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Yang B, Shen F, Zhu Y, Cai H. Downregulating ANGPTL3 by miR-144-3p promoted TGF-β1-induced renal interstitial fibrosis via activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24204. [PMID: 38322878 PMCID: PMC10845249 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24204] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite observations of decreased ANGPTL3 (angiopoietin-like protein 3) levels in tubular atrophy and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), its functional implications and regulatory mechanisms in RIF remain unclear. This investigation employed unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice as in vivo model and human proximal kidney tubuloepithelial HK-2 cells under TGF-β1 treatment as in vitro model to explore RIF. The RIF extent was evaluated using H & E staining and Masson's trichrome staining. There was a significant decrease in ANGPTL3 levels and an increase in miR-144-3p, accompanied by heightened expressions of α-SMA, p-PI3K, p-AKT, Collagen I, and Fibronectin in the UUO mice and HK-2 cells treated with TGF-β1. Enhancing ANGPTL3 expression or suppressing miR-144-3p mitigated TGF-β1-induced cellular apoptosis, inflammation, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation, as evidenced by altered levels of α-SMA, Collagen I, Fibronectin, and associated signaling markers. Using a bioinformatics approach, a miR-144-3p binding site was discovered on the ANGPTL3 mRNA, and this finding was subsequently confirmed through luciferase reporter assay. In HK-2 cells stimulated with TGF-β1, the suppression of ANGPTL3 negated the effects of inhibiting miR-144-3p. Under comparable conditions, the use of LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway, nullified the effects caused by the knockdown of ANGPTL3. Collectively, these findings indicate that miR-144-3p exacerbates RIF through PI3K/AKT pathway activation by targeting ANGPTL3, highlighting a novel potential therapeutic target for RIF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Fengxian Shen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Haolei Cai
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
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Irnaten M, O’Brien CJ. Calcium-Signalling in Human Glaucoma Lamina Cribrosa Myofibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021287. [PMID: 36674805 PMCID: PMC9862249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of treatable visual impairment in the developed world, affecting approximately 64 million people worldwide, some of whom will be bilaterally blind from irreversible optic nerve damage. The optic nerve head is a key site of damage in glaucoma where there is fibrosis of the connective tissue in the lamina cribrosa (LC) extracellular matrix. As a ubiquitous second messenger, calcium (Ca2+) can interact with various cellular proteins to regulate multiple physiological processes and contribute to a wide range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and glaucoma. Our research has shown evidence of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, an elevated expression of Ca2+ entry channels, Ca2+-dependent pumps and exchangers, and an abnormal rise in cytosolic Ca2+ in human glaucomatous LC fibroblast cells. We have evidence that this increase is dependent on Ca2+ entry channels located in the plasma membrane, and its release is from internal stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as from the mitochondria. Here, we summarize some of the molecular Ca2+-dependent mechanisms related to this abnormal Ca2+-signalling in human glaucoma LC cells, with a view toward identifying potential therapeutic targets for ongoing optic neuropathy.
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Artlett CM. The Mechanism and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome during Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050634. [PMID: 35625564 PMCID: PMC9138796 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is often the end result of chronic inflammation. It is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This leads to structural alterations in the tissue, causing permanent damage and organ dysfunction. Depending on the organ it effects, fibrosis can be a serious threat to human life. The molecular mechanism of fibrosis is still not fully understood, but the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin–domain–containing protein 3) inflammasome appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been the most extensively studied inflammatory pathway to date. It is a crucial component of the innate immune system, and its activation mediates the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. NLRP3 activation has been strongly linked with fibrosis and drives the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by the chronic upregulation of IL-1β and IL-18 and subsequent autocrine signaling that maintains an activated inflammasome. Both IL-1β and IL-18 are profibrotic, however IL-1β can have antifibrotic capabilities. NLRP3 responds to a plethora of different signals that have a common but unidentified unifying trigger. Even after 20 years of extensive investigation, regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is still not completely understood. However, what is known about NLRP3 is that its regulation and activation is complex and not only driven by various activators but controlled by numerous post-translational modifications. More recently, there has been an intensive attempt to discover NLRP3 inhibitors to treat chronic diseases. This review addresses the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in fibrotic disorders across many different tissues. It discusses the relationships of various NLRP3 activators to fibrosis and covers different therapeutics that have been developed, or are currently in development, that directly target NLRP3 or its downstream products as treatments for fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol M Artlett
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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Cove-Smith A, Sharpe CC, Shattock MJ, Hendry BM. Ion-Channel modulator TH1177 reduces glomerular injury and serum creatinine in chronic mesangial proliferative disease in rats. BMC Nephrol 2020; 21:187. [PMID: 32429914 PMCID: PMC7236127 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-01842-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background T-type calcium channels (TTCC) are involved in mesangial cell proliferation. In acute thy-1 nephritis in the rat TTCC inhibition reduces glomerular damage and cell proliferation. This work is extended here by a study of the non-selective TTCC inhibitor TH1177 in a chronic model of proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN) including late treatment starting after the initial inflammation has resolved. The objective was to determine the effects of TH1177 in a model of chronic mesangioproliferative renal disease. Methods Chronic GN was induced in WKY rats by unilateral nephrectomy (day − 7) followed by day 0 injection of Ox7 thy-1 mAb. Treatment with TH1177 (10–20 mg/Kg daily IP) was started on day 2 (early treatment) or on day 14 (late treatment) and compared to vehicle-treated controls until sacrifice at day 42. Glomerular disease was assessed with a damage score, fibrosis assay, cellular counts and renal function measured by serum creatinine. Results Treatment with TH11777 was associated with reduced serum creatinine, less glomerular damage, reduced fibrosis and reduced glomerular cellularity. The results for early and late TH1177 treatments were essentially the same and differed significantly from vehicle. Conclusions The ion-channel modulator TH1177 is capable of improving glomerular outcome in chronic rat GN even when treatment starts 14 days after initiation of the disease. These data are discussed in the context of the possible targets of TH1177 including TTCC, TRP family, Stim/Orai group and other cation channels. The work supports the use of genetic models to examine the roles of individual cation channels in progressive glomerulonephritis to further define the targets of TH1177.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cove-Smith
- Renal Sciences, Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London, Renal Medicine 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.,Barts Health Renal Centre, The Royal London Hospital, E1 1BB, London, UK
| | - Claire C Sharpe
- Renal Sciences, Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London, Renal Medicine 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Michael J Shattock
- Cardiovascular Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Bruce M Hendry
- Renal Sciences, Department of Inflammation Biology, King's College London, Renal Medicine 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
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Tang S, Wang J, Liu J, Huang Y, Zhou Y, Yang S, Zhang W, Yang M, Zhang H. Niban protein regulates apoptosis in HK-2 cells via caspase-dependent pathway. Ren Fail 2019; 41:455-466. [PMID: 31163002 PMCID: PMC6566711 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2019.1619582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate whether Niban protein plays a role in renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was performed in C57B/6J mice, and divided into sham operation group and groups of days 3, days 7, and days 14. Niban expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. TUNEL assays were used to detected apoptosis. Niban siRNA and overexpression Niban plasmid were transfected in HK-2 cells respectively to explore apoptosis related mechanisms of Niban during angiotensin II (AngII) - and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced injury. Results: With the development of obstruction, Niban's expression decreased gradually while apoptosis increased. Silencing of Niban not only increased the AngII- and ER stress-induced apoptosis, but also promoted the expression of caspase 8, caspase 9, Bip, and Chop. Overexpression of Niban reduced AngII-induced apoptosis and the expression of caspase 8 and caspase 9. Conclusions: Niban protein is involved in apoptosis regulation in HK-2 cells, and most likely via caspase-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianwen Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jishi Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yueyi Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shikun Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minghui Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Rhein alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting tubular cell apoptosis in rats. Biol Res 2019; 52:50. [PMID: 31492196 PMCID: PMC6728983 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0257-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ureteral obstruction causes injury of the renal tissues and can irreversibly progress to renal fibrosis, with atrophy and apoptosis of tubular cells. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of rhein on the apoptosis o renal tubular cells as well as renal fibrosis using a rodent model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Methods UUO was induced through ureteral ligation, then animals received treatments with rhein or vehicle. The control rats only received sham operation. The renal tissue was harvested 1 week after surgery for assessment of kidney fibrosis. Results The expressions of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as the severity of renal tubular apoptosis and fibrosis were time-dependently increased following UUO. Treatments with rhein partially inhibited such responses. Renal interstitial fibrosis was associated with STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation as well as altered expressions of Bax and Bcl2, both apoptosis-related proteins. Treatment with rhein also partly blocked these responses. Conclusion These findings demonstrated that rhein mitigated apoptosis of renal tubular cell as well as renal fibrosis in a UUO rodent model. This curative effect is likely mediated via suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation.
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Weng L, Jia S, Xu C, Ye J, Cao Y, Liu Y, Zheng M. Nogo-C regulates post myocardial infarction fibrosis through the interaction with ER Ca 2+ leakage channel Sec61α in mouse hearts. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:612. [PMID: 29795235 PMCID: PMC5966439 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0598-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is an independent risk factor for heart failure and even the leading cause of death in myocardial infarction patients. However, molecular mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis following myocardial infarction are not yet fully understood. Nogo-C protein ubiquitously expresses in tissues including in the heart. Our previous study found that Nogo-C regulated cardiomyocyte apoptosis during myocardial infarction. In the present study, we found that Nogo-C was upregulated in fibrotic hearts after myocardial infarction and in Ang II- or TGF-β1-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. Overexpression of Nogo-C in cardiac fibroblasts increased expression of pro-fibrogenic proteins, while knockdown of Nogo-C inhibited the fibrotic responses of cardiac fibroblasts to Ang II- or TGF-β1 stimulation. Functionally, Nogo-C deficiency suppressed pro-fibrogenic proteins in post-myocardial infarction hearts and ameliorated post-myocardial infarction cardiac function. Mechanistically, we found that Nogo-C increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and buffering Ca2+ totally abolished Nogo-C-induced fibrotic responses. Moreover, overexpression of Nogo-C caused increased Sec61α, the Ca2+ leakage channel on endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Nogo-C interacted with Sec61α on endoplasmic reticulum and stabilized Sec61α protein by inhibiting its ubiquitination. Inhibition or knockdown of Sec61α blocked Nogo-C-induced increase of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and inhibited Nogo-C- and TGF-β1-induced fibrotic responses in cardiac fibroblasts, suggesting that Nogo-C regulates cardiac fibrosis through interacting with Sec61α to mediate the Ca2+ leakage from endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, our results reveal a novel mechanism underlying cardiac fibrosis following myocardial infarction, and provide a therapeutic strategy for cardiac remodeling related heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Weng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Chunling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Ye
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yangpo Cao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
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Honma S, Nakamura K, Shinohara M, Mitazaki S, Abe S, Yoshida M. Effect of amlodipine on mouse renal interstitial fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 780:136-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mai X, Shang J, Liang S, Yu B, Yuan J, Lin Y, Luo R, Zhang F, Liu Y, Lv X, Li C, Liang X, Wang W, Zhou J. Blockade of Orai1 Store-Operated Calcium Entry Protects against Renal Fibrosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 27:3063-3078. [PMID: 26940090 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015080889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence supports an important role of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channel protein 1 (Orai1)-mediated Ca2+ entry in the development of renal fibrosis, a common pathologic feature of CKDs that lead to ESRD, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We determined the role of Orai1 calcium channel in renal fibrosis induced by high-fat diet and by unilateral ureteral obstruction. Mouse kidneys with fibrosis had higher levels of Orai1 protein expression than did kidneys without fibrosis. In vivo knockdown of Orai1 with adenovirus harboring Orai1-short hairpin RNA or inhibition of Orai1 with SKF96365 dramatically prevented renal fibrosis and significantly decreased protein expression of fibronectin, α‑smooth muscle actin, and TGF‑β1 in the kidney cortex of ApoE-/- mice on a high-fat diet and in the obstructed kidneys of mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. Compared with kidney biopsy specimens of patients with glomerular minimal change disease, those of patients with fibrotic nephropathy had higher expression levels of Orai1. In cultured human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2), knockdown of Orai1 Ca2+ channel with adenovirus-Orai1-short hairpin RNA markedly inhibited TGF-β1-induced intracellular Ca2+ influx and phosphorylation of smad2/3. Knockdown or blockade of the Orai1 Ca2+ channel in HK2 cells also prevented epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by TGF‑β1. In conclusion, blockade of the Orai1 Ca2+ channel prevented progression of renal fibrosis in mice, likely by suppressing smad2/3 phosphorylation and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These results render the Orai1 Ca2+ channel a potential therapeutic target against renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Mai
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Jinyan Shang
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Sijia Liang
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Beixin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Jiani Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Yu Lin
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Renfei Luo
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Feiran Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Xiaofei Lv
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
| | - Chunling Li
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Xinling Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Institute of Hypertension, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Jiaguo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiac and Cerebral Vascular Research Center and
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Janssen LJ, Mukherjee S, Ask K. Calcium Homeostasis and Ionic Mechanisms in Pulmonary Fibroblasts. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 53:135-48. [PMID: 25785898 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0269tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are key cellular mediators of many chronic interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, drug-induced interstitial lung disease, and interstitial lung disease in connective tissue disease. A great deal of effort has been expended to understand the signaling mechanisms underlying the various cellular functions of fibroblasts. Recently, it has been shown that Ca(2+) oscillations play a central role in the regulation of gene expression in human pulmonary fibroblasts. However, the mechanisms whereby cytosolic [Ca(2+)] are regulated and [Ca(2+)] oscillations transduced are both poorly understood. In this review, we present the general concepts of [Ca(2+)] homeostasis, of ionic mechanisms responsible for various Ca(2+) fluxes, and of regulation of gene expression by [Ca(2+)]. In each case, we then also summarize the original findings that pertain specifically to pulmonary fibroblasts. From these data, we propose an overall signaling cascade by which excitation of the fibroblasts triggers pulsatile release of internally sequestered Ca(2+), which, in turn, activates membrane conductances, including voltage-dependent Ca(2+) influx pathways. Collectively, these events produce recurring Ca(2+) oscillations, the frequency of which is transduced by Ca(2+)-dependent transcription factors, which, in turn, orchestrate a variety of cellular events, including proliferation, synthesis/secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, autoactivation (production of transforming growth factor-β), and transformation into myofibroblasts. That unifying hypothesis, in turn, allows us to highlight several specific cellular targets and therapeutic intervention strategies aimed at controlling unwanted pulmonary fibrosis. The relationships between Ca(2+) signaling events and the unfolded protein response and apoptosis are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Janssen
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subhendu Mukherjee
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kjetil Ask
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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He P, Li D, Zhang B. Losartan attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis and tubular cell apoptosis in a rat model of obstructive nephropathy. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:638-44. [PMID: 24912579 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ureteral obstruction leads to renal injury and progresses to irreversible renal fibrosis, with tubular cell atrophy and apoptosis. There is conflicting evidence concerning whether losartan (an angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist) mitigates renal interstitial fibrosis and renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of losartan on renal tubular cell apoptosis and renal fibrosis in a rat model of UUO. The rats were subjected to UUO by ureteral ligation and were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (control) or losartan. The controls underwent sham surgery. The renal tissues were collected 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after surgery for measurement of various indicators of renal fibrosis. UUO increased the expression levels of α‑smooth muscle actin and collagen I, and the extent of renal tubular fibrosis and apoptosis in a time‑dependent manner. Losartan treatment partially attenuated these responses. Progression of renal interstitial fibrosis was accompanied by phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and altered the expression levels of two apoptosis‑related proteins (Bax and Bcl2). Losartan treatment also partially attenuated these responses. The results indicated that losartan attenuated renal fibrosis and renal tubular cell apoptosis in a rat model of UUO. This effect appeared to be mediated by partial blockage of STAT3 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping He
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Detian Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Beiru Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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Echeverría C, Montorfano I, Hermosilla T, Armisén R, Velásquez LA, Cabello-Verrugio C, Varela D, Simon F. Endotoxin induces fibrosis in vascular endothelial cells through a mechanism dependent on transient receptor protein melastatin 7 activity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94146. [PMID: 24710004 PMCID: PMC3978016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory diseases, including endotoxemia-derived sepsis syndrome, is characterized by endothelial dysfunction. It has been demonstrated that the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the conversion of endothelial cells (ECs) into activated fibroblasts through endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition mechanism. Fibrogenesis is highly dependent on intracellular Ca2+ concentration increases through the participation of calcium channels. However, the specific molecular identity of the calcium channel that mediates the Ca2+ influx during endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis is still unknown. Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a calcium channel that is expressed in many cell types, including ECs. TRPM7 is involved in a number of crucial processes such as the conversion of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, or myofibroblasts, being responsible for the development of several characteristics of them. However, the role of the TRPM7 ion channel in endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis is unknown. Thus, our aim was to study whether the TRPM7 calcium channel participates in endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis. Using primary cultures of ECs, we demonstrated that TRPM7 is a crucial protein involved in endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis. Suppression of TRPM7 expression protected ECs from the fibrogenic process stimulated by endotoxin. Downregulation of TRPM7 prevented the endotoxin-induced endothelial markers decrease and fibrotic genes increase in ECs. In addition, TRPM7 downregulation abolished the endotoxin-induced increase in ECM proteins in ECs. Furthermore, we showed that intracellular Ca2+ levels were greatly increased upon LPS challenge in a mechanism dependent on TRPM7 expression. These results demonstrate that TRPM7 is a key protein involved in the mechanism underlying endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ignacio Montorfano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tamara Hermosilla
- Centro de Estudios Moleculares de la Celula, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Armisén
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Investigacion y Tratamiento del Cancer, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis A. Velásquez
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science (CIMIS), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Nanociencia y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Cabello-Verrugio
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Varela
- Centro de Estudios Moleculares de la Celula, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Atorvastatin Prevents the Downregulation of Aquaporin-2 Receptor After Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction and Protects Renal Function in a Rat Model. Urology 2012; 80:485.e15-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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14
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Lei B, Hitomi H, Mori T, Nagai Y, Deguchi K, Mori H, Masaki T, Nakano D, Kobori H, Kitaura Y, Nishiyama A. Effect of Efonidipine on TGF-β1–Induced Cardiac Fibrosis Through Smad2-Dependent Pathway in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts. J Pharmacol Sci 2011; 117:98-105. [DOI: 10.1254/jphs.11065fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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