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O'Reilly S. Interleukin-11 and its eminent role in tissue fibrosis: a possible therapeutic target. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:154-161. [PMID: 37724596 PMCID: PMC10714194 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad108] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-11 is a cytokine from the IL-6 family of cytokines that includes IL-6 and oncostatin-M. Initially described for its role in platelet generation, it is now appreciated that this cytokine has multiple functions. Recently it has been found that IL-11 is critical in fibrosis in multiple different organ systems and systemically as in the autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis. Animal models of fibrosis have determined that animals with IL-11 receptor deletions have retarded fibrosis and that in wild-type animals IL-11 is found at the organ of fibrosis. Recent evidence suggests that IL-11 may be a master regulator of fibrosis regardless of end target organ. With the development of neutralizing antibodies targeting the cytokine in pre-clinical models this could be a possible therapeutic, in a disease in which no specific therapies exist. This review appraises the evidence of the role of IL-11 in tissue fibrosis, its signalling properties, and therapeutic targeting. The review ends with an appraisal of indications for which IL-11 modulation is targeted.
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2
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Yu H, Wen Q, Zhang X, Zhang H, Wu X. Cardiac involved and autopsy in two patients with systemic sclerosis: Two cases report. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15555. [PMID: 37159691 PMCID: PMC10163610 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15555] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with high mortality. One of the most common causes of death in potential SSc patients is cardiac arrest. However, the pathogenesis of cardiac death is not very clear. As far as we know, there are few autopsy reports on this subject. Our autopsy report on two fatal cases of heart injury in SSc patients revealed evidence of myocarditis, focal myocardial necrosis, and myocardial fibrosis. Our findings suggest that chronic inflammation of the heart may lead to extensive fibrosis, which could contribute to the high mortality rate observed in SSc patients. Early detection of heart injury in SSc patients using existing technology is necessary to improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on developing more effective methods for early detection and management of heart involvement in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, 59 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315010, PR China
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, PR China
| | - Qinwen Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, 59 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315010, PR China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, PR China
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, PR China
| | - Xiudi Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, 59 Liuting Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315010, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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3
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Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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4
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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5
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Nie M, Kong B, Chen G, Xie Y, Zhao Y, Sun L. MSCs-laden injectable self-healing hydrogel for systemic sclerosis treatment. Bioact Mater 2022; 17:369-378. [PMID: 35386467 PMCID: PMC8964965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As a novel cellular therapy, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory virtues of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them promising candidates for systemic sclerosis (SSc) treatment. However, the clinical efficacy of this stratagem is limited because of the short persistence time, poor survival, and engraftment of MSCs after injection in vivo. Herein, we develop a novel MSCs-laden injectable self-healing hydrogel for SSc treatment. The hydrogel is prepared using N, O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CS-CM) and 4-armed benzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG-BA) as the main components, imparting with self-healing capacity via the reversible Schiff-base connection between the amino and benzaldehyde groups. We demonstrate that the hydrogel laden with MSCs not only promoted the proliferation of MSCs and increased the cellular half-life in vivo, but also improve their immune-modulating functions. The tube formation assay indicates that the MSCs could significantly promote angiopoiesis. Moreover, the MSCs-laden hydrogel could inhibit fibrosis by modulating the synthesis of collagen and ameliorate disease progression in SSc disease model mice after subcutaneous injection of bleomycin. All these results highlight this novel MSCs-laden hydrogel and its distinctive functions in treatment of chronic SSc, indicating the additional potential to be used widely in the clinic. We proposed novel MSCs-laden injectable self-healing hydrogel for SSc treatment. The hydrogel was constructed by PEG-BA and CS-CM. MSCs-laden hydrogel promotes angiopoiesis and inhibit fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Nie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Bin Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Health Science Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Guopu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210002, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210002, China
- Corresponding author.
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6
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Collagen V α1 Chain Decrease in Papillary Dermis from Early Systemic Sclerosis: A New Proposal in Cutaneous Fibrosis Molecular Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012654. [PMID: 36293511 PMCID: PMC9604101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012654] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous fibrosis is one of the main features of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recent findings correlated abnormal collagen V (Col V) deposition in dermis with skin thickening and disease activity in SSc. Considering that Col V is an important regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis, understanding the role of Col V in the first two years of the skin fibrosis in SSc (early SSc) can help to determine new targets for future treatments. In this study, we analyzed the morphological, ultrastructural and molecular features of α1(V) and α2(V) chains and the expression of their coding genes COL5A1 and COL5A2 in collagen fibrillogenesis in early-SSc. Skin biopsies were obtained from seven consecutive treatment-naïve patients with SSc-related fibrosis and four healthy controls. Our data showed increased α1(V) and α2(V) chain expression in the reticular dermis of early-SSc patients; however, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural immunogold staining determined a significant decreased expression of the α1(V) chain along the dermoepidermal junction in the papillary dermis from early-SSc-patients in relation to the control (12.77 ± 1.34 vs. 66.84 ± 3.36; p < 0.0001). The immunoblot confirmed the decreased expression of the α1(V) chain by the cutaneous fibroblasts of early-SSc, despite the increased COL5A1 and COL5A2 gene expression. In contrast, the α2(V) chain was overexpressed in the small vessels (63.18 ± 3.56 vs. 12.16 ± 0.81; p < 0.0001) and capillaries (60.88 ± 5.82 vs. 15.11 ± 3.80; p < 0.0001) in the reticular dermis of early-SSc patients. Furthermore, COLVA2 siRNA in SSc cutaneous fibroblasts resulted in a decreased α1(V) chain expression. These results highlight an intense decrease in the α1(V) chain along the dermoepidermal junction, suggesting an altered molecular histoarchitecture in the SSc papillary dermis, with a possible decrease in the expression of the α1(V)3 homotrimeric isoform, which could interfere with the thickening and cutaneous fibrosis related to SSc.
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7
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Asadikalameh Z, Maddah R, Maleknia M, Nassaj ZS, Ali NS, Azizi S, Dastyar F. Bioinformatics analysis of microarray data to identify hub genes, as diagnostic biomarker of
HELLP
syndrome: System biology approach. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:2493-2504. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.15363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Asadikalameh
- Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Yasuj University of Medical Sciences Yasuj Iran
| | - Reza Maddah
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Tehran Iran
| | - Mohsen Maleknia
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
- Student Research Committee Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Zohre S. Nassaj
- Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Shahroud University of Medical Sciences Shahroud Iran
| | - Neda Seyed Ali
- Shahid AkbarAbadi Clinical Research Development unit (SHACRDU) School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Sepideh Azizi
- Shahid AkbarAbadi Clinical Research Development unit (SHACRDU) School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Fatemeh Dastyar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine Bushehr University of Medical Sciences Bushehr Iran
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8
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Yu J, Tang R, Ding K. Epigenetic Modifications in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:3155-3166. [PMID: 35342304 PMCID: PMC8942200 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s356877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic autoimmune disease, which mainly manifests as immune disorders, vascular damage, and progressive fibrosis. The etiology of SSc is complex and involves multiple factors. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. As one of the molecular mechanisms of environmental factors, epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of systemic sclerosis, which involves DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA regulation. This review summarizes research advances in epigenetics, including exosomes, lncRNA, and mentions possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Ding
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ke Ding, Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China, Email
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9
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Malaab M, Renaud L, Takamura N, Zimmerman KD, da Silveira WA, Ramos PS, Haddad S, Peters-Golden M, Penke LR, Wolf BJ, Hardiman G, Langefeld CD, Medsger TA, Feghali-Bostwick CA. Antifibrotic factor KLF4 is repressed by the miR-10/TFAP2A/TBX5 axis in dermal fibroblasts: insights from twins discordant for systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:268-277. [PMID: 34750102 PMCID: PMC8758541 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease of unknown aetiology in which inflammation and fibrosis lead to multiple organ damage. There is currently no effective therapy that can halt the progression of fibrosis or reverse it, thus studies that provide novel insights into disease pathogenesis and identify novel potential therapeutic targets are critically needed. METHODS We used global gene expression and genome-wide DNA methylation analyses of dermal fibroblasts (dFBs) from a unique cohort of twins discordant for SSc to identify molecular features of this pathology. We validated the findings using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. RESULTS Our results revealed distinct differentially expressed and methylated genes, including several transcription factors involved in stem cell differentiation and developmental programmes (KLF4, TBX5, TFAP2A and homeobox genes) and the microRNAs miR-10a and miR-10b which target several of these deregulated genes. We show that KLF4 expression is reduced in SSc dFBs and its expression is repressed by TBX5 and TFAP2A. We also show that KLF4 is antifibrotic, and its conditional knockout in fibroblasts promotes a fibrotic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Our data support a role for epigenetic dysregulation in mediating SSc susceptibility in dFBs, illustrating the intricate interplay between CpG methylation, miRNAs and transcription factors in SSc pathogenesis, and highlighting the potential for future use of epigenetic modifiers as therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Malaab
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Naoko Takamura
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kip D. Zimmerman
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA,Center for Public Health Genomics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Paula S. Ramos
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA,Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Marc Peters-Golden
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Loka R. Penke
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bethany J. Wolf
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK,Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Carl D. Langefeld
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA,Center for Public Health Genomics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas A. Medsger
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA,Corresponding author: Dr. Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC637, Charleston, SC 29425.
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10
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Lu QK, Fan C, Xiang CG, Wu B, Lu HM, Feng CL, Yang XQ, Li H, Tang W. Inhibition of PDE4 by apremilast attenuates skin fibrosis through directly suppressing activation of M1 and T cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:376-386. [PMID: 33850274 PMCID: PMC8791980 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a life-threatening chronic connective tissue disease with the characteristics of skin fibrosis, vascular injury, and inflammatory infiltrations. Though inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) has been turned out to be an effective strategy in suppressing inflammation through promoting the accumulation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), little is known about the functional modes of inhibiting PDE4 by apremilast on the process of SSc. The present research aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of apremilast on SSc. Herein, we found that apremilast could markedly ameliorate the pathological manifestations of SSc, including skin dermal thickness, deposition of collagens, and increased expression of α-SMA. Further study demonstrated that apremilast suppressed the recruitment and activation of macrophages and T cells, along with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which accounted for the effects of apremilast on modulating the pro-fibrotic processes. Interestingly, apremilast could dose-dependently inhibit the activation of M1 and T cells in vitro through promoting the phosphorylation of CREB. In summary, our research suggested that inhibiting PDE4 by apremilast might provide a novel therapeutic option for clinical treatment of SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-kai Lu
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Chen Fan
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Cai-gui Xiang
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Bing Wu
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Hui-min Lu
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Chun-lan Feng
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Xiao-qian Yang
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Heng Li
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Wei Tang
- grid.419093.60000 0004 0619 8396Laboratory of Anti-inflammation and Immunopharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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11
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Brasier AR, Qiao D, Zhao Y. The Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway Links Innate Inflammation With Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Airway Remodeling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:808735. [PMID: 35002741 PMCID: PMC8727908 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.808735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the lower airway epithelial barrier plays a major role in the initiation and progression of chronic lung disease. Here, repetitive environmental insults produced by viral and allergens triggers metabolic adaptations, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and airway remodeling. Epithelial plasticity disrupts epithelial barrier function, stimulates release of fibroblastic growth factors, and remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM). This review will focus on recent work demonstrating how the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) links innate inflammation to airway remodeling. The HBP is a core metabolic pathway of the unfolded protein response (UPR) responsible for protein N-glycosylation, relief of proteotoxic stress and secretion of ECM modifiers. We will overview findings that the IκB kinase (IKK)-NFκB pathway directly activates expression of the SNAI-ZEB1 mesenchymal transcription factor module through regulation of the Bromodomain Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) chromatin modifier. BRD4 mediates transcriptional elongation of SNAI1-ZEB as well as enhancing chromatin accessibility and transcription of fibroblast growth factors, ECM and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, recent exciting findings that IKK cross-talks with the UPR by controlling phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the autoregulatory XBP1s transcription factor are presented. HBP is required for N glycosylation and secretion of ECM components that play an important signaling role in airway remodeling. This interplay between innate inflammation, metabolic reprogramming and lower airway plasticity expands a population of subepithelial myofibroblasts by secreting fibroblastic growth factors, producing changes in ECM tensile strength, and fibroblast stimulation by MMP binding. Through these actions on myofibroblasts, EMP in lower airway cells produces expansion of the lamina reticularis and promotes airway remodeling. In this manner, metabolic reprogramming by the HBP mediates environmental insult-induced inflammation with remodeling in chronic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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12
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Cheng Z, Zhang J, Deng W, Lin S, Li D, Zhu K, Qi Q. Bushen Yijing Decoction (BSYJ) exerts an anti-systemic sclerosis effect via regulating MicroRNA-26a /FLI1 axis. Bioengineered 2021; 12:1212-1225. [PMID: 33843426 PMCID: PMC8806208 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1907128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) refers to a group of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Bushen Yijing decoction (BSYJ) is used for treating SSc. However, its underlying mechanism remains unknown. The present study aims to investigate potential roles of Friend leukemia integration factor 1 (FLI1) and microRNA in the beneficial effects of BSYJ on SSc. Primary skin fibroblasts were isolated from healthy individuals and SSc patients through tissue-explant technique and validated by immunocytochemistry. mRNA and microRNA levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was measured by western blotting. MiR-26a mimics or inhibitor were transfected to induce miR-26a overexpression or knockdown in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Histological changes of skin tissues from SSc mouse were evaluated by H&E and Masson trichrome staining. Results showed that FLI1 expression significantly decreased in primary skin fibroblasts of SSc patients. MiR-26a was predicted to target FLI1 untranslated region. Transfection of miR-26 mimics in SSc skin fibroblasts (SFB) leads to decrease in FLI1 expression and increase in collagen I gene expression and fibronectin accumulation. On the other hand, miR-26a knockdown increased FLI1 expression and decreased collagen I and fibronectin expression in SFB. In addition, BSYJ-containing rat serum suppressed miR-26a expression, while it elevated FLI1 expression and inhibited fibronectin and collagen I accumulation in SFB. In the mouse SSc model, BSYJ-containing serum inhibited dermal fibrosis by suppressing miR-26a expression and restoring FLI1 protein levels. Overall, our study demonstrates that BSYJ decoction exerts anti-dermal fibrosis in SSc patients via suppressing miR-26a level and thus to increase FLI1 expression in fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong, Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaojian Lin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donghai Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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O'Reilly S. Gremlin: a complex molecule regulating wound healing and fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7917-7923. [PMID: 34731251 PMCID: PMC11071963 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is part of the TGF-β superfamily and is a BMP antagonist that blocks BMP signalling to precisely control BMP gradients. Gremlin-1 is primarily involved in organogenesis and limb patterning however, has recently been described as being involved in fibrotic diseases. Initially described as a key factor involved in diabetic kidney fibrosis due to being induced by high glucose, it has now been described as being associated with lung, liver, eye, and skin fibrosis. This suggests that it is a key conserved molecule mediating fibrotic events irrespective of organ. It appears that Gremlin-1 may have effects mediated by BMP-dependent and independent pathways. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of Gremlin-1 in fibrosis, its mechanisms and if this can be targeted therapeutically in fibrotic diseases, which currently have very limited treatment options and are highly prevalent.
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14
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Distler JHW, O'Reilly S. Epigenetic profiling of twins identify repression of KLF4 as a novel pathomechanism in systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2021; 81:151-152. [PMID: 34844928 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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15
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Szabo I, Muntean L, Crisan T, Rednic V, Sirbe C, Rednic S. Novel Concepts in Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis: Role for miRNAs. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101471. [PMID: 34680587 PMCID: PMC8533248 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. It is characterized by the pathogenic triad: microangiopathy, immune dysfunction, and fibrosis. Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression without interfering with the DNA sequence. Epigenetic marks may be reversible and their differential response to external stimuli could explain the protean clinical manifestations of SSc while offering the opportunity of targeted drug development. Small, non-coding RNA sequences (miRNAs) have demonstrated complex interactions between vasculature, immune activation, and extracellular matrices. Distinct miRNA profiles were identified in SSc skin specimens and blood samples containing a wide variety of dysregulated miRNAs. Their target genes are mainly involved in profibrotic pathways, but new lines of evidence also confirm their participation in impaired angiogenesis and aberrant immune responses. Research approaches focusing on earlier stages of the disease and on differential miRNA expression in various tissues could bring novel insights into SSc pathogenesis and validate the clinical utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Szabo
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Laura Muntean
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Crisan
- Department of Medical Genetics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Voicu Rednic
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology II, “Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor” Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudia Sirbe
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Simona Rednic
- Department of Rheumatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.S.); (C.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Rheumatology, County Emergency Hospital Cluj-Napoca, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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16
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Advances in epigenetics in systemic sclerosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:596-607. [PMID: 34480165 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypical inflammatory fibrotic disease involving inflammation, vascular abnormalities and fibrosis that primarily affect the skin and lungs. The aetiology of SSc is unknown and its pathogenesis is only partially understood. Of all the rheumatic diseases, SSc carries the highest all-cause mortality rate and represents an unmet medical need. A growing body of evidence implicates epigenetic aberrations in this intractable disease, including specific modifications affecting the three main cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis: immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss the latest insights into the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in SSc and how these epigenetic alterations affect disease features. In particular, histone modifications have a role in the regulation of gene expression pertinent to activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, governing their fate. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in disease pathogenesis by mediating methylation of DNA in specific promoters, regulating expression of specific pathways. We discuss targeting of these enzymes for therapeutic gain. Innovative epigenetic therapy could be targeted to treat the disease in a precision epigenetics approach.
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17
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Rusek M, Krasowska D. Non-Coding RNA in Systemic Sclerosis: A Valuable Tool for Translational and Personalized Medicine. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1296. [PMID: 34573278 PMCID: PMC8471866 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic factors are heritable and ultimately play a role in modulating gene expression and, thus, in regulating cell functions. Non-coding RNAs have growing recognition as novel biomarkers and crucial regulators of pathological conditions in humans. Their characteristic feature is being transcribed in a tissue-specific pattern. Now, there is emerging evidence that lncRNAs have been identified to be involved in the differentiation of human skin, wound healing, fibrosis, inflammation, and immunological response. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vascular abnormalities, and immune system activation. The pathogenesis remains elusive, but clinical manifestations reveal autoimmunity with the presence of specific autoantibodies, activation of innate and adaptive immunity, vascular changes, and active deposition of extracellular matrix components leading to fibrosis. The use of multi-omics studies, including NGS, RNA-seq, or GWAS, has proposed that the non-coding genome may be a significant player in its pathogenesis. Moreover, it may unravel new therapeutic targets in the future. The aim of this review is to show the pathogenic role of long non-coding RNAs in systemic sclerosis. Investigation of these transcripts' functions has the potential to elucidate the molecular pathology of SSc and provide new opportunities for drug-targeted therapy for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rusek
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Laboratory for Immunology of Skin Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Krasowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Pediatric Dermatology, Laboratory for Immunology of Skin Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
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18
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Sawant M, Hinz B, Schönborn K, Zeinert I, Eckes B, Krieg T, Schuster R. A story of fibers and stress: Matrix-embedded signals for fibroblast activation in the skin. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:515-530. [PMID: 34081361 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our skin is continuously exposed to mechanical challenge, including shear, stretch, and compression. The extracellular matrix of the dermis is perfectly suited to resist these challenges and maintain integrity of normal skin even upon large strains. Fibroblasts are the key cells that interpret mechanical and chemical cues in their environment to turnover matrix and maintain homeostasis in the skin of healthy adults. Upon tissue injury, fibroblasts and an exclusive selection of other cells become activated into myofibroblasts with the task to restore skin integrity by forming structurally imperfect but mechanically stable scar tissue. Failure of myofibroblasts to terminate their actions after successful repair or upon chronic inflammation results in dysregulated myofibroblast activities which can lead to hypertrophic scarring and/or skin fibrosis. After providing an overview on the major fibrillar matrix components in normal skin, we will interrogate the various origins of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the skin. We then examine the role of the matrix as signaling hub and how fibroblasts respond to mechanical matrix cues to restore order in the confusing environment of a healing wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha Sawant
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katrin Schönborn
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabel Zeinert
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ronen Schuster
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,PhenomicAI, MaRS Centre, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada
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19
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Duffy L, Henderson J, Brown M, Pryzborski S, Fullard N, Summa L, Distler JHW, Stratton R, O'Reilly S. Bone Morphogenetic Protein Antagonist Gremlin-1 Increases Myofibroblast Transition in Dermal Fibroblasts: Implications for Systemic Sclerosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681061. [PMID: 34150776 PMCID: PMC8213337 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic Sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which results in fibrosis of the skin and lungs. The disease is characterized by activation of myofibroblasts but what governs this is unknown. Gremlin-1 is a BMP antagonist that is developmentally regulated and we sought to investigate its role in Systemic Sclerosis. Methods Dermal fibroblasts were transfected with Grem1pcDNA3.1 expression vectors or empty vectors. Various markers of myofibroblasts were measured at the mRNA and protein levels. Scratch wound assays were also performed. Media Transfer experiments were performed to evaluate cytokine like effects. Various inhibitors of TGF-β signaling and MAPK signaling were used post-transfection. siRNA to Gremlin-1 in SSc dermal fibroblasts were performed to evaluate the role of Gremlin-1. Different cytokines were incubated with fibroblasts and Gremlin-1 measured. Bleomycin was used as model of fibrosis and immunohistochemistry performed. Results Overexpression of Gremlin-1 was achieved in primary dermal fibroblasts and lead to activation of quiescent cells to myofibroblasts indicated by collagen and α-Smooth muscle actin. Overexpression also led to functional effects. This was associated with increased TGF-β1 levels and SBE luciferase activity but not increased Thrombospondin-1 expression. Inhibition of Gremlin-1 overexpression cells with antibodies to TGF-β1 but not isotype controls led to reduced collagen and various TGF-β pathway chemical inhibitors also led to reduced collagen levels. In SSc cells siRNA mediated reduction of Gremlin-1 reduced collagen expression and CTGF gene and protein levels in these cells. IL-13 did not lead to elevated Gremlin-1 expression nor did IL-11. Gremlin-1 was elevated in an animal model of fibrosis compared to NaCl-treated mice. Conclusion Gremlin-1 is a key regulator of myofibroblast transition leading to enhanced ECM deposition. Strategies that block Gremlin-1 maybe a possible therapeutic target in fibrotic diseases such as SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Duffy
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Max Brown
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola Fullard
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Lena Summa
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Jorg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
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20
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Henderson J, Duffy L, Stratton R, Ford D, O'Reilly S. Metabolic reprogramming of glycolysis and glutamine metabolism are key events in myofibroblast transition in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:14026-14038. [PMID: 33140521 PMCID: PMC7754020 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare fibrotic autoimmune disorder for which no curative treatments currently exist. Metabolic remodelling has recently been implicated in other autoimmune diseases; however, its potential role in SSc has received little attention. Here, we aimed to determine whether changes to glycolysis and glutaminolysis are important features of skin fibrosis. TGF‐β1, the quintessential pro‐fibrotic stimulus, was used to activate fibrotic pathways in NHDFs in vitro. Dermal fibroblasts derived from lesions of SSc patients were also used for in vitro experiments. Parameters of glycolytic function were assessed using by measuring extracellular acidification in response to glycolytic activators/inhibitors, whilst markers of fibrosis were measured by Western blotting following the use of the glycolysis inhibitors 2‐dg and 3PO and the glutaminolysis inhibitor G968. Succinate was also measured after TGF‐β1 stimulation. Itaconate was added to SSc fibroblasts and collagen examined. TGF‐β1 up‐regulates glycolysis in dermal fibroblasts, and inhibition of glycolysis attenuates its pro‐fibrotic effects. Furthermore, inhibition of glutamine metabolism also reverses TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis, whilst glutaminase expression is up‐regulated in dermal fibroblasts derived from SSc patient skin lesions, suggesting that enhanced glutamine metabolism is another aspect of the pro‐fibrotic metabolic phenotype in skin fibrosis. TGF‐β1 was also able to enhance succinate production, with increased succinate shown to be associated with increased collagen expression. Incubation of SSc cells with itaconate, an important metabolite, reduced collagen expression. TGF‐β1 activation of glycolysis is a key feature of the fibrotic phenotype induced by TGF‐B1 in skin cells, whilst increased glutaminolysis is also evident in SSc fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Duffy
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatic and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dianne Ford
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
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21
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Henderson J, Wilkinson S, Przyborski S, Stratton R, O'Reilly S. microRNA27a-3p mediates reduction of the Wnt antagonist sFRP-1 in systemic sclerosis. Epigenetics 2020; 16:808-817. [PMID: 32965161 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1827715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that leads to skin and lung fibrosis. The Wnt pathway is clearly elevated in SSc and is pro-fibrotic via activation of canonical Wnt signalling. sFRP-1 is a Wnt antagonist that acts as a negative regulator of Wnt signalling. We sought to measure the levels of serum sFRP-1 in early diffuse SSc patients compared to healthy controls and if this is regulated by microRNA27a-3p. Ten early diffuse SSc patients and healthy controls sera were taken and sFRP-1 quantified by ELISA. Skin biopsies were also taken in five SSc patients and controls. Fibroblasts were quantified for microRNA27-3p expression by Taqman qRT-PCR with an internal microRNA to normalize. 3'UTR luciferase assays were performed to confirm direct targets of microRNA27a-3p with microRNA overexpression. Fibroblasts were transfected with microRNA27a mimics or scramble controls and using ELISA sFRP-1 was quantified. Furthermore, Collagen, Axin-2, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 were measured. Serum sFRP-1 was significantly reduced in early diffuse SSc patients. We identified microRNA27a-3p-3p as regulating sFRP-1 in dermal fibroblasts. We found significantly elevated microRNA27a-3p in isolated dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients. We confirmed that sFRP-1 is a direct target of microRNA27a-3p through cloning of the 3'UTR into a luciferase vector. ECM genes were also upregulated by microRNA27a-3p-3p and the matrix-degrading enzyme MMP-1 was suppressed. Serum sFRP-1 is reduced in diffuse SSc patients and is regulated by microRNA27a-3p and this is a direct regulation. Modulation of microRNA27a-3p levels could mediate fibrosis regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Wilkinson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK
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22
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Vlachogiannis NI, Pappa M, Ntouros PA, Nezos A, Mavragani CP, Souliotis VL, Sfikakis PP. Association Between DNA Damage Response, Fibrosis and Type I Interferon Signature in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582401. [PMID: 33123169 PMCID: PMC7566292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased endogenous DNA damage and type I interferon pathway activation have been implicated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Because experimental evidence suggests an interplay between DNA damage response/repair (DDR/R) and immune response, we hypothesized that deregulated DDR/R is associated with a type I interferon signature and/or fibrosis extent in SSc. DNA damage levels, oxidative stress, induction of abasic sites and the efficiency of DNA double-strand break repair (DSB/R) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from 37 SSc patients and 55 healthy controls; expression of DDR/R-associated genes and type I interferon-induced genes was also quantified. Endogenous DNA damage was significantly higher in untreated diffuse or limited SSc (Olive tail moment; 14.7 ± 7.0 and 9.5 ± 4.1, respectively) as well as in patients under cytotoxic treatment (15.0 ± 5.4) but not in very early onset SSc (5.6 ± 1.2) compared with controls (4.9 ± 2.6). Moreover, patients with pulmonary fibrosis had significantly higher DNA damage levels than those without (12.6 ± 5.8 vs. 8.8 ± 4.8, respectively). SSc patients displayed increased oxidative stress and abasic sites, defective DSB/R but not NER capacity, downregulation of genes involved in DSB/R (MRE11A, PRKDC) and base excision repair (PARP1, XRCC1), and upregulation of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, BBC3). Individual levels of DNA damage in SSc PBMCs correlated significantly with the corresponding mRNA expression of type I interferon-induced genes (IFIT1, IFI44 and MX1, r=0.419-0.490) as well as with corresponding skin involvement extent by modified Rodnan skin score (r=0.481). In conclusion, defective DDR/R may exert a fuel-on-fire effect on type I interferon pathway activation and contribute to tissue fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos I Vlachogiannis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Pappa
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis A Ntouros
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Adrianos Nezos
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Clio P Mavragani
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis L Souliotis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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23
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Understanding Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Novel and Emerging Treatment Approaches. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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Silva-Cardoso SC, Tao W, Angiolilli C, Lopes AP, Bekker CPJ, Devaprasad A, Giovannone B, van Laar J, Cossu M, Marut W, Hack E, de Boer RJ, Boes M, Radstake TRDJ, Pandit A. CXCL4 Links Inflammation and Fibrosis by Reprogramming Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells in vitro. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2149. [PMID: 33042127 PMCID: PMC7527415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a condition shared by numerous inflammatory diseases. Our incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis has severely hampered effective drug development. CXCL4 is associated with the onset and extent of fibrosis development in multiple inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Here, we used monocyte-derived cells as a model system to study the effects of CXCL4 exposure on dendritic cell development by integrating 65 longitudinal and paired whole genome transcriptional and methylation profiles. Using data-driven gene regulatory network analyses, we demonstrate that CXCL4 dramatically alters the trajectory of monocyte differentiation, inducing a novel pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic phenotype mediated via key transcriptional regulators including CIITA. Importantly, these pro-inflammatory cells directly trigger a fibrotic cascade by producing extracellular matrix molecules and inducing myofibroblast differentiation. Inhibition of CIITA mimicked CXCL4 in inducing a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic phenotype, validating the relevance of the gene regulatory network. Our study unveils that CXCL4 acts as a key secreted factor driving innate immune training and forming the long-sought link between inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Silva-Cardoso
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Weiyang Tao
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Chiara Angiolilli
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ana P Lopes
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis P J Bekker
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Abhinandan Devaprasad
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Giovannone
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Laar
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta Cossu
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Wioleta Marut
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Erik Hack
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rob J de Boer
- Theoretical Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marianne Boes
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aridaman Pandit
- Center for Translational Immunology, Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Henderson J, Pryzborski S, Stratton R, O'Reilly S. Wnt antagonist DKK-1 levels in systemic sclerosis are lower in skin but not in blood and are regulated by microRNA33a-3p. Exp Dermatol 2020; 30:162-168. [PMID: 32592422 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune skin disease which is associated with inflammation and resulting skin fibrosis. Myofibroblasts are the key cell type associated with the fibrosis but how they are differentiated is not clear. DKK-1 is a Wnt antagonist that blocks Wnt-mediated fibrosis and is reduced in fibrotic conditions. Thus, DKK-1 is a clear negative regulator of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis and its regulation is unknown. The aim of this work is to determine the levels of DKK-1 in serum and tissues of SSc and its regulation. METHODS Skin biopsies were taken from early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients and healthy controls and DKK-1 measured by ELISA; serum was also isolated and DKK-1 quantified. DKK-1 was also measured by qRT-PCR. MicroRNA33a-3p was measured by TaqMan PCR. miR mimics and controls were transfected into dermal fibroblasts. Bleomycin mouse model was employed and compared to vehicle control treated mice, and gene expression was employed for DKK-1 and various extracellular matrix genes. RESULTS DKK-1 is reduced in SSc skin and fibroblasts but is not reduced in the circulation in patients. MicroRNA33a-3p regulates DKK-1 levels epigenetically and is significantly reduced in SSc cells and whole tissue. DKK-1 is also reduced in the bleomycin mouse model and pro-fibrotic genes elevated. CONCLUSION DKK-1 is reduced in SSc cells and is regulated by miR33a-3p, and restoring DKK-1 levels through epigenetic means could be a therapeutic target in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
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26
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Zhang L, Wu H, Zhao M, Lu Q. Meta‐analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs in systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 23:1297-1304. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhang
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics Central South University Changsha China
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27
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Ricard L, Hirsch P, Largeaud L, Deswarte C, Jachiet V, Mohty M, Rivière S, Malard F, Tenon M, de Vassoigne F, Fain O, Gaugler B, Rossignol J, Delhommeau F, Mekinian A. Clonal haematopoiesis is increased in early onset in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:3499-3504. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
SSc is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, microangiopathy and immune dysfunctions including dysregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is defined by the acquisition of somatic mutations in haematopoietic stem cells leading to detectable clones in the blood. Recent data have shown a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with CHIP resulting from increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and accelerated atherosclerosis. Eventual links between CHIP and autoimmune diseases are undetermined. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of CHIP in SSc patients and its association with clinical phenotype.
Methods
Forty-one genes frequently mutated in myeloid malignancies were sequenced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 90 SSc patients and 44 healthy donors.
Results
A total of 15 somatic variants were detected in 13/90 SSc patients (14%) and four somatic variants in 4/44 (9%) healthy donors (HD) (P = 0.58). The prevalence of CHIP was significantly higher in younger SSc patients than in HD: 25% (6/24) vs 4% (1/26) (P = 0.045) under 50 years and 17% (7/42) vs 3% (1/38) (P = 0.065) under 60 years. The prevalence of CHIP in patients over 70 years was similar in SSc patients and healthy donors. The most common mutations occurred in DNMT3A (seven variants). No major clinical differences were observed between SSc patients with or without CHIP.
Conclusion
Whether CHIP increases the risk to develop SSc or is a consequence of a SSc-derived modified bone marrow micro-environment remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Ricard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne et de l’Inflammation-(DHU i2B), Université Paris 06
| | - Pierre Hirsch
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service d’Hématologie Biologique, Université Paris 06
| | - Laëtitia Largeaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service d’Hématologie Biologique, Université Paris 06
| | - Caroline Deswarte
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
| | - Vincent Jachiet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne et de l’Inflammation-(DHU i2B), Université Paris 06
| | - Mohamad Mohty
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Université Paris 06
| | - Sébastien Rivière
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne et de l’Inflammation-(DHU i2B), Université Paris 06
| | - Florent Malard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Université Paris 06
| | - Maxime Tenon
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
| | | | - Olivier Fain
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne et de l’Inflammation-(DHU i2B), Université Paris 06
| | - Béatrice Gaugler
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service d’Hématologie Clinique, Université Paris 06
| | - Julien Rossignol
- Département d’Hématologie, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - François Delhommeau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service d’Hématologie Biologique, Université Paris 06
| | - Arsène Mekinian
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM U938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA)
- AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Service de Médecine Interne et de l’Inflammation-(DHU i2B), Université Paris 06
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The Role of microRNAs in Organismal and Skin Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155281. [PMID: 32722415 PMCID: PMC7432402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging process starts directly after birth and lasts for the entire lifespan; it manifests itself with a decline in an organism’s ability to adapt and is linked to the development of age-related diseases that eventually lead to premature death. This review aims to explore how microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in skin functioning and aging. Recent evidence has suggested that miRNAs regulate all aspects of cutaneous biogenesis, functionality, and aging. It has been noted that some miRNAs were down-regulated in long-lived individuals, such as let-7, miR-17, and miR-34 (known as longevity-related miRNAs). They are conserved in humans and presumably promote lifespan prolongation; conversely, they are up-regulated in age-related diseases, like cancers. The analysis of the age-associated cutaneous miRNAs revealed the increased expression of miR-130, miR-138, and miR-181a/b in keratinocytes during replicative senescence. These miRNAs affected cell proliferation pathways via targeting the p63 and Sirtuin 1 mRNAs. Notably, miR-181a was also implicated in skin immunosenescence, represented by the Langerhans cells. Dermal fibroblasts also expressed increased the levels of the biomarkers of aging that affect telomere maintenance and all phases of the cellular life cycle, such as let-7, miR-23a-3p, 34a-5p, miR-125a, miR-181a-5p, and miR-221/222-3p. Among them, the miR-34 family, stimulated by ultraviolet B irradiation, deteriorates collagen in the extracellular matrix due to the activation of the matrix metalloproteinases and thereby potentiates wrinkle formation. In addition to the pro-aging effects of miRNAs, the plausible antiaging activity of miR-146a that antagonized the UVA-induced inhibition of proliferation and suppressed aging-related genes (e.g., p21WAF-1, p16, and p53) through targeting Smad4 has also been noticed. Nevertheless, the role of miRNAs in skin aging is still not fully elucidated and needs to be further discovered and explained.
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The multifaceted functional role of DNA methylation in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:459-476. [PMID: 32613397 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05255-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genomic predisposition cannot explain the onset of complex diseases, as well illustrated by the largely incomplete concordance among monozygotic twins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling and non-coding RNA, are considered to be the link between environmental stimuli and disease onset on a permissive genetic background in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The paradigmatic cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) and type-1 diabetes (T1D) share the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigen influenced by several factors, with a largely incomplete role of individual genomic susceptibility. The most widely investigated epigenetic mechanism is DNA methylation which is associated with gene silencing and is due to the binding of methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD)-containing proteins, such as MECP2, to 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Indeed, a causal relationship occurs between DNA methylation and transcription factors occupancy and recruitment at specific genomic locus. In most cases, the results obtained in different studies are controversial in terms of DNA methylation comparison while fascinating evidence comes from the comparison of the epigenome in clinically discordant monozygotic twins. In this manuscript, we will review the mechanisms of epigenetics and DNA methylation changes in specific immune-mediated rheumatic diseases to highlight remaining unmet needs and to identify possible shared mechanisms beyond different tissue involvements with common therapeutic opportunities. Key Points • DNA methylation has a crucial role in regulating and tuning the immune system. • Evidences suggest that dysregulation of DNA methylation is pivotal in the context of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. • DNA methylation dysregulation in FOXP3 and interferons-related genes is shared within several autoimmune diseases. • DNA methylation is an attractive marker for diagnosis and therapy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which there is an activation of fibroblast to a myofibroblast that secretes huge amounts of extracellular matrix. Currently, no treatment exists that modifies the fibrosis elements and new therapeutic targets are badly needed. This review examines the current state of treatments and emerging therapeutics. RECENT FINDINGS Nintedanib was found to significantly reduce the rate of decline in SSc associated FVC, although it has no benefit on skin fibrosis. New cannabinoid receptor2 agonist has shown superb effects in phase II and results in phase III are anticipated. Other targets are currently being tested in clinical trials and new targets that are yet to be tested are increasing in the SSc literature. Nintedanib is now licenced for SSc interstitial lung disease but this does not modify the skin fibrosis. Current ongoing trials will determine the role of various targets. New targets are emerging as we gain a deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Hinchcliff
- Section of Rheumatology and allergy, Yale School of medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, UK. steven.o'
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Romano E, Wang Y, Guiducci S, Zhang G, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. The contribution of epigenetics to the pathogenesis and gender dimorphism of systemic sclerosis: a comprehensive overview. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2020; 12:1759720X20918456. [PMID: 32523636 PMCID: PMC7236401 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x20918456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a life-threatening connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology characterized by widespread vascular injury and dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, immune dysregulation and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Over the past few years, a new trend of investigations is increasingly reporting aberrant epigenetic modifications in genes related to the pathogenesis of SSc, suggesting that, besides genetics, epigenetics may play a pivotal role in disease development and clinical manifestations. Like many other autoimmune diseases, SSc presents a striking female predominance, and even if the reason for this gender imbalance has yet to be completely understood, it appears that the X chromosome, which contains many gender and immune-related genes, could play a role in such gender-biased prevalence. Besides a short summary of the genetic background of SSc, in this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent insights into the epigenetic modifications which underlie the pathophysiology of SSc. A particular focus is given to genetic variations in genes located on the X chromosome as well as to the main X-linked epigenetic modifications that can influence SSc susceptibility and clinical phenotype. On the basis of the most recent advances, there is realistic hope that integrating epigenetic data with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses may provide in the future a better picture of their functional implications in SSc, paving the right way for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini
6, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC),Florence, Italy
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and
Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology,
Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University
Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence,
Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
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Wang Z, Qu S, Zhu J, Chen F, Ma L. Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA network and immune infiltration in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:1856-1865. [PMID: 32642089 PMCID: PMC7330328 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-19-2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a life-threatening lung disorder with an unknown aetiology. The roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and its related competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network in IPF remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to build a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and explore the pathogenesis of IPF. Methods We screened differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) between IPF and control lung tissues from two datasets. The ceRNA network was built according to the interactions between DElncRNA, miRNA, and DEmRNA. Functional enrichment analysis of DemRNAs was performed using Metascape. CIBERSORT (Cell type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets Of known RNA Transcripts) was applied to estimate the fraction of 22 immune cells in IPF and controls lung tissue samples. Then we investigated the correlation between immune cells and clinical traits. Results We constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, which was composed of two DElncRNAs, 18 miRNAs, 66 DemRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DEmRNAs mainly participated in MicroRNAs in cancer. By applying CIBERSORT, we found that IPF tissue samples had a higher proportion of plasma cells, resting mast cells and a lower proportion of resting NK cells, monocytes, neutrophils compared with control tissue samples. Also, our results indicated that immune cells were associated with the severity of IPF. Conclusions In summary, this is the first study to build lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network of IPF, which may improve our understanding of IPF pathogenesis. Our study indicates that immune cells in lung tissues may predict disease severity and participate in the development of IPF. Future prospective studies are required to confirm the findings of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shuoying Qu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fengzhe Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lixian Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan 250012, China
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Li L, Zuo X, Liu D, Luo H, Zhu H. The profiles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in peripheral blood neutrophils exosomes of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol Sci 2020; 98:88-97. [PMID: 32147195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dSSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with skin fibrosis. Neutrophils display important roles in autoimmunity, inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. Exosomes (EXOs) are cell-derived vesicles contained various noncoding RNAs, mRNA and proteins with biological roles. OBJECTIVE To investigate the roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs from dSSc neutrophils EXOs. METHODS EXOs were isolated from cultured neutrophils supernatants and identified by transmission electron microscopy. Global expression of miRNAs and lncRNAs in neutrophils EXOs were sequenced by Illumina HiSeq 3000 and bioinformatic analyses were performed by R/Bioconductor. Genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS In profiles of neutrophils EXOs, we identified 22 dysregulated miRNAs and 281 dysregulated lncRNAs. Predicted target genes of them were enriched in GO, KEGG and Reactome pathways, Wnt, AMPK, IL-23 and NOTCH signaling pathways were selected for further analysis. Widely interactions among them were also found. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and human primary skin fibroblasts were stimulated with dSSc neutrophils EXOs, these fibrosis related genes were detected and some changes were found, such as ENST00000533886.1-hsa-miR-1268a-CAMK2G in Wnt and IL-23 signaling pathways, ENST00000610091.1-hsa-miR-299-3p, 512-3p-CPT1A in IL-23 and AMPK signaling pathways, NR_001564.2, ENST00000520562.1, ENST00000596567.1-hsa-miR-299-3p, 512-3p -TFDP2 in IL-23, AMPK and NOTCH signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS The profiles of miRNAs and lncRNAs of neutrophils EXOs provided novel clues for dSSc pathogenesis. We identified several gene pairs in the Wnt, AMPK, IL-23 and NOTCH signaling pathways, which could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in dSSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Li
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Rheumatology and Immunology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Rheumatology and Immunology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Rheumatology and Immunology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Rheumatology and Immunology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and immunology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; The Institute of Rheumatology and Immunology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Distler O, Volkmann ER, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Maher TM. Current and future perspectives on management of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1009-1017. [PMID: 31566449 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1668269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of SSc and the leading cause of SSc-related death. No drugs are licensed for the treatment of SSc-ILD. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the current treatment of SSc-ILD and a perspective on investigational therapies, focusing on those studied in randomized controlled trials. Expert opinion: There is substantial room for improvement in the treatment of SSc-ILD. Current treatment focuses on immunosuppressant therapies, particularly cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to improve long-term outcomes, but the risk of treatment-related mortality restricts its use to select patients at specialized centers. Modifying the course of disease to improve outcomes remains the goal for new therapies. Several drugs are under investigation as potential therapies for SSc-ILD, providing hope that the limited treatment armamentarium for SSc-ILD will be expanded and improved in the near future. Expert consensus is needed on how to screen for and monitor SSc-ILD and on when to initiate and escalate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | | | - Toby M Maher
- National Institute for Health Research Respiratory Clinical Research Facility, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, and Fibrosis Research Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College , London , UK
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Henry TW, Mendoza FA, Jimenez SA. Role of microRNA in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis tissue fibrosis and vasculopathy. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102396. [PMID: 31520794 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis involves multiple immunological, vascular and fibroproliferative abnormalities that contribute to a severe and complex clinical picture. Vasculopathy and fibroproliferative alterations are two hallmark pathological processes in SSc that are responsible for the most severe clinical manifestations of the disease and determine its clinical outcome and mortality. However, the pathogenesis of SSc vasculopathy and of the uncontrolled SSc fibrotic process remain incompletely understood. Recent investigations into the molecular pathways involved in these processes have identified an important role for epigenetic processes that contribute to overall disease progression and have emphasized microRNAs (miRNAs) as crucial epigenetic regulators. MiRNAs hold unique potential for elucidating SSc pathogenesis, improving diagnosis and developing effective targeted therapies for the disease. This review examines the important role that miRNAs play in the development and regulation of vascular and fibroproliferative alterations associated with SSc pathogenesis and their possible participation in the establishment of pathogenetic connections between these two processes. This review also emphasizes that further understanding of the involvement of miRNA in SSc fibrosis and vasculopathy will very likely provide novel future research directions and allow for the identification of groundbreaking therapeutic interventions within these processes. MiR-21, miR- 31, and miR-155 are of particular interest owing to their important involvement in both SSc vasculopathy and fibroproliferative alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler W Henry
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Fabian A Mendoza
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, USA
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, USA.
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Murdaca G, Tonacci A, Negrini S, Greco M, Borro M, Puppo F, Gangemi S. Emerging role of vitamin D in autoimmune diseases: An update on evidence and therapeutic implications. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102350. [PMID: 31323357 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D plays a key role in in calcium homeostasis and, thus, provides an important support in bone growth by aiding in the mineralization of the collagen matrix. However, vitamin D performs various immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic actions. Autoimmune diseases result from an aberrant activation of the immune system, whereby the immune response is directed against harmless self-antigens. Does vitamin D play a role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases? And, if so, what is its role? In the last decade, researchers' interest in vitamin D and its correlations with autoimmune diseases has considerably increased. We conducted a literature review, covering the period January 1, 2009 through March 30, 2019, in PubMed. We analyzed more than 130 studies in order to find a correlation between vitamin D levels and its effect upon several autoimmune diseases. The analysis demonstrated an inverse association between vitamin D and the development of several autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, thyrotoxicosis, type 1 DM, MS, iridocyclitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis vulgaris, seropositive RA, polymyalgia rheumatica. International multicenter study could allow us to confirm the data already present in the literature in the single clinical studies and to evaluate when to effectively supplement vitamin D in patients who do not take corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Murdaca
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino,Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Tonacci
- Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino,Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Greco
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino,Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Borro
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino,Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Puppo
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino,Genoa, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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O'Reilly S. Epigenetic regulation of RUNX3 in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis: time to target? Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1149-1150. [PMID: 31142477 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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