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52827-z] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant repair underlies the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis while effective strategies to convert fibrosis to normal regeneration are scarce. Here, we found that thyroid hormone is decreased in multiple models of lung injury but is essential for lung regeneration. Moreover, thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα) promotes cell proliferation, while TRβ fuels cell maturation in lung regeneration. Using a specific TRβ agonist, sobetirome, we demonstrate that the anti-fibrotic effects of thyroid hormone mainly rely on TRβ in mice. Cellularly, TRβ activation enhances alveolar type-2 (AT2) cell differentiation into AT1 cell and constrains AT2 cell hyperplasia. Molecularly, TRβ activation directly regulates the expression of KLF2 and CEBPA, both of which further synergistically drive the differentiation program of AT1 cells and benefit regeneration and anti-fibrosis. Our findings elucidate the modulation function of the TRβ-KLF2/CEBPA axis on AT2 cell fate and provide a potential treatment strategy to facilitate lung regeneration and anti-fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Pan
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Juntang Yang
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yingge Li
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Min Xu
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhongzheng Li
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Cong Xia
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jiaojiao Pang
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Meng Li
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Saiya Guo
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Peishuo Yan
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chen Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guoying Yu
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.
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Li X, Xu W, Jing T. Mechanism of KLF2 in young mice with pneumonia induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae. J Cardiothorac Surg 2024; 19:509. [PMID: 39223627 PMCID: PMC11367914 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02995-2] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a major causative agent of pneumonia, which can disseminate to the bloodstream and brain. Pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children aged 1-59 months worldwide. This study aims to investigate the role of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in lung injury caused by Spn in young mice. METHODS Young mice were infected with Spn to induce pneumonia, and the bacterial load in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was quantified. KLF2 expression in lung tissues was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays. Following KLF2 overexpression, lung tissues were assessed for lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and Myeloperoxidase activity. The effects of KLF2 on lung injury and inflammation were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assay were conducted to examine the binding of KLF2 to the promoter of microRNA (miR)-222-3p and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), as well as the binding of miR-222-3p to CDKN1B. Levels of miR-222-3p and CDKN1B in lung tissues were also determined. RESULTS In young mice with pneumonia, KLF2 and CDKN1B were downregulated, while miR-222-3p was upregulated in lung tissues. Overexpression of KLF2 reduced lung injury and inflammation, evidenced by decreased bacterial load, reduced lung injury, and lower levels of proinflammatory factors. Co-transfection of miR-222-3p-WT and oe-KLF2 significantly reduced luciferase activity, suggesting that KLF2 binds to the promoter of miR-222-3p and suppresses its expression. Transfection of CDKN1B-WT with miR-222-3p mimics significantly reduced luciferase activity, indicating that miR-222-3p binds to CDKN1B and downregulates its expression. Overexpression of miR-222-3p or downregulation of CDKN1B increased bacterial load in BALF, lung wet/dry weight ratio, MPO activity, and inflammation, thereby reversing the protective effect of KLF2 overexpression on lung injury in young mice with pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS KLF2 alleviates lung injury in young mice with Spn-induced pneumonia by transcriptional regulation of the miR-222-3p/CDKN1B axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Li
- Department of Emergency, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, No. 39 Wangjiang East Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China.
| | - Weihua Xu
- Department of Emergency, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, No. 39 Wangjiang East Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Tao Jing
- Department of Emergency, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, No. 39 Wangjiang East Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230022, China
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Southard KM, Ardy RC, Tang A, O’Sullivan DD, Metzner E, Guruvayurappan K, Norman TM. Comprehensive transcription factor perturbations recapitulate fibroblast transcriptional states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.31.606073. [PMID: 39131349 PMCID: PMC11312553 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.31.606073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cell atlas projects have nominated recurrent transcriptional states as drivers of biological processes and disease, but their origins, regulation, and properties remain unclear. To enable complementary functional studies, we developed a scalable approach for recapitulating cell states in vitro using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) Perturb-seq. Aided by a novel multiplexing method, we activated 1,836 transcription factors in two cell types. Measuring 21,958 perturbations showed that CRISPRa activated targets within physiological ranges, that epigenetic features predicted activatable genes, and that the protospacer seed region drove an off-target effect. Perturbations recapitulated in vivo fibroblast states, including universal and inflammatory states, and identified KLF4 and KLF5 as key regulators of the universal state. Inducing the universal state suppressed disease-associated states, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Our findings cement CRISPRa as a tool for perturbing differentiated cells and indicate that in vivo states can be elicited via perturbation, enabling studies of clinically relevant states ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaden M. Southard
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rico C. Ardy
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anran Tang
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deirdre D. O’Sullivan
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eli Metzner
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karthik Guruvayurappan
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas M. Norman
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zhao S, Wang J, Chen H, Zhang J, Liu J. TET1 inhibits liver fibrosis by blocking hepatic stellate cell activation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1403-1412. [PMID: 38369780 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are critical regulator contributing to the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Chronic liver injury triggers HSCs to undergo vast changes and trans-differentiation into a myofibroblast HSCs, the mechanism remains to be elucidated. This study investigated that the involvement of hydroxymethylase TET1 (ten-eleven translocation 1) in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. It is revealed that TET1 levels were downregulated in the livers in mouse models of liver fibrosis and patients with cirrhosis, as well as activated HSCs in comparison to quiescent HSCs. In vitro data showed that the inhibition of TET1 promoted the activation HSC, whereas TET1 overexpression inhibited HSC activation. Moreover, TET1 could regulate KLF2 (Kruppel-like transcription factors) transcription by promoting hydroxymethylation of its promoter, which in turn suppressed the activation of HSCs. In vivo, it is confirmed that liver fibrosis was aggravated in Tet1 knockout mice after CCl4 injection, accompanied by excessive activation of primary stellate cells, in contrast to wild-type mice. In conclusion, we suggested that TET1 plays a significant role in HSC activation and liver fibrosis, which provides a promising target for anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjie Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitong Zhang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Six-sector Industrial Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhan Zhao
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongtan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhong W, Fu J, Liao J, Ouyang S, Yin W, Liang Y, Liu K. A protective role of nintedanib in peritoneal fibrosis through H19-EZH2-KLF2 axis via impeding mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:1987-1999. [PMID: 38097887 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03892-8] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal fibrosis (PF), a common complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis, accounts for peritoneal ultrafiltration failure to develop into increased mortality. Nintedanib has previously been shown to protect against multi-organ fibrosis, including PF. Unfortunately, the precise molecular mechanism underlying nintedanib in the pathogenesis of PF remains elusive. METHODS The mouse model of PF was generated by chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) injection with or without nintedanib administration, either with the simulation for the cell model of PF by constructing high-glucose (HG)-treated human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). HE and Masson staining were applied to assess the histopathological changes of peritoneum and collagen deposition. FISH, RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to examine distribution or expression of targeted genes. Cell viability was detected using CCK-8 assay. Cell morphology was observed under a microscope. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were applied to validate the H19-EZH2-KLF2 regulatory axis. RESULTS Aberrantly overexpressed H19 was observed in both the mouse and cell model of PF, of which knockdown significantly blocked HG-induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) of HPMCs. Moreover, loss of H19 further strengthened nintedanib-mediated suppressive effects against MMT process in a mouse model of PF. Mechanistically, H19 could epigenetically repressed KLF2 via recruiting EZH2. Furthermore, TGF-β/Smad pathway was inactivated by nintedanib through mediating H19/KLF2 axis. CONCLUSION In summary, nintedanib disrupts MMT process through regulating H19/EZH2/KLF2 axis and TGF-β/Smad pathway, which laid the experimental foundation for nintedanib in the treatment of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhong
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No.61, Jiefangxi Road, Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Liao
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No.61, Jiefangxi Road, Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaxi Ouyang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No.61, Jiefangxi Road, Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yin
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No.61, Jiefangxi Road, Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Liang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No.61, Jiefangxi Road, Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kanghan Liu
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No.61, Jiefangxi Road, Changsha, 410002, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Shafqat A, Omer MH, Albalkhi I, Alabdul Razzak G, Abdulkader H, Abdul Rab S, Sabbah BN, Alkattan K, Yaqinuddin A. Neutrophil extracellular traps and long COVID. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254310. [PMID: 37828990 PMCID: PMC10565006 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute COVID-19 sequelae, commonly known as long COVID, encompasses a range of systemic symptoms experienced by a significant number of COVID-19 survivors. The underlying pathophysiology of long COVID has become a topic of intense research discussion. While chronic inflammation in long COVID has received considerable attention, the role of neutrophils, which are the most abundant of all immune cells and primary responders to inflammation, has been unfortunately overlooked, perhaps due to their short lifespan. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the persistent inflammatory response observed in long COVID patients. We present early evidence linking the persistence of NETs to pulmonary fibrosis, cardiovascular abnormalities, and neurological dysfunction in long COVID. Several uncertainties require investigation in future studies. These include the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 brings about sustained neutrophil activation phenotypes after infection resolution; whether the heterogeneity of neutrophils seen in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection persists into the chronic phase; whether the presence of autoantibodies in long COVID can induce NETs and protect them from degradation; whether NETs exert differential, organ-specific effects; specifically which NET components contribute to organ-specific pathologies, such as pulmonary fibrosis; and whether senescent cells can drive NET formation through their pro-inflammatory secretome in long COVID. Answering these questions may pave the way for the development of clinically applicable strategies targeting NETs, providing relief for this emerging health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. Omer
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Khaled Alkattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Zhao H, Wu D, Gyamfi MA, Wang P, Luecht C, Pfefferkorn AM, Ashraf MI, Kamhieh-Milz J, Witowski J, Dragun D, Budde K, Schindler R, Zickler D, Moll G, Catar R. Expanded Hemodialysis ameliorates uremia-induced impairment of vasculoprotective KLF2 and concomitant proinflammatory priming of endothelial cells through an ERK/AP1/cFOS-dependent mechanism. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209464. [PMID: 37795100 PMCID: PMC10546407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209464] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) therapy with improved molecular cut-off dialyzers exerts beneficial effects on lowering uremia-associated chronic systemic microinflammation, a driver of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms are still at an early stage. Here, we identify the (endothelial) transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and its associated molecular signalling pathways as key targets and regulators of uremia-induced endothelial micro-inflammation in the HD/ESRD setting, which is crucial for vascular homeostasis and controlling detrimental vascular inflammation. Methods and results First, we found that human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and other typical endothelial and kidney model cell lines (e.g. HUVECs, HREC, and HEK) exposed to uremic serum from patients treated with two different hemodialysis regimens in the Permeability Enhancement to Reduce Chronic Inflammation II (PERCI-II) crossover clinical trial - comparing High-Flux (HF) and Medium Cut-Off (MCO) membranes - exhibited strongly reduced expression of vasculoprotective KLF2 with HF dialyzers, while dialysis with MCO dialyzers led to the maintenance and restoration of physiological KLF2 levels in HMECs. Mechanistic follow-up revealed that the strong downmodulation of KLF2 in HMECs exposed to uremic serum was mediated by a dominant engagement of detrimental ERK instead of beneficial AKT signalling, with subsequent AP1-/c-FOS binding in the KLF2 promoter region, followed by the detrimental triggering of pleiotropic inflammatory mediators, while the introduction of a KLF2 overexpression plasmid could restore physiological KLF2 levels and downmodulate the detrimental vascular inflammation in a mechanistic rescue approach. Conclusion Uremia downmodulates vasculoprotective KLF2 in endothelium, leading to detrimental vascular inflammation, while MCO dialysis with the novel improved HDx therapy approach can maintain physiological levels of vasculoprotective KLF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfan Zhao
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Dashan Wu
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Adu Gyamfi
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pinchao Wang
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Luecht
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Julian Kamhieh-Milz
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janusz Witowski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Duska Dragun
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Schindler
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Zickler
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Guido Moll
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) and Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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Shu W, Wang Y, Li C, Zhang L, Zhuoma D, Yang P, Yan G, Chen C, Ba Y, Du P, Wang X. Single-cell Expression Atlas Reveals Cell Heterogeneity in the Creeping Fat of Crohn's Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2023; 29:850-865. [PMID: 36715181 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izac266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creeping fat (CrF) has been recognized to play a positive role in Crohn's disease (CD) progression, yet the cellular compositions within mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) and their potential mechanism in CrF formation are poorly understood. METHODS Analysis of 10X single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on 67 064 cells from 3 pairs of surgically resected samples of CrF and their uninvolved MAT. The results were validated in another cohort with 6 paired MAT samples by immunofluorescence. RESULTS All samples manifested excellent consistency and repeatability in our study, and 10 cell types from the transcriptome atlas, including 20 clusters, were identified. In CrF, a specific vascular endothelial cell subpopulation highly expressing lipoprotein lipase was first identified, with a significantly increased proportion. This vascular endothelial cell subpopulation manifested robust peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) transcription activity and an upregulated PPAR signaling pathway and was involved in lipid metabolism and the antibacterial response. A novel fibroblast subpopulation (FC3) with remarkable GREM1 and RFLNB expression was identified and validated to predominantly accumulate in the CrF. The FC3 was annotated as inflammation-associated fibroblasts, which are characterized by inflammatory responses and the regulation of Smad phosphorylation related to intestinal fibrosis. The trajectory of fibroblasts revealed their pro-inflammatory and profibrotic conversion tendency during CrF formation with corresponding gene dynamics. Additionally, we unprecedently dissected the different origins and functions of 6 macrophage subclusters within the myeloid compartment. CONCLUSIONS Our results uncover the cellular heterogeneity in the MAT of CD and the role of these various cellular compositions in CrF development. This comprehensive understanding of CrF provides future directions for in-depth research on and potential targets for MAT-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yongheng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chuanding Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Deji Zhuoma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Pengyu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guorong Yan
- Institute of Photomedicine, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Chunqiu Chen
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yongbing Ba
- OE Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201114, China
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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9
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Chrysanthopoulou A, Antoniadou C, Natsi AM, Gavriilidis E, Papadopoulos V, Xingi E, Didaskalou S, Mikroulis D, Tsironidou V, Kambas K, Koffa M, Skendros P, Ritis K. Down-regulation of KLF2 in lung fibroblasts is linked with COVID-19 immunofibrosis and restored by combined inhibition of NETs, JAK-1/2 and IL-6 signaling. Clin Immunol 2023; 247:109240. [PMID: 36693535 PMCID: PMC9862710 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) has been linked with fibrosis and neutrophil-associated thromboinflammation; however, its role in COVID-19 remains elusive. We investigated the effect of disease microenvironment on the fibrotic potential of human lung fibroblasts (LFs) and its association with KLF2 expression. LFs stimulated with plasma from severe COVID-19 patients down-regulated KLF2 expression at mRNA/protein and functional level acquiring a pre-fibrotic phenotype, as indicated by increased CCN2/collagen levels. Pre-incubation with the COMBI-treatment-agents (DNase I and JAKs/IL-6 inhibitors baricitinib/tocilizumab) restored KLF2 levels of LFs to normal abolishing their fibrotic activity. LFs stimulated with plasma from COMBI-treated patients at day-7 expressed lower CCN2 and higher KLF2 levels, compared to plasma prior-to-treatment, an effect not observed in standard-of-care treatment. In line with this, COMBI-treated patients had better outcome than standard-of-care group. These data link fibroblast KLF2 with NETosis and JAK/IL-6 signaling, suggesting the potential of combined therapeutic strategies in immunofibrotic diseases, such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christina Antoniadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia-Maria Natsi
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Efstratios Gavriilidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evangelia Xingi
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Didaskalou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Proteomics and Cell Cycle, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mikroulis
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Victoria Tsironidou
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kambas
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Koffa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Proteomics and Cell Cycle, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Skendros
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Ritis
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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10
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Otálora-Otálora BA, López-Kleine L, Rojas A. Lung Cancer Gene Regulatory Network of Transcription Factors Related to the Hallmarks of Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:434-464. [PMID: 36661515 PMCID: PMC9857713 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptomic analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq datasets followed our own bioinformatic pipeline to identify a transcriptional regulatory network of lung cancer. Twenty-six transcription factors are dysregulated and co-expressed in most of the lung cancer and pulmonary arterial hypertension datasets, which makes them the most frequently dysregulated transcription factors. Co-expression, gene regulatory, coregulatory, and transcriptional regulatory networks, along with fibration symmetries, were constructed to identify common connection patterns, alignments, main regulators, and target genes in order to analyze transcription factor complex formation, as well as its synchronized co-expression patterns in every type of lung cancer. The regulatory function of the most frequently dysregulated transcription factors over lung cancer deregulated genes was validated with ChEA3 enrichment analysis. A Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis linked the dysregulation of the top transcription factors with lung cancer patients' survival. Our results indicate that lung cancer has unique and common deregulated genes and transcription factors with pulmonary arterial hypertension, co-expressed and regulated in a coordinated and cooperative manner by the transcriptional regulatory network that might be associated with critical biological processes and signaling pathways related to the acquisition of the hallmarks of cancer, making them potentially relevant tumor biomarkers for lung cancer early diagnosis and targets for the development of personalized therapies against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Andrea Otálora-Otálora
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
| | - Liliana López-Kleine
- Departamento de Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
| | - Adriana Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
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11
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Wang X, Huo R, Liang Z, Xu C, Chen T, Lin J, Li L, Lin W, Pan B, Fu X, Chen S. Simvastatin Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Ameliorates Lung Injury in Hyperoxia-Induced Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia via the KLF2-Mediated Mechanism. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8336070. [PMID: 35509841 PMCID: PMC9060986 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8336070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease commonly found in premature infants. Excessive inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to BPD occurrence and development. Simvastatin, as an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, has been reported to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effect and possible mechanisms in hyperoxia-induced lung injury are rarely reported. In this study, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate whether simvastatin could ameliorate hyperoxia-induced lung injury and explore its potential mechanism. For the in vivo study, simvastatin could improve alveolar development after hyperoxic lung injury and reduce hyperoxic stress and inflammation. The in vitro study revealed that simvastatin can reduce inflammation in A549 cells after high-oxygen exposure. Simvastatin suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and played anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles by increasing KLF2 (Krüppel-like factor 2) expression. In vitro experiments also revealed that these effects of simvastatin were partially reversed by KLF2 shRNA, indicating that KLF2 was involved in simvastatin effects. In summary, our findings indicate that simvastatin could downregulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and attenuate lung injury in hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia via KLF2-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinye Wang
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pediatric, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongjie Liang
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Congcong Xu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Lin
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luyao Li
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bingting Pan
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoqin Fu
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangqin Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
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Bolourani S, Sari E, Brenner M, Wang P. The role of eCIRP in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266163. [PMID: 35377906 PMCID: PMC8979429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN We examined the role of eCIRP in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). MATERIAL AND METHODS Publicly available gene expression omnibus datasets were analyzed for the expression of CIRP in lung samples from patients with PF. Wild type (WT) or CIRP-/- mice received daily injections of 10 μg/g bleomycin for 10 days. A subset of bleomycin-injected WT mice was treated with the eCIRP antagonist C23 (8 μg/g/day) from day 10 to day 19. At three weeks, transthoracic echocardiography was performed to measure the degree of pulmonary hypertension, and lung tissues were collected and analyzed for markers of fibrosis. RESULTS Analysis of the mRNA data of human lung samples showed a significant positive correlation between CIRP and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), an important marker of fibrosis. Moreover, the expression of CIRP was higher in patients with acute exacerbation of PF than in patients with stable PF. CIRP-/- mice showed attenuated induction of α-SMA and collagens (Col1a1, Col3a1), reduced hydroxyproline content, decreased histological fibrosis scores, and improved pulmonary hypertension as compared to WT mice. WT mice treated with C23 also had significant attenuation of the above endpoint measure. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that eCIRP plays a key role in promoting the development of PF, and blocking eCIRP with C23 can significantly attenuate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Bolourani
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Ezgi Sari
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Max Brenner
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
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13
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Li Z, Wang J, Ma Y. Montelukast attenuates interleukin IL-1β-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in chondrocytes by inhibiting CYSLTR1 (Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor 1) and activating KLF2 (Kruppel Like Factor 2). Bioengineered 2021; 12:8476-8484. [PMID: 34565285 PMCID: PMC8806840 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1984003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Montelukast is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1) antagonist widely used to suppress the inflammatory response in asthma and allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to investigate the potential impacts of montelukast on osteoarthritis (OA) progression. To determine the role of montelukast in OA, the expression of CysLTR1 was first examined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot in IL-1β-induced ATDC5 cells treated with or without montelukast. Subsequently, the impacts of montelukast on cell viability and oxidative stress were measured by Cell-Counting-Kit-8 (CCK-8), commercial kits and western blot. Oxidative stress-related protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis in Il-1β-induced ATDC5 cells. Cell apoptosis and cartilage degradation were examined by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, western blot and RT-qPCR. KLF2 expression was measured in IL-1β-induced ATDC5 cells treated with montelukast. After interference with small interfering RNA (siRNA)-KLF2 in ATDC5 cells, the loss-of-function assays were also performed in same ways. CysLTR1 expression was elevated in IL-1β-induced ATDC5 cells but inhibited significantly by montelukast. Montelukast attenuated the oxidative stress and apoptosis, improved cell viability. Moreover, montelukast enhanced KLF2 expression. After transfected with siRNA-KLF2, montelukast attenuated cell injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis and cartilage degradation in IL-1β-induced ATDC5 cells by activating KLF2.In summary, this work elaborates the evidence that montelukast could attenuate oxidative stress and apoptosis in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes by inhibiting CysLTR1 and activating KLF2, which can guide the therapeutic strategies of montelukast for OA development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongwei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yumin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Machinery, Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning Technical Service Center, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, China
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14
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p53: A Key Protein That Regulates Pulmonary Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6635794. [PMID: 33312337 PMCID: PMC7721501 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6635794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressively aggravating lethal disease that is a serious public health concern. Although the incidence of this disease is increasing, there is a lack of effective therapies. In recent years, the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis has become a research hotspot. p53 is a tumor suppressor gene with crucial roles in cell cycle, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and malignant transformation. Previous studies on p53 have predominantly focused on its role in neoplastic disease. Following in-depth investigation, several studies have linked it to pulmonary fibrosis. This review covers the association between p53 and pulmonary fibrosis, with the aim of providing novel ideas to improve the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pulmonary fibrosis.
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15
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Chen JR, Tang Y, Wang YL, Cui Q, Inam M, Kong LC, Ma HX. Serine protease inhibitor MDSPI16 ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury through its anti-inflammatory activity. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:107015. [PMID: 33182034 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A previous study described a novel serine protease inhibitor 16 from Musca domestica (MDSPI16), which inhibited the elastase and chymotrypsin. It also exhibited a potential anti-inflammatory activity for acute lung injury (ALI), while its effects on ALI are yet to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of MDSPI16 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice and bone marrow neutrophils. The ALI model based on the results of LPS-induced mice demonstrated that MDSPI16 markedly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, protein exudation in lung tissues, and downregulated the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, the LPS-stimulated mouse bone marrow neutrophils model was employed to determine the role of MDSPI16. The cytokine levels were quantified by both the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Consequently, the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α was found to be inhibited by MDSPI16 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, MDSPI16 also inhibited the mouse neutrophils nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, ERK1/2 and AP-1 signaling pathway in addition to the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins, which in turn, might alleviate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines during ALI. Therefore, MDSPI16 could be proposed as a potential and novel drug therapy for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Rui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Yan Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaxi University Town, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong-Liang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Qi Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Muhammad Inam
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Ling-Cong Kong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China; The Key Laboratory of New Veterinary Drug Research and Development of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Hong-Xia Ma
- College of Life Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China; The Engineering Research Center of Bioreactor and Drug Development, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street No. 2888, Changchun 130118, China.
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16
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Ling L, Wang HF, Li J, Li Y, Gu CD. Downregulated microRNA-92a-3p inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells in acute pancreatitis by enhancing KLF2 expression. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:3739-3751. [PMID: 31713921 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is known worldwide as one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, prospectively leading to hospitalization coupled with increasing incidence. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be potential biomarkers for pancreatitis. In this study, we verified the hypothesis that miR-92a-3p is implicated in the development of AP by controlling the proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) through the modulation of the Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and inflammatory factors in rats. Initially, we established a rat model of AP and extracted the pancreatic tissues. Then, the positive rate of KLF2 was measured using immunohistochemistry, and the expression of the related genes was determined by rReverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay and flow cytometry, and the contents of inflammatory factors were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. AP rats presented with increased miR-92a-3p expression as well as decreased KLF2 expression in PACs. The downregulation of miR-92a-3p and overexpression of KLF2 led to decline in expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), survivin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and Bax as well as extent of NF-κB phosphorylation, contents of inflammatory factors, and apoptosis rate of PACs, but to increased KLF2 and B-cell lymphoma-2 levels and proliferation rate of PACs. Collectively, the data obtained from the present study demonstrated that reduced miR-92a-3p expression may relieve AP through its suppressive effects on cell apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and facilitatory effects on cell proliferation by enhancing KLF2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ling
- Emergency Department, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Feng Wang
- Nephropathy Department, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Nephropathy Department, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Emergency Department, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Dong Gu
- Emergency Department, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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17
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Dai Y, Yan T, Gao Y. Silence of miR-32-5p promotes endothelial cell viability by targeting KLF2 and serves as a diagnostic biomarker of acute myocardial infarction. Diagn Pathol 2020; 15:19. [PMID: 32127011 PMCID: PMC7053100 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-020-00942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been investigated in various cardiovascular diseases. As a fatal disease, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious global health burden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-32-5p in AMI patients and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to explore novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for AMI. Methods A target prediction tool miRanda and the luciferase activity assay were used to confirm the interaction of miR-32-5p with Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). Effect of miR-32-5p on HUVECs viability was examined using CCK-8 assay. Serum miR-32-5p expression was measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR, and its correlation with myocardial damage and endothelial injury markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-32-5p in AMI patients. Results miR-32-5p, as a direct regulator of KLF2, could suppress the cell proliferation of HUVECs. Serum miR-32-5p expression was elevated in AMI patients and positively correlated with the biomarker levels of myocardial damage and endothelial injury and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The area under the ROC curve for miR-32-5p was 0.949, indicating the relatively high diagnostic accuracy of miR-32-5p in AMI patients. Conclusion The data of this study revealed that the increased serum miR-32-5p expression serves as a candidate diagnostic biomarker of AMI, and that miR-32-5p may be involved in the myocardial damage, endothelial injury and inflammatory responses of AMI by targeting KLF2, indicating the potential of miR-32-5p as a diagnostic biomarker and molecular target to improve the treatment of AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Dai
- Department of Emergency, Qingdao Jiaozhou Central Hospital, No. 29 Xuzhou Road, Qingdao, 266300, Shandong, China
| | - Tingguo Yan
- Department of cardiovascular medicine, Anqiu People's Hospital, Weifang, 262100, Shandong, China
| | - Yuming Gao
- Department of Emergency, Qingdao Jiaozhou Central Hospital, No. 29 Xuzhou Road, Qingdao, 266300, Shandong, China.
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Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Inhibits TNF- α-Induced Inflammation of Human Fetal Lung Fibroblasts via NF- κB Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4050327. [PMID: 31949467 PMCID: PMC6944954 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4050327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an effective ingredient of the Chinese herb Carthamus tinctorius L, attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. This study is to investigate the effect of HSYA on the proliferation and inflammatory level of human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells) induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods MRC-5 cells were treated with different concentrations of TNF-α, HSYA, or/and etanercept (ENCP, TNF-α receptor (TNFR1) antagonist, 500 ng/mL) before cell proliferation was detected. The laser confocal microscope was used to observe the role of HSYA in binding of TNF-α and its receptor. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the binding of TNFR1 and TAK1-TAB2 complex. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expressions of inflammation-related cytokines and proteins related with the NF-κB pathway. Luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin coprecipitation method were used to detect the interaction between AP-1 and TGF-β1 promoter. Results TNF-α (5 ng/mL) was used to induce inflammation and proliferation in MRC-5 cells. HSYA can partially suppress the stimulation of TNF-α on proliferation and inflammatory response of MRC-5 cells. HSYA could compete with TNF-α to bind with TNFR1 and hamper the binding of TNFR1 to TAK1-TAB2 complex. In addition, HSYA could also inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signal pathway and suppress the binding of TGF-β1 promoter with AP-1. Conclusion Evidence in this study suggested that HSYA affects TNF-α-induced proliferation and inflammatory response of MRC-5 cells through the NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathway, which may provide theoretical basis for HSYA treatment in pulmonary fibrosis.
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KLF2 protects BV2 microglial cells against oxygen and glucose deprivation injury by modulating BDNF/TrkB pathway. Gene 2019; 735:144277. [PMID: 31821872 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia injury is common in cerebral ischemic disease, and treatment options remain limited. Krueppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is reported to negatively regulate inflammation in several ischemic diseases. Our study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of KLF2 in BV2 microglial cells exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). We first found decreased KLF2 and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/TLR4 in these cells. OGD also led to decrease in cell viability and increase in LDH release, apoptosis, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase3/9 expression, as well as production of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and TLR2/TLR4. To examine KLF2's effects on these OGD effects, we infected BV2 microglial cells with an ad-KLF2 or negative control vector, and we found that KLF2 reversed all of the effects of OGD exposure. Furthermore, KLF2 significantly increased levels of BDNF and TrkB in these cells, but these effects were blocked by K252a, a BDNF/TrkB inhibitor. K252a also decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis, inflammatory factors, ROS production, and TLR2/TLR4 expression in OGD-exposed BV2 cells that were treated with KLF2, were implying that K252a could reverse the effects of KLF2 on these cells. Taken together, our study results indicate that KLF2 may protect BV2 microglial cells against OGD injury by activating the BDNF/TrkB pathway.
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Diazepam inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyroptotic cell death and alleviated pulmonary fibrosis in mice by specifically activating GABAA receptor α4-subunit. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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