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Patnaik E, Lyons M, Tran K, Pattanaik D. Endothelial Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14385. [PMID: 37762689 PMCID: PMC10531630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, commonly known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular abnormalities, autoimmunity, and multiorgan fibrosis. The exact etiology is not known but believed to be triggered by environmental agents in a genetically susceptible host. Vascular symptoms such as the Raynaud phenomenon often precede other fibrotic manifestations such as skin thickening indicating that vascular dysfunction is the primary event. Endothelial damage and activation occur early, possibly triggered by various infectious agents and autoantibodies. Endothelial dysfunction, along with defects in endothelial progenitor cells, leads to defective angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Endothelial to mesenchymal cell transformation is another seminal event during pathogenesis that progresses to tissue fibrosis. The goal of the review is to discuss the molecular aspect of the endothelial dysfunction that leads to the development of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshaan Patnaik
- Department of Biology, Memphis University School, Memphis, TN 38119, USA;
| | - Matthew Lyons
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Kimberly Tran
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
| | - Debendra Pattanaik
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (M.L.); (K.T.)
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Mikhailova EV, Romanova IV, Bagrov AY, Agalakova NI. Fli1 and Tissue Fibrosis in Various Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031881. [PMID: 36768203 PMCID: PMC9915382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Being initially described as a factor of virally-induced leukemias, Fli1 (Friend leukemia integration 1) has attracted considerable interest lately due to its role in both healthy physiology and a variety of pathological conditions. Over the past few years, Fli1 has been found to be one of the crucial regulators of normal hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, and immune response. However, abnormal expression of Fli1 due to genetic predisposition, epigenetic reprogramming (modifications), or environmental factors is associated with a few diseases of different etiology. Fli1 hyperexpression leads to malignant transformation of cells and progression of cancers such as Ewing's sarcoma. Deficiency in Fli1 is implicated in the development of systemic sclerosis and hypertensive disorders, which are often accompanied by pronounced fibrosis in different organs. This review summarizes the initial findings and the most recent advances in defining the role of Fli1 in diseases of different origin with emphasis on its pro-fibrotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Mikhailova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina V. Romanova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Natalia I. Agalakova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, 194223 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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Ikawa T, Miyagawa T, Fukui Y, Toyama S, Omatsu J, Awaji K, Norimatsu Y, Watanabe Y, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. Endothelial CCR6 expression due to FLI1 deficiency contributes to vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:283. [PMID: 34774095 PMCID: PMC8590233 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have recently demonstrated that serum CCL20 levels positively correlate with mean pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Considering a proangiogenic effect of CCL20 on endothelial cells via CCR6, the CCL20/CCR6 axis may contribute to the development of SSc vasculopathy. Therefore, we explored this hypothesis using clinical samples, cultured cells, and murine SSc models. Methods The expression levels of CCL20 and CCR6 in the skin, mRNA levels of target genes, and the binding of transcription factor FLI1 to the target gene promoter were evaluated by immunostaining, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Vascular permeability was evaluated by Evans blue dye injection in bleomycin-treated mice. Angiogenic activity of endothelial cells was assessed by in vitro angiogenesis assay. Results CCL20 expression was significantly elevated in dermal fibroblasts of patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc, while CCR6 was significantly up-regulated in dermal small vessels of SSc patients irrespective of disease subtypes and disease duration. In human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, FLI1 siRNA induced the expression of CCR6, but not CCL20, and FLI1 bound to the CCR6 promoter. Importantly, vascular permeability, a representative SSc-like vascular feature of bleomycin-treated mice, was attenuated by Ccr6 siRNA treatment, and CCR6 siRNA suppressed the angiogenic activity of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells assayed by in vitro tube formation. Conclusions The increased expression of endothelial CCR6 due to FLI1 deficiency may contribute to the development of SSc vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Ikawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Fukui
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Omatsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Awaji
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Norimatsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Dees C, Pötter S, Zhang Y, Bergmann C, Zhou X, Luber M, Wohlfahrt T, Karouzakis E, Ramming A, Gelse K, Yoshimura A, Jaenisch R, Distler O, Schett G, Distler JH. TGF-β-induced epigenetic deregulation of SOCS3 facilitates STAT3 signaling to promote fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:2347-2363. [PMID: 31990678 DOI: 10.1172/jci122462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are key effector cells in tissue remodeling. They remain persistently activated in fibrotic diseases, resulting in progressive deposition of extracellular matrix. Although fibroblast activation may be initiated by external factors, prolonged activation can induce an "autonomous," self-maintaining profibrotic phenotype in fibroblasts. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations play a central role in establishing this persistently activated pathologic phenotype of fibroblasts. We demonstrated that in fibrotic skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a prototypical idiopathic fibrotic disease, TGF-β induced the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and DNMT1 in fibroblasts in a SMAD-dependent manner to silence the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) by promoter hypermethylation. Downregulation of SOCS3 facilitated activation of STAT3 to promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, collagen release, and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Reestablishment of the epigenetic control of STAT3 signaling by genetic or pharmacological inactivation of DNMT3A reversed the activated phenotype of SSc fibroblasts in tissue culture, inhibited TGF-β-dependent fibroblast activation, and ameliorated experimental fibrosis in murine models. These findings identify a pathway of epigenetic imprinting of fibroblasts in fibrotic disease with translational implications for the development of targeted therapies in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Pötter
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Luber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wohlfahrt
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Karouzakis
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kolja Gelse
- Department of Trauma Surgery - Orthopedic Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hw Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Miyagawa T, Taniguchi T, Saigusa R, Fukayama M, Takahashi T, Yamashita T, Hirabayashi M, Miura S, Nakamura K, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. Fli1 deficiency induces endothelial adipsin expression, contributing to the onset of pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 59:2005-2015. [PMID: 31782787 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adipsin, or complement factor D, is a serine proteinase catalysing complement factor C3 breakdown, leading to the production of opsonin (C3b), membrane attack complex (C5b-C9) and anaphylatoxins (C3a and C5a). Since adipsin is potentially associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in SSc, we investigated adipsin expression in dermal small vessels of SSc-involved skin, the mechanism regulating adipsin expression in endothelial cells, and the correlation of serum adipsin levels with SSc clinical symptoms. METHODS Adipsin expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry with skin sections of SSc and healthy subjects. mRNA levels of target genes and transcription factor binding to the ADIPSIN promoter were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Serum adipsin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Adipsin expression was remarkably increased in dermal small vessels of SSc-involved skin as compared with those of healthy control skin. Consistent with the notion that Fli1 deficiency induces SSc-like phenotypes in various types of cells, FLI1 siRNA enhanced adipsin expression at protein and mRNA levels and Fli1 bound to the ADIPSIN promoter in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Serum adipsin levels were significantly lower in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients than in limited cutaneous SSc patients and healthy controls, and were associated positively with elevated right ventricular systolic pressure and inversely with interstitial lung disease by multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSION Adipsin is up-regulated at least partially by Fli1 deficiency in endothelial cells, potentially contributing to the development of pulmonary vascular involvement in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maiko Fukayama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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He YS, Yang XK, Hu YQ, Xiang K, Pan HF. Emerging role of Fli1 in autoimmune diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107127. [PMID: 33234418 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Ets transcription factor family exerts crucial role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration. Friend leukemia integration 1 (Fli1), a member of the Ets family, is expressed in fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells. Fli1 gene is participated in the development, proliferation, activation, migration and other processes of immune cells. Fli1 can also affect the function of immune cells by regulating cytokines and chemokines. Emerging evidence has shown that Fli1 is implicated in the etiology of several autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review, we mainly discuss the current evidence for the role of Fli1 in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Sheng He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Qian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Xiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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7
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Omatsu J, Saigusa R, Miyagawa T, Fukui Y, Toyama S, Awaji K, Ikawa T, Norimatsu Y, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. Serum S100A12 levels: Possible association with skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis. Exp Dermatol 2020; 30:409-415. [PMID: 33068321 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) have drawn much attention as a member of disease-associated molecules in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the potential contribution of S100A12, a member of DAMPs, to the development of SSc by evaluating S100A12 expression in the lesional skin and the clinical correlation of serum S100A12 levels. S100A12 expression was markedly elevated in the epidermis of SSc-involved skin at protein levels and in the bulk skin at mRNA levels. The deficiency of transcription factor Fli1, a predisposing factor of SSc, enhanced S100A12 expression and Fli1 occupied the S100A12 promoter in normal human keratinocytes. Serum S100A12 levels were higher in SSc patients, especially in those with diffuse cutaneous involvement, than in healthy controls and positively correlated with skin score. Furthermore, the presence of interstitial lung disease significantly augmented serum levels of S100A12. Importantly, serum S100A12 levels correlated inversely with both per cent forced vital capacity and per cent diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with serum levels of KL-6 and surfactant protein-D. Collectively, these results indicate a possible contribution of S100A12 to skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease associated with SSc, further supporting the critical roles of DAMPs in the pathogenesis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Omatsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Fukui
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Awaji
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ikawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Norimatsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Toyama S, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Miura S, Nakamura K, Hirabayashi M, Miyagawa T, Fukui Y, Omatsu J, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. Decreased serum cathepsin S levels in patients with systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease. J Dermatol 2020; 47:1027-1032. [DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Toyama
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yuki Fukui
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Jun Omatsu
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
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Luo Y, Xiao R. The Epigenetic Regulation of Scleroderma and Its Clinical Application. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1253:375-403. [PMID: 32445102 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3449-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) is a complex and highly heterogeneous multisystem rheumatic disease characterized by vascular abnormality, immunologic derangement, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. To date, the etiology of this life-threatening disorder remains not fully clear. More and more studies show epigenetic modifications play a vital role. The aberrant epigenetic status of certain molecules such as Fli-1, BMPRII, NRP1, CD70, CD40L, CD11A, FOXP3, KLF5, DKK1, SFRP1, and so on contributes to the pathogenesis of progressive vasculopathy, autoimmune dysfunction, and tissue fibrosis in SSc. Meanwhile, numerous miRNAs including miR-21, miR-29a, miR-196a, miR-202-3p, miR-150, miR-let-7a, and others are involved in the process. In addition, the abnormal epigenetic biomarker levels of CD11a, Foxp3, HDAC2, miR-30b, miR-142-3p, miR-150, miR-5196 in SSc are closely correlated with disease severity. In this chapter, we not only review new advancements on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and potential epigenetic biomarkers, but also discuss the therapeutic potential of epigenetic targeting therapeutics such as DNA methylation inhibitors, histone acetylase inhibitors, and miRNA replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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10
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Dhall S, Lerch A, Johnson N, Jacob V, Jones B, Park MS, Sathyamoorthy M. A Flowable Placental Formulation Prevents Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis in Aged Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4242. [PMID: 32545915 PMCID: PMC7352837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, the thickening and scarring of injured connective tissue, leads to a loss of organ function. Multiple cell types, including T-cells, macrophages, fibrocytes, and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts contribute to scar formation via secretion of inflammatory factors. This event results in an increase in oxidative stress and deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), characteristic of fibrosis. Further, aging is known to predispose connective tissue to fibrosis due to reduced tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the anti-fibrotic activity of a flowable placental formulation (FPF) using a bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model in aged mice. FPF consisted of placental amnion/chorion- and umbilical tissue-derived ECM and cells. The mice were injected with either FPF or PBS, followed by multiple doses of bleomycin. Histological assessment of FPF-treated skin samples revealed reduced dermal fibrosis, inflammation, and TGF-β signaling compared to the control group. Quantitative RT-PCR and Next Generation Sequencing analysis of miRNAs further confirmed anti-fibrotic changes in the FPF-treated group at both the gene and transcriptional levels. The observed modulation in miRNAs was associated with inflammation, TGF-β signaling, fibroblast proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ECM deposition. These results demonstrate the potential of FPF in preventing fibrosis and may be of therapeutic benefit for those at higher risk of fibrosis due to wounds, aging, exposure to radiation and genetic predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Dhall
- Smith & Nephew Plc., Columbia, MD 21046, USA; (A.L.); (N.J.); (V.J.); (B.J.); (M.S.P.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Malathi Sathyamoorthy
- Smith & Nephew Plc., Columbia, MD 21046, USA; (A.L.); (N.J.); (V.J.); (B.J.); (M.S.P.)
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Zhang Y, Distler JHW. Therapeutic molecular targets of SSc-ILD. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:17-30. [DOI: 10.1177/2397198319899013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a fibrosing chronic connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. A major hallmark of systemic sclerosis is the uncontrolled and persistent activation of fibroblasts, which release excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, lead to organ dysfunction, and cause high mobility and motility of patients. Systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease is one of the most common fibrotic organ manifestations in systemic sclerosis and a major cause of death. Treatment options for systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease and other fibrotic manifestations, however, remain very limited. Thus, there is a huge medical need for effective therapies that target tissue fibrosis, vascular alterations, inflammation, and autoimmune disease in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease. In this review, we discuss data suggesting therapeutic ways to target different genes in distinct tissues/organs that contribute to the development of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg HW Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epigenetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, the involvement of the three epigenetic mechanisms in SSc development and progression-DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs-will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Alteration in epigenetics was observed in immune cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells derived from SSc patients. Genes that are affected include those involved in immune cell function and differentiation, TGFβ and Wnt pathways, extracellular matrix accumulation, transcription factors, and angiogenesis. All the studies remain in the pre-clinical stage. Extensive research provides evidence that epigenetic alterations are critical for SSc pathogenesis. Future epigenomic studies will undoubtedly continue to broaden our understanding of disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. They will also provide the scientific basis for repurposing epigenetic-modifying agents for SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl., 4025 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
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Asano Y, Takahashi T, Saigusa R. Systemic sclerosis: Is the epithelium a missing piece of the pathogenic puzzle? J Dermatol Sci 2019; 94:259-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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14
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Progranulin overproduction due to constitutively activated c-Abl/PKC-δ/Fli1 pathway contributes to the resistance of dermal fibroblasts to the anti-fibrotic effect of tumor necrosis factor-α in localized scleroderma. J Dermatol Sci 2018; 92:207-214. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Fli1-haploinsufficient dermal fibroblasts promote skin-localized transdifferentiation of Th2-like regulatory T cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:23. [PMID: 29415756 PMCID: PMC5803841 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) deficiency, a predisposing factor of systemic sclerosis (SSc), induces SSc-like phenotypes in various cell types. A recent study demonstrated the transdifferentiation of T helper type 2 cell (Th2)-like regulatory T cells (Tregs) in SSc lesional skin through interleukin (IL)-33 produced by fibroblasts. Therefore, we investigated the role of Fli1 deficiency in dermal fibroblast-mediated transdifferentiation of Tregs. Methods Cytokine expression was assessed in Tregs by flow cytometry and in skin samples and cultivated cells by immunostaining, immunoblotting, and/or qRT-PCR. Fli1 binding to the target gene promoters was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Murine dermal fibroblasts and Tregs were cocultured with or without blocking antibodies against target cytokines. Results Th2- and Th17-like cell proportions in skin-homing Tregs were increased in bleomycin-treated Fli1+/− mice compared with bleomycin-treated wild-type mice, whereas Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-like cell proportions in splenic Tregs were comparable. Fli1+/− fibroblasts overproduced IL-33 and IL-6, in particular IL-33, and Fli1 occupied the IL33 and IL6 promoters in dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, the IL-4-producing cell proportion was significantly higher in wild-type Tregs cocultured with Fli1+/− fibroblasts than in those cocultured with wild-type fibroblasts, which were canceled by neutralizing anti-IL-33 antibody. Under the same coculture condition, an increased tendency of IL-17A-producing cell proportion, which was possibly mediated by IL-6, was evident. Conclusions Fli1 haploinsufficiency increases the proportions of Th2- and Th17-like Tregs in bleomycin-induced profibrotic skin conditions, in which IL-33-producing dermal fibroblasts contribute to Th2-like Treg transdifferentiation, suggesting a critical role of Fli1 deficiency in the interaction of dermal fibroblasts with immune cells in pathological skin fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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16
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Gyllenhammar T, Kanski M, Engblom H, Wuttge DM, Carlsson M, Hesselstrand R, Arheden H. Decreased global myocardial perfusion at adenosine stress as a potential new biomarker for microvascular disease in systemic sclerosis: a magnetic resonance study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2018; 18:16. [PMID: 29382301 PMCID: PMC5791343 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-018-0756-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have high cardiovascular mortality even though there is no or little increase in prevalence of epicardial coronary stenosis. First-pass perfusion on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have detected perfusion defects indicative of microvascular disease, but the quantitative extent of hypoperfusion is not known. Therefore, we aimed to determine if patients with SSc have lower global myocardial perfusion (MP) at rest or during adenosine stress, compared to healthy controls, quantified with CMR. Methods Nineteen SSc patients (17 females, 61 ± 10 years) and 22 controls (10 females, 62 ± 11 years) underwent CMR. Twelve patients had limited cutaneous SSc and 7 patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc. One patient had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). MP was quantified using coronary sinus flow (CSF) measurements at rest and during adenosine stress, divided by left ventricular mass (LVM). Results There was no difference in MP at rest between patients and controls (1.1 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 ml/min/g, P = 0.85) whereas SSc patients showed statistically significantly lower MP during adenosine stress (3.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.2 ± 1.3 ml/min/g, P = 0.008). Three out of the 19 SSc patients showed fibrosis in the right ventricle insertion points despite absence of PAH. None had signs of myocardial infarction. Conclusions Patients with SSc have decreased MP during adenosine stress compared to healthy controls. Thus hypoperfusion at stress may be a sensitive marker of cardiac disease in SSc patients possibly signifying microvascular myocardial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Gyllenhammar
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mikael Kanski
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Engblom
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dirk M Wuttge
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Carlsson
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roger Hesselstrand
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Håkan Arheden
- Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Taniguchi T, Miyagawa T, Tamaki Z, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Ichimura Y, Yoshizaki A, Tada Y, Sugaya M, Kadono T, Sato S, Asano Y. A possible implication of reduced levels of LIF, LIFR, and gp130 in vasculopathy related to systemic sclerosis. Arch Dermatol Res 2017; 309:833-842. [DOI: 10.1007/s00403-017-1786-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Angiogenesis Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5345673. [PMID: 28791304 PMCID: PMC5534276 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5345673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by vascular injury and fibrosis and by an impaired angiogenesis which cannot ensure an efficient vascular recovery. Vascular injury is responsible for hypoxia and tissual ischemia which are the primary triggers for angiogenesis and are not able to induce a compensatory angiogenesis. This review article is focused on current knowledge on the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis dysregulation in systemic sclerosis.
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Toyama T, Asano Y, Miyagawa T, Nakamura K, Hirabayashi M, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Miura S, Ichimura Y, Takahashi T, Taniguchi T, Yoshizaki A, Sato S. The impact of transcription factor Fli1 deficiency on the regulation of angiogenesis. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:912-918. [PMID: 28370536 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The insufficiency of Friend leukaemia virus integration 1 (Fli1), a member of the Ets family transcription factors, is implicated in the pathogenesis of vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Fli1 deficiency accelerates early steps of angiogenesis, including detachment of pre-existing pericytes and extracellular matrix degradation by endothelial proteinases, but the impact of Fli1 deficiency on the other steps of angiogenesis has not been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Fli1 deficiency on migration, proliferation, cell survival and tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). HDMECs transfected with FLI1 siRNA exhibited a greater migratory property in scratch assay and transwell migration assay and a higher proliferation rate in BrdU assay than HDMECs transfected with non-silencing scrambled RNA. In flow cytometry-based apoptosis assay, FLI1 siRNA-transduced HDMECs revealed the decreased number of annexin and propidium iodide-double-positive apoptotic cells compared with control cells, reflecting the promotion of cell survival. On the other hand, tubulogenic activity on Matrigel was remarkably suppressed in Fli1-deficient HDMECs relative to control cells. These results indicate that Fli1 deficiency promotes migration, proliferation and cell survival, while abating tube formation of endothelial cells, suggesting that Fli1 deficiency is potentially attributable to the development of both proliferative obliterative vasculopathy (occlusion of arterioles and small arteries) and destructive vasculopathy (loss of small vessels) characteristic of SSc vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We discuss recent advances in evaluating and optimizing animal models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Such models could be of value for illuminating etiopathogenesis using hypothesis-testing experimental approaches, for developing effective disease-modifying therapies, and for uncovering clinically relevant biomarkers. RECENT FINDINGS We describe recent advances in previously reported and novel animal models of SSc. The limitations of each animal model and their ability to recapitulate the pathophysiology of recognized molecular subsets of SSc are discussed. We highlight attrition of dermal white adipose tissue as a consistent pathological feature of dermal fibrosis in mouse models, and its relevance to SSc-associated cutaneous fibrosis. SUMMARY Several animal models potentially useful for studying SSc pathogenesis have been described. Recent studies highlight particular strengths and weaknesses of selected models in recapitulating distinct features of the human disease. When used in the appropriate experimental setting, and in combination, these models singly and together provide a powerful set of in-vivo tools to define underlying mechanisms of disease and to develop and evaluate effective antifibrotic therapies.
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21
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Taniguchi T, Asano Y, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Ichimura Y, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Yoshizaki A, Sato S. Fli1 Deficiency Induces CXCL6 Expression in Dermal Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells, Contributing to the Development of Fibrosis and Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis. J Rheumatol 2017; 44:1198-1205. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.161092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective.CXCL6, a chemokine with proangiogenic property, is reported to be involved in vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the contribution of CXCL6 to SSc development by focusing on the association of friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) deficiency, a potential predisposing factor of SSc, with CXCL6 expression and clinical correlation of serum CXCL6 levels.Methods.mRNA levels of target genes and the binding of Fli1 to the CXCL6 promoter were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Serum CXCL6 levels were determined by ELISA.Results.FLI1 siRNA significantly enhanced CXCL6 mRNA expression in human dermal fibroblasts and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, while Fli1 haploinsufficiency significantly suppressed CXCL6 mRNA expression in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Supporting a critical role of Fli1 deficiency to induce SSc-like phenotypes, CXCL6 mRNA expression was higher in SSc dermal fibroblasts than in normal dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, Fli1 bound to the CXCL6 promoter in dermal fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and THP-1 cells. In patients with SSc, serum CXCL6 levels correlated positively with the severity of dermal and pulmonary fibrosis and were elevated in association with cardiac and pulmonary vascular involvement and cutaneous vascular symptoms, including Raynaud phenomenon, digital ulcers (DU)/pitting scars, and telangiectasia. Especially, serum CXCL6 levels were associated with DU/pitting scars and heart involvement by multiple regression analysis.Conclusion.CXCL6 expression is upregulated by Fli1 deficiency in fibroblasts and endothelial cells, potentially contributing to the development of fibrosis and vasculopathy in the skin, lung, and heart of SSc.
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22
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Generali E, Ceribelli A, Stazi MA, Selmi C. Lessons learned from twins in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. J Autoimmun 2017; 83:51-61. [PMID: 28431796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmunity and chronic inflammation recognize numerous shared factors and, as a result, the resulting diseases frequently coexist in the same patients or respond to the same treatments. Among the convenient truths of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, there is now agreement that these are complex conditions in which the individual genetic predisposition provides a rate of heritability. The concordance rates in monozygotic and dizygotic twins allows to estimate the weight of the environment in determining disease susceptibility, despite recent data supporting that only a minority of immune markers depend on hereditary factors. Concordance rates in monozygotic and dizygotic twins should be evaluated over an observation period to minimize the risk of false negatives and this is well represented by type I diabetes mellitus. Further, concordance rates in monozygotic twins should be compared to those in dizygotic twins, which share 50% of their genes, as in regular siblings, but also young-age environmental factors. Twin studies have been extensively performed in several autoimmune conditions and cumulatively suggest that some diseases, i.e. celiac disease and psoriasis, are highly genetically determined, while rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis have a limited role for genetics. These observations are necessary to interpret data gathered by genome-wide association studies of polymorphisms and DNA methylation in MZ twins. New high-throughput technological platforms are awaited to provide new insights into the mechanisms of disease discordance in twins beyond strong associations such as those with HLA alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Generali
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Stazi
- Italian Twin Registry, Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; BIOMETRA Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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23
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Takahashi T, Asano Y, Sugawara K, Yamashita T, Nakamura K, Saigusa R, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Taniguchi T, Akamata K, Noda S, Yoshizaki A, Tsuruta D, Trojanowska M, Sato S. Epithelial Fli1 deficiency drives systemic autoimmunity and fibrosis: Possible roles in scleroderma. J Exp Med 2017; 214:1129-1151. [PMID: 28232470 PMCID: PMC5379967 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis in the skin and internal organs, most frequently in the esophagus and lungs. Hitherto, studies on SSc pathogenesis centered on immune cells, vascular cells, and fibroblasts. Although dysregulated keratinocytes in SSc have been recently reported, the contribution of epithelial cells to pathogenesis remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated the induction of SSc-like molecular phenotype in keratinocytes by gene silencing of transcription factor Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1), the deficiency of which is implicated in SSc pathogenesis. Keratin 14-expressing epithelial cell-specific Fli1 knockout mice spontaneously developed dermal and esophageal fibrosis with epithelial activation. Furthermore, they developed remarkable autoimmunity with interstitial lung disease derived from thymic defects with down-regulation of autoimmune regulator (Aire). Importantly, Fli1 directly regulated Aire expression in epithelial cells. Collectively, epithelial Fli1 deficiency might be involved in the systemic autoimmunity and selective organ fibrosis in SSc. This study uncovers unidentified roles of dysregulated epithelial cells in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Koji Sugawara
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kaname Akamata
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shinji Noda
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsuruta
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Rheumatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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24
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Bergmann C, Distler JHW. Epigenetic factors as drivers of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Epigenomics 2017; 9:463-477. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged activation of fibroblasts is a central hallmark of fibrosing disorders such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). Fibroblasts are the key effector cells. They differentiate into an activated myofibroblast phenotype. In contrast to normal wound healing with transient activation, myofibroblasts persist in fibrosing disorders. Current hypothesis suggests that profibrotic cytokines might trigger epigenetic changes which contribute to the persistently activated fibroblast phenotype. In the last years, several epigenetic alterations have been described in SSc and have been linked to different pathogenic aspects of the disease, in particular to aberrant fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis, but also to vascular manifestations and inflammation. The focus of this review is the current knowledge on epigenetic changes in fibroblast activation in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg HW Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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25
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Richards CD. Innate Immune Cytokines, Fibroblast Phenotypes, and Regulation of Extracellular Matrix in Lung. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2017; 37:52-61. [PMID: 28117653 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2016.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation can be caused by adaptive immune responses in autoimmune and allergic conditions, driven by a T lymphocyte subset balance (TH1, TH2, Th17, Th22, and/or Treg) and skewed cellular profiles in an antigen-specific manner. However, several chronic inflammatory diseases have no clearly defined adaptive immune mechanisms that drive chronicity. These conditions include those that affect the lung such as nonatopic asthma or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis comprising significant health problems. The remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) causes organ dysfunction, and it is largely generated by fibroblasts as the major cell controlling net ECM. As such, these are potential targets of treatment approaches in the context of ECM pathology. Fibroblast phenotypes contribute to ECM and inflammatory cell accumulation, and they are integrated into chronic disease mechanisms including cancer. Evidence suggests that innate cytokine responses may be critical in nonallergic/nonautoimmune disease, and they enable environmental agent exposure mechanisms that are independent of adaptive immunity. Innate immune cytokines derived from macrophage subsets (M1/M2) and innate lymphoid cell (ILC) subsets can directly regulate fibroblast function. We also suggest that STAT3-activating gp130 cytokines can sensitize fibroblasts to the innate cytokine milieu to drive phenotypes and exacerbate existing adaptive responses. Here, we review evidence exploring innate cytokine regulation of fibroblast behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl D Richards
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University , Hamilton, Canada
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26
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Takahashi T, Asano Y, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Saigusa R, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Taniguchi T, Yoshizaki A, Tamaki Z, Tada Y, Sugaya M, Kadono T, Sato S. A potential contribution of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 to tissue fibrosis and vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis. Br J Dermatol 2016; 175:1195-1203. [PMID: 27105895 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide with pleiotropic effects on the immune system, angiogenesis and tissue remodelling. These are cardinal pathological events in systemic sclerosis (SSc). OBJECTIVES To elucidate the potential role of LL-37 in SSc. METHODS The expression of target molecules was evaluated by immunostaining and quantitative reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction in human and murine skin. The mechanisms regulating LL-37 expression in endothelial cells were examined by gene silencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Serum LL-37 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS In SSc lesional skin, LL-37 expression was increased in dermal fibroblasts, perivascular inflammatory cells, keratinocytes and, particularly, dermal small vessels. Expression positively correlated with interferon-α expression, possibly reflecting LL-37-dependent induction of interferon-α. In SSc animal models, bleomycin-treated skin exhibited the expression pattern of CRAMP, a murine homologue of LL-37, similar to that of LL-37 in SSc lesional skin. Furthermore, Fli1+/- mice showed upregulated expression of CRAMP in dermal small vessels. Fli1 binding to the CAMP (LL-37 gene) promoter and Fli1 deficiency-dependent induction of LL-37 were also confirmed in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. In the analysis of sera, patients with SSc had serum LL-37 levels significantly higher than in healthy controls. Furthermore, serum LL-37 levels positively correlated with skin score and the activity of alveolitis and were significantly elevated in patients with digital ulcers compared with those without. CONCLUSIONS LL-37 upregulation, induced by Fli1 deficiency at least in endothelial cells, potentially contributes to the development of skin sclerosis, interstitial lung disease and digital ulcers in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - K Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - R Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - A Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Z Tamaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Tada
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - M Sugaya
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Kadono
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - S Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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27
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Yamashita T, Asano Y, Taniguchi T, Nakamura K, Saigusa R, Takahashi T, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Yoshizaki A, Miyagaki T, Sugaya M, Sato S. A potential contribution of altered cathepsin L expression to the development of dermal fibrosis and vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis. Exp Dermatol 2016; 25:287-92. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Tetsuo Toyama
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomomitsu Miyagaki
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Makoto Sugaya
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
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28
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Saigusa R, Asano Y, Nakamura K, Yamashita T, Ichimura Y, Takahashi T, Toyama T, Taniguchi T, Yoshizaki A, Miyazaki M, Tamaki Z, Sato S. Association of anti-RNA polymerase III antibody and silicone breast implants in patients with systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2016; 43:808-10. [PMID: 26876001 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is believed to be caused by a complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences. Although silicone has been considered to be a candidate of environmental agents, clinical data presented so far fail to show a significant association between silicone breast implant (SBI) and the development of SSc. Because we recently experienced two consecutive SSc patients with anti-RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) antibody who underwent SBI, we here investigated the association of SBI history with the development of SSc positive for anti-RNAP III antibody. Among 262 Japanese SSc patients, of note, the frequency of SBI history was significantly higher in the anti-RNAP III antibody group (16.0% [4/25]) than in the anti-topoisomerase I antibody group (0% [0/87], P < 0.005) and in the anticentromere antibody group (1.2% [2/150], P < 0.005). These results suggest that SBI could influence the development of SSc in a certain subset of patients with anti-RNAP III antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Miyazaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zenshiro Tamaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Saigusa R, Asano Y, Yamashita T, Taniguchi T, Takahashi T, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Yoshizaki A, Miyagaki T, Sugaya M, Sato S. Fli1 deficiency contributes to the downregulation of endothelial protein C receptor in systemic sclerosis: a possible role in prothrombotic conditions. Br J Dermatol 2015; 174:338-47. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - Y. Asano
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - Y. Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Toyama
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - A. Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - T. Miyagaki
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - M. Sugaya
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
| | - S. Sato
- Department of Dermatology; University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655 Japan
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