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Chia ZJ, Cao YN, Little PJ, Kamato D. Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1337-1348. [PMID: 38351317 PMCID: PMC11192764 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Ying-Nan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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2
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Dorry S, Perla S, Bennett AM. MAPK Phosphatase-5 is required for TGF-β signaling through a JNK-dependent pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.27.600976. [PMID: 38979264 PMCID: PMC11230413 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.27.600976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatases (MKPs) constitute members of the dual-specificity family of protein phosphatases that dephosphorylate the MAPKs. MKP-5 dephosphorylates the stress-responsive MAPKs, p38 MAPK and JNK, and has been shown to promote tissue fibrosis. Here, we provide insight into how MKP-5 regulates the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, a well-established driver of fibrosis. We show that MKP-5-deficient fibroblasts in response to TGF-β are impaired in SMAD2 phosphorylation at canonical and non-canonical sites, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activation of fibrogenic genes. Consistent with this, pharmacological inhibition of MKP-5 is sufficient to block TGF-β signaling, and that this regulation occurs through a JNK-dependent pathway. By utilizing RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis, we identify TGF-β signaling activators regulated by MKP-5 in a JNK-dependent manner, providing mechanistic insight into how MKP-5 promotes TGF-β signaling. This study elucidates a novel mechanism whereby MKP-5-mediated JNK inactivation is required for TGF-β signaling and provides insight into the role of MKP-5 in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Dorry
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sravan Perla
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anton M. Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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3
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Ishiguro H, Ushiki T, Honda A, Yoshimatsu Y, Ohashi R, Okuda S, Kawasaki A, Cho K, Tamura S, Suwabe T, Katagiri T, Ling Y, Iijima A, Mikami T, Kitagawa H, Uemura A, Sango K, Masuko M, Igarashi M, Sone H. Reduced chondroitin sulfate content prevents diabetic neuropathy through transforming growth factor-β signaling suppression. iScience 2024; 27:109528. [PMID: 38595797 PMCID: PMC11002665 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one of the most important extracellular matrix components and is known to interact with various diffusible factors; however, its role in DN pathology has not been examined. Therefore, we generated CSGalNAc-T1 knockout (T1KO) mice, in which CS levels were reduced. We demonstrated that diabetic T1KO mice were much more resistant to DN than diabetic wild-type (WT) mice. We also found that interactions between pericytes and vascular endothelial cells were more stable in T1KO mice. Among the RNA-seq results, we focused on the transforming growth factor β signaling pathway and found that the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 was less upregulated in T1KO mice than in WT mice under hyperglycemic conditions. Taken together, a reduction in CS level attenuates DN progression, indicating that CS is an important factor in DN pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Ishiguro
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takashi Ushiki
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Departments of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsuko Honda
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Center for Research Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshimatsu
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Riuko Ohashi
- Divisions of Molecular and Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shujiro Okuda
- Division of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Asami Kawasaki
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kaori Cho
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
| | - Suguru Tamura
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Suwabe
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takayuki Katagiri
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yiwei Ling
- Division of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Iijima
- Neurophysiology & Biomedical Engineering Lab, Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Engineering, Assistive Technology and Art and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University Niigata, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tadahisa Mikami
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazunori Sango
- Diabetic Neuropathy Project, Department of Diseases and Infection, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Masuko
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
- Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, , Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Michihiro Igarashi
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hirohito Sone
- Departments of Hematology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata university, Niigata, Japan
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4
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Zarezade V, Mohammadtaghvaei N, Rashidi M, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H. Cardioprotective effect of tamoxifen and raloxifene: Preventing proteoglycan synthesis by modulating non-canonical TGF-β signalling through NADPH oxidase and ERK phosphorylation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 671:263-269. [PMID: 37307710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, remains a significant global health concern. Tamoxifen and raloxifene, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), have demonstrated potential cardioprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which these SERMs modulate Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain largely unexplored. This study sought to investigate the impact of tamoxifen and raloxifene on TGF-β-induced CHSY1 expression and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation in VSMCs and to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and kinase pathways in mediating these effects. Employing a comprehensive experimental strategy, VSMCs were treated with TGF-β in the presence or absence of tamoxifen, raloxifene, and various pharmacological inhibitors. Subsequently, CHSY1 mRNA expression, Smad2C and Smad2L phosphorylation, ROS production, p47phox and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation were assessed. Our results revealed that tamoxifen and raloxifene significantly attenuated TGF-β-mediated CHSY1 mRNA expression and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation, without affecting the canonical TGF-β-Smad2C pathway. Furthermore, these compounds effectively inhibited ROS production, p47phox and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, implicating the involvement of the TGF-β-NOX-ERK-Smad2L signaling cascade in their cardioprotective properties. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of tamoxifen and raloxifene in VSMCs, offering valuable insights for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at atherosclerosis prevention and the promotion of cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Zarezade
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Mohammadtaghvaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rashidi
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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5
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Sarohi V, Chakraborty S, Basak T. Exploring the cardiac ECM during fibrosis: A new era with next-gen proteomics. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1030226. [PMID: 36483540 PMCID: PMC9722982 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1030226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in maintaining elasticity in cardiac tissues. Elasticity is required in the heart for properly pumping blood to the whole body. Dysregulated ECM remodeling causes fibrosis in the cardiac tissues. Cardiac fibrosis leads to stiffness in the heart tissues, resulting in heart failure. During cardiac fibrosis, ECM proteins get excessively deposited in the cardiac tissues. In the ECM, cardiac fibroblast proliferates into myofibroblast upon various kinds of stimulations. Fibroblast activation (myofibroblast) contributes majorly toward cardiac fibrosis. Other than cardiac fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, epithelial/endothelial cells, and immune system cells can also contribute to cardiac fibrosis. Alteration in the expression of the ECM core and ECM-modifier proteins causes different types of cardiac fibrosis. These different components of ECM culminated into different pathways inducing transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblast into myofibroblast. In this review, we summarize the role of different ECM components during cardiac fibrosis progression leading to heart failure. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of applying mass-spectrometry-based proteomics to understand the key changes occurring in the ECM during fibrotic progression. Next-gen proteomics studies will broaden the potential to identify key targets to combat cardiac fibrosis in order to achieve precise medicine-development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Sarohi
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
- BioX Center, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sanchari Chakraborty
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
- BioX Center, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Trayambak Basak
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
- BioX Center, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)- Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India
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6
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Yasuda S, Sumioka T, Miyajima M, Iwanishi H, Morii T, Mochizuki N, Reinach PS, Kao WWY, Okada Y, Liu CY, Saika S. Anomaly of cornea and ocular adnexa in spinster homolog 2 (Spns2) knockout mice. Ocul Surf 2022; 26:111-127. [PMID: 35988880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Spinster 2 (Spns2) is a transporter that pumps sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid mediator synthesized in the cytoplasm, out of cells into the inter cellular space. S1P is a signal that modulates cellular behavior during embryonic development, inflammation and tissue repair, etc. A Spns2-null (KO) mouse is born with failure of eyelid closure (eyelid-open-at birth; EOB) and develop corneal fibrosis in adulthood. It remains elusive whether corneal lesion is caused by exposure to keratitis (lagophthalmos) of EOB phenotype or the loss of Spns2 directly perturbs the corneal tissue morphogenesis and intra-eyelid structures. Therefore, we investigated differences between the cornea and ocular adnexa morphogenesis in KO and wild-type (WT) embryos and adults as well. The loss of Spns2 perturbs cornea morphogenesis during embryonic development as early as E16.5 besides EOB phenotype. Histology showed that the corneal stroma was thinner with less extracellular matrix accumulation, e.g., collagen and keratocan in the KO mouse. Epithelial stratification, expression of keratin 12 and formation of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes were also perturbed in these KO corneas. Lacking Spns2 impaired morphogenesis of the Meibomian glands and of orbicularis oculi muscles. KO glands were labeled for ELOVL4 and PPARγ and were Oil-Red O-positive, suggesting KO acinar cells possessed functionality as the glands. This is the first report on the roles of Spns2 in corneal and Meibomian gland morphogenesis. Corneal tissue destruction in an adult KO mouse might be due to not only lagophthalmos but also to an impaired morphogenesis of cornea, Meibomian glands, and orbicularis oculi muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Yasuda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan; Indiana University School of Optometry, USA.
| | - Takayoshi Sumioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masayasu Miyajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiroki Iwanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tomoya Morii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Naoki Mochizuki
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Japan
| | - Peter S Reinach
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Winston W Y Kao
- Crawley Vision Research Center & Ophthalmic Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Yuka Okada
- Deaprtment of Ophthalmology, Kihoku Hospital, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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7
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Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Mohamed R, Dayati P, Mehr RN, Seif F, Sharifat N, Khedri A, Kamato D, Little PJ. Endothelin-1 dependent expression of GAG genes involves NOX and p38 mediated Smad linker region phosphorylation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:710-718. [PMID: 35527471 PMCID: PMC9322435 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13650] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and mediates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain hyperelongation on proteoglycans. Our aim was to identify the ET-1-mediated signalling pathway involving NADPH oxidase (NOX), p38 MAP kinsae and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2L) regulate GAG synthesizing enzymes mRNA expression (C4ST-1 and ChSy1) involved in GAG chains hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Signalling intermediates were detected and quantified by Western blotting and the mRNA levels of GAG synthesizing enzymes were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ET-1 treatment of human VSMCs resulted in an increase in phospho-Smad2L level. The TGF-β receptor antagonist, SB431542 and the mixed ETA and ETB receptor antagonist bosentan, inhibited ET-1-mediated phospho-Smad2L level. In the presence of apocynin and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) (NOX inhibitors) and SB239063 (p38 inhibitor) ET-1-mediated phospho-Smad2L levels were inhibited. The gene expression levels of GAG synthesizing enzymes post-ET-1 treatment were increased compared to untreated controls (P<0.01). The ET-mediated the mRNA levels of these enzymes were blocked by the bosentan, SB431542, SB239063, DPI, apocynin and antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). ET-1-mediated signalling to GAG synthesizing enzymes gene expression occurs via transactivation-dependent pathway involving NOX, p38 MAP kinsae and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Rafat Mohamed
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Sharifat
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Azam Khedri
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Dannii Kamato
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Little PJ, Mohamed R, Zadeh GM, Kheirollah A, Mehr RN, Kamato D, Dayati P. Endothelin-1 mediated glycosaminoglycan synthesizing gene expression involves NOX-dependent transactivation of the transforming growth factor-β receptor. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:981-988. [PMID: 34982346 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonist endothelin-1 (ET-1) through transactivation of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β receptor (TGFBR1) stimulates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) elongation on proteoglycans. GPCR agonists thrombin and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) via respective receptors transactivate the TGFBR1 via Rho/ROCK dependent pathways however mechanistic insight for ET-1 transactivation of the TGFBR1 remains unknown. NADPH oxidase (NOX) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is a signalling entity implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases including atherosclerosis. If implicated in this pathway, NOX/ROS would be a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NOX in ET-1/ET receptor-mediated transactivation of TGFBR1 to stimulate mRNA expression of GAG chain synthesizing enzymes chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 1 (C4ST-1) and chondroitin sulfate synthase 1 (ChSy-1). The invitro model used vascular smooth muscle cells that were treated with pharmacological antagonists in the presence and absence of ET-1 or TGF-β. Proteins and phosphoproteins isolated from treated cells were quantified by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess mRNA expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes. In the presence of diphenyliodonium (DPI) (NOX inhibitor), ET-1 stimulated phospho-Smad2C levels were inhibited. ET-1 mediated mRNA expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes C4ST-1 and ChSy-1 was also blocked by TGBFR1 antagonists, SB431542, broad spectrum ET receptor antagonist bosentan, DPI and ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. This work shows that NOX and ROS play an important role in ET-1 mediated transactivation of the TGFBR1 and downstream gene targets associated with GAG chain elongation. As ROS is involved in GPCR to protein tyrosine kinase receptor transactivation, the NOX/ROS axis presents as the first common biochemical target in all GPCR to kinase receptor transactivation signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, Guangdong, China
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Ghorban Mohammad Zadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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9
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Mohamed R, Shajimoon A, Afroz R, Gabr M, Thomas WG, Little PJ, Kamato D. Akt acts as a switch for GPCR transactivation of the TGF-β receptor type 1. FEBS J 2021; 289:2642-2656. [PMID: 34826189 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling commences with the engagement of TGF-β ligand to cell surface TGF-β receptors (TGFBR) stimulating Smad2 carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2C) and downstream biological responses. In several cell models, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transactivate the TGF-β receptors type-1 (TGFBR1) leading to phospho-Smad2C, however, we have recently published that in keratinocytes thrombin did not transactivate the TGFBR1. The bulk of TGFBRs reside in the cytosol and in response to protein kinase B (Akt phosphorylation) can translocate to the cell surface increasing the cell's responsiveness to TGF-β. In this study, we investigate the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1. We demonstrate that angiotensin II and thrombin do not phosphorylate Smad2C in human vascular smooth muscle cells and in keratinocytes respectively. We used Akt agonist, SC79 to sensitise the cells to Akt and observed that Ang II and thrombin phosphorylate Smad2C via Akt/AS160-dependent pathways. We show that SC79 rapidly translocates TGFBRs to the cell surface thus increasing the cell's response to the GPCR agonist. These findings highlight novel mechanistic insight for the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Aravindra Shajimoon
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Mai Gabr
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Walter G Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
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10
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Thielen N, Neefjes M, Wiegertjes R, van den Akker G, Vitters E, van Beuningen H, Blaney Davidson E, Koenders M, van Lent P, van de Loo F, van Caam A, van der Kraan P. Osteoarthritis-Related Inflammation Blocks TGF-β's Protective Effect on Chondrocyte Hypertrophy via (de)Phosphorylation of the SMAD2/3 Linker Region. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158124. [PMID: 34360888 PMCID: PMC8347103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by irreversible cartilage damage, inflammation and altered chondrocyte phenotype. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling via SMAD2/3 is crucial for blocking hypertrophy. The post-translational modifications of these SMAD proteins in the linker domain regulate their function and these can be triggered by inflammation through the activation of kinases or phosphatases. Therefore, we investigated if OA-related inflammation affects TGF-β signaling via SMAD2/3 linker-modifications in chondrocytes. We found that both Interleukin (IL)-1β and OA-synovium conditioned medium negated SMAD2/3 transcriptional activity in chondrocytes. This inhibition of TGF-β signaling was enhanced if SMAD3 could not be phosphorylated on Ser213 in the linker region and the inhibition by IL-1β was less if the SMAD3 linker could not be phosphorylated at Ser204. Our study shows evidence that inflammation inhibits SMAD2/3 signaling in chondrocytes via SMAD linker (de)-phosphorylation. The involvement of linker region modifications may represent a new therapeutic target for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Thielen
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Margot Neefjes
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Renske Wiegertjes
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Guus van den Akker
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Elly Vitters
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Henk van Beuningen
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Esmeralda Blaney Davidson
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Marije Koenders
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Peter van Lent
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Fons van de Loo
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Arjan van Caam
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Peter van der Kraan
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Hussain H, Cao Y, Mohamad R, Afroz R, Zhou Y, Moyle P, Bansal N, Wattoo FH, Kamato D, Little PJ. YY-11, a camel milk-derived peptide, inhibits TGF-β-mediated atherogenic signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells. J Food Biochem 2021; 46:e13882. [PMID: 34312884 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, the major underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease, commences with the binding and trapping of lipids on modified proteoglycans, with hyperelongated glycosaminoglycan chains. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulates glycosaminoglycan elongation in vascular smooth muscle cells. We have recently shown that this TGF-β signaling pathway involves reactive oxygen species (ROS). YY-11 is a dodecapeptide derived from camel milk and it has antioxidant activity. We have investigated the role of YY-11 in blocking ROS signaling and downstream atherogenic responses. YY-11 inhibited TGF-β stimulated ROS production and inhibited the expression of genes for glycosaminoglycan chain elongation as a component of an in vitro model of atherosclerosis. This study provides a biochemical mechanism for the role of camel milk as a potential nutritional product to contribute to the worldwide amelioration of cardiovascular disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The identification of readily accessible foods with antioxidant properties would provide a convenient and cost-effective approach community wide reducing oxidative stress induced pathologies such as atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that camel milk-derived peptide is an antioxidant that can inhibit growth factor-mediated proteoglycan modification in vitro. As proteoglycan modification is being recognized as one of the earliest atherogenic responses, these data support the notion of camel milk as a suitable nutritional product to contribute to the prevention of early stage of atherosclerosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Hussain
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Raafat Mohamad
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Moyle
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Nidhi Bansal
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Feroza Hamid Wattoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Little PJ, Askew CD, Xu S, Kamato D. Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: History and Analysis of the Clinical Utility of the Relationship. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060699. [PMID: 34203043 PMCID: PMC8234001 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium is the single-cell monolayer that lines the entire vasculature. The endothelium has a barrier function to separate blood from organs and tissues but also has an increasingly appreciated role in anti-coagulation, vascular senescence, endocrine secretion, suppression of inflammation and beyond. In modern times, endothelial cells have been identified as the source of major endocrine and vaso-regulatory factors principally the dissolved lipophilic vosodilating gas, nitric oxide and the potent vascular constricting G protein receptor agonists, the peptide endothelin. The role of the endothelium can be conveniently conceptualized. Continued investigations of the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction will lead to novel therapies for cardiovascular disease. In this review, we discuss the impact of endothelial dysfunction on cardiovascular disease and assess the clinical relevance of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Little
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia;
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China;
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Christopher D. Askew
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia;
- VasoActive Research Group, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology, Hefei 230037, China;
| | - Danielle Kamato
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China;
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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13
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Xu S, Kamato D. Curcumin Inhibits Lysophosphatidic Acid Mediated MCP-1 Expression via Blocking ROCK Signalling. Molecules 2021; 26:2320. [PMID: 33923651 PMCID: PMC8073974 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural compound that has been widely used as a food additive and medicine in Asian countries. Over several decades, diverse biological effects of curcumin have been elucidated, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a key inflammatory marker during the development of atherosclerosis, and curcumin blocks MCP-1 expression stimulated by various ligands. Hence, we studied the action of curcumin on lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) mediated MCP-1 expression and explored the specific underlying mechanisms. In human vascular smooth muscle cells, LPA induces Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) dependent transforming growth factor receptor (TGFBR1) transactivation, leading to glycosaminoglycan chain elongation. We found that LPA also signals via the TGFBR1 transactivation pathway to regulate MCP-1 expression. Curcumin blocks LPA mediated TGFBR1 transactivation and subsequent MCP-1 expression by blocking the ROCK signalling. In the vasculature, ROCK signalling regulates smooth muscle cell contraction, inflammatory cell recruitment, endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling. Therefore, curcumin as a ROCK signalling inhibitor has the potential to prevent atherogenesis via multiple ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Y.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Y.Z.); (D.K.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230037, China;
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Y.Z.); (D.K.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
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14
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Wang W, Zhu Y, Sun Z, Jin C, Wang X. Positive feedback regulation between USP15 and ERK2 inhibits osteoarthritis progression through TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling. Arthritis Res Ther 2021; 23:84. [PMID: 33726807 PMCID: PMC7962367 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-021-02456-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA). However, the specific mechanism of non-SMAD and classical SMAD signaling interactions is still unclear, which needs to be further explored. Methods In ATDC5 cells, USP15 overexpression and knockout were performed using the transfected lentivirus USP15 and Crispr/Cas9. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to test p-SMAD2 and cartilage phenotype-related molecular markers. In rat OA models, immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin (HE)/Safranin-O fast green staining, and histology were used to examine the regulatory activity of USP15 in TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling and the cartilage phenotype. Then, ERK2 overexpression and knockout were performed. The expressions of USP15, p-SMAD2, and the cartilage phenotype were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. To address whether USP15 is required for ERK2 and TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling, we performed rescue experiments in vitro and in vivo. Immunoprecipitation and deubiquitination assays were used to examine whether USP15 could bind to ERK2 and affect the deubiquitination of ERK2. Finally, whether USP15 regulates the level of p-ERK1/2 was evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry in vitro and in vivo. Results Our results indicated that USP15 stimulated TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling and the cartilage phenotype. Moreover, ERK2 required USP15 to influence TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling for regulating the cartilage phenotype in vivo and in vitro. And USP15 can form a complex with ERK2 to regulate ubiquitination of ERK2. Interestingly, USP15 did not regulate the stability of ERK2 but increased the level of p-ERK1/2 to further enhance the TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling pathway. Conclusions Taken together, our study revealed positive feedback regulation between USP15 and ERK2, which played a critical role in TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling to inhibit OA progression. Therefore, this specific mechanism can guide the clinical treatment of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhui Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Creamer TJ, Bramel EE, MacFarlane EG. Insights on the Pathogenesis of Aneurysm through the Study of Hereditary Aortopathies. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:183. [PMID: 33514025 PMCID: PMC7912671 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are permanent and localized dilations of the aorta that predispose patients to a life-threatening risk of aortic dissection or rupture. The identification of pathogenic variants that cause hereditary forms of TAA has delineated fundamental molecular processes required to maintain aortic homeostasis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) elaborate and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to mechanical and biochemical cues from their environment. Causal variants for hereditary forms of aneurysm compromise the function of gene products involved in the transmission or interpretation of these signals, initiating processes that eventually lead to degeneration and mechanical failure of the vessel. These include mutations that interfere with transduction of stimuli from the matrix to the actin-myosin cytoskeleton through integrins, and those that impair signaling pathways activated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In this review, we summarize the features of the healthy aortic wall, the major pathways involved in the modulation of VSMC phenotypes, and the basic molecular functions impaired by TAA-associated mutations. We also discuss how the heterogeneity and balance of adaptive and maladaptive responses to the initial genetic insult might contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Creamer
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (T.J.C.); (E.E.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Emily E. Bramel
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (T.J.C.); (E.E.B.)
- Predoctoral Training in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (T.J.C.); (E.E.B.)
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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16
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Vazquez-Prada KX, Lam J, Kamato D, Xu ZP, Little PJ, Ta HT. Targeted Molecular Imaging of Cardiovascular Diseases by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 41:601-613. [PMID: 33356385 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the major contributors to global disease burden. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that involves the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the large arteries, forming an atherosclerotic plaque. Rupture of unstable plaques leads to thrombosis that triggers life-threatening complications such as myocardial infarction. Current diagnostic methods are invasive as they require insertion of a catheter into the coronary artery. Molecular imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, have been developed to image atherosclerotic plaques and thrombosis due to its high spatial resolution and safety. The sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging can be improved with contrast agents, such as iron oxide nanoparticles. This review presents the most recent advances in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction molecular imaging using iron oxide-based nanoparticles. While some studies have shown their effectiveness, many are yet to undertake comprehensive testing of biocompatibility. There are still potential hazards to address and complications to diagnosis, therefore strategies for overcoming these challenges are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla X Vazquez-Prada
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., Z.P.X., H.T.T.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., H.T.T.), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jacinta Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., Z.P.X., H.T.T.), the University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, China (P.J.L.)
| | - Hang T Ta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., Z.P.X., H.T.T.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., H.T.T.), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Environment and Science (H.T.T.), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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17
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Cao Y, Ta HT, Kamato D. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 transactivation of TGFBR1 stimulates the mRNA expression of proteoglycan synthesizing genes XYLT1 and CHST3. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118848. [PMID: 32920014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) via transactivation dependent signalling pathways contributes to a plethora of physiological and pathophysiological responses. In the vasculature, hyperelongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans leads to lipid retention in the intima resulting in the early pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we investigated and defined the contribution of transactivation dependent signalling in LPA mediated GAG chain hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). LPA acting via the LPA receptor 5 (LPAR5) transactivates the TGFBR1 to stimulate the mRNA expression of GAG initiation and elongation genes xylosyltransferase-1 (XYLT1) and chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase-1 (CHST3), respectively. We found that LPA stimulates ROS and Akt signalling in VSMCs, however they are not associated in LPAR5 transactivation of the TGFBR1. We observed that LPA via ROCK dependent pathways transactivates the TGFBR1 to stimulate genes associated with GAG chain elongation. We demonstrate that GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1 occurs via a universal biochemical mechanism and the identified effectors represent potential therapeutic targets to inhibit pathophysiological effects of GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China.
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Hang T Ta
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China.
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18
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Zhou Y, Kumarapperuma H, Sichone S, Chia ZJ, Little PJ, Xu S, Kamato D. Artemisinin inhibits glycosaminoglycan chain synthesizing gene expression but not proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:239-243. [PMID: 32868072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pleotropic growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β drives the modification and elongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans. Hyperelongated GAG chains bind and trap lipoproteins in the intima leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. We have identified that phosphorylation of Smad2 linker region drives GAG chain modification. The identification of an inhibitor of Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain modification signifies a potential therapeutic for cardiovascular diseases. Artemisinin renowned for its potent anti-malarial effects possesses a broad range of biological effects. Our aim was to characterise the anti-atherogenic role of artemisinin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We demonstrate that TGF-β mediated Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain elongation was attenuated by artemisinin; however, we observed no effect on VSMC proliferation. Our data demonstrates the potential for artemisinin to be developed as a therapy to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by prevention of lipid deposition in the vessel wall without affecting the proliferation of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Salifya Sichone
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Zheng Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Hefei, 230037, China.
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
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19
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Downey L, Afroz R, Wu Y, Ta HT, Xu S, Kamato D. The Role of Toll-like Receptors in Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Disease. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:457-471. [PMID: 32566912 PMCID: PMC7296543 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are dominant components of the innate immune system. Activated by both pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns, TLRs underpin the pathology of numerous inflammation related diseases that include not only immune diseases, but also cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, obesity, and cancers. Growing evidence has demonstrated that TLRs are involved in multiple cardiovascular pathophysiologies, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Specifically, a trial called the Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study showed the use of an antibody that neutralizes interleukin-1β, reduces the recurrence of cardiovascular events, demonstrating inflammation as a therapeutic target and also the research value of targeting the TLR system in CVD. In this review, we provide an update of the interplay between TLR signaling, inflammatory mediators, and atherothrombosis, with an aim to identify new therapeutic targets for atherothrombotic CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter J. Little
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen
University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510520, China
| | - Liam Downey
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Yuao Wu
- Australian
Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hang T. Ta
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Australian
Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Aab
Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen
University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510520, China
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20
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Gowripalan A, Abbott CR, McKenzie C, Chan WS, Karupiah G, Levy L, Newsome TP. Cell-to-cell spread of vaccinia virus is promoted by TGF-β-independent Smad4 signalling. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13206. [PMID: 32237038 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The induction of Smad signalling by the extracellular ligand TGF-β promotes tissue plasticity and cell migration in developmental and pathological contexts. Here, we show that vaccinia virus (VACV) stimulates the activity of Smad transcription factors and expression of TGF-β/Smad-responsive genes at the transcript and protein levels. Accordingly, infected cells share characteristics to those undergoing TGF-β/Smad-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Depletion of the Smad4 protein, a common mediator of TGF-β signalling, results in an attenuation of viral cell-to-cell spread and reduced motility of infected cells. VACV induction of TGF-β/Smad-responsive gene expression does not require the TGF-β ligand or type I and type II TGF-β receptors, suggesting a novel, non-canonical Smad signalling pathway. Additionally, the spread of ectromelia virus, a related orthopoxvirus that does not activate a TGF-β/Smad response, is enhanced by the addition of exogenous TGF-β. Together, our results indicate that VACV orchestrates a TGF-β-like response via a unique activation mechanism to enhance cell migration and promote virus spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Gowripalan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caitlin R Abbott
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher McKenzie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Weng S Chan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gunasegaran Karupiah
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, The University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Laurence Levy
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Paris, France
| | - Timothy P Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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21
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Ly TD, Plümers R, Fischer B, Schmidt V, Hendig D, Kuhn J, Knabbe C, Faust I. Activin A-Mediated Regulation of XT-I in Human Skin Fibroblasts. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E609. [PMID: 32295230 PMCID: PMC7226200 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a fundamental feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components like proteoglycans (PG) or collagens in skin and internal organs. Serum analysis from SSc patients showed an increase in the enzyme activity of xylosyltransferase (XT), the initial enzyme in PG biosynthesis. There are two distinct XT isoforms-XT-I and XT-II-in humans, but until now only XT-I is associated with fibrotic remodelling for an unknown reason. The aim of this study was to identify new XT mediators and clarify the underlying mechanisms, in view of developing putative therapeutic anti-fibrotic interventions in the future. Therefore, we used different cytokines and growth factors, small molecule inhibitors as well as small interfering RNAs, and assessed the cellular XT activity and XYLT1 expression in primary human dermal fibroblasts by radiochemical activity assays and qRT-PCR. We identified a new function of activin A as a regulator of XYLT1 mRNA expression and XT activity. While the activin A-induced XT-I increase was found to be mediated by activin A receptor type 1B, MAPK and Smad pathways, the activin A treatment did not alter the XYLT2 expression. Furthermore, we observed a reciprocal regulation of XYLT1 and XYLT2 transcription after inhibition of the activin A pathway components. These results improve the understanding of the differential expression regulation of XYLT isoforms under pathological fibroproliferative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Isabel Faust
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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22
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Kamato D, Little PJ. Smad2 linker region phosphorylation is an autonomous cell signalling pathway: Implications for multiple disease pathologies. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 124:109854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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23
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Afroz R, Zhou Y, Little PJ, Xu S, Mohamed R, Stow J, Kamato D. Toll-like Receptor 4 Stimulates Gene Expression via Smad2 Linker Region Phosphorylation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:524-534. [PMID: 32566917 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis begins in the vessel wall with the retention of low density lipoproteins to modified proteoglycans with hyperelongated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. Bacterial infections produce endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide that exacerbate the outcome of atherosclerosis by generating a heightened state of inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via its toll-like receptor (TLR) is well-known for its role in mediating an inflammatory response in the body. Emerging evidence demonstrates that TLRs are involved in regulating vascular functions. In this study we sought to investigate the role of LPS in proteoglycan modification and GAG chain elongation, and we hypothesize that LPS will signal via Smad2 dependent pathways to regulate GAG chain elongation. The in vitro model used human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. GAG gene expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was performed using whole-cell protein lysates to assess the signaling pathway. LPS via TLR4 stimulates the expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes to an equal extent to traditional cardiovascular agonists. LPS phosphorylates the Smad2 linker region via TAK-1/MAPK dependent pathways which correlated with genes associated with GAG chain initiation and elongation. The well-characterized role of LPS in inflammation and our data on GAG gene expression demonstrates that GAG chain elongation is the earliest marker of the inflammatory cascade in atherosclerosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.,Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Jennifer Stow
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
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24
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Kamato D, Do BH, Osman N, Ross BP, Mohamed R, Xu S, Little PJ. Smad linker region phosphorylation is a signalling pathway in its own right and not only a modulator of canonical TGF-β signalling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:243-251. [PMID: 31407020 PMCID: PMC11104920 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathways are intensively investigated because of their diverse association with physiological and pathophysiological states. Smad transcription factors are the key mediators of TGF-β signalling. Smads can be directly phosphorylated in the carboxy terminal by the TGF-β receptor or in the linker region via multiple intermediate serine/threonine kinases. Growth factors in addition to hormones and TGF-β can activate many of the same kinases which can phosphorylate the Smad linker region. Historically, Smad linker region phosphorylation was shown to prevent nuclear translocation of Smads and inhibit TGF-β signalling pathways; however, it was subsequently shown that Smad linker region phosphorylation can be a driver of gene expression. This review will cover the signalling pathways of Smad linker region phosphorylation that drive the expression of genes involved in pathology and pathophysiology. The role of Smad signalling in cell biology is expanding rapidly beyond its role in TGF-β signalling and many signalling paradigms need to be re-evaluated in terms of Smad involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Bich Hang Do
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Ross
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peter J Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China
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25
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Mohamed R, Cao Y, Afroz R, Xu S, Ta HT, Barras M, Zheng W, Little PJ, Kamato D. ROS directly activates transforming growth factor β type 1 receptor signalling in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.129463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Mohamed R, Janke R, Guo W, Cao Y, Zhou Y, Zheng W, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Xu S, Kamato D, Little PJ. GPCR transactivation signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells: role of NADPH oxidases and reactive oxygen species. VASCULAR BIOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2019; 1:R1-R11. [PMID: 32923966 PMCID: PMC7439842 DOI: 10.1530/vb-18-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and extension of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transactivation-dependent signalling has enormously broadened the GPCR signalling paradigm. GPCRs can transactivate protein tyrosine kinase receptors (PTKRs) and serine/threonine kinase receptors (S/TKRs), notably the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor-β type 1 receptor (TGFBR1), respectively. Initial comprehensive mechanistic studies suggest that these two transactivation pathways are distinct. Currently, there is a focus on GPCR inhibitors as drug targets, and they have proven to be efficacious in vascular diseases. With the broadening of GPCR transactivation signalling, it is therefore important from a therapeutic perspective to find a common transactivation pathway of EGFR and TGFBR1 that can be targeted to inhibit complex pathologies activated by the combined action of these receptors. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules and they act as second messengers, thus modulating cellular signal transduction pathways. ROS are involved in different mechanisms of GPCR transactivation of EGFR. However, the role of ROS in GPCR transactivation of TGFBR1 has not yet been studied. In this review, we will discuss the involvement of ROS in GPCR transactivation-dependent signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Reearna Janke
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wanru Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Michel JB, Jondeau G, Milewicz DM. From genetics to response to injury: vascular smooth muscle cells in aneurysms and dissections of the ascending aorta. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:578-589. [PMID: 29360940 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) play a crucial role in both the pathogenesis of Aneurysms and Dissections of the ascending thoracic aorta (TAAD) in humans and in the associated adaptive compensatory responses, since thrombosis and inflammatory processes are absent in the majority of cases. Aneurysms and dissections share numerous characteristics, including aetiologies and histopathological alterations: vSMC disappearance, medial areas of mucoid degeneration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown. Three aetiologies predominate in TAAD in humans: (i) genetic causes in heritable familial forms, (ii) an association with bicuspid aortic valves, and (iii) a sporadic degenerative form linked to the aortic aging process. Genetic forms include mutations in vSMC genes encoding for molecules of the ECM or the TGF-β pathways, or participating in vSMC tone. On the other hand, aneurysms and dissections, whatever their aetiologies, are characterized by an increase in wall permeability leading to transmural advection of plasma proteins which could interact with vSMCs and ECM components. In this context, blood-borne plasminogen appears to play an important role, because its outward convection through the wall is increased in TAAD, and it could be converted to active plasmin at the vSMC membrane. Active plasmin can induce vSMC disappearance, proteolysis of adhesive proteins, activation of MMPs and release of TGF-β from its ECM storage sites. Conversely, vSMCs could respond to aneurysmal biomechanical and proteolytic injury by an epigenetic phenotypic switch, including constitutional overexpression and nuclear translocation of Smad2 and an increase in antiprotease and ECM protein synthesis. In contrast, such an epigenetic phenomenon is not observed in dissections. In this context, dysfunction of proteins involved in vSMC tone are interesting to study, particularly in interaction with plasma protein transport through the wall and TGF-β activation, to establish the relationship between these dysfunctions and ECM proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Michel
- UMR 1148, Laboratory for Translational Vascular Science, Inserm and Paris 7- Denis Diderot University, Xavier Bichat Hospital, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Jondeau
- UMR 1148, Laboratory for Translational Vascular Science, Inserm and Paris 7- Denis Diderot University, Xavier Bichat Hospital, 75018 Paris, France.,Cardiology Department, National Reference Center for Marfan Syndrome and Related Diseases, APHP Hopital Bichat, 75018 Paris
| | - Dianna M Milewicz
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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28
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Kamato D, Ta H, Afroz R, Xu S, Osman N, Little PJ. Mechanisms of PAR-1 mediated kinase receptor transactivation: Smad linker region phosphorylation. J Cell Commun Signal 2019; 13:539-548. [PMID: 31290007 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-019-00527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease activated receptors (PARs) transactivate both epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptors (TGFBR1) in vascular smooth muscle leading to the increased expression of genes (CHST11 and CHSY1) which are rate limiting for the enzymes that mediate hyperelongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on the lipid-binding proteoglycan, biglycan. This is an excellent model to investigate mechanisms of transactivation as the processes are biochemically distinct. EGFR transactivation is dependent on the classical matrix metalloprotease (MMP) based triple membrane bypass mechanism and TGFBR1 transactivation is dependent on Rho/ROCK signalling and integrins. We have shown that all kinase receptor signalling is targeted towards phosphorylation of the linker region of the transcription factor, Smad2. We investigated the mechanisms of thrombin mediated kinase receptor transactivation signalling using anti-phospho antibodies and Western blotting and gene expression by RT-PCR. Thrombin stimulation of phospho-Smad2 (Ser 245/250/255) and of phospho-Smad2(Thr220) via EGFR transactivation commences quickly and extends out to at least 4 h whereas transactivation via TGFBR1 is delayed for 120 min but also persists for at least 4 h. Signalling of thrombin stimulated Smad linker region phosphorylation is approximately equally inhibited by the MMP inhibitor, GM6001 and the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, and similarly expression of CHST11 and CHSY1 is approximately equally inhibited by GM6001 and Y27632. The data establishes Smad linker region phosphorylation as a central target of all transactivation signalling of GAG gene expression and thus an upstream kinase may be a target to prevent all transactivation signalling and its pathophysiological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. .,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Hang Ta
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China
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29
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Seif F, Little PJ, Niayesh-Mehr R, Zamanpour M, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H. Endothelin-1 increases CHSY-1 expression in aortic endothelial cells via transactivation of transforming growth factor β type I receptor induced by type B receptor endothelin-1. J Pharm Pharmacol 2019; 71:988-995. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
TGF-β through hyperelongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains leads to binding of low-density lipoproteins to the proteoglycans. The vasoactive peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study addressed the question whether ET-1 by activating the Rho kinase and cytoskeletal rearrangement can transactivate the TGF-β receptor leading to phosphorylation of the transcription factor Smad2 and increased expression of the GAG chain synthesizing enzyme such as chondroitin synthase-1 (CHSY-1) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs).
Methods
In this study, intermediates in ET-1-induced Smad2C phosphorylation and the protein level of CHSY-1 were identified and quantified by Western blotting.
Key findings
Endothelin-1 caused time-dependent phosphorylation of Smad2C which was inhibited in the presence of the endothelin B receptor antagonist, BQ788. The response to ET-1 was inhibited by the Rho/ROCK kinase antagonist, Y27632 and by cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin polymerization but the ET-1-mediated pSmad2C was not inhibited by the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, GM6001. ET-1 increased CHSY-1 protein level, which was inhibited in the presence of BQ788, cytochalasin D and Y27632.
Conclusions
Endothelin-1 signalling via the ETB receptor utilizes cytoskeletal rearrangement and Rho kinase but not MMPs leading to TβRI transactivation signalling and phosphorylation of Smad2C and through this pathway increased the level of CHSY-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Seif
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh-Mehr
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Zamanpour
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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30
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Mohamed R, Dayati P, Mehr RN, Kamato D, Seif F, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Little PJ. Transforming growth factor-β1 mediated CHST11 and CHSY1 mRNA expression is ROS dependent in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2018; 13:225-233. [PMID: 30417274 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-018-0495-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 mediates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain hyperelongation on secreted proteoglycans and these modifications are associated with increased lipid binding in the vessel wall and the development of atherosclerosis. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), TGF-β1 regulated GAG elongation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 as well as Smad2 linker region phosphorylation. In this study, our aim was to identify the TGF-β1 mediated signalling pathway involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation that regulate the mRNA expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes, chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 1 (CHST11) and chondroitin sulfate synthase 1 (CHSY1) which are the rate limiting enzymes involved in GAG chain elongation. Signalling molecules were assessed by western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR was used for analysis of gene expression and intracellular ROS level was measured by a fluorescence based assay. TGF-β1 induced ROS production in VSMCs. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox) inhibitors, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and apocynin blocked TGF-β1 mediated Smad2 linker region phosphorylation. TGF-β1 treatment increased the mRNA levels of CHST11 and CHSY1. Pharmacological inhibition of Nox blocked TGF-β1 mediated mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation and TGF-β1 stimulated CHST11 and CHSY1 mRNA expression. These findings demonstrated that TGF-β1 mediated expression of CHST11 and CHSY1 can occur via Nox-dependent pathways and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raafat Mohamed
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Danielle Kamato
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, Guangdong Pr., China
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Peter J Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, Guangdong Pr., China.
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Kamato D, Burch M, Zhou Y, Mohamed R, Stow JL, Osman N, Zheng W, Little PJ. Individual Smad2 linker region phosphorylation sites determine the expression of proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan synthesizing genes. Cell Signal 2018; 53:365-373. [PMID: 30423352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Growth factors such as thrombin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β facilitate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain hyperelongation on proteoglycans, a phenomenon that increases lipoprotein binding in the vessel wall and the development of atherosclerosis. TGF-β signals via canonical carboxy terminal phosphorylation of R-Smads and also non-canonical linker region phosphorylation of R-Smads. The G protein coupled receptor agonist, thrombin, can transactivate the TGF-β receptor leading to both canonical and non-canonical Smad signalling. Linker region phosphorylation drives the expression of genes for the synthesis of the proteoglycan, biglycan. Proteoglycan synthesis involves core protein synthesis, the initiation of GAG chains and the subsequent elongation of GAG chains. We have explored the relationship between the thrombin stimulated phosphorylation of individual serine and threonine sites in the linker region of Smad2 and the expression of GAG initiation xylosyltransferase-1 (XT-1) and GAG elongation chondroitin 4-sulfotransferase-1 (C4ST-1) and chondroitin synthase-1 (CHSY-1) genes. Thrombin stimulated the phosphorylation of all four target residues (Thr220, Ser245, Ser250 and Ser255 residues) with a similar temporal pattern - phosphorylation was maximal at 15 min (the earliest time point studied) and the level of the phospho-proteins declined thereafter over the following 4 h. Jnk, p38 and PI3K, selectively mediated the phosphorylation of the Thr220 residue whereas the serine residues were variously phosphorylated by multiple kinases. Thrombin stimulated the expression of all three genes - XT-1, C4ST-1 and CHSY-1. The three pathways mediating Thr220 phosphorylation were also involved in the expression of XT-1. The target pathways (excluding Jnk) were involved in the expression of the GAG elongation genes (C4ST-1 and CHSY-1). These findings support the contention that individual Smad linker region phosphorylation sites are linked to the expression of genes for the initiation and elongation of GAG chains on proteoglycans. The context of this work is that a specific inhibitor of GAG elongation represents a potential therapeutic agent for preventing GAG elongation and lipid binding and the results indicate that the specificity of the pathways is such that it might be therapeutically feasible to specifically target GAG elongation without interfering with other physiological processes with which proteoglycans are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China.
| | - Micah Burch
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
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Dolivo DM, Larson SA, Dominko T. Tryptophan metabolites kynurenine and serotonin regulate fibroblast activation and fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3663-3681. [PMID: 30027295 PMCID: PMC11105268 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2880-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological form of aberrant tissue repair, the complications of which account for nearly half of all deaths in the industrialized world. All tissues are susceptible to fibrosis under particular pathological sets of conditions. Though each type of fibrosis has characteristics and hallmarks specific to that particular condition, there appear to be common factors underlying fibrotic diseases. One of these ubiquitous factors is the paradigm of the activated myofibroblast in the promotion of fibrotic phenotypes. Recent research has implicated metabolic byproducts of the amino acid tryptophan, namely serotonin and kynurenines, in the pathology or potential pharmacologic therapy of fibrosis, in part through their effects on development of myofibroblast phenotypes. Here, we review literature underlying what is known mechanistically about the effects of these compounds and their respective pathways on fibrosis. Pharmacologic administration of kynurenine improves scarring outcomes in vivo likely not only through its well-characterized immunosuppressive properties but also via its demonstrated antagonism of fibroblast activation and of collagen deposition. In contrast, serotonin directly promotes activation of fibroblasts via activation of canonical TGF-β signaling, and overstimulation with serotonin leads to fibrotic outcomes in vivo. Recently discovered feedback inhibition between serotonin and kynurenine pathways also reveals more information about the cellular physiology of tryptophan metabolism and may also underlie possible paradigms for anti-fibrotic therapy. Together, understanding of the effects of tryptophan metabolism on modulation of fibrosis may lead to the development of new therapeutic avenues for treatment through exploitation of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Dolivo
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Sara A Larson
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Tanja Dominko
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
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Yu S, Chen Y, Chen S, Ye N, Li Y, Sun Y. Klotho Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) by Modulating NF-κB p65, Akt, and Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling Activities. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:4851-4860. [PMID: 30004089 PMCID: PMC6069467 DOI: 10.12659/msm.908038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been proven that phenotype shifting, from the contractile phenotype to the synthetic phenotype, of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), plays an important role in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that Klotho is associated with many cardiovascular diseases or damage. Through the estimation of the proliferation and migration of Ang II-induced VSMCs and the related intracellular signal transduction pathways, we researched the effects of Klotho on phenotype modulation in this study. Material/Methods A rat vascular smooth muscle cell line was grown in vitro with or without Ang II or Klotho, and cell proliferation and migration were evaluated. Results The dose-dependent inhibition of Ang II-induced proliferation and migration by Klotho was shown in VSMCs. The phenotype modulation was inhibited by Klotho co-treatment; this co-treatment promoted the expression of contractile phenotype marker proteins, including SM22α, and also the proliferation phenotype marker protein PCNA compared with Ang II alone, which was suppressed, and activated VSMCs. Furthermore, by reducing the expression of G0/G1-specific regulatory proteins such as cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, cyclin E, and CDK2, cell cycle arrest was induced by Klotho at G0/G1 phase. Although Ang II strongly stimulated NF-κB, p65, Akt, and ERK phosphorylation, these activation events were diminished by co-treatment with Ang II and Klotho. Conclusions Phenotype modulation of Ang II-induced VSMCs and stimulation of the NF-κB, p65, Akt, and ERK signaling pathways were inhibited by Klotho, which suggests that Klotho may play an important role in the phenotype modulation of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Yintao Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Shuang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Ning Ye
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Yingxian Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
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Nakagawa K, Nakashima Y. Pathologic intimal thickening in human atherosclerosis is formed by extracellular accumulation of plasma-derived lipids and dispersion of intimal smooth muscle cells. Atherosclerosis 2018; 274:235-242. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Afroz R, Cao Y, Rostam MA, Ta H, Xu S, Zheng W, Osman N, Kamato D, Little PJ. Signalling pathways regulating galactosaminoglycan synthesis and structure in vascular smooth muscle: Implications for lipoprotein binding and atherosclerosis. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 187:88-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Mehr RN, Kheirollah A, Seif F, Dayati P, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H. Reactive Oxygen Species and p38MAPK Have a Role in the Smad2 Linker Region Phosphorylation Induced by TGF-β. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 43:401-408. [PMID: 30046209 PMCID: PMC6055211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in addition to the C-terminal region can phosphorylate receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) in their linker region. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of signaling mediators such as NAD(P)H oxidases (reactive oxygen species [ROS] generators), ROS, and ROS-sensitive p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) in this signaling pathway in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS The present in vitro study was performed on human VSMCs. Proteins were detected by western blotting utilizing an anti-phospho-Smad2 (Ser245/250/255) rabbit polyclonal antibody and a horseradish peroxidase-labeled secondary antibody. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was used as a loading control. The phospho-Smad2 linker region (pSmad2L) was detected in all the experimental groups: a control group (untreated group), a group treated with TGF-β (2 ng/mL), and a group treated with TGF-β plus different inhibitors. The data were normalized and presented as mean±SEM. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 16.0, and the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. A P value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The VSMCs treated with TGF-β (2 ng/mL) showed a time-dependent increase in the pSmad2L level. The highest level was observed at 15 minutes (P=0.03). The inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidases (diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin) (P=0.04), ROS scavenger (N-acetylcysteine) (P=0.04), and p38MAPK inhibitor (SB-202190) (P=0.04) were able to reduce the increased level of the pSmad2L by TGF-β. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that NAD(P)H oxidases played an important role in the Smad2L phosphorylation in the human VSMCs. Furthermore, our results confirmed that ROS and p38MAPK were involved in this signaling pathway. Thus, TGF-β via a ROS-dependent mechanism can transmit its signals to the pSmad2L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Ponticelli C, Anders HJ. Thrombospondin immune regulation and the kidney. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 32:1084-1089. [PMID: 28088772 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most therapeutic attempts to prevent the progression of kidney diseases have been based on interventions to inhibit the production of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Thrombospondins (TSPs) play an important role in activating TGF-β. In the healthy kidney, two TSPs are expressed, TSP1 and TSP2, which exert contrasting effects. While TSP1 is a major activator of TGF-β in renal cells and exerts pro-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, TSP2 lacks the ability for TGF-β activation but regulates matrix remodeling and inflammation in experimental kidney disease. The effects of TSPs in the kidney have been mostly investigated by using the murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. In this model, TSP1 expression is increased along with the development of interstitial fibrosis and TGF-β. Relief of the obstruction gradually improves renal function and decreases the expression in TSP1 and TGF-β1. Several inhibitors of TSP1 prevented progressive interstitial fibrosis in murine models of ureteral obstruction, suggesting that control of latent TGF-β activation by inhibiting TSP1 might represent a novel potential target for preventing renal interstitial fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to assess whether TSP1-mediated TGF-β activation can be safely used in humans. In fact, TSPs normally act to suppress tumors in vivo. Moreover, TGF-β can exert a pivotal function in the immune system, as it may induce the production of regulatory T cells and suppress B cell responses. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in TGF-β regulation may help in finding effective treatments of tissue fibrosis, cancer and autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Ponticelli
- Renal Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Talati N, Kamato D, Piva TJ, Little PJ, Osman N. Thrombin promotes PAI-1 expression and migration in keratinocytes via ERK dependent Smad linker region phosphorylation. Cell Signal 2018; 47:37-43. [PMID: 29577978 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Keratinocyte proliferation and migration is essential during re-epithelialisation for the restoration of the epithelial barrier during skin wound healing. Numerous growth factors are involved in the stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation and migration. The signalling pathways that drive these processes during wound healing are not well defined. This study investigated thrombin-mediated signalling in keratinocytes. The thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) is a seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor that is known to transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were treated with thrombin and selective inhibitors to EGFR and MAP kinases. Whole cell lysates were separated on SDS-PAGE and analysed by Western blot using antibodies against transcription factor Smad2. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression of PAI-1 while scratch wound assays were used to measure keratinocyte migration. Western blot data showed that thrombin mediates PAR-1 transactivation of EGFR and the downstream phosphorylation of the transcription factor Smad2 linker (Smad2L) region. ERK1/2 inhibition by UO126 caused a decrease in Smad2L phosphorylation while the p38 inhibitor SB202190 and JNK inhibitor SP600125 did not. Smad2L Ser250 was specifically phosphorylated by this thrombin mediated pathway while Ser245 and Ser255 were not. Thrombin increased PAI-1 mRNA expression and keratinocyte migration and this was reduced when either EGFR or ERK1/2 were blocked. Taken together these results show that thrombin mediated mRNA expression of PAI-1 in keratinocytes and migration occurs via EGFR transactivation and involves signalling intermediates ERK1/2 and Smad2 and may be a key pathway in skin wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Talati
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Terrence J Piva
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Wooloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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Rostam MA, Shajimoon A, Kamato D, Mitra P, Piva TJ, Getachew R, Cao Y, Zheng W, Osman N, Little PJ. Flavopiridol Inhibits TGF-β-Stimulated Biglycan Synthesis by Blocking Linker Region Phosphorylation and Nuclear Translocation of Smad2. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 365:156-164. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Kamato D, Bhaskarala VV, Mantri N, Oh TG, Ling D, Janke R, Zheng W, Little PJ, Osman N. RNA sequencing to determine the contribution of kinase receptor transactivation to G protein coupled receptor signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180842. [PMID: 28719611 PMCID: PMC5515425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling covers three major mechanisms. GPCR agonist engagement allows for the G proteins to bind to the receptor leading to a classical downstream signalling cascade. The second mechanism is via the utilization of the β-arrestin signalling molecule and thirdly via transactivation dependent signalling. GPCRs can transactivate protein tyrosine kinase receptors (PTKR) to activate respective downstream signalling intermediates. In the past decade GPCR transactivation dependent signalling was expanded to show transactivation of serine/threonine kinase receptors (S/TKR). Kinase receptor transactivation enormously broadens the GPCR signalling paradigm. This work utilizes next generation RNA-sequencing to study the contribution of transactivation dependent signalling to total protease activated receptor (PAR)-1 signalling. Transactivation, assessed as gene expression, accounted for 50 percent of the total genes regulated by thrombin acting through PAR-1 in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. GPCR transactivation of PTKRs is approximately equally important as the transactivation of the S/TKR with 209 and 177 genes regulated respectively, via either signalling pathway. This work shows that genome wide studies can provide powerful insights into GPCR mediated signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Venkata Vijayanand Bhaskarala
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Biology, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Nitin Mantri
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Biology, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Tae Gyu Oh
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
| | - Dora Ling
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Reearna Janke
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Diabetes Complications Group, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, Departments of Medicine and Immunology, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Insights into cellular signalling by G protein coupled receptor transactivation of cell surface protein kinase receptors. J Cell Commun Signal 2017; 11:117-125. [PMID: 28168348 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling is mediated by transactivation independent and transactivation dependent pathways. GPCRs transactivate protein tyrosine kinase receptors (PTKRs) and protein serine/threonine kinase receptors (PS/TKR). Since the initial observations of transactivation dependent signalling, there has been an effort to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomena. GPCR signalling has evolved to include biased signalling. Biased signalling, whereby selected ligands can activate the same GPCR that can generate multiple signals, but drive only a unique response. To date, there has been no focus on the ability of biased agonists to activate the PTKR and PS/TKR transactivation pathways differentially. As such, this represents a novel direction for future research. This review will discuss the main mechanisms of GPCR mediated receptor transactivation and the pathways involved in intracellular responses.
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