1
|
Cheng WH, Chang PL, Wu YC, Wang SA, Chen CL, Hsu FL, Neoh MM, Lin LY, Yuliani FS, Lin CH, Chen BC. Neutralization of CX3CL1 Attenuates TGF-β-Induced Fibroblast Differentiation Through NF-κB Activation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Airway Fibrosis. Lung 2024; 202:343-356. [PMID: 38678499 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-024-00701-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe asthma, characterized by inflammation and airway remodeling, involves fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA. This process leads to the production of fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), driven by factors such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Furthermore, the persistent presence of myofibroblasts is associated with resistance to apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. The chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) plays a role in tissue fibrosis. However, it is currently unknown whether neutralization of CX3CL1 decreases TGF-β-induced fibroblast differentiation and mitochondrial dysfunction in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs). METHODS CX3CL1/C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), CX3CL1 was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) or immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of ovalbumin-challenged mice. CX3CL1 release was detected by ELISA. TGF-β-induced CTGF, fibronectin, and α-SMA expression were evaluated in NHLFs following neutralization of CX3CL1 (TP213) treatment for the indicated times by Western blotting or IF staining. Mitochondrion function was detected by a JC-1 assay and seahorse assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by a terminal uridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS An increase in CX3CL1 expression was observed in lung tissues from mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma by IF staining. CX3CR1 was increased in the subepithelial layer of the airway by IHC staining. Moreover, CX3CR1 small interfering (si)RNA downregulated TGF-β-induced CTGF and fibronectin expression in NHLFs. CX3CL1 induced CTGF and fibronectin expression in NHLFs. TGF-β-induced CX3CL1 secretion from NHLFs. Furthermore, TP213 decreased TGF-β-induced CTGF, fibronectin, and α-SMA expression in NHLFs. Mitochondrion-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were examined after CX3CL1 neutralization in TGF-β-treated NHLFs. TP213 alleviated TGF-β-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis resistance in NHLFs. CX3CL1 induced p65, IκBα, and IKKα phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, CX3CL1-induced fibronectin expression and JC-1 monomer were decreased by p65 siRNA. TP213 reduced TGF-β-induced p65 and α-SMA expression in NHLFs. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that neutralizing CX3CL1 attenuates lung fibroblast activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Understanding the impacts of CX3CL1 neutralization on fibroblast mitochondrial function could contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for managing airway remodeling in severe asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wun-Hao Cheng
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Respiratory Therapy, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Lung Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Wu
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-An Wang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Lin Hsu
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Mei-May Neoh
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Yuan Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fara Silvia Yuliani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Division of Thoracic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qiu Y, Que Y, Ding Z, Zhang S, Wei R, Xia J, Lin Y. Drugs targeting CTGF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18448. [PMID: 38774993 PMCID: PMC11109635 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18448] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis represents the final alteration seen in a wide variety of lung disorders characterized by increased fibroblast activity and the accumulation of substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, along with inflammatory damage and the breakdown of tissue architecture. This condition is marked by a significant mortality rate and a lack of effective treatments. The depositing of an excessive quantity of extracellular matrix protein follows the damage to lung capillaries and alveolar epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and irreversible damage to lung function. It has been proposed that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and exacerbating fibrosis. In this context, the significance of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis is examined, and a summary of the development of drugs targeting CTGF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Qiu
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yueyue Que
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zheyu Ding
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Rong Wei
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jianing Xia
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yingying Lin
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ren M, Yao S, Chen T, Luo H, Tao X, Jiang H, Yang X, Zhang H, Yu S, Wang Y, Lu A, Zhang G. Connective Tissue Growth Factor: Regulation, Diseases, and Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4692. [PMID: 38731911 PMCID: PMC11083620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In drug discovery, selecting targeted molecules is crucial as the target could directly affect drug efficacy and the treatment outcomes. As a member of the CCN family, CTGF (also known as CCN2) is an essential regulator in the progression of various diseases, including fibrosis, cancer, neurological disorders, and eye diseases. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of CTGF in different diseases may contribute to the discovery of novel drug candidates. Summarizing the CTGF-targeting and -inhibitory drugs is also beneficial for the analysis of the efficacy, applications, and limitations of these drugs in different disease models. Therefore, we reviewed the CTGF structure, the regulatory mechanisms in various diseases, and drug development in order to provide more references for future drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meishen Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tienan Chen
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hang Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohui Tao
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hewen Jiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sifan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jensen CH, Johnsen RH, Eskildsen T, Baun C, Ellman DG, Fang S, Bak ST, Hvidsten S, Larsen LA, Rosager AM, Riber LP, Schneider M, De Mey J, Thomassen M, Burton M, Uchida S, Laborda J, Andersen DC. Pericardial delta like non-canonical NOTCH ligand 1 (Dlk1) augments fibrosis in the heart through epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1565. [PMID: 38328889 PMCID: PMC10851088 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure due to myocardial infarction (MI) involves fibrosis driven by epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) and cardiac fibroblasts, but strategies to inhibit and provide cardio-protection remains poor. The imprinted gene, non-canonical NOTCH ligand 1 (Dlk1), has previously been shown to mediate fibrosis in the skin, lung and liver, but very little is known on its effect in the heart. METHODS Herein, human pericardial fluid/plasma and tissue biopsies were assessed for DLK1, whereas the spatiotemporal expression of Dlk1 was determined in mouse hearts. The Dlk1 heart phenotype in normal and MI hearts was assessed in transgenic mice either lacking or overexpressing Dlk1. Finally, in/ex vivo cell studies provided knowledge on the molecular mechanism. RESULTS Dlk1 was demonstrated in non-myocytes of the developing human myocardium but exhibited a restricted pericardial expression in adulthood. Soluble DLK1 was twofold higher in pericardial fluid (median 45.7 [34.7 (IQR)) μg/L] from cardiovascular patients (n = 127) than in plasma (median 26.1 μg/L [11.1 (IQR)]. The spatial and temporal expression pattern of Dlk1 was recapitulated in mouse and rat hearts. Similar to humans lacking Dlk1, adult Dlk1-/- mice exhibited a relatively mild developmental, although consistent cardiac phenotype with some abnormalities in heart size, shape, thorax orientation and non-myocyte number, but were functionally normal. However, after MI, scar size was substantially reduced in Dlk1-/- hearts as compared with Dlk1+/+ littermates. In line, high levels of Dlk1 in transgenic mice Dlk1fl/fl xWT1GFPCre and Dlk1fl/fl xαMHCCre/+Tam increased scar size following MI. Further mechanistic and cellular insight demonstrated that pericardial Dlk1 mediates cardiac fibrosis through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the EPDC lineage by maintaining Integrin β8 (Itgb8), a major activator of transforming growth factor β and EMT. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that pericardial Dlk1 embraces a, so far, unnoticed role in the heart augmenting cardiac fibrosis through EMT. Monitoring DLK1 levels as well as targeting pericardial DLK1 may thus offer new venues for cardio-protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Harken Jensen
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Rikke Helin Johnsen
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Tilde Eskildsen
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal ResearchInstitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Christina Baun
- Department of Nuclear MedicineOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Ditte Gry Ellman
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Shu Fang
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Sara Thornby Bak
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Svend Hvidsten
- Department of Nuclear MedicineOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Lars Allan Larsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ann Mari Rosager
- Department of Clinical PathologySydvestjysk HospitalEsbjergDenmark
| | - Lars Peter Riber
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular SurgeryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Mikael Schneider
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal ResearchInstitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Jo De Mey
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal ResearchInstitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Mads Thomassen
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- Department of Clinical GeneticsOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Mark Burton
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- Department of Clinical GeneticsOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Shizuka Uchida
- Center for RNA MedicineDepartment of Clinical MedicineAalborg UniversityCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jorge Laborda
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Castilla‐La Mancha Medical SchoolAlbaceteSpain
| | - Ditte Caroline Andersen
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical BiochemistryOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal ResearchInstitute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Cheng D, Li Z, Sun W, Zhou S, Peng L, Xiong H, Jia X, Li W, Han L, Liu Y, Ni C. IL33-mediated NPM1 promotes fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via ERK/AP-1 signaling in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Toxicol Sci 2023; 195:71-86. [PMID: 37399107 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad061] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a global occupational pulmonary disease due to the accumulation of silica dust in the lung. Lacking effective clinical drugs makes the treatment of this disease quite challenging in clinics largely because the pathogenic mechanisms remain obscure. Interleukin 33 (IL33), a pleiotropic cytokine, could promote wound healing and tissue repair via the receptor ST2. However, the mechanisms governing the involvement of IL33 in silicosis progression remain to be further explored. Here, we demonstrated that the IL33 levels in the lung sections were significantly overexpressed after bleomycin and silica treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, knockdown, and reverse experiments were performed in lung fibroblasts to prove gene interaction following exogenous IL33 treatment or cocultured with silica-treated lung epithelial cells. Mechanistically, we illustrated that silica-stimulated lung epithelial cells secreted IL33 and further promoted the activation, proliferation, and migration of pulmonary fibroblasts by activating the ERK/AP-1/NPM1 signaling pathway in vitro. And more, treatment with NPM1 siRNA-loaded liposomes markedly protected mice from silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. In conclusion, the involvement of NPM1 in the progression of silicosis is regulated by the IL33/ERK/AP-1 signaling axis, which is the potential therapeutic target candidate in developing novel antifibrotic strategies for pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Demin Cheng
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ziwei Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wenqing Sun
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Siyun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lan Peng
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Haojie Xiong
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xinying Jia
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Lei Han
- Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210028, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leidecker M, Bertling A, Hussain M, Bischoff M, Eble JA, Fender AC, Jurk K, Rumpf C, Herrmann M, Kehrel BE, Niemann S. Protein Disulfide Isomerase and Extracellular Adherence Protein Cooperatively Potentiate Staphylococcal Invasion into Endothelial Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0388622. [PMID: 36995240 PMCID: PMC10269700 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03886-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion of host cells is an important feature of Staphylococcus aureus. The main internalization pathway involves binding of the bacteria to host cells, e.g., endothelial cells, via a fibronectin (Fn) bridge between S. aureus Fn binding proteins and α5β1-integrin, followed by phagocytosis. The secreted extracellular adherence protein (Eap) has been shown to promote this cellular uptake pathway of not only S. aureus, but also of bacteria otherwise poorly taken up by host cells, such as Staphylococcus carnosus. The exact mechanisms are still unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that Eap induces platelet activation by stimulation of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a catalyst of thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Here, we show that Eap promotes PDI activity on the surface of endothelial cells, and that this contributes critically to Eap-driven staphylococcal invasion. PDI-stimulated β1-integrin activation followed by increased Fn binding to host cells likely accounts for the Eap-enhanced uptake of S. aureus into non-professional phagocytes. Additionally, Eap supports the binding of S. carnosus to Fn-α5β1 integrin, thereby allowing its uptake into endothelial cells. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that PDI is crucial for the uptake of bacteria into host cells. We describe a hitherto unknown function of Eap-the promotion of an enzymatic activity with subsequent enhancement of bacterial uptake-and thus broaden mechanistic insights into its importance as a driver of bacterial pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus can invade and persist in non-professional phagocytes, thereby escaping host defense mechanisms and antibiotic treatment. The intracellular lifestyle of S. aureus contributes to the development of infection, e.g., in infective endocarditis or chronic osteomyelitis. The extracellular adherence protein secreted by S. aureus promotes its own internalization as well as that of bacteria that are otherwise poorly taken up by host cells, such as Staphylococcus carnosus. In our study, we demonstrate that staphylococcal uptake by endothelial cells requires catalytic disulfide exchange activity by the cell-surface protein disulfide isomerase, and that this critical enzymatic function is enhanced by Eap. The therapeutic application of PDI inhibitors has previously been investigated in the context of thrombosis and hypercoagulability. Our results add another intriguing possibility: therapeutically targeting PDI, i.e., as a candidate approach to modulate the initiation and/or course of S. aureus infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Leidecker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne Bertling
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Muzaffar Hussain
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Markus Bischoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Johannes A. Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anke C. Fender
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Jurk
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christine Rumpf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mathias Herrmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Beate E. Kehrel
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Silke Niemann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A novel molecular mechanism of vascular fibrosis in Takayasu arteritis: macrophage-derived GPNMB promoting adventitial fibroblast extracellular matrix production in the aorta. Transl Res 2022; 255:128-139. [PMID: 36566014 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a chronic large vessel disease characterized by aortic fibrotic thickening, which was mainly mediated by activation of aorta adventitial fibroblasts (AAFs). Our previous genetic study demonstrated that TAK-associated locus IL6 rs2069837 regulated glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) expression. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the pathogenic role of GPNMB in TAK. Through pathological staining, we find that GPNMB was mainly expressed in vascular adventitia and positively correlated with adventitial extracellular matrix (ECM) expression in TAK vascular lesion. Specifically, GPNMB was increased in adventitial CD68+ macrophages, which were closely located with CD90+ adventitial fibroblasts. In in-vitro cell culture, THP-1-derived macrophages with GPNMB overexpression promoted ECM expression in AAFs. This effect was also confirmed in aortic tissue or AAFs culture with GPNMB overexpression or active GPNMB protein stimulation. Mechanistically, Co-IP assay and siRNA or inhibitor intervention demonstrated that integrin αVβ1 receptor mediated GPNMB effect on AAFs, which also activated downstream Akt and Erk pathway in AAFs. Furthermore, we showed that leflunomide treatment inhibited GPNMB-mediated fibrosis in AAFs, as well as GPNMB expression in macrophages, which were also partially validated in leflunomide-treated patients. Taken together, these data indicated that macrophage-derived GPNMB promotes AAFs ECM expression via the integrin αVβ1 receptor and Akt/Erk signaling pathway and leflunomide might play an anti-fibrotic role in TAK by interfering with the macrophage-derived GPNMB/AAFs axis. This study provides evidence that targeting GPNMB is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating vascular fibrosis in TAK.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhi W, Jiang S, Xu Z, An Y, Chen J, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhang H. Oxysophocarpine inhibits airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion through JNK/AP-1 pathway in vivo and in vitro. Fitoterapia 2022; 162:105278. [PMID: 35970410 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105278] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a high-incidence disease in the world. Oxysophocarpine (OSC), a quinolizidine alkaloid displays various pharmacological functions including anti-inflammation, neuroprotective, anti-virus and antioxidant. Here, we established mice and cell asthmatic model to explore the effects of OSC for asthma treatment. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated with OSC before challenge. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-schiff (PAS), tolonium chloride staining and immunohistochemical assay were performed. OSC treatment inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion in the airway, reduced IgE level in mouse serum and decreased IL-4, IL-5 production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). OSC also reduced the spleen index to regulate immune function. Meanwhile, NCI-H292 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate airway epithelial injury. OSC pretreatment decreased the IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine levels, mucin 5 AC expression, and mucin 5 AC mRNA level in the cell model. Further, OSC suppressed the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein 1 (AP-1, Fos and Jun). These findings revealed that OSC alleviated bronchial asthma associated with JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Zhi
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Shengnan Jiang
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Zongren Xu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Yuye An
- Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ye Li
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China; Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Xi'an 710003, PR China; Pharmacy College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Savin IA, Markov AV, Zenkova MA, Sen’kova AV. Asthma and Post-Asthmatic Fibrosis: A Search for New Promising Molecular Markers of Transition from Acute Inflammation to Pulmonary Fibrosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051017. [PMID: 35625754 PMCID: PMC9138542 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous pulmonary disorder, the progression and chronization of which leads to airway remodeling and fibrogenesis. To understand the molecular mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis development, key genes forming the asthma-specific regulome and involved in lung fibrosis formation were revealed using a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The bioinformatics data were validated using a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma and post-asthmatic fibrosis. The performed analysis revealed a range of well-known pro-fibrotic markers (Cat, Ccl2, Ccl4, Ccr2, Col1a1, Cxcl12, Igf1, Muc5ac/Muc5b, Spp1, Timp1) and a set of novel genes (C3, C3ar1, Col4a1, Col4a2, Cyp2e1, Fn1, Thbs1, Tyrobp) mediating fibrotic changes in lungs already at the stage of acute/subacute asthma-driven inflammation. The validation of genes related to non-allergic bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis on asthmatic/fibrotic lungs allowed us to identify new universal genes (Col4a1 and Col4a2) associated with the development of lung fibrosis regardless of its etiology. The similarities revealed in the expression profiles of nodal fibrotic genes between asthma-driven fibrosis in mice and nascent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in humans suggest a tight association of identified genes with the early stages of airway remodeling and can be considered as promising predictors and early markers of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
|