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Weinstein N, Carlsen J, Schulz S, Stapleton T, Henriksen HH, Travnik E, Johansson PI. A Lifelike guided journey through the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension-from measured metabolites to the mechanism of action of drugs. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1341145. [PMID: 38845688 PMCID: PMC11153715 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1341145] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological condition that affects approximately 1% of the population. The prognosis for many patients is poor, even after treatment. Our knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause or are involved in the progression of PH is incomplete. Additionally, the mechanism of action of many drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension, including sotatercept, requires elucidation. Methods Using our graph-powered knowledge mining software Lifelike in combination with a very small patient metabolite data set, we demonstrate how we derive detailed mechanistic hypotheses on the mechanisms of PH pathophysiology and clinical drugs. Results In PH patients, the concentration of hypoxanthine, 12(S)-HETE, glutamic acid, and sphingosine 1 phosphate is significantly higher, while the concentration of L-arginine and L-histidine is lower than in healthy controls. Using the graph-based data analysis, gene ontology, and semantic association capabilities of Lifelike, led us to connect the differentially expressed metabolites with G-protein signaling and SRC. Then, we associated SRC with IL6 signaling. Subsequently, we found associations that connect SRC, and IL6 to activin and BMP signaling. Lastly, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of several existing and novel pharmacological treatments for PH. Lifelike elucidated the interplay between G-protein, IL6, activin, and BMP signaling. Those pathways regulate hallmark pathophysiological processes of PH, including vasoconstriction, endothelial barrier function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Discussion The results highlight the importance of SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC activity in PH. The molecular pathways affected by existing and novel treatments for PH also converge on these molecules. Importantly, sotatercept affects SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC simultaneously. The present study shows the power of mining knowledge graphs using Lifelike's diverse set of data analytics functionalities for developing knowledge-driven hypotheses on PH pathophysiological and drug mechanisms and their interactions. We believe that Lifelike and our presented approach will be valuable for future mechanistic studies of PH, other diseases, and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Weinstein
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørn Carlsen
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sebastian Schulz
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy Stapleton
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hanne H. Henriksen
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evelyn Travnik
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pär Ingemar Johansson
- CAG Center for Endotheliomics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ovchinnikov A, Potekhina A, Arefieva T, Filatova A, Ageev F, Belyavskiy E. Use of Statins in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Current Evidence and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4958. [PMID: 38732177 PMCID: PMC11084261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic inflammation and coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction are essential pathophysiological factors in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that support the use of statins. The pleiotropic properties of statins, such as anti-inflammatory, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects, are generally accepted and may be beneficial in HF, especially in HFpEF. Numerous observational clinical trials have consistently shown a beneficial prognostic effect of statins in patients with HFpEF, while the results of two larger trials in patients with HFrEF have been controversial. Such differences may be related to a more pronounced impact of the pleiotropic properties of statins on the pathophysiology of HFpEF and pro-inflammatory comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic kidney disease) that are more common in HFpEF. This review discusses the potential mechanisms of statin action that may be beneficial for patients with HFpEF, as well as clinical trials that have evaluated the statin effects on left ventricular diastolic function and clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Ovchinnikov
- Laboratory of Myocardial Fibrosis and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Academician Chazov St., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (A.F.)
- Department of Clinical Functional Diagnostics, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Delegatskaya St., 20, p. 1, 127473 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra Potekhina
- Laboratory of Myocardial Fibrosis and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Academician Chazov St., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Tatiana Arefieva
- Laboratory of Cell Immunology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Academician Chazov St., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia;
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia Filatova
- Laboratory of Myocardial Fibrosis and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Academician Chazov St., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (A.P.); (A.F.)
- Laboratory of Cell Immunology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Academician Chazov St., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Fail Ageev
- Out-Patient Department, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Academician Chazov St., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Evgeny Belyavskiy
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum des Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charite, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
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3
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Chang CH, Lin CP, Chen YK, Hsiao YF, Wang YH. Simvastatin Attenuates Areca Nut Extract-Induced Subdermal Fibrosis in Mice by Targeting TGF-β Signaling Pathways. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8622-8632. [PMID: 37998719 PMCID: PMC10670689 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110542] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease and a potentially malignant oral disorder, characterized by fibrosis of the oral mucosa. TGF-β signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of OSMF, with areca nut extract (ANE) contributing to the disease progression. Simvastatin, a statin drug, has demonstrated anti-fibrotic properties in various fibrotic conditions. However, its therapeutic potential in treating OSMF remains unclear. In this study, 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups based on different time points. Each mouse was then treated with four different drug formulations. Post-treatment, specimens were collected for histopathological examination and staining to assess skin thickness, fibrosis, and collagen deposition. ANE treatment alone significantly increased skin thickness and collagen deposition compared to the control group after the 4-week time point. The combined administration of ANE and simvastatin, resulted in a notable reduction in skin thickness and collagen deposition. Western blot analysis revealed that simvastatin effectively suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including CTGF, and α-SMA, in ANE-induced subdermal fibrosis. These results suggest that simvastatin has potential therapeutic effects on ANE-induced subdermal fibrosis, providing a foundation for future studies and possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hua Chang
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Ping Lin
- Division of Periodontology, Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Kwan Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Division of Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Oral & Maxillofacial Imaging Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fang Hsiao
- College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Yan-Hsiung Wang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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Espinosa-Sotelo R, Fusté NP, Peñuelas-Haro I, Alay A, Pons G, Almodóvar X, Albaladejo J, Sánchez-Vera I, Bonilla-Amadeo R, Dituri F, Serino G, Ramos E, Serrano T, Calvo M, Martínez-Chantar ML, Giannelli G, Bertran E, Fabregat I. Dissecting the role of the NADPH oxidase NOX4 in TGF-beta signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Redox Biol 2023; 65:102818. [PMID: 37463530 PMCID: PMC10372458 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The NADPH oxidase NOX4 has been proposed as necessary for the apoptosis induced by the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) in hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, whether NOX4 is required for TGF-β-induced canonical (SMADs) or non-canonical signals is not fully understood yet, neither its potential involvement in other parallel actions induced by TGF-β. In this work we have used CRISPR Cas9 technology to stable attenuate NOX4 expression in HCC cells. Results have indicated that NOX4 is required for an efficient SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in response to TGF-β, whereas non-canonical signals, such as the phosphorylation of the Epidermal Growth Receptor or AKT, are higher in NOX4 silenced cells. TGF-β-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and viability is attenuated in NOX4 silenced cells, correlating with decreased response in terms of apoptosis, and maintenance of high expression of MYC and CYCLIN D1. These results would indicate that NOX4 is required for all the tumor suppressor actions of TGF-β in HCC. However, analysis in human HCC tumors has revealed a worse prognosis for patients showing high expression of TGF-β1-related genes concomitant with high expression of NOX4. Deepening into other tumorigenic actions of TGF-β that may contribute to tumor progression, we found that NOX4 is also required for TGF-β-induced migratory effects. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) program does not appear to be affected by attenuation of NOX4 levels. However, TGF-β-mediated regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics and focal adhesions require NOX4, which is necessary for TGF-β-induced increase in the chaperone Hsp27 and correct subcellular localization of Hic-5 within focal adhesions, as well for upregulation of the metalloprotease MMP9. All these results together point to NOX4 as a key element in the whole TGF-β signaling in HCC cells, revealing an unknown role for NOX4 as tumor promoter in HCC patients presenting activation of the TGF-β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rut Espinosa-Sotelo
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain
| | - Noel P Fusté
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Peñuelas-Haro
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain
| | - Ania Alay
- Unit of Bioinformatics for Precision Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Preclinical and Experimental Research in Thoracic Tumors (PReTT), Oncobell Program, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Gabriel Pons
- Physiological Sciences Department, University of Barcelona, Oncobell-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xènia Almodóvar
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Albaladejo
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ismael Sánchez-Vera
- Physiological Sciences Department, University of Barcelona, Oncobell-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricard Bonilla-Amadeo
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Saverio De Bellis Research Hospital, Castellana Wrotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Serino
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Saverio De Bellis Research Hospital, Castellana Wrotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Ramos
- CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain; Department of Surgery, Liver Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Bellvitge and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Serrano
- CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain; Pathological Anatomy Service, University Hospital of Bellvitge and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Calvo
- Oncología Médica, Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO-IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Luz Martínez-Chantar
- CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC BioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Saverio De Bellis Research Hospital, Castellana Wrotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Esther Bertran
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; CIBEREHD, ISCIII, Spain.
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5
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Zhang J, Ou A, Tang X, Wang R, Fan Y, Fang Y, Zhao Y, Zhao P, Chen D, Wang B, Huang Y. "Two-birds-one-stone" colon-targeted nanomedicine treats ulcerative colitis via remodeling immune microenvironment and anti-fibrosis. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:389. [PMID: 36042499 PMCID: PMC9429315 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01598-0] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated mucosal immune responses and colonic fibrosis impose two formidable challenges for ulcerative colitis treatment. It indicates that monotherapy could not sufficiently deal with this complicated disease and combination therapy may provide a potential solution. A chitosan-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle (CS-PLGA NP) system was developed for co-delivering patchouli alcohol and simvastatin to the inflamed colonic epithelium to alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis via remodeling immune microenvironment and anti-fibrosis, a so-called “two-birds-one-stone” nanotherapeutic strategy. The bioadhesive nanomedicine enhanced the intestinal epithelial cell uptake efficiency and improved the drug stability in the gastrointestinal tract. The nanomedicine effectively regulated the Akt/MAPK/NF-κB pathway and reshaped the immune microenvironment through repolarizing M2Φ, promoting regulatory T cells and G-MDSC, suppressing neutrophil and inflammatory monocyte infiltration, as well as inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Additionally, the nanomedicine alleviated colonic fibrosis. Our work elucidates that the colon-targeted codelivery for combination therapy is promising for ulcerative colitis treatment and to address the unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ante Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xueping Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 501450, China
| | - Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yujuan Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.,Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuefei Fang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, SIMM, CAS, Zhongshan, 528437, China
| | - Yuge Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dongying Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.,Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Bing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, SIMM, CAS, Zhongshan, 528437, China. .,NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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At the Intersection of Cardiology and Oncology: TGFβ as a Clinically Translatable Therapy for TNBC Treatment and as a Major Regulator of Post-Chemotherapy Cardiomyopathy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061577. [PMID: 35326728 PMCID: PMC8946238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Specific/targeted therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain cancers. Unfortunately, there is currently no targeted therapy for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is why this subtype of breast cancer is associated with poor patient prognosis. While there is an immense focus on the development of new therapies, the issue of cardiotoxicity following chemotherapeutic treatment is commonly overlooked, despite its role as a leading cause of mortality in cancer survivors. This review aims to discuss the connection of TGF-β signaling and its role in modulating cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, as well as its role in TNBC tumor progression, cancer stem cell enrichment, chemoresistance and relapse. Together, we highlight the modulation of TGF-β as a method to target two of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients. Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths due to the lack of specific targets for effective treatments. While there is immense focus on the development of novel therapies for TNBC treatment, a persistent and critical issue is the rate of heart failure and cardiomyopathy, which is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity amongst cancer survivors. In this review, we highlight mechanisms of post-chemotherapeutic cardiotoxicity exposure, evaluate how this is assessed clinically and highlight the transforming growth factor-beta family (TGF-β) pathway and its significance as a mediator of cardiomyopathy. We also highlight recent findings demonstrating TGF-β inhibition as a potent method to prevent cardiac remodeling, fibrosis and cardiomyopathy. We describe how dysregulation of the TGF-β pathway is associated with negative patient outcomes across 32 types of cancer, including TNBC. We then highlight how TGF-β modulation may be a potent method to target mesenchymal (CD44+/CD24−) and epithelial (ALDHhigh) cancer stem cell (CSC) populations in TNBC models. CSCs are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, resistance and diminished patient prognosis; however, due to plasticity and differential regulation, these populations remain difficult to target and continue to present a major barrier to successful therapy. TGF-β inhibition represents an intersection of two fields: cardiology and oncology. Through the inhibition of cardiomyopathy, cardiac damage and heart failure may be prevented, and through CSC targeting, patient prognoses may be improved. Together, both approaches, if successfully implemented, would target the two greatest causes of cancer-related morbidity in patients and potentially lead to a breakthrough therapy.
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Algeciras L, Palanca A, Maestro D, RuizdelRio J, Villar AV. Epigenetic alterations of TGFβ and its main canonical signaling mediators in the context of cardiac fibrosis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 159:38-47. [PMID: 34119506 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process that presents a continuous overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the myocardium, which negatively influences the progression of many cardiac diseases. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is the main ligand that triggers the production of pro-fibrotic ECM proteins. In the cardiac fibrotic process, TGFβ and its canonical signaling mediators are tightly regulated at different levels as well as epigenetically. Cardiac fibroblasts are one of the most important TGFβ target cells activated after cardiac injury. TGFβ-driven fibroblast activation is subject to epigenetic modulation and contributes to the progression of cardiac fibrosis, mainly through the expression of pro-fibrotic molecules implicated in the disease. In this review, we describe epigenetic regulation related to canonical TGFβ signaling in cardiac fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Algeciras
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Ana Palanca
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - David Maestro
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Jorge RuizdelRio
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Ana V Villar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (IBBTEC), CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain.
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Metal dependent protein phosphatase PPM family in cardiac health and diseases. Cell Signal 2021; 85:110061. [PMID: 34091011 PMCID: PMC9107372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation is central to signal transduction in nearly every aspect of cellular function, including cardiovascular regulation and diseases. While protein kinases are often regarded as the molecular drivers in cellular signaling with high specificity and tight regulation, dephosphorylation mediated by protein phosphatases is also gaining increasing appreciation as an important part of the signal transduction network essential for the robustness, specificity and homeostasis of cell signaling. Metal dependent protein phosphatases (PPM, also known as protein phosphatases type 2C, PP2C) belong to a highly conserved family of protein phosphatases with unique biochemical and molecular features. Accumulating evidence also indicates important and specific functions of individual PPM isoform in signaling and cellular processes, including proliferation, senescence, apoptosis and metabolism. At the physiological level, abnormal PPM expression and activity have been implicated in major human diseases, including cancer, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Finally, inhibitors for some of the PPM members have been developed as a potential therapeutic strategy for human diseases. In this review, we will focus on the background information about the biochemical and molecular features of major PPM family members, with emphasis on their demonstrated or potential roles in cardiac pathophysiology. The current challenge and potential directions for future investigations will also be highlighted.
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Katanasaka Y, Hirano S, Sunagawa Y, Miyazaki Y, Sato H, Funamoto M, Shimizu K, Shimizu S, Sari N, Hasegawa K, Morimoto T. Clinically Administered Doses of Pitavastatin and Rosuvastatin. Int Heart J 2021; 62:1379-1386. [PMID: 34853228 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.21-231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have indicated that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, can potentially inhibit chronic heart failure. In the Stat-LVDF study, a difference was noted in terms of the effect of lipophilic pitavastatin (PTV) and hydrophilic rosuvastatin (RSV) on plasma BNP, suggesting that statin lipophilicity and pharmacokinetics change the pleiotropic effect on heart failure in humans. Therefore, we assessed the beneficial effects of PTV on hypertrophy in cardiac myocytes compared with RSV at clinically used doses. Cultured cardiomyocytes were stimulated with 30 μM phenylephrine (PE) in the presence of PTV (250 nM) or RSV (50 nM). These doses were calculated based on the maximum blood concentration of statins used in clinical situations in Japan. The results showed that PTV, but not RSV, significantly inhibits the PE-induced increase in cell size and leucine incorporation without causing cell toxicity. In addition, PTV significantly suppressed PE-induced mRNA expression of hypertrophic response genes. PE-induced ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by PTV, but not by RSV. Furthermore, PTV significantly suppressed the angiotensin-II-induced proline incorporation in primary cultured cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, a clinical dose of PTV was noted to directly inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis, suggesting that lipophilic PTV can be a potential drug candidate against chronic heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasufumi Katanasaka
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
- Shizuoka General hospital
| | - Sae Hirano
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Yoichi Sunagawa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
- Shizuoka General hospital
| | - Yusuke Miyazaki
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
- Shizuoka General hospital
| | - Hikaru Sato
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
| | - Masafumi Funamoto
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
| | - Kana Shimizu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
| | - Satoshi Shimizu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
| | - Nurmila Sari
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
| | - Koji Hasegawa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
| | - Tatsuya Morimoto
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
- Division of Translational Research, Clinical Research Institute, Kyoto Medical Center, National Hospital Organization
- Shizuoka General hospital
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10
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Liu K, Wang J, Gao X, Ren W. C1q/TNF-Related Protein 9 Inhibits Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Injury in Cardiomyocytes through NF- κB and TGF- β1/Smad2/3 by Modulating THBS1. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:2540687. [PMID: 33414684 PMCID: PMC7769632 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2540687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C1q/TNF-related protein 9 (CTRP9) is implicated in diverse cardiovascular diseases, but its role in viral myocarditis (VMC) is not well explored. This study is aimed at investigating the role and potential mechanism of CTRP9 in VMC. Herein, we found that the peripheral blood collected from children with VMC had lower CTRP9 levels than that from children who had recovered from VMC. H9c2 cardiomyocytes treated with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) were applied to establish a VMC model in vitro, and the expression of CTRP9 was significantly decreased in CVB3-induced H9c2 cells. The overexpression of CTRP9 attenuated CVB3-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis reactions in H9c2 cells by promoting cell proliferation, reducing the cell apoptosis rate, and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine levels and fibrosis-related gene expression. Moreover, we found that thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) levels were increased in children with VMC, and CTRP9 negatively regulated THBS1 expression by interacting with THBS1. The downregulation of THBS1 inhibited CVB3-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in H9c2 cells. In addition, our mechanistic investigation indicated that the overexpression of THBS1 impaired the inhibitory effect of CTRP9 on CVB3-induced H9c2 cells. The results further revealed that the CVB3-induced NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways of H9c2 cells were blocked by CTRP9 yet activated by THBS1. In conclusion, CTRP9 protected H9c2 cells from CVB3-induced injury via the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways by modulating THBS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebei Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, China
| | - Xinru Gao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound Center, The Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, China
| | - Wei Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, China
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11
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Yang D, Liu HQ, Liu FY, Tang N, Guo Z, Ma SQ, An P, Wang MY, Wu HM, Yang Z, Fan D, Tang QZ. The Roles of Noncardiomyocytes in Cardiac Remodeling. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2414-2429. [PMID: 32760209 PMCID: PMC7378633 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodeling is a common characteristic of almost all forms of heart disease, including cardiac infarction, valvular diseases, hypertension, arrhythmia, dilated cardiomyopathy and other conditions. It is not merely a simple outcome induced by an increase in the workload of cardiomyocytes (CMs). The remodeling process is accompanied by abnormalities of cardiac structure as well as disturbance of cardiac function, and emerging evidence suggests that a wide range of cells in the heart participate in the initiation and development of cardiac remodeling. Other than CMs, there are numerous noncardiomyocytes (non-CMs) that regulate the process of cardiac remodeling, such as cardiac fibroblasts and immune cells (including macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and mast cells). In this review, we summarize recent knowledge regarding the definition and significant effects of various non-CMs in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling, with a particular emphasis on the involved signaling mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the properties of non-CMs, which serve as targets of many cardiovascular drugs that reduce adverse cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Han-Qing Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Fang-Yuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Nan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Shu-Qing Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Peng An
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Ming-Yu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Hai-Ming Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Di Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Qi-Zhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
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12
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Du Y, Xiao H, Wan J, Wang X, Li T, Zheng S, Feng J, Ye Q, Li J, Li G, Fan Z. Atorvastatin attenuates TGF‑β1‑induced fibrogenesis by inhibiting Smad3 and MAPK signaling in human ventricular fibroblasts. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:633-640. [PMID: 32468059 PMCID: PMC7307817 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive proliferation and myofibroblasts transformation of cardiac fibroblasts play a critical role in the process of cardiac fibrosis. Atorvastatin (ATV), a 3‑hydroxy‑3‑methyl‑glutaryl‑coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, is commonly used to treat hypercholesterolemia. It has previously been shown that ATV has potential anti‑fibrotic effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of ATV against cardiac fibrosis remain to be fully elucidated, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports focusing on the effects of ATV on transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1)‑induced human ventricular fibroblasts (hVFs) activation. In the present study, hVFs were stimulated with TGF‑β1 with or without pretreatment with ATV. Subsequently, hVF proliferation, cytotoxicity, myofibroblast differentiation and pro‑fibrotic gene expression were assessed. Canonical and non‑canonical signaling downstream of TGF‑β1, such as Smad3 and mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, were investigated by evaluating the phosphorylation levels of Smad3, extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2, p38 MAPK and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase. The results indicated that ATV significantly prevented TGF‑β1‑induced cell proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation and production of extracellular matrix proteins, such as matrix metalloproteinase‑2, collagen I and collagen III, in hVFs. Furthermore, ATV effectively inhibited TGF‑β1‑induced activation of Smad3 and MAPK signaling in hVFs. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that ATV prevented TGF‑β1‑induced fibrogenesis in hVFs, at least in part by inhibiting the Smad3 and MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, these results imply that ATV may be a promising agent to treat myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Du
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Haiying Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Shuzhan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Jiafu Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Guang Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongcai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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13
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Lear TB, Lockwood KC, Larsen M, Tuncer F, Kennerdell JR, Morse C, Valenzi E, Tabib T, Jurczak MJ, Kass DJ, Evankovich JW, Finkel T, Lafyatis R, Liu Y, Chen BB. Kelch-like protein 42 is a profibrotic ubiquitin E3 ligase involved in systemic sclerosis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4171-4180. [PMID: 32071084 PMCID: PMC7105301 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac119.012066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that affects over 2.5 million people globally. SSc results in dysfunctional connective tissues with excessive profibrotic signaling, affecting skin, cardiovascular, and particularly lung tissue. Over three-quarters of individuals with SSc develop pulmonary fibrosis within 5 years, the main cause of SSc mortality. No approved medicines to manage lung SSc currently exist. Recent research suggests that profibrotic signaling by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is directly tied to SSc. Previous studies have also shown that ubiquitin E3 ligases potently control TGF-β signaling through targeted degradation of key regulatory proteins; however, the roles of these ligases in SSc-TGF-β signaling remain unclear. Here we utilized primary SSc patient lung cells for high-throughput screening of TGF-β signaling via high-content imaging of nuclear translocation of the profibrotic transcription factor SMAD family member 2/3 (SMAD2/3). We screened an RNAi library targeting ubiquitin E3 ligases and observed that knockdown of the E3 ligase Kelch-like protein 42 (KLHL42) impairs TGF-β-dependent profibrotic signaling. KLHL42 knockdown reduced fibrotic tissue production and decreased TGF-β-mediated SMAD activation. Using unbiased ubiquitin proteomics, we identified phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B'ϵ (PPP2R5ϵ) as a KLHL42 substrate. Mechanistic experiments validated ubiquitin-mediated control of PPP2R5ϵ stability through KLHL42. PPP2R5ϵ knockdown exacerbated TGF-β-mediated profibrotic signaling, indicating a role of PPP2R5ϵ in SSc. Our findings indicate that the KLHL42-PPP2R5ϵ axis controls profibrotic signaling in SSc lung fibroblasts. We propose that future studies could investigate whether chemical inhibition of KLHL42 may ameliorate profibrotic signaling in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis B Lear
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261; Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Karina C Lockwood
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Mads Larsen
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Ferhan Tuncer
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Jason R Kennerdell
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Christina Morse
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Eleanor Valenzi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Michael J Jurczak
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - John W Evankovich
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Toren Finkel
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Yuan Liu
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
| | - Bill B Chen
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
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14
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Wei YH, Liao SL, Wang SH, Wang CC, Yang CH. Simvastatin and ROCK Inhibitor Y-27632 Inhibit Myofibroblast Differentiation of Graves' Ophthalmopathy-Derived Orbital Fibroblasts via RhoA-Mediated ERK and p38 Signaling Pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:607968. [PMID: 33597925 PMCID: PMC7883643 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.607968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced differentiation of orbital fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is an important pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and leads to orbital tissue fibrosis. In the present study, we explored the antifibrotic effects of simvastatin and ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in primary cultured GO orbital fibroblasts and tried to explain the molecular mechanisms behind these effects. Both simvastatin and Y-27632 inhibited TGF-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, which serves as a marker of fibrosis. The inhibitory effect of simvastatin on TGF-β-induced RhoA, ROCK1, and α-SMA expression could be reversed by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. This suggested that the mechanism of simvastatin-mediated antifibrotic effects may involve RhoA/ROCK signaling. Furthermore, simvastatin and Y-27632 suppressed TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38. The TGF-β-mediated α-SMA expression was suppressed by pharmacological inhibitors of p38 and ERK. These results suggested that simvastatin inhibits TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation via suppression of the RhoA/ROCK/ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Thus, our study provides evidence that simvastatin and ROCK inhibitors may be potential therapeutic drugs for the prevention and treatment of orbital fibrosis in GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Lang Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sen-Hsu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chang-Hao Yang,
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15
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Emelyanova L, Sra A, Schmuck EG, Raval AN, Downey FX, Jahangir A, Rizvi F, Ross GR. Impact of statins on cellular respiration and de-differentiation of myofibroblasts in human failing hearts. ESC Heart Fail 2019; 6:1027-1040. [PMID: 31520523 PMCID: PMC6816080 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Fibroblast to myofibroblast trans-differentiation with altered bioenergetics precedes cardiac fibrosis (CF). Either prevention of differentiation or promotion of de-differentiation could mitigate CF-related pathologies. We determined whether 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors-statins, commonly prescribed to patients at risk of heart failure (HF)-can de-differentiate myofibroblasts, alter cellular bioenergetics, and impact the human ventricular fibroblasts (hVFs) in HF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Either in vitro statin treatment of differentiated myofibroblasts (n = 3-6) or hVFs, isolated from human HF patients under statin therapy (HF + statin) vs. without statins (HF) were randomly used (n = 4-12). In vitro, hVFs were differentiated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 72 h (TGF-72 h). Differentiation status and cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were determined by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and Seahorse assay, respectively. Data are mean ± SEM except Seahorse (mean ± SD); P < 0.05, considered significant. In vitro, statins concentration-dependently de-differentiated the myofibroblasts. The respective half-maximal effective concentrations were 729 ± 13 nmol/L (atorvastatin), 3.6 ± 1 μmol/L (rosuvastatin), and 185 ± 13 nmol/L (simvastatin). Mevalonic acid (300 μmol/L), the reduced product of HMG-CoA, prevented the statin-induced de-differentiation (α-SMA expression: 31.4 ± 10% vs. 58.6 ± 12%). Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP, 20 μmol/L), a cholesterol synthesis-independent HMG-CoA reductase pathway intermediate, completely prevented the statin-induced de-differentiation (α-SMA/GAPDH ratios: 0.89 ± 0.05 [TGF-72 h + 72 h], 0.63 ± 0.02 [TGF-72 h + simvastatin], and 1.2 ± 0.08 [TGF-72 h + simvastatin + GGPP]). Cellular metabolism involvement was observed when co-incubation of simvastatin (200 nmol/L) with glibenclamide (10 μmol/L), a KATP channel inhibitor, attenuated the simvastatin-induced de-differentiation (0.84 ± 0.05). Direct inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by oligomycin (1 ng/mL) also produced a de-differentiation effect (0.33 ± 0.02). OCR (pmol O2 /min/μg protein) was significantly decreased in the simvastatin-treated hVFs, including basal (P = 0.002), ATP-linked (P = 0.01), proton leak-linked (P = 0.01), and maximal (P < 0.001). The OCR inhibition was prevented by GGPP (basal OCR [P = 0.02], spare capacity OCR [P = 0.008], and maximal OCR [P = 0.003]). Congruently, hVFs from HF showed an increased population of myofibroblasts while HF + statin group showed significantly reduced cellular respiration (basal OCR [P = 0.021], ATP-linked OCR [P = 0.047], maximal OCR [P = 0.02], and spare capacity OCR [P = 0.025]) and myofibroblast differentiation (α-SMA/GAPDH: 1 ± 0.19 vs. 0.23 ± 0.06, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the de-differentiating effect of statins, the underlying GGPP sensitivity, reduced OCR with potential activation of KATP channels, and their impact on the differentiation magnitude of hVFs in HF patients. This novel pleiotropic effect of statins may be exploited to reduce excessive CF in patients at risk of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Emelyanova
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Health Care, St. Luke's Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA
| | - Amar Sra
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Health Care, St. Luke's Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA
| | - Eric G Schmuck
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amish N Raval
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Francis X Downey
- Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Arshad Jahangir
- Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Center for Advanced Atrial Fibrillation Therapies, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Farhan Rizvi
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Health Care, St. Luke's Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA
| | - Gracious R Ross
- Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging, Aurora Health Care, St. Luke's Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, USA
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16
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Kuo HF, Hsieh CC, Wang SC, Chang CY, Hung CH, Kuo PL, Liu YR, Li CY, Liu PL. Simvastatin Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis via Regulation of Cardiomyocyte-Derived Exosome Secretion. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8060794. [PMID: 31167519 PMCID: PMC6617127 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosome-mediated communication within the cardiac microenvironment is associated with cardiac fibrosis. Simvastatin (SIM), a potent statin, protects against cardiac fibrosis, but its mechanism of action is unclear. We investigated the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanism of simvastatin in cardiac fibrosis, by regulating exosome-mediated communication. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with angiotensin (Ang) II alone, or with SIM for 28 d. Cardiac fibrosis, expressions of fibrosis-associated proteins and mRNAs, and collagen fiber arrangement and deposition were examined. Protein expressions in exosomes isolated from Ang II-treated cardiomyocytes (CMs) were evaluated using nano-ultra-performance liquid chromatographic system, combined with tandem mass spectrometry. Transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts was evaluated using scanning electron and confocal microscopy, and migration assays. Our results showed that SIM attenuated in vivo expression of collagen and collagen-associated protein, as well as collagen deposition, and cardiac fibrosis. The statin also upregulated decorin and downregulated periostin in CM-derived exosomes. Furthermore, it suppressed Ang II-induced transformation of fibroblast to myofibroblast, as well as fibroblast migration. Exosome-mediated cell-cell communication within the cardiac tissue critically regulated cardiac fibrosis. Specifically, SIM regulated the release of CM exosomes, and attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapy for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Fu Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan.
| | - Chong-Chao Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Chi Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yuan Chang
- Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hsin Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Lin Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Ru Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yang Li
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Len Liu
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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