1
|
Horn P, Norlin J, Almholt K, Viuff BM, Galsgaard ED, Hald A, Zosel F, Demuth H, Poulsen S, Norby PL, Rasch MG, Vyberg M, Fleckner J, Werge MP, Gluud LL, Rink MR, Shepherd E, Northall E, Lalor PF, Weston CJ, Fog-Tonnesen M, Newsome PN. Evaluation of Gremlin-1 as a therapeutic target in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. eLife 2024; 13:RP95185. [PMID: 39361025 PMCID: PMC11449483 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95185] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1 has been implicated in liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) via inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling and has thereby been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Using rat in vivo and human in vitro and ex vivo model systems of MASH fibrosis, we show that neutralisation of Gremlin-1 activity with monoclonal therapeutic antibodies does not reduce liver inflammation or liver fibrosis. Still, Gremlin-1 was upregulated in human and rat MASH fibrosis, but expression was restricted to a small subpopulation of COL3A1/THY1+ myofibroblasts. Lentiviral overexpression of Gremlin-1 in LX-2 cells and primary hepatic stellate cells led to changes in BMP-related gene expression, which did not translate to increased fibrogenesis. Furthermore, we show that Gremlin-1 binds to heparin with high affinity, which prevents Gremlin-1 from entering systemic circulation, prohibiting Gremlin-1-mediated organ crosstalk. Overall, our findings suggest a redundant role for Gremlin-1 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, which is unamenable to therapeutic targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horn
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité MitteBerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist ProgramBerlinGermany
| | - Jenny Norlin
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Hald
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Franziska Zosel
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Helle Demuth
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Svend Poulsen
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Peder L Norby
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Morten G Rasch
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Mogens Vyberg
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, and Centre for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jan Fleckner
- Global Translation, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | | | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Marco R Rink
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma Shepherd
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Ellie Northall
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Patricia F Lalor
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Chris J Weston
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Philip N Newsome
- Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London and King’s College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kuprytė M, Lesauskaitė V, Siratavičiūtė V, Utkienė L, Jusienė L, Pangonytė D. Expression of Osteopontin and Gremlin 1 Proteins in Cardiomyocytes in Ischemic Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8240. [PMID: 39125809 PMCID: PMC11311846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158240] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A relevant role of osteopontin (OPN) and gremlin 1 (Grem1) in regulating cardiac tissue remodeling and formation of heart failure (HF) are documented, with the changes of OPN and Grem1 levels in blood plasma due to acute ischemia, ischemic heart disease-induced advanced HF or dilatative cardiomyopathy being the primary focus in most of these studies. However, knowledge on the early OPN and Grem1 proteins expression changes within cardiomyocytes during remodeling due to chronic ischemia remains insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the OPN and Grem1 proteins expression changes in human cardiomyocytes at different stages of ischemic HF. A semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 105 myocardial tissue samples obtained from the left cardiac ventricles. Increased OPN immunostaining intensity was already detected in the stage A HF group, compared to the control group (p < 0.001), and continued to increase in the stage B HF (p < 0.001), achieving the peak of immunostaining in the stages C/D HF group (p < 0.001). Similar data of Grem1 immunostaining intensity changes in cardiomyocytes were documented. Significantly positive correlations were detected between OPN, Grem1 expression in cardiomyocytes and their diameter as well as the length, in addition to positive correlation between OPN and Grem1 expression changes within cardiomyocytes. These novel findings suggest that OPN and Grem1 contribute significantly to reorganization of cellular geometry from the earliest stage of cardiomyocyte remodeling, providing new insights into the ischemic HF pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milda Kuprytė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Vaiva Lesauskaitė
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Vitalija Siratavičiūtė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Lina Utkienė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Lina Jusienė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| | - Dalia Pangonytė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.K.); (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grillo E, Ravelli C, Colleluori G, D'Agostino F, Domenichini M, Giordano A, Mitola S. Role of gremlin-1 in the pathophysiology of the adipose tissues. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:51-60. [PMID: 36155165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.004] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist playing a pivotal role in the regulation of tissue formation and embryonic development. Since its first identification in 1997, gremlin-1 has been shown to be a multifunctional factor involved in wound healing, inflammation, cancer and tissue fibrosis. Among others, the activity of gremlin-1 is mediated by its interaction with BMPs or with membrane receptors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Growing evidence has highlighted a central role of gremlin-1 in the homeostasis of the adipose tissue (AT). Of note, gremlin-1 is involved in AT dysfunction during type 2 diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) metabolic disorders. In this review we discuss recent findings on gremlin-1 involvement in AT biology, with particular attention to its role in metabolic diseases, to highlight its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Georgia Colleluori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Domenichini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Floy ME, Givens SE, Matthys OB, Mateyka TD, Kerr CM, Steinberg AB, Silva AC, Zhang J, Mei Y, Ogle BM, McDevitt TC, Kamp TJ, Palecek SP. Developmental lineage of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac fibroblasts affects their functional phenotype. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21799. [PMID: 34339055 PMCID: PMC8349112 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100523r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (CFBs) support heart function by secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) and paracrine factors, respond to stress associated with injury and disease, and therefore are an increasingly important therapeutic target. We describe how developmental lineage of human pluripotent stem cell-derived CFBs, epicardial (EpiC-FB), and second heart field (SHF-FB) impacts transcriptional and functional properties. Both EpiC-FBs and SHF-FBs exhibited CFB transcriptional programs and improved calcium handling in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac tissues. We identified differences including in composition of ECM synthesized, secretion of growth and differentiation factors, and myofibroblast activation potential, with EpiC-FBs exhibiting higher stress-induced activation potential akin to myofibroblasts and SHF-FBs demonstrating higher calcification and mineralization potential. These phenotypic differences suggest that EpiC-FBs have utility in modeling fibrotic diseases while SHF-FBs are a promising source of cells for regenerative therapies. This work directly contrasts regional and developmental specificity of CFBs and informs CFB in vitro model selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha E Floy
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sophie E Givens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Oriane B Matthys
- UC Berkeley-UC San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkley, CA, USA
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Taylor D Mateyka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Charles M Kerr
- Molecular Cell Biology and Pathobiology Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Alexandra B Steinberg
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ana C Silva
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ying Mei
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Timothy J Kamp
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kolur V, Vastrad B, Vastrad C, Kotturshetti S, Tengli A. Identification of candidate biomarkers and therapeutic agents for heart failure by bioinformatics analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:329. [PMID: 34218797 PMCID: PMC8256614 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome and affects millions of people all over the world. HF occurs when the cardiac overload and injury, which is a worldwide complaint. The aim of this study was to screen and verify hub genes involved in developmental HF as well as to explore active drug molecules. METHODS The expression profiling by high throughput sequencing of GSE141910 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which contained 366 samples, including 200 heart failure samples and 166 non heart failure samples. The raw data was integrated to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and were further analyzed with bioinformatics analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and REACTOME enrichment analyses were performed via ToppGene; protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs was constructed based on data from the HiPPIE interactome database; modules analysis was performed; target gene-miRNA regulatory network and target gene-TF regulatory network were constructed and analyzed; hub genes were validated; molecular docking studies was performed. RESULTS A total of 881 DEGs, including 442 up regulated genes and 439 down regulated genes were observed. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in biological adhesion, extracellular matrix, signaling receptor binding, secretion, intrinsic component of plasma membrane, signaling receptor activity, extracellular matrix organization and neutrophil degranulation. The top hub genes ESR1, PYHIN1, PPP2R2B, LCK, TP63, PCLAF, CFTR, TK1, ECT2 and FKBP5 were identified from the PPI network. Module analysis revealed that HF was associated with adaptive immune system and neutrophil degranulation. The target genes, miRNAs and TFs were identified from the target gene-miRNA regulatory network and target gene-TF regulatory network. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and RT-PCR analysis revealed that ESR1, PYHIN1, PPP2R2B, LCK, TP63, PCLAF, CFTR, TK1, ECT2 and FKBP5 might serve as prognostic, diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic target for HF. The predicted targets of these active molecules were then confirmed. CONCLUSION The current investigation identified a series of key genes and pathways that might be involved in the progression of HF, providing a new understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijayakrishna Kolur
- Vihaan Heart Care & Super Specialty Centre, Vivekananda General Hospital, Deshpande Nagar, Hubli, Karnataka, 580029, India
| | - Basavaraj Vastrad
- Department of Biochemistry, Basaveshwar College of Pharmacy, Gadag, Karnataka, 582103, India
| | - Chanabasayya Vastrad
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Chanabasava Nilaya, Bharthinagar, Dharwad, 580001, Karnataka, India.
| | - Shivakumar Kotturshetti
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Chanabasava Nilaya, Bharthinagar, Dharwad, 580001, Karnataka, India
| | - Anandkumar Tengli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru and JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, 570015, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Müller II, Schneider M, Müller KAL, Lunov O, Borst O, Simmet T, Gawaz M. Protective role of Gremlin-1 in myocardial function. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13539. [PMID: 33729579 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gremlin-1 is a cystine knot protein and is expressed in organs developing fibrosis. Transient ischaemia leads to myocardial fibrosis, a major determinant of impaired myocardial function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of Gremlin-1 was investigated in infarcted myocardium by real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, histological and immunohistochemistry staining. We further elaborated the colocalization of Gremlin-1 and TGF-β proteins by confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The interaction between Gremlin-1 and TGF-β was analysed by photon correlation spectroscopy. Gremlin-1 modulation of the TGF-β-dependent collagen I synthesis in fibroblasts was investigated using ELISA and immunohistochemistry experiments. The effect of prolonged administration of recombinant Gremlin-1 on myocardial function following ischaemia/reperfusion was accessed by echocardiography and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Gremlin-1 is expressed in myocardial tissue and infiltrating cells after transient myocardial ischaemia (P < .05). Gremlin-1 colocalizes with the pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expressed in fibroblasts and inflammatory cell infiltrates (P < .05). Gremlin-1 reduces TGF-β-induced collagen production of myocardial fibroblasts by approximately 20% (P < .05). We found that Gremlin-1 binds with high affinity to TGF-β (KD = 54 nmol/L) as evidenced by photon correlation spectroscopy and co-immunoprecipitation. intravenous administration of m Gremlin-1-Fc, but not of equivalent amount of Fc control, significantly reduced infarct size by approximately 20%. In the m Gremlin-1-Fc group, infarct area was reduced by up to 30% in comparison with mice treated with Fc control (I/LV: 4.8 ± 1.2% vs 6.0 ± 1.2% P < .05; I/AaR: 15.2 ± 1.5% vs 21.1 ± 5%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The present data disclose Gremlin-1 as an antagonist of TGF-β and presume a role for Gremlin-1/TGF-β interaction in myocardial remodelling following myocardial ischaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris I Müller
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martina Schneider
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin A L Müller
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver Borst
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Meinrad Gawaz
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo H, Zhao X, Su H, Ma C, Liu K, Kong S, Liu K, Li H, Chang J, Wang T, Guo H, Wei H, Fu Z, Lv X, Li Y. miR-21 is upregulated, promoting fibrosis and blocking G2/M in irradiated rat cardiac fibroblasts. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10502. [PMID: 33354435 PMCID: PMC7733651 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiation exposure of the thorax is associated with a greatly increased risk of cardiac morbidity and mortality even after several decades of advancement in the field. Although many studies have demonstrated the damaging influence of ionizing radiation on cardiac fibroblast (CF) structure and function, myocardial fibrosis, the molecular mechanism behind this damage is not well understood. miR-21, a small microRNA, promotes the activation of CFs, leading to cardiac fibrosis. miR-21 is overexpressed after irradiation; however, the relationship between increased miR-21 and myocardial fibrosis after irradiation is unclear. This study was conducted to investigate gene expression after radiation-induced CF damage and the role of miR-21 in this process in rats. Methods We sequenced irradiated rat CFs and performed weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) combined with differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis to observe the effect on the expression profile of CF genes after radiation. Results DEG analysis showed that the degree of gene changes increased with the radiation dose. WGCNA revealed three module eigengenes (MEs) associated with 8.5-Gy-radiation—the Yellow, Brown, Blue modules. The three module eigengenes were related to apoptosis, G2/M phase, and cell death and S phase, respectively. By blocking with the cardiac fibrosis miRNA miR-21, we found that miR-21 was associated with G2/M blockade in the cell cycle and was mainly involved in regulating extracellular matrix-related genes, including Grem1, Clu, Gdf15, Ccl7, and Cxcl1. Stem-loop quantitative real-time PCR was performed to verify the expression of these genes. Five genes showed higher expression after 8.5 Gy-radiation in CFs. The target genes of miR-21 predicted online were Gdf15 and Rsad2, which showed much higher expression after treatment with antagomir-miR-21 in 8.5-Gy-irradiated CFs. Thus, miR-21 may play the role of fibrosis and G2/M blockade in regulating Grem1, Clu, Gdf15, Ccl7, Cxcl1, and Rsad2 post-irradiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lan Zhou University, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China.,Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China.,Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Xinke Zhao
- Department of Interventional Section, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China.,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital, Bei Jing, China
| | - Haixiang Su
- Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Chengxu Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Shanshan Kong
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Kedan Liu
- Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Haining Li
- Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Juan Chang
- Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Hongyun Guo
- Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Huiping Wei
- Department of Interventional Section, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Fu
- Department of Interventional Section, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Xinfang Lv
- Gansu Provincial Academic Institute for Medical Sciences, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| | - Yingdong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lan Zhou University, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China.,Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lan Zhou, Gan Su, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bain CR, Ziemann M, Kaspi A, Khan AW, Taylor R, Trahair H, Khurana I, Kaipananickal H, Wallace S, El-Osta A, Myles PS, Bozaoglu K. DNA methylation patterns from peripheral blood separate coronary artery disease patients with and without heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2020; 7:2468-2478. [PMID: 32618141 PMCID: PMC7524212 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Natriuretic peptides are useful for diagnosis and prognostication of heart failure of any cause. Now, research aims to discover novel biomarkers that will more specifically define the heart failure phenotype. DNA methylation plays a critical role in the development of cardiovascular disease with the potential to predict fundamental pathogenic processes. There is a lack of data relating DNA methylation in heart failure that specifically focuses on patients with severe multi‐vessel coronary artery disease. To begin to address this, we conducted a pilot study uniquely exploring the utility of powerful whole‐genome methyl‐binding domain‐capture sequencing in a cohort of cardiac surgery patients, matched for the severity of their coronary artery disease, aiming to identify candidate peripheral blood DNA methylation markers of ischaemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Methods and results We recruited a cohort of 20 male patients presenting for coronary artery bypass graft surgery with phenotypic extremes of heart failure but who otherwise share a similar coronary ischaemic burden, age, sex, and ethnicity. Methylation profiling in patient blood samples was performed using methyl‐binding domain‐capture sequencing. Differentially methylated regions were validated using targeted bisulfite sequencing. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to identify differences in methylation at or near gene promoters in certain known Reactome pathways. We detected 567 188 methylation peaks of which our general linear model identified 68 significantly differentially methylated regions in heart failure with a false discovery rate <0.05. Of these regions, 48 occurred within gene bodies and 25 were located near enhancer elements, some within coding genes and some in non‐coding genes. Gene set enrichment analyses identified 103 significantly enriched gene sets (false discovery rate <0.05) in heart failure. Validation analysis of regions with the strongest differential methylation data was performed for two genes: HDAC9 and the uncharacterized miRNA gene MIR3675. Genes of particular interest as novel candidate markers of the heart failure phenotype with reduced methylation were HDAC9, JARID2, and GREM1 and with increased methylation PDSS2. Conclusions We demonstrate the utility of methyl‐binding domain‐capture sequencing to evaluate peripheral blood DNA methylation markers in a cohort of cardiac surgical patients with severe multi‐vessel coronary artery disease and phenotypic extremes of heart failure. The differential methylation status of specific coding genes identified are candidates for larger longitudinal studies. We have further demonstrated the value and feasibility of examining DNA methylation during the perioperative period to highlight biological pathways and processes contributing to complex phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris R Bain
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Ziemann
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Antony Kaspi
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Rachael Taylor
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hugh Trahair
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ishant Khurana
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Harikrishnan Kaipananickal
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie Wallace
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Assam El-Osta
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Epigenetics in Human Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.,Faculty of Health, Department of Technology, Biomedical Laboratory Science, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul S Myles
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kiymet Bozaoglu
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mezzano S, Droguett A, Lavoz C, Krall P, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M. Gremlin and renal diseases: ready to jump the fence to clinical utility? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2019; 33:735-741. [PMID: 28992340 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfx194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases only ameliorates disease progression. During renal injury, developmental genes are re-expressed and could be potential therapeutic targets. Among those genes reactivated in the adult damaged kidney, Gremlin is of particular relevance since recent data suggest that it could be a mediator of diabetic nephropathy and other progressive renal diseases. Earlier studies have shown that Gremlin is upregulated in trans-differentiated renal proximal tubular cells and in several chronic kidney diseases associated with fibrosis. However, not much was known about the mechanisms by which Gremlin acts in renal pathophysiology. The role of Gremlin as a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist has clearly been demonstrated in organogenesis and in fibrotic-related disorders. Gremlin binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial and tubular epithelial cells. Activation of the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis was found in several human nephropathies. We have recently described that Gremlin activates the VEGFR2 signaling pathway in the kidney, eliciting a downstream mechanism linked to renal inflammatory response. Gremlin deletion improves experimental renal damage, diminishing fibrosis. Overall, the available data identify the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis as a novel therapeutic target for kidney inflammation and fibrosis and provide a rationale for unveiling new concepts to investigate in several clinical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alejandra Droguett
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Paola Krall
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital, Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, CIBERDEM, Instituto Renal Reina Sofía, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, RedinRen, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kobara Y, Hasegawa H, Hirose M, Takano H, Kobayashi Y. Analysis of the Correlation between the Myocardial Expression of DPP-4 and the Clinical Parameters of Patients with Heart Failure. Int Heart J 2018; 59:1303-1311. [PMID: 30369565 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.17-547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are widely used as antidiabetic drugs. We recently reported that DPP-4 inhibition has beneficial effects on heart failure (HF) mice model. Furthermore, we confirmed that myocardial DPP-4 activity was significantly increased in HF mice compared with non-HF mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of myocardial CD26 (DPP-4) expression and its association to clinical parameters in HF patients.Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) specimens (n = 33) were obtained from HF patients who were admitted to Chiba University Hospital from June 2006 to July 2012. EMB specimens were fixed in formaldehyde and stained with Masson's trichrome staining or with anti-CD26 antibody. Patients were divided into the high CD26 density (CD26-H) or low CD26 density groups (CD26-L). DPP-4 density was compared with blood brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and echocardiographic parameters at one year after EMB. Although there were no significant differences in echocardiographic parameters between the CD26-H group and CD26-L group, blood BNP levels were higher in the CD26-H group than in the CD26-L group at one year after EMB. Multivariate regression analysis showed that CD26 density was also an independent determinant of blood BNP levels at one year after EMB.The level of myocardial CD26 expression might be a predictive marker of prognosis in patients with HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kobara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Masanori Hirose
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hiroyuki Takano
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University
| | - Yoshio Kobayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marquez-Exposito L, Lavoz C, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Rayego-Mateos S, Orejudo M, Cantero-Navarro E, Ortiz A, Egido J, Selgas R, Mezzano S, Ruiz-Ortega M. Gremlin Regulates Tubular Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition via VEGFR2: Potential Role in Renal Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1195. [PMID: 30386246 PMCID: PMC6199372 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as an important health problem due to the increase number of CKD patients and the absence of an effective curative treatment. Gremlin has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target for renal inflammatory diseases, acting via Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR2). Although many evidences suggest that Gremlin could regulate renal fibrosis, the receptor involved has not been yet clarified. Gremlin, as other TGF-β superfamily members, regulates tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and, therefore, could contribute to renal fibrosis. In cultured tubular epithelial cells Gremlin binding to VEGFR2 is linked to proinflammatory responses. Now, we have found out that in these cells VEGFR2 is also involved in the profibrotic actions of Gremlin. VEGFR2 blockade by a pharmacological kinase inhibitor or gene silencing diminished Gremlin-mediated gene upregulation of profibrotic factors and restored changes in EMT-related genes. Moreover, VEGFR2 inhibition blocked EMT phenotypic changes and dampened the rate of wound healing in response to Gremlin. The role of VEGFR2 in experimental fibrosis was evaluated in experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction. VEFGR2 inhibition diminished the upregulation of profibrotic genes and EMT changes, as well as the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and collagens in the obstructed kidneys. Notch pathway activation participates in renal damage progression by regulating cell growth/proliferation, regeneration and inflammation. In cultured tubular epithelial cells, Notch inhibition markedly downregulated Gremlin-induced EMT changes and wound healing speed. These results show that Gremlin regulates the EMT process via VEGFR2 and Notch pathway activation, suggesting that the Gremlin/VEGFR2 axis could be a potential therapeutic target for CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marquez-Exposito
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Raul R Rodrigues-Diez
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Nephrology, Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario la Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Institut de Recerca Biomédica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Macarena Orejudo
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Cantero-Navarro
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Selgas
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Nephrology, Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario la Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mueller KAL, Patzelt J, Sauter M, Maier P, Gekeler S, Klingel K, Kandolf R, Seizer P, Gawaz M, Geisler T, Langer HF. Myocardial expression of the anaphylatoxin receptor C3aR is associated with cardiac inflammation and prognosis in patients with non-ischaemic heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2018; 5:846-857. [PMID: 30168657 PMCID: PMC6165948 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study is to analyse the prognostic value of complement anaphylatoxin receptors in patients with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing endomyocardial biopsy. Methods and results In 102 patients (72.5% male patients, median age 54 years) with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy, myocardial expression of C3aR was assessed among other parameters. The primary study endpoint was a composite of death, heart transplantation, heart failure‐related re‐hospitalization, and deterioration of left ventricular ejection fraction within a mean follow‐up of 11.9 months. The number of cells, which stained positive for C3aR, was significantly increased in patients with inflammatory compared with non‐inflammatory cardiomyopathy (1.75 ± 0.31 cells in inflammatory cardiomyopathy vs. 0.94 ± 0.26 in non‐inflammatory cardiomyopathy, P = 0.049). Subsequently, positive expression for C3aR was judged based on a semi‐quantitative scoring system. Significantly, more patients with positive MHCII and CD68 expression showed an increased number of C3aR‐positive cells. C3aR expression based on this score was more pronounced in patients with human herpesvirus 6 viral genome detection. Kaplan–Meier curves illustrate that the C3aR‐negative group reached the primary endpoint significantly more often (mean follow‐up 11.9 months, log rank 5.963, P = 0.015). Lack of C3aR expression was a strong independent predictor for the primary endpoint in Cox regression analysis [hazard ratio 0.46 (0.26–0.82, P = 0.009)]. Conclusions C3aR‐positive cells are found more often in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy. The relevance of C3aR‐positive cells in patients with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy should be further evaluated as potential predictors or modulators of adverse cardiac remodelling, the substrate of progressive heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin A L Mueller
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Patzelt
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuela Sauter
- Section for Cardioimmunology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Maier
- Section for Cardioimmunology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Gekeler
- Section for Cardioimmunology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Klingel
- Department for Molecular Pathology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Kandolf
- Department for Molecular Pathology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Seizer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meinrad Gawaz
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Geisler
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Harald F Langer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Section for Cardioimmunology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sakkou M, Chouvardas P, Ntari L, Prados A, Moreth K, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabe de Angelis M, Denis MC, Karagianni N, Kollias G. Mesenchymal TNFR2 promotes the development of polyarthritis and comorbid heart valve stenosis. JCI Insight 2018; 3:98864. [PMID: 29618659 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.98864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal TNF signaling is etiopathogenic for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis (SpA). The role of Tnfr1 in arthritis has been documented; however, Tnfr2 functions are unknown. Here, we investigate the mesenchymal-specific role of Tnfr2 in the TnfΔARE mouse model of SpA in arthritis and heart valve stenosis comorbidity by cell-specific, Col6a1-cre-driven gene targeting. We find that TNF/Tnfr2 signaling in resident synovial fibroblasts (SFs) and valvular interstitial cells (VICs) is detrimental for both pathologies, pointing to common cellular mechanisms. In contrast, systemic Tnfr2 provides protective signaling, since its complete deletion leads to severe deterioration of both pathologies. SFs and VICs lacking Tnfr2 fail to acquire pathogenic activated phenotypes and display increased expression of antiinflammatory cytokines associated with decreased Akt signaling. Comparative RNA sequencing experiments showed that the majority of the deregulated pathways in TnfΔARE mesenchymal-origin SFs and VICs, including proliferation, inflammation, migration, and disease-specific genes, are regulated by Tnfr2; thus, in its absence, they are maintained in a quiescent nonpathogenic state. Our data indicate a pleiotropy of Tnfr2 functions, with mesenchymal Tnfr2 driving cell activation and arthritis/valve stenosis pathogenesis only in the presence of systemic Tnfr2, whereas nonmesenchymal Tnfr2 overcomes this function, providing protective signals and, thus, containing both pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sakkou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Chouvardas
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece.,Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Lydia Ntari
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Alejandro Prados
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Kristin Moreth
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valerie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Alte Akademie, Freising, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | | | - George Kollias
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece.,Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chatterjee M, Behrendt A, Schmid M, Beck S, Schneider M, Mack A, Müller I, Geisler T, Gawaz M. Platelets as a novel source of Gremlin-1: Implications for thromboinflammation. Thromb Haemost 2017; 117:311-324. [DOI: 10.1160/th16-08-0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryPlatelets mediating haemostasis-thrombosis are central players in coronary artery disease (CAD). We characterised platelets as a novel source of Gremlin-1. Platelets express Gremlin-1 like inflammatory and endothelial cells. Gremlin-1 co-localised with P-selectin containing randomly distributed α–granules under resting state, which were peripheralised following platelet activation or adhesion over fibrinogen-coated surface. Gremlin-1 release upon activation with ADP, CRP, and TRAP was detected as enhanced surface expression; also in activated platelet supernatant as detected by Western Blot following CRP activation and by ELISA upon activation with ADP, CRP, PAR-1, and PAR4 agonist. Recombinant (rh)Gremlin-1 synergistically enhanced CRP-triggered intracellular calcium mobilisation, ADP-TRAP induced platelet activation, aggregation, and thrombin-activation triggered apoptosis; also thrombus formation ex vivo. Intracellular localisation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and Gremlin-1 a high-affinity binding partner and functional antagonist of MIF were found in intracoronary thrombus sections from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and showed moderate overlap in α-granules of platelets. Intra-platelet Gremlin-1 levels were significantly decreased in ACS patients as compared to stable CAD (n=235). rhGremlin-1 also counteracted the anti-apoptotic and anti-thrombotic effects of rhMIF on platelets. Platelet-derived-Gremlin-1 prompted monocyte migration, facilitated adhesion under static and dynamic arterial flow conditions to collagen-adherent activated platelets; supported monocyte survival against BH-3-mimetic–induced apoptosis and macrophage differentiation in monocyte-platelet co-culture system, which were counteracted upon Gremlin-1 neutralisation. Thus platelet derived Gremlin-1 might contribute to the elevated circulating levels of Gremlin-1 in ACS and serve as a thrombo-inflammatory mediator in cardiovascular pathophysiologies.
Collapse
|
15
|
Mueller KAL, Heck C, Heinzmann D, Schwille J, Klingel K, Kandolf R, Kramer U, Gramlich M, Geisler T, Gawaz MP, Schreieck J, Seizer P. Comparison of Ventricular Inducibility with Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Myocardial Inflammation in Endomyocardial Biopsy in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167616. [PMID: 27930686 PMCID: PMC5145174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk stratification of patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy remains a matter of debate in the era of device implantation. OBJECTIVE We investigated associations between histopathological findings, contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI and the inducibility of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF) in programmed ventricular stimulation. METHODS 56 patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF≤50%, mean 36.6±10.5%) due to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent cardiac MRI, programmed ventricular stimulation, and endomyocardial biopsy and were retrospectively investigated. Inducibility was defined as sustained mono- or polymorphic VT or unstable VT/VF requiring cardioversion/defibrillation. Primary study endpoint was defined as the occurrence of hemodynamically relevant VT/VF and/or adequate ICD-therapy during follow-up. RESULTS Endomyocardial biopsy detected cardiac fibrosis in 18 (32.1%) patients. Cardiac MRI revealed 35 (62.5%) patients with positive late gadolinium enhancement. VT/VF was induced in ten (17.9%) patients during programmed ventricular stimulation. Monomorphic VT was inducible in 70%, while 20% of patients showed polymorphic VT. One patient (10%) presented with VF. Inducibility correlated significantly with the presence of positive late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac MRI (p<0.01). We could not find a significant association between inducibility and the degree of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in non-site directed routine right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. During a mean follow-up of 2.6 years, nine (16.1%) patients reached the primary endpoint. Monomorphic VTs were found in 66.7% patients and were terminated by antitachycardia pacing therapy. One patient with polymorphic VT and two patients with VF received adequate therapy by an ICD-shock. However, inducibility did not correlate with the occurrence of endpoints. CONCLUSION Inducibilty during programmed ventricular stimulation is associated with positive late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac MRI of patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The presence of myocardial fibrosis or inflammation in undirected endomyocardial biopsy does not seem to be sufficient to predict future ventricular arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin A. L. Mueller
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Heck
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - David Heinzmann
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Schwille
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin Klingel
- Abteilung für Molekulare Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Kandolf
- Abteilung für Molekulare Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kramer
- Institut für Radiologie, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Gramlich
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Geisler
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Meinrad P. Gawaz
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Juergen Schreieck
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Seizer
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitaetsklinikum der Eberhard-Karls Universitaet, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Karin D, Koyama Y, Brenner D, Kisseleva T. The characteristics of activated portal fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis. Differentiation 2016; 92:84-92. [PMID: 27591095 PMCID: PMC5079826 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic injury of hepatocytes and activation of Collagen Type I producing myofibroblasts that produce fibrous scar in liver fibrosis. Myofibroblasts are not present in the normal liver but rapidly appear early in experimental and clinical liver injury. The origin of the myofibroblast in liver fibrosis is still unresolved. The possibilities include activation of liver resident cells including portal fibroblasts, hepatic stellate cells, mesenchymal progenitor cells, and fibrocytes recruited from the bone marrow. It is considered that hepatic stellate cells and portal fibroblasts are the major source of hepatic myofibroblasts. In fact, the origin of myofibroblasts differs significantly for chronic liver diseases of different etiologies, such as cholestatic liver disease or hepatotoxic liver disease. Depending on etiology of hepatic injury, the fibrogenic foci might initiate within the hepatic lobule as seen in chronic hepatitis, or primarily affect the portal areas as in most biliary diseases. It has been suggested that activated portal fibroblasts/myofibroblasts work as "myofibroblasts for cholangiocytes" while hepatic stellate cells work as "myofibroblast for hepatocytes". This review will focus on our current understanding of the activated portal fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in cholestatic liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Karin
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA; Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Koli K, Sutinen E, Rönty M, Rantakari P, Fortino V, Pulkkinen V, Greco D, Sipilä P, Myllärniemi M. Gremlin-1 Overexpression in Mouse Lung Reduces Silica-Induced Lymphocyte Recruitment - A Link to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis through Negative Correlation with CXCL10 Chemokine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159010. [PMID: 27428020 PMCID: PMC4948891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by activation and injury of epithelial cells, the accumulation of connective tissue and changes in the inflammatory microenvironment. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitor protein gremlin-1 is associated with the progression of fibrosis both in human and mouse lung. We generated a transgenic mouse model expressing gremlin-1 in type II lung epithelial cells using the surfactant protein C (SPC) promoter and the Cre-LoxP system. Gremlin-1 protein expression was detected specifically in the lung after birth and did not result in any signs of respiratory insufficiency. Exposure to silicon dioxide resulted in reduced amounts of lymphocyte aggregates in transgenic lungs while no alteration in the fibrotic response was observed. Microarray gene expression profiling and analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytokines indicated a reduced lymphocytic response and a downregulation of interferon-induced gene program. Consistent with reduced Th1 response, there was a downregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of the anti-fibrotic chemokine CXCL10, which has been linked to IPF. In human IPF patient samples we also established a strong negative correlation in the mRNA expression levels of gremlin-1 and CXCL10. Our results suggest that in addition to regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk during tissue injury, gremlin-1 modulates inflammatory cell recruitment and anti-fibrotic chemokine production in the lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katri Koli
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Eva Sutinen
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Rönty
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Fimlab laboratories, Pathology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pia Rantakari
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Vittorio Fortino
- Unit of Systems Toxicology and Nanosafety Centre, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Pulkkinen
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dario Greco
- Unit of Systems Toxicology and Nanosafety Centre, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marjukka Myllärniemi
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ali IHA, Brazil DP. Bone morphogenetic proteins and their antagonists: current and emerging clinical uses. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 171:3620-32. [PMID: 24758361 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGFβ superfamily of secreted cysteine knot proteins that includes TGFβ1, nodal, activins and inhibins. BMPs were first discovered by Urist in the 1960s when he showed that implantation of demineralized bone into intramuscular tissue of rabbits induced bone and cartilage formation. Since this seminal discovery, BMPs have also been shown to play key roles in several other biological processes, including limb, kidney, skin, hair and neuronal development, as well as maintaining vascular homeostasis. The multifunctional effects of BMPs make them attractive targets for the treatment of several pathologies, including bone disorders, kidney and lung fibrosis, and cancer. This review will summarize current knowledge on the BMP signalling pathway and critically evaluate the potential of recombinant BMPs as pharmacological agents for the treatment of bone repair and tissue fibrosis in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran H A Ali
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Behnes M, Bertsch T, Weiss C, Ahmad-Nejad P, Akin I, Fastner C, El-Battrawy I, Lang S, Neumaier M, Borggrefe M, Hoffmann U. Triple head-to-head comparison of fibrotic biomarkers galectin-3, osteopontin and gremlin-1 for long-term prognosis in suspected and proven acute heart failure patients. Int J Cardiol 2016; 203:398-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.10.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
20
|
|
21
|
Mapping the heparin-binding site of the BMP antagonist gremlin by site-directed mutagenesis based on predictive modelling. Biochem J 2015; 470:53-64. [PMID: 26251446 DOI: 10.1042/bj20150228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin is a member of the CAN (cerberus and DAN) family of secreted BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) antagonists and also an agonist of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) receptor-2. It is critical in limb skeleton and kidney development and is re-expressed during tissue fibrosis. Gremlin binds strongly to heparin and heparan sulfate and, in the present study, we sought to investigate its heparin-binding site. In order to explore a putative non-contiguous binding site predicted by computational molecular modelling, we substituted a total of 11 key arginines and lysines located in three basic residue sequence clusters with homologous sequences from cerberus and DAN (differential screening selected gene abberative in neuroblastoma), CAN proteins which lack basic residues in these positions. A panel of six Myc-tagged gremlin mutants, MGR-1-MGR-6 (MGR, mutant gremlin), each containing different combinations of targeted substitutions, all showed markedly reduced affinity for heparin as demonstrated by their NaCl elution on heparin affinity chromatography, thus verifying our predictions. Both MGR-5 and MGR-6 retained BMP-4-binding activity comparable to that of wild-type gremlin. Low-molecular-mass heparin neither promoted nor inhibited BMP-4 binding. Finally, glutaraldehyde cross-linking demonstrated that gremlin forms non-covalent dimers, similar behaviour to that of DAN and also PRDC (protein related to cerberus and DAN), another CAN protein. The resulting dimer would possess two heparin-binding sites, each running along an exposed surface on the second β-strand finger loop of one of the monomers.
Collapse
|
22
|
Wellbrock J, Harbaum L, Stamm H, Hennigs JK, Schulz B, Klose H, Bokemeyer C, Fiedler W, Lüneburg N. Intrinsic BMP Antagonist Gremlin-1 as a Novel Circulating Marker in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Lung 2015; 193:567-70. [PMID: 25926293 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-015-9735-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin-1, an intrinsic antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, it is unknown whether gremlin-1 can be detected in the circulation of PAH patients and whether it is associated with patients' functional status and outcome. With a mean level of 242 ± 24 ng/ml, gremlin-1 levels of 31 PAH patients were significantly elevated compared to 151 ± 18 ng/ml in 15 age- and gender-matched healthy subject (p = 0.016). In PAH patients, increasing gremlin-1 levels correlated with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels (r = 0.608, p < 0.001) and inversely with the 6-minute walking distance (r = -0.412, p = 0.029). Furthermore, gremlin-1 significantly stratified survival in PAH patients (p = 0.015). Gremlin-1 may represent a new biomarker for PAH which can be linked directly to the underlying pathomechanism. Elevated levels of gremlin-1 are associated with patients' functional status and survival, thus gremlin-1 neutralization could represent a potential therapeutic strategy to increase BMPR2 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Novel prognostic tissue markers in congestive heart failure. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 24:65-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
|
24
|
Gremlin activates the Smad pathway linked to epithelial mesenchymal transdifferentiation in cultured tubular epithelial cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:802841. [PMID: 24949470 PMCID: PMC4052161 DOI: 10.1155/2014/802841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin is a developmental gene upregulated in human chronic kidney disease and in renal cells in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one process involved in renal fibrosis. In tubular epithelial cells we have recently described that Gremlin induces EMT and acts as a downstream TGF-β mediator. Our aim was to investigate whether Gremlin participates in EMT by the regulation of the Smad pathway. Stimulation of human tubular epithelial cells (HK2) with Gremlin caused an early activation of the Smad signaling pathway (Smad 2/3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and Smad-dependent gene transcription). The blockade of TGF-β, by a neutralizing antibody against active TGF-β, did not modify Gremlin-induced early Smad activation. These data show that Gremlin directly, by a TGF-β independent process, activates the Smad pathway. In tubular epithelial cells long-term incubation with Gremlin increased TGF-β production and caused a sustained Smad activation and a phenotype conversion into myofibroblasts-like cells. Smad 7 overexpression, which blocks Smad 2/3 activation, diminished EMT changes observed in Gremlin-transfected tubuloepithelial cells. TGF-β neutralization also diminished Gremlin-induced EMT changes. In conclusion, we propose that Gremlin could participate in renal fibrosis by inducing EMT in tubular epithelial cells through activation of Smad pathway and induction of TGF-β.
Collapse
|
25
|
O'Reilly S, Ciechomska M, Cant R, van Laar JM. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) trans signaling drives a STAT3-dependent pathway that leads to hyperactive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling promoting SMAD3 activation and fibrosis via Gremlin protein. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:9952-60. [PMID: 24550394 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.545822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common and intractable condition associated with various pathologies. It is characterized by accumulation of an excessive amount of extracellular matrix molecules that primarily include collagen type I. IL-6 is a profibrotic cytokine that is elevated in the prototypic fibrotic autoimmune condition systemic sclerosis and is known to induce collagen I expression, but the mechanism(s) behind this induction are currently unknown. Using healthy dermal fibroblasts in vitro, we analyzed the signaling pathways that underscore the IL-6-mediated induction of collagen. We show that IL-6 trans signaling is important and that the effect is dependent on STAT3; however, the effect is indirect and mediated through enhanced TGF-β signaling and the classic downstream cellular mediator Smad3. This is due to induction of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin-1, and we show that Gremlin-1 is profibrotic and is mediated through canonical TGF-β signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- From the Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, 4th Floor Cookson Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|