Induction of galectin-1 by TGF-β1 accelerates fibrosis through enhancing nuclear retention of Smad2

Insights into cAMP-dependent molecular mechanisms regulating expression and function of LGALS16 gene in choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells

The human choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 offers a valuable model to study galectin-16 gene (LGALS16) expression and functions in the context of placental cell differentiation and cancer cell biology. Recent evidence indicates that cAMP-mediated signaling pathways might be responsible for the upregulation of LGALS16; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we employed biochemical inhibitors of the cAMP cascade and CRISPR/Cas9 engineered cells to assess regulatory patterns and associations between cAMP-induced trophoblast differentiation and LGALS16 expression in JEG-3 cells. The expression of LGALS16 was significantly upregulated in parallel with human chorionic gonadotropin beta (CGB), a biomarker of syncytiotrophoblast differentiation, in response to 8-Br-cAMP. Inhibition of p38 MAPK and EPAC significantly altered LGALS16 expression during differentiation, while PKA inhibition failed to change LGALS16 and CGB3/5 expression in our cell model. The CRISPR/Cas9 LGALS16 knockout cell pool expressed a significantly lower amount of CGB3/5, a reduced level of CGB protein, and an unaltered cell growth rate in response to 8-Br-cAMP in comparison with wild-type JEG-3 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that LGALS16 is required for the trophoblast-like differentiation of JEG-3 cells, and its expression is mediated through p38 MAPK and EPAC signaling pathway branches.

A genomic perspective of the aging human and mouse lung with a focus on immune response and cellular senescence

BACKGROUND

The aging lung is a complex process and influenced by various stressors, especially airborne pathogens and xenobiotics. Additionally, a lifetime exposure to antigens results in structural and functional changes of the lung; yet an understanding of the cell type specific responses remains elusive. To gain insight into age-related changes in lung function and inflammaging, we evaluated 89 mouse and 414 individual human lung genomic data sets with a focus on genes mechanistically linked to extracellular matrix (ECM), cellular senescence, immune response and pulmonary surfactant, and we interrogated single cell RNAseq data to fingerprint cell type specific changes.

RESULTS

We identified 117 and 68 mouse and human genes linked to ECM remodeling which accounted for 46% and 27%, respectively of all ECM coding genes. Furthermore, we identified 73 and 31 mouse and human genes linked to cellular senescence, and the majority code for the senescence associated secretory phenotype. These cytokines, chemokines and growth factors are primarily secreted by macrophages and fibroblasts. Single-cell RNAseq data confirmed age-related induced expression of marker genes of macrophages, neutrophil, eosinophil, dendritic, NK-, CD4+, CD8+-T and B cells in the lung of aged mice. This included the highly significant regulation of 20 genes coding for the CD3-T-cell receptor complex. Conversely, for the human lung we primarily observed macrophage and CD4+ and CD8+ marker genes as changed with age. Additionally, we noted an age-related induced expression of marker genes for mouse basal, ciliated, club and goblet cells, while for the human lung, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts marker genes increased with age. Therefore, we infer a change in cellular activity of these cell types with age. Furthermore, we identified predominantly repressed expression of surfactant coding genes, especially the surfactant transporter Abca3, thus highlighting remodeling of surfactant lipids with implications for the production of inflammatory lipids and immune response.

CONCLUSION

We report the genomic landscape of the aging lung and provide a rationale for its growing stiffness and age-related inflammation. By comparing the mouse and human pulmonary genome, we identified important differences between the two species and highlight the complex interplay of inflammaging, senescence and the link to ECM remodeling in healthy but aged individuals.

Longitudinal assessment of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by evaluating TGF-β1/Smad2, Nrf2 signaling and metabolomic analysis in mice

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by an increase in collagen synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix. Several factors, including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog family proteins (Smad), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) trigger extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, fibroblast to myofibroblasts conversion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) leading to PF. However, the role of cellular defense mechanisms such as the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling during the onset and progression of PF is not understood completely.

AIM

The present study aims to analyze the involvement of TGF-β1/Smad signaling, and Nrf2 in the EMT and metabolic alterations that promote fibrosis in a time-dependent manner using bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF model in C57BL/6 mice.

KEY FINDINGS

Histopathological studies revealed loss of lung architecture and increased collagen deposition in BLM-exposed mice. BLM upregulated TGF-β1/Smad signaling and α-SMA at all time-points. The gradual increase in the accumulation of α-SMA and collagen implied the progression of PF. BLM exposure raises Nrf2 throughout each specified time-point, which suggests that Nrf2 activation might be responsible for TGF-β1-induced EMT and the development of PF. Further, metabolomic studies linked the development of PF to alterations in metabolic pathways. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) was consistently enriched across all the time-points. Additionally, alterations in 22 commonly enriched pathways, associated with fatty acid (FA) and amino acid metabolism were observed in 30- and 60-days.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study elucidates the association of TGF-β1/Smad and Nrf2 signaling in the EMT and metabolic alterations associated with the etiology and progression of PF.

Injured Endothelial Cell: A Risk Factor for Pulmonary Fibrosis

The pathological features of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) are the abnormal activation and proliferation of myofibroblasts and the extraordinary deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the pathogenesis of PF is still indistinct. In recent years, many researchers have realized that endothelial cells had a crucial role in the development of PF. Studies have demonstrated that about 16% of the fibroblasts in the lung tissue of fibrotic mice were derived from endothelial cells. Endothelial cells transdifferentiated into mesenchymal cells via the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (E(nd)MT), leading to the excessive proliferation of endothelial-derived mesenchymal cells and the accumulation of fibroblasts and ECM. This suggested that endothelial cells, a significant component of the vascular barrier, played an essential role in PF. Herein, this review discusses E(nd)MT and its contribution to the activation of other cells in PF, which could provide new ideas for further understanding the source and activation mechanism of fibroblasts and the pathogenesis of PF.

Modulation of CaV1.2 Channel Function by Interacting Proteins and Post-Translational Modifications: Implications in Cardiovascular Diseases and COVID-19

Ca_V1.2 calcium channel is the primary conduit for Ca²⁺ influx into cardiac and smooth muscles that underscores its importance in the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. But, a few controversies still remain. Therefore, exploring new ways to modulate Ca_V1.2 channel activity will augment the arsenal of Ca_V1.2 channel-based therapeutics for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we will mainly introduce a couple of emerging Ca_V1.2 channel interacting proteins, such as Galectin-1 and Cereblon, and discuss their roles in hypertension and heart failure through fine-tuning Ca_V1.2 channel activity. Of current interest, we will also evaluate the implication of the role of Ca_V1.2 channel in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the potential treatments of COVID-19-related cardiovascular symptoms.

Targeting galectin-driven regulatory circuits in cancer and fibrosis

Galectins are a family of endogenous glycan-binding proteins that have crucial roles in a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. As a group, these proteins use both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms as well as glycan-dependent and independent pathways to reprogramme the fate and function of numerous cell types. Given their multifunctional roles in both tissue fibrosis and cancer, galectins have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for these disorders. Here, we focus on the therapeutic relevance of galectins, particularly galectin 1 (GAL1), GAL3 and GAL9 to tumour progression and fibrotic diseases. We consider an array of galectin-targeted strategies, including small-molecule carbohydrate inhibitors, natural polysaccharides and their derivatives, peptides, peptidomimetics and biological agents (notably, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and truncated galectins) and discuss their mechanisms of action, selectivity and therapeutic potential in preclinical models of fibrosis and cancer. We also review the results of clinical trials that aim to evaluate the efficacy of galectin inhibitors in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cancer. The rapid pace of glycobiology research, combined with the acute need for drugs to alleviate fibrotic inflammation and overcome resistance to anticancer therapies, will accelerate the translation of anti-galectin therapeutics into clinical practice.

Testosterone attenuates senile cavernous fibrosis by regulating TGFβR1 and galectin-1 signaling pathways through miR-22-3p

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major health problem affecting a large proportion of the general population. Testosterone also plays a key role in sexual dysfunction. In this study, we found that testosterone can inhibit cavernous fibrosis by affecting the expression of miR-22-3p, providing a new basis for research and treatment of ED. Old and young rats were used to study the effects of testosterone on cavernous fibrosis. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's staining were used to observe the cavernous tissue. A luciferase assay was used to analyze the relationship between the miR-22-3p, TGFβR1, and Galectin-1 signaling pathways. CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis rates of cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) following testosterone intervention. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the positive rate of caspase 3 and Ki67. IF was used to analyze the expression of collagen IV, MMP2, and α-SMA. The levels of GnRH, tT, LH, and F-TESTO in old rats increased after testosterone intervention. miR-22-3p inhibits the expression of TGFβR1 and Galectin-1. The protein expression of TGFβR1, Galectin-1, SMAD2, and p-SMAD2 was reduced by testosterone. The expression levels of α-SMA, collagen I, collagen IV, FN, and MMP2 in the cavernous tissues of old rats treated with testosterone were significantly reduced. The levels of caspase 3 and collagen IV decreased, and the levels of MMP2, Ki67, and α-SMA increased. Testosterone and miR-22-3p inhibit CSMC apoptosis and promote cell proliferation. Testosterone promoted the expression of miR-22-3p to interfere with the expression of the cavernous TGFβR1 and Galectin-1 signaling pathways. Testosterone can reduce cavernous fibrosis during the treatment of functional ED.

Sulforaphane regulates Nrf2-mediated antioxidant activity and downregulates TGF-β1/Smad pathways to prevent radiation-induced muscle fibrosis

AIMS

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of sulforaphane (SFN) in preventing radiation-induced muscle fibrosis (RIMF) and the potential role in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant stress.

MAIN METHODS

The RIMF model was established by a single irradiation of the left thigh of C57BL/6 J mice, and the mice were then randomly divided into control, SFN, irradiation (IR), and IR + SFN (IR/SFN) groups. The serum and skeletal muscle were collected eight weeks after irradiation, and changes in oxidative stress and muscle fibrosis were detected.

KEY FINDINGS

The IR group showed a more obvious skeletal muscle fiber atrophy, significantly higher number of collagen fibers, and higher inflammatory cell infiltration compared to control group. Compared to the IR group, the IR/SFN group had orderly arranged muscle fibers, decreased collagen fibers, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In addition, compared with the control group, the expression of oxidative stress-related indexes was significantly increased, accompanied by activation of the transforming growth factor (TGF-β)/Smad pathway and its downstream fibrogenic molecules in the skeletal muscle of the IR group. After SFN intervention, the above indices were significantly restored. Furthermore, SFN induced the upregulation of Nrf2, activation of AKT, and inhibition of GSK-3β and Fyn accumulation.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results revealed that Nrf2 plays a central role in protecting against RIMF. Furthermore, SFN prevents RIMF by activating Nrf2 via the AKT/GSK-3β/Fyn pathway.

Radiotherapy-induced oxidative stress and fibrosis in breast cancer are suppressed by vactosertib, a novel, orally bioavailable TGF-β/ALK5 inhibitor

Radio-resistance resulting from radiotherapy-induced fibrosis is a major clinical obstacle in breast cancer treatment because it typically leads to cancer recurrence, treatment failure, and patient death. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key signal messenger in fibrosis, which plays an important role in radiation-induced fibrosis and cancer stem cell (CSC) development, may be mediated through the generation of oxidative stress. This study was conducted to confirm the efficacy of vactosertib, a TGF-β/ALK5 inhibitor, as a potent inhibitor in radiation-induced oxidative stress generation, fibrosis and CSC development. We used a 4T1-Luc allograft BALB/c syngeneic mouse model and 4T1-Luc and MDA-MB-231 cells for histological analysis, qRT-PCR, western blotting, ROS analysis, mammosphere formation analysis, monolayer fluorescence imaging analysis. Radiotherapy induces TGF-β signaling, oxidative stress markers (4-HNE, NOX2, NOX4, PRDX1, NRF2, HO-1, NQO-1), fibrosis markers (PAI-1, α-SMA, FIBRONECTIN, COL1A1), and CSC properties. However, combination therapy with vactosertib not only inhibits these radiation-induced markers and properties by blocking TGF-β signaling, but also enhances the anticancer effect of radiation by reducing the volume of breast cancer. Therefore, these data suggest that vactosertib can effectively reduce radiation fibrosis and resistance in breast cancer treatment by inhibiting radiation-induced TGF-β signaling and oxidative stress, fibrosis, and CSC.

USP15 Enhances the Proliferation, Migration, and Collagen Deposition of Hypertrophic Scar-Derived Fibroblasts by Deubiquitinating TGF-βR1 In Vitro

Background:

Hypertrophic scar is a fibroproliferative disorder caused by skin injury. The incidence of hypertrophic scar following trauma or burns is 40 to 70 percent or 70 percent, respectively. It has been shown that transforming growth factor (TGF) β1/Smad signaling plays a crucial role in hypertrophic scar, and that USP15 can regulate the activity of TGFβ1/Smad signaling to affect the progression of the disease. However, the underlying mechanism of USP15 in hypertrophic scar remains unclear. The authors hypothesized that USP15 was up-regulated and enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion, and collagen deposition of hypertrophic scar–derived fibroblasts by deubiquitinating TGF-β receptor I (TβRI) in vitro.

Methods:

Fibroblasts were isolated from human hypertrophic scars in vitro. The knockdown and overexpression of USP15 in hypertrophic scar–derived fibroblasts were performed using lentivirus infection. The effect of USP15 on hypertrophic scar–derived fibroblast proliferation, migration, and invasion, and the expression of TβRI, Smad2, Smad3, α-SMA, COL1, and COL3, were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, scratch, invasion, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays. The interaction between USP15 and TβRI was detected by co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays.

Results:

The authors demonstrated that USP15 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hypertrophic scar–derived fibroblasts in vitro and down-regulated the expression of TβRI, Smad2, Smad3, α-SMA, COL1, and COL3; in addition, USP15 overexpression showed the opposite trends (p < 0.05). Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays revealed that USP15 interacted with TβRI and deubiquitinated TβRI.

Conclusion:

USP15 enhances the proliferation, migration, invasion, and collagen deposition of hypertrophic scar–derived fibroblasts by deubiquitinating TβRI in vitro.

TGF‑β1: Gentlemanly orchestrator in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Review)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a worldwide disease characterized by the chronic and irreversible decline of lung function. Currently, there is no drug to successfully treat the disease except for lung transplantation. Numerous studies have been devoted to the study of the fibrotic process of IPF and findings showed that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a central role in the development of IPF. TGF-β1 promotes the fibrotic process of IPF through various signaling pathways, including the Smad, MAPK, and ERK signaling pathways. There are intersections between these signaling pathways, which provide new targets for researchers to study new drugs. In addition, TGF-β1 can affect the fibrosis process of IPF by affecting oxidative stress, epigenetics and other aspects. Most of the processes involved in TGF-β1 promote IPF, but TGF-β1 can also inhibit it. This review discusses the role of TGF-β1 in IPF.

LncRNA-RP11 Modulates TGF-β1-Activated Radiation-Induced Lung Injury Through Downregulating microRNA-29a

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the most serious complications of thoracic radiation and TGF-β1 is a central regulator of RILI. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the fine tuning of TGF-β1 signaling in RILI has not been fully understood. In the current study, differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) among human lung fibroblasts cell lines HFL-1 and WI-38 treated with TGF-β1, were identified by microarray and validated by real time PCR. LncRNA-RP11 was found to be the most increased LncRNA and it mediated the promotion of fibrogenic activity in human lung fibroblasts after TGF-β1 treatment. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that TGF-β1 may be associated with the component and structure of extracellular matrix in lung fibroblasts cells, and LncRNA-RP11 was predicted and confirmed to be a competing endogenous RNA by directly binding to miR-29a. Functional experiments investigating the biological role of LncRNA-RP11/miR-29a axis in RILI, were then carried out in human fibroblasts. The results showed that radiation promoted the expression of LncRNA-RP11, but regressed the expression of miR-29a. Furthermore, radiation elevated the expression of various common collagenic proteins, which could be abolished by overexpression of miR-29a.

Galectins, Eosinophiles, and Macrophages May Contribute to Schistosoma japonicum Egg-Induced Immunopathology in a Mouse Model

Schistosomiasis is a severe public health problem, which can cause tissue fibrosis and can even be fatal. Previous studies have proven that galectins and different kinds of cells involve in the regulation of tissue fibrosis process. In this study, outbred Kunming mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum). Our results showed that compared with uninfected mice, there were severe egg granulomatous inflammation and tissue fibrosis in the livers, spleens, and large intestines of S. japonicum-infected mice at 8 weeks post-infection (p.i.), and the number of eosinophils by hematoxylin and eosin staining and CD68 macrophage-positive area by immunohistochemical staining were significantly increased. Detected by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), at 8 weeks after S. japonicum infection, the mRNA expression levels of galectin (Gal)-1, Gal-3, CD69, eosinophil protein X (EPX), and chitinase 3-like protein 3 (Ym1) were significantly increased in liver, spleen, and large intestine; eotaxin-1 (CCL11) and eosinophil cationic protein were significantly increased in both liver and spleen; eotaxin-2 (CCL24) and Arginase1 (Arg1) were significantly increased in both spleen and large intestine; and CD200R was significantly increased in both liver and large intestine. However, interleukin (IL)-1ß and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were only significantly increased in liver. The M2/M1 ratio of CD200R/CD86 genes was significantly increased in liver, and ratios of Ym1/IL-1β and Ym1/iNOS were significantly increased in liver, spleen, and large intestine of S. japonicum-infected mice. Ex vivo study further confirmed that the levels of Gal-1, Gal-3, CD200R, Arg1, and Ym1 were significantly increased, and the ratios of CD200R/CD86 and Ym1/IL-1β were significantly increased in peritoneal macrophages isolated from S. japonicum-infected mice at 8 weeks p.i. In addition, correlation analysis showed that significant positive correlations existed between mRNA levels of Gal-1/Gal-3 and EPX in liver, between Gal-3 and Ym1 in both liver and large intestine, and between Gal-3 and CD200R in peritoneal macrophages of S. japonicum-infected mice. Our data suggested that Gal-1, Gal-3, eosinophils, and macrophages are likely involved in the development of egg granulomatous response and fibrosis induced by S. japonicum infection.

Galectin-1 studies in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

Galectin-1 regulates endothelial cell function and promotes angiogenesis. We investigated the hypothesis that galectin-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

METHODS

Vitreous samples from 36 PDR and 20 nondiabetic patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from 13 patients with PDR, rat retinas and human retinal Müller glial cells were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In vitro angiogenesis assays were performed and the adherence of leukocytes to galectin-1-stimulated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) was assessed.

RESULTS

The ELISA analysis revealed that galectin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were significantly higher in vitreous samples from PDR patients than in those from nondiabetics (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of galectin-1 and VEGF (r = 0.354; p = 0.022). In epiretinal membranes, immunohistochemical analysis showed that galectin-1 was expressed in vascular endothelial cells expressing CD31, myofibroblasts expressing α-smooth muscle actin and leukocytes expressing CD45. The galectin-1 receptor neuropilin-1 was expressed on vascular endothelial cells. CD31 staining was used as a marker to assess microvessel density (MVD). Significant positive correlation was detected between MVD in epiretinal membranes and the number of blood vessels expressing galectin-1 (r = 0.848; p < 0.001). Western blot analysis demonstrated significant increase of galectin-1 protein in rat retinas after induction of diabetes. ELISA analysis revealed that hydrogen peroxide and cobalt chloride (CoCl₂ ) induced upregulation of galectin-1 in Müller cells. Treatment with galectin-1 induced upregulation of VEGF in Müller cells and increased leukocyte adhesion to HRMECs. The galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 attenuated VEGF-induced HRMECs migration and CoCl₂ -induced upregulation of NF-κB, galectin-1 and VEGF in Müller cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that galectin-1is involved in the pathogenesis of PDR.

Galectin-1 gene silencing inhibits the activation and proliferation but induces the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells from mice with liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a serious threat to human health, and there is currently no effective clinical drug for treatment of the disease. Although Galectin-1 is effective, its role in liver function, inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of Galectin-1 on the activation, proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs in a mouse model of liver fibrosis. Following successful model establishment and tissue collection, mouse HSCs (mHSCs) were identified and an mHSC line was constructed. Subsequently, to determine the role of Galectin-1 in liver fibrosis, the expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) pre- and post-transfection were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. In addition, the effects of Galectin-1 on the biological behavior and mitochondrial function of mHSCs were determined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry and a scratch test. It was first observed that the expression levels of Galectin-1, TGF-β1, CTGF and α-SMA were downregulated by silencing the gene expression of Galectin-1. Additionally, silencing the gene expression of Galectin-1 inhibited cell cycle progression, proliferation and migration but induced the apoptosis of mHSCs from mice with liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the in vivo experimental results suggested that silencing the gene expression of Galectin-1 improved liver fibrosis. Collectively, it was concluded that silencing the gene expression of Galectin-1 ameliorates liver fibrosis and that functionally suppressing Galectin-1 may be a future therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.

Galectin-1 promotes choroidal neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis mediated via epithelial-mesenchymal transition

VEGFA and TGF-β are known major angiogenic and fibrogenic factors. Galectin-1, encoded by lectin, galactoside-binding, soluble ( LGALS) 1, has attracted growing attention for its facilitatory role in angiogenesis and fibrosis through its modification of VEGFA and TGF-β receptor signaling pathways. We reveal galectin-1 involvement in the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal fibrosis, both of which represent the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Neither deletion nor overexpression of Lgals1 affected physiologic retinal development or visual function. Galectin-1/ Lgals1 was upregulated by CNV induction, whereas deletion of Lgals1 suppressed CNV together with downstream molecules of VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2. Loss of Lgals1 also attenuated subretinal fibrosis, expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including Snai1, and phosphorylation of SMAD family member 2. Supporting these in vivo findings, silencing of LGALS1 in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT-related molecules and cell motilities. Conversely, overexpression of Lgals1 enhanced CNV and subretinal fibrosis. Specimens from patients with AMD demonstrated colocalization of galectin-1 with VEGFR2 in neovascular endothelial cells and with phosphorylated SMAD2 in RPE cells. These results suggested a biologic significance of galectin-1 as a key promotor for both angiogenesis and fibrosis in eyes with AMD.-Wu, D., Kanda, A., Liu, Y., Kase, S., Noda, K., Ishida, S. Galectin-1 promotes choroidal neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis mediated via epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Cardiac fibrosis: Cell biological mechanisms, molecular pathways and therapeutic opportunities

Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathophysiologic companion of most myocardial diseases, and is associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmogenesis, and adverse outcome. Because the adult mammalian heart has negligible regenerative capacity, death of a large number of cardiomyocytes results in reparative fibrosis, a process that is critical for preservation of the structural integrity of the infarcted ventricle. On the other hand, pathophysiologic stimuli, such as pressure overload, volume overload, metabolic dysfunction, and aging may cause interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the absence of infarction. Activated myofibroblasts are the main effector cells in cardiac fibrosis; their expansion following myocardial injury is primarily driven through activation of resident interstitial cell populations. Several other cell types, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells may contribute to the fibrotic process, by producing proteases that participate in matrix metabolism, by secreting fibrogenic mediators and matricellular proteins, or by exerting contact-dependent actions on fibroblast phenotype. The mechanisms of induction of fibrogenic signals are dependent on the type of primary myocardial injury. Activation of neurohumoral pathways stimulates fibroblasts both directly, and through effects on immune cell populations. Cytokines and growth factors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-10, chemokines, members of the Transforming Growth Factor-β family, IL-11, and Platelet-Derived Growth Factors are secreted in the cardiac interstitium and play distinct roles in activating specific aspects of the fibrotic response. Secreted fibrogenic mediators and matricellular proteins bind to cell surface receptors in fibroblasts, such as cytokine receptors, integrins, syndecans and CD44, and transduce intracellular signaling cascades that regulate genes involved in synthesis, processing and metabolism of the extracellular matrix. Endogenous pathways involved in negative regulation of fibrosis are critical for cardiac repair and may protect the myocardium from excessive fibrogenic responses. Due to the reparative nature of many forms of cardiac fibrosis, targeting fibrotic remodeling following myocardial injury poses major challenges. Development of effective therapies will require careful dissection of the cell biological mechanisms, study of the functional consequences of fibrotic changes on the myocardium, and identification of heart failure patient subsets with overactive fibrotic responses.

Molecular profiling of colorectal tumors stratified by the histological tumor-stroma ratio - Increased expression of galectin-1 in tumors with high stromal content

The tumor microenvironment is a dominant determinant of cancer cell behavior. Reactive tumor stroma is associated with poor outcome perspective. The tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) is a strong independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer and is easily assessed using conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained paraffin sections at the invasive margin of the tumor. We aim to understand the biology of the tumor stroma in colorectal cancer by investigating the transcriptomic profiles of tumors classified by the TSR method. The TSR was assessed in a cohort of 71 colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery without (neo)adjuvant therapy. In the cohort, stroma-high tumors were distinguished from stroma-low tumors at gene expression level in the upregulation of biological pathways related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and myogenesis. The activated microenvironment in stroma-high tumors overexpressed different types of collagen genes, THBS2 and 4 as well as INHBA, COX71A and LGALS1/galectin-1. The upregulation of THBS2, COX7A1 and LGALS1/galectin-1. The upregulation of THBS2, COX7A1 and LGALS1/galectin-1 in stroma-high tumors was validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas. In conclusion, the gene expression data reflects the high stromal content of tumors assessed based on the histological method, the TSR. The composition of the microenvironment suggests an altered proteolysis resulting in ECM remodeling and invasive capacity of tumor cells.

A potential role of galectin-1 in promoting mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation

Galectin-1 is highly expressed in blastocysts and trophoblast giant cells during implantation, and dysregulated galectin-1 is associated with many pregnancy-related abnormalities. Elevated galectin-1 contributes to cancer cells invasion. Here, we found that galectin-1 is expressed in mouse oocytes, preimplantation embryos (all stages), and trophoblast stem (TS) cells. Peak levels of galectin-1 mRNA and protein were detected on day 4 and day 5 after the induction of TS cells differentiation. Overexpression of galectin-1 increased TS cells migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of galectin-1 attenuated these effects. Additionally, knockdown of galectin-1 in TS cells decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9, ZEB-1, Snail, N-cadherin, TGF-β, Nodal, and phospho-Smad2/3, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was increased. In contrast, overexpression of galectin-1 in TS cells increased the expression of MMP2/9, ZEB-1, and N-cadherin, whereas the expression of E-cadherin was decreased. These findings suggest a potential role of galectin-1 in the differentiation of mouse TS cells.

Galectin-1 is a new fibrosis protein in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Chronic exposure of tubular renal cells to high glucose contributes to tubulointerstitial changes in diabetic nephropathy. In the present study, we identified a new fibrosis gene called galectin-1 (Gal-1), which is highly expressed in tubular cells of kidneys of type 1 and type 2 diabetic mouse models. Gal-1 protein and mRNA expression showed significant increase in kidney cortex of heterozygous Akita^+/- and db/db mice compared with wild-type mice. Mouse proximal tubular cells exposed to high glucose showed significant increase in phosphorylation of Akt and Gal-1. We cloned Gal-1 promoter and identified the transcription factor AP4 as binding to the Gal-1 promoter to up-regulate its function. Transfection of cells with plasmid carrying mutations in the binding sites of AP4 to Gal-1 promoter resulted in decreased protein function of Gal-1. In addition, inhibition of Gal-1 by OTX-008 showed significant decrease in p-Akt/AP4 and protein-promoter activity of Gal-1 and fibronectin. Moreover, down-regulation of AP4 by small interfering RNA resulted in a significant decrease in protein expression and promoter activity of Gal-1. We found that kidney of Gal-1^-/- mice express very low levels of fibronectin protein. In summary, Gal-1 is highly expressed in kidneys of type 1 and 2 diabetic mice, and AP4 is a major transcription factor that activates Gal-1 under hyperglycemia. Inhibition of Gal-1 by OTX-008 blocks activation of Akt and prevents accumulation of Gal-1, suggesting a novel role of Gal-1 inhibitor as a possible therapeutic target to treat renal fibrosis in diabetes.-Al-Obaidi, N., Mohan, S., Liang, S., Zhao, Z., Nayak, B. K., Li, B., Sriramarao, P., Habib, S. L. Galectin-1 is a new fibrosis protein in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Anthocyanins from black soybean seed coat prevent radiation-induced skin fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β and Smad3 expression

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of anthocyanins from the black soybean seed coat against radiation injury in dermal fibroblasts and mouse skin. Dermal fibroblasts treated with 50 and 100 µg/mL anthocyanins were irradiated with single doses of 20 Gy. Cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mRNA expression were measured. A total of 60 mice were used for an in vivo study. A dose of 100 µg/mL anthocyanins was administered daily for 5 days before or after radiation therapy. Following irradiation (45 Gy), mice were inspected for gross pathology twice per wk for 8 weeks. At 4 and 8 weeks post-irradiation, dorsal skin was harvested for histopathologic examination and protein isolation. In dermal fibroblasts, treatment with 50 and 100 µg/mL anthocyanins significantly reduced radiation-induced apoptosis at 72 h and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation at 48 h. Furthermore, 100 µg/mL anthocyanins markedly decreased Smad3 mRNA expression and increased Smad7 mRNA expression at 72 h post-irradiation. In mice, treatment with 100 µg/mL anthocyanins resulted in a significant reduction in the level of skin injury, epidermal thickness, and collagen deposition after irradiation. Treatment with 100 µg/mL anthocyanins significantly decreased the number of α-SMA-, TGF-β-, and Smad3-positive cells after irradiation. Our study demonstrated that black soybean anthocyanins inhibited radiation-induced fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β and Smad3 expression. Therefore, anthocyanins may be a safe and effective candidate for the prevention of radiation-induced skin fibrosis.

Galectins: Multitask signaling molecules linking fibroblast, endothelial and immune cell programs in the tumor microenvironment

Tumor cells corrupt surrounding normal cells instructing them to support proliferative, pro-angiogenic and immunosuppressive networks that favor tumorigenesis and metastasis. This dynamic cross-talk is sustained by a range of intracellular signals and extracellular mediators produced by both tumoral and non-tumoral cells. Galectins -whether secreted or intracellularly expressed- play central roles in the tumorigenic process by delivering regulatory signals that contribute to reprogram fibroblasts, endothelial and immune cell programs. Through glycosylation-dependent or independent mechanisms, these endogenous lectins control a variety of cellular events leading to tumor cell proliferation, survival, migration, inflammation, angiogenesis and immune escape. Here we discuss the role of galectin-driven pathways, particularly those activated in non-tumoral stromal cells, in modulating tumor progression.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy with low-energy flux density inhibits hypertrophic scar formation in an animal model

Hypertrophic scar is characterized by excessive deposits of collagen during skin wound healing, which could become a challenge to clinicians. This study assessed the effects of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on hypertrophic scar formation and the underlying gene regu-lation. A rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model was generated and randomly divided into three groups: L-ESWT group to receive L-ESWT (energy flux density of 0.1 mJ/mm2), H-ESWT (energy flux density of 0.2 mJ/mm2) and sham ESWT group (S-ESWT). Hypertrophic scar tissues were then collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively, to assess scar elevation index (SEI), fibroblast density and collagen fiber arrangement. Expression of cell proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in hypertrophic scar tissues. H&E staining sections showed significant reduction of SEI and fibroblast density in both ESWT treatment groups compared to S-ESWT, but there was no dramatic difference between L-ESWT and H-ESWT groups. Masson's trichrome staining showed that collagen fibers were more slender and broader and oriented in parallel to skin surface after administration of ESWT compared to control tissues. At the gene level, PCNA‑positive fibroblasts and α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts were significantly decreased after L-ESWT or H-ESWT compared to the controls. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in expression of PCNA mRNA between L-ESWT or H-ESWT and S-ESWT, whereas expression of α-SMA mRNA significantly decreased in L-ESWT compared to that of H-ESWT and S-ESWT (P=0.002 and P=0.030, respectively). In conclusion, L-ESWT could be effective on suppression of hypertrophic scar formation by inhibition of scar elevation index and fibroblast density as well as α-SMA expression in hypertrophic scar tissues of the rabbit model.

Redox-sensitive MAPK and Notch3 regulate fibroblast differentiation and activation: a dual role of ERK1/2

Myofibroblastic transformation, characterized by upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin in response to profibrotic agents such as TGF-β1, is considered as a major event leading to fibrosis. The mechanistic basis linking myofibroblast differentiation to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the disease treatment remain elusive. In this study, we studied roles of MAPK, Notch, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the differentiation of IMR-90 lung fibroblasts at basal level and induced by TGF-β1. Our results demonstrated that ROS-dependent activation of p38, JNK1/2 and Notch3 promoted basal and TGF-β1-induced differentiation and expression of extracellular matrix proteins. In stark contrast, ERK1/2 was suppressed by ROS and exhibited an inhibitory effect on the differentiation but showed a weak promotion on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins. TGF-β1-induced Notch3 expression depended on p38 and JNK1/2. Interestingly, Notch3 was also downstream of ERK1/2, suggesting a complex role of ERK1/2 in lung function. Our results suggest a novel ROS-mediated shift of dominance from the inhibitory ERK1/2 to the stimulatory p38, JNK1/2 and Notch3 during the pathological progression of IPF. Thus, targeting ERK1/2 signaling for activation and p38, JNK1/2 and Notch3 for inhibition may be of clinical potential against lung fibrosis.

The vertebrate limb: An evolving complex of self-organizing systems

The paired appendages (fins or limbs) of jawed vertebrates contain an endoskeleton consisting of nodules, bars and, in some groups, plates of cartilage, or bone arising from replacement of cartilaginous templates. The generation of the endoskeletal elements occurs by processes involving production and diffusion of morphogens, with, variously, positive and negative feedback circuits, adhesion, and receptor dynamics with similarities to the mechanism for chemical pattern formation proposed by Alan Turing. This review presents a unified interpretation of the evolution and functioning of these mechanisms. Studies are described indicating that protocondensations, compacted mesenchymal cell aggregates that prefigure the appendicular skeleton, arise through the adhesive activity of galectin-1, a matricellular protein with skeletogenic homologs in all jawed vertebrates. In the cartilaginous and lobe-finned fishes (and to a variable extent in ray-finned fishes) it additionally cooperates with an isoform of galectin-8 to constitute a self-organizing network capable of generating arrays of preskeletal nodules, bars and plates. Further, in the tetrapods, a putative galectin-8 control module was acquired that may have enabled proximodistal increase in the number of protocondensations. In parallel to this, other self-organizing networks emerged that acted, via Bmp, Wnt, Sox9 and Runx2, as well as transforming factor-β and fibronectin, to convert protocondensations into skeletal tissues. The progressive appearance and integration of these skeletogenic networks over evolution occurred in the context of an independently evolved system of Hox protein and Shh gradients that interfaced with them to tune the spatial wavelengths and refine the identities of the resulting arrays of elements.

Pancreatic cancer stroma: controversies and current insights

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a dense stromal response. The stroma includes a heterogeneous mass of cells, including pancreatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, immune cells and nerve cells, as well as extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines and growth factors, which interact with the tumor cells. Previous research has indicated that stromal elements contribute to tumor growth and aggressiveness. However, recent studies suggest that some elements of the stroma may actually restrain the tumor. This review focuses on the complex interactions between the stromal microenvironment and tumor cells, discussing molecular mechanisms and potential future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by targeting the stroma.

Galectin-3 Inhibition by a Small-Molecule Inhibitor Reduces Both Pathological Corneal Neovascularization and Fibrosis

Purpose

Corneal neovascularization and scarring commonly lead to significant vision loss. This study was designed to determine whether a small-molecule inhibitor of galectin-3 can inhibit both corneal angiogenesis and fibrosis in experimental mouse models.

Methods

Animal models of silver nitrate cautery and alkaline burn were used to induce mouse corneal angiogenesis and fibrosis, respectively. Corneas were treated with the galectin-3 inhibitor, 33DFTG, or vehicle alone and were processed for whole-mount immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis to quantify the density of blood vessels and markers of fibrosis. In addition, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary human corneal fibroblasts were used to analyze the role of galectin-3 in the process of angiogenesis and fibrosis in vitro.

Results

Robust angiogenesis was observed in silver nitrate-cauterized corneas on day 5 post injury, and markedly increased corneal opacification was demonstrated in alkaline burn-injured corneas on days 7 and 14 post injury. Treatment with the inhibitor substantially reduced corneal angiogenesis and opacification with a concomitant decrease in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and distribution. In vitro studies revealed that 33DFTG inhibited VEGF-A-induced HUVEC migration and sprouting without cytotoxic effects. The addition of exogenous galectin-3 to corneal fibroblasts in culture induced the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including α-SMA and connective tissue growth factor.

Conclusions

Our data provide proof of concept that targeting galectin-3 by the novel, small-molecule inhibitor, 33DFTG, ameliorates pathological corneal angiogenesis as well as fibrosis. These findings suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy for treating ocular disorders related to pathological angiogenesis and fibrosis.

Galectin-1 inhibition attenuates profibrotic signaling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by lung remodeling arising from epithelial injury, aberrant fibroblast growth, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Repeated epithelial injury elicits abnormal wound repair and lung remodeling, often associated with alveolar collapse and edema, leading to focal hypoxia. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia is a physiological insult that contributes to pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and define its molecular roles in profibrotic activation of lung epithelial cells. Hypoxia increased transcription of profibrotic genes and altered the proteomic signatures of lung epithelial cells. Network analysis of the hypoxic epithelial proteome revealed a crosstalk between transforming growth factor-β1 and FAK1 (focal adhesion kinase-1) signaling, which regulated transcription of galectin-1, a profibrotic molecule. Galectin-1 physically interacted with and activated FAK1 in lung epithelial cells. We developed a novel model of exacerbated PF wherein hypoxia, as a secondary insult, caused PF in mice injured with subclinical levels of bleomycin. Hypoxia elevated expression of phosphorylated FAK1, galectin-1, and α-smooth muscle actin and reduced caspase-3 activation, suggesting aberrant injury repair. Galectin-1 inhibition caused apoptosis in the lung parenchyma and reduced FAK1 activation, preventing the development of hypoxia-induced PF. Galectin-1 inhibition also attenuated fibrosis-associated lung function decline. Further, galectin-1 transcript levels were increased in the lungs of IPF patients. In summary, we have identified a profibrotic role of galectin-1 in hypoxia signaling driving PF.

miR-27b inhibits fibroblast activation via targeting TGFβ signaling pathway

Background

MicroRNAs are a group of small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. They regulate almost every aspect of cellular processes. In this study, we investigated whether miR-27b regulates pulmonary fibroblast activation.

Results

We found that miR-27b was down-regulated in fibrotic lungs and fibroblasts from an experimental mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis. The overexpression of miR-27b with a lentiviral vector inhibited TGFβ1-stimulated mRNA expression of collagens (COL1A1, COL3A1, and COL4A1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and protein expression of Col3A1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin in LL29 human pulmonary fibroblasts. miR-27b also reduced contractile activity of LL29. TGFβ receptor 1 and SMAD2 were identified as the targets of miR-27b by 3’-untranslated region luciferase reporter and western blotting assays.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that miR-27b is an anti-fibrotic microRNA that inhibits fibroblast activation by targeting TGFβ receptor 1 and SMAD2. This discovery may provide new targets for therapeutic interventions of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

De-ubiquitinating enzyme, USP11, promotes transforming growth factor β-1 signaling through stabilization of transforming growth factor β receptor II

The transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) signaling pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Two TGFβ-1 receptors, TβRI and TβRII, mediate this pathway. TβRI protein stability, as mediated by the ubiquitin/de-ubiquitination system, has been well studied; however, the molecular regulation of TβRII still remains unclear. Here we reveal that a de-ubiquitinating enzyme, USP11, promotes TGFβ-1 signaling through de-ubiquitination and stabilization of TβRII. We elucidate the role that mitoxantrone (MTX), an USP11 inhibitor, has in the attenuation of TGFβ-1 signaling. Inhibition or downregulation of USP11 results in increases in TβRII ubiquitination and reduction of TβRII stability. Subsequently, TGFβ-1 signaling is greatly attenuated, as shown by the decreases in phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 levels as well as that of fibronectin (FN) and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Overexpression of USP11 reduces TβRII ubiquitination and increases TβRII stabilization, thereby elevating phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the ultimate expression of FN and SMA. Further, elevated expression of USP11 and TβRII were detected in lung tissues from bleomycin-challenged mice and IPF patients. Therefore, USP11 may contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis by stabilization of TβRII and promotion of TGFβ-1 signaling. This study provides mechanistic evidence for development of USP11 inhibitors as potential antifibrotic drugs for pulmonary fibrosis.

A Selective Galactose-Coumarin-Derived Galectin-3 Inhibitor Demonstrates Involvement of Galectin-3-glycan Interactions in a Pulmonary Fibrosis Model

Synthesis of doubly 3-O-coumarylmethyl-substituted thiodigalactosides from bis-3-O-propargyl-thiodigalactoside resulted in highly selective and high affinity galectin-3 inhibitors. Mutant studies, structural analysis, and molecular modeling revealed that the coumaryl substituents stack onto arginine side chains. One inhibitor displayed efficacy in a murine model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis similar to that of a known nonselective galectin-1/galectin-3 inhibitor, which strongly suggests that blocking galectin-3 glycan recognition is an important antifibrotic drug target.

Dimerization of EGFR and HER2 induces breast cancer cell motility through STAT1-dependent ACTA2 induction

The dimerization of EGFR and HER2 is associated with poor prognosis such as induction of tumor growth and cell invasion compared to when EGFR remains as a homodimer. However, the mechanism for events after dimerization in breast cancer models is not clear. We found that expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) significantly increased with transient or stable overexpression of HER2 in EGFR-positive breast cancer cells. ACTA2 and STAT1 expression was also increased in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. In contrast, ACTA2 expression was decreased by HER2 siRNA. Next, we investigated the co-relation between STAT1 and ACTA2 expression. Basal ACTA2 expression was significantly decreased by treatment with the STAT1 inhibitor fludarabine or the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. In contrast, ACTA2 expression was increased by STAT1 overexpression. Levels of ACTA2, STAT1, and HER2 were increased and relapse free survival was decreased in high-risk breast cancer patients. We also investigated the effect of ACTA2 on cell motility, which was suppressed by ACTA2 shRNA overexpression in MDA-MB231 HER2 and 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells. The number of lung metastatic nodules was significantly decreased in ACTA2 knockdown mice. Taken together, these results demonstrated that induction of ACTA2 by EGFR and HER2 dimerization was regulated through a JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway, and aberrant ACTA2 expression accelerated the invasiveness and metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Enhanced neointimal fibroblast, myofibroblast content and altered extracellular matrix composition: Implications in the progression of human peripheral artery restenosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Neointimal cellular proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts is documented in coronary artery restenosis, however, their role in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) restenosis remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the role of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and collagens in restenotic PAD.

METHODS

Nineteen PAD restenotic plaques were compared with 13 de novo plaques. Stellate cells (H&E), fibroblasts (FSP-1), myofibroblasts (α-actin/vimentin/FSP-1), cellular proliferation (Ki-67), and apoptosis (caspase-3 with poly ADP-ribose polymerase) were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Collagens were evaluated by picro-sirius red stain with polarization microscopy. Smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), IL-6 and TGF-β cytokines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Restenotic plaques demonstrated increased stellate cells (2.7 ± 0.15 vs.1.3 ± 0.15) fibroblasts (2282.2 ± 85.9 vs. 906.4 ± 134.5) and myofibroblasts (18.5 ± 1.2 vs.10.6 ± 1.0) p = 0.0001 for all comparisons. In addition, fibroblast proliferation (18.4% ± 1.2 vs.10.4% ± 1.1; p = 0.04) and apoptosis (14.6% ± 1.3 vs.11.2% ± 0.6; p = 0.03) were increased in restenotic plaques. Finally, SMMHC (2.6 ± 0.12 vs.1.4 ± 0.15; p = 0.0001), type III collagen density (0.33 ± 0.06 vs. 0.17 ± 0.07; p = 0.0001), IL-6 (2.08 ± 1.7 vs.1.03 ± 2.0; p = 0.01), and TGF-β (1.80 ± 0.27 vs. 1.11 ± 0.18; p = 0.05) were increased in restenotic plaques.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests proliferation and apoptosis of fibroblast and myofibroblast with associated increase in type III collagen may play a role in restenotic plaque progression. Understanding pathways involved in proliferation and apoptosis in neointimal cells, may contribute to future therapeutic interventions for the prevention of restenosis in PAD.

Galectin-1 knockdown in carcinoma-associated fibroblasts inhibits migration and invasion of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by modulating MMP-9 expression

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play central roles in facilitating tumor progression and metastasis in breast cancer. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a marker of CAFs, was previously reported to be associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis of various types of tumors. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Gal-1 in CAF-mediated breast cancer metastasis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that CAFs isolated from human breast tumor tissues expressed higher level of Gal-1 compared with paired normal fibroblasts, and the conditioned medium (CM) of CAFs significantly induced the migration and invasion of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Knockdown of Gal-1 in CAFs dramatically inhibited CAF-CM-induced cell migration and invasion, probably by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9). Our findings demonstrate that Gal-1-regulated CAFs activation promotes breast cancer cell metastasis by upregulating MMP-9 expression, which indicated that Gal-1 in CAFs might be a potential novel target for breast cancer therapy.

Genetic Deletion of Galectin-3 Does Not Impair Full-Thickness Excisional Skin Healing

Galectin-3 has been linked to the regulation of several molecular processes essential during acute cutaneous wound healing, but a comprehensive study of the role of galectin-3 has yet to be performed. With known roles in macrophage polarization, myofibroblast differentiation, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis, we hypothesized that genetic deletion of galectin-3 would significantly impair healing of excisional skin wounds in mice. In wild-type mice, galectin-3 expression correlated temporally with the inflammatory phase of healing. Conversely, genetic deletion of galectin-3 did not alter gross wound healing kinetics even though it resulted in delayed re-epithelialization. Wound composition was not altered up to 15 days after wounding in knockout mice, and isolated dermal fibroblast function in vitro was unchanged. We further explored, spatially, the expression of galectin-3 in human chronic wound tissue in relation to the immune cell infiltrate. We show a decreased mRNA and protein abundance in the wound edge tissue, whereas markers of neutrophils, M1 and M2 macrophages are expressed abundantly. Both transforming growth factor-β1 and tumor necrosis factor-α decrease galectin-3 mRNA abundance in chronic wound edge dermal fibroblasts in vitro, providing a potential mechanism for this decreased expression in chronic wounds.

Galectin-1 Controls the Proliferation and Migration of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Their Interaction With Hepatocarcinoma Cells

Galectin-1 (Gal1), a β-galactoside-binding protein elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its expression correlates with HCC growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. During the early stages of HCC, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1 ) acts as a tumor suppressor; however in advanced stages, HCC cells lose their cytostatic response to TGF-β1 and undergo EMT. Here, we investigated the role of Gal1 on liver endothelial cell biology, and the interplay between Gal1 and TGF-β1 in HCC progression. By Western blot and immunofluorescence, we analyzed Gal1 expression, secretion and localization in HepG2 and HuH-7 human HCC cells, and in SK-HEP-1 human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). We used loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments to down- or up-regulate Gal1 expression, respectively, in HepG2 cells. We cultured SK-HEP-1 cells with conditioned media from HCC cells secreting different levels of Gal1, and demonstrated that Gal1 derived from tumor hepatocytes induced its own expression in SECs. Colorimetric and scratch-wound assays revealed that secretion of Gal1 by HCC cells induced SEC proliferation and migration. Moreover, by fluorescence microscopy we demonstrated that Gal1 promoted glycan-dependent heterotypic adhesion of HepG2 cells to SK-HEP-1 SECs. Furthermore, TGF-β1 induced Gal1 expression and secretion by HCC cells, and promoted HepG2 cell adhesion to SK-HEP-1 SECs through a Gal1-dependent mechanism. Finally, Gal1 modulated HepG2 cell proliferation and sensitivity to TGF-β1 -induced growth inhibition. Our results suggest that Gal1 and TGF-β1 might function coordinately within the HCC microenvironment to regulate tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Alleviate Radiation-Induced Muscular Fibrosis by Suppressing the Expression of TGF-β1

We aim to investigate the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) transplantation on irradiation-induced skeletal muscle fibrosis. Sixty-four rabbits were randomly divided into ASCs group and PBS group followed by irradiation at unilateral hip with a single dose of 80 Gy. Nonirradiated side with normal skeletal muscle served as normal control. Skeletal muscle tissues were collected from eight rabbits in each group at 1 w, 4 w, 8 w, and 26 w after irradiation. Migration of ASCs was observed in the peripheral tissues along the needle passage in the injured muscle. The proportion of the area of collagen fibers to the total area in sections of ASCs group was lower than those of PBS groups at 4 w, 8 w, and 26 w after irradiation. Significant decrease was noted in the integrated optimal density of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the ASCs group compared with those of PBS group at 4 w, 8 w, and 26 w after irradiation. Moreover, the expression of TGF-β1 was lower in the ASCs group compared to those of the PBS group at each time point determined by Western blot analysis. ASCs transplantation could alleviate irradiation fibrosis by suppressing the level of TGF-β1 in the irradiated skeletal muscle.

You-gui Pill ameliorates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis via inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

You-gui Pill (YGP), a traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, was widely used to warm and recuperate "kidney-yang" clinically for hundreds of years in China. Recent studies found that YGP had a potential benefit for renoprotection.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to elucidate the in vivo and in vitro efficacy of YGP on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and the molecular mechanism is also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis model was elicited by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Sprague-Dawley rats underwent UUO and were studied after 14 days. Animals were randomly subjected to six groups: sham, UUO, UUO/YGP (0.14, 0.42, 1.26g/kg/d), and UUO/enalapril (10mg/kg/d). HE, Masson and ELISA were used for evaluate renal injury and function. Immunohistochemical analysis and western blot were used to detect the expressions of α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen matrix and Smads. In vitro studies were investigated in TGF-β1-stiumlated NRK-49F cell line.

RESULTS

Oral administration of YGP significantly decreased UUO-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, and there was no significant difference between YGP at 1.26g/kg and enalapril at 10mg/kg treatment (P>0.05). Meanwhile, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were reduced dramatically (P<0.01). In coincide with the decreased of TGF-β1, α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen matrix expressions were also declined with YGP treatment in both UUO kidneys and TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cell line. Additionally, nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3 was markedly down-regulated by YGP (P<0.001), with a relative mild up-regulated expression of Smad7 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that YGP had a renoprotective effect in ameliorating renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and this activity possibly via suppression of the TGF-β and its downstream regulatory signaling pathway, including Smad2/3.

Therapeutic effects of C-28 methyl ester of 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO-Me; bardoxolone methyl) on radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis in mice

The C-28 methyl ester of 2-cyano-3,12-dioxoolean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO-Me), one of the synthetic triterpenoids, has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo. However, its usefulness in mitigating radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), including radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, has not been tested. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of CDDO-Me on RILI in mice and the underlying mechanisms. Herein, we found that administration of CDDO-Me improved the histopathological score, reduced the number of inflammatory cells and concentrations of total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, suppressed secretion and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-6, elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10, and downregulated the mRNA level of profibrotic genes, including for fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen I. CDDO-Me attenuated radiation-induced lung inflammation. CDDO-Me also decreased the Masson's trichrome stain score, hydroxyproline content, and mRNA level of profibrotic genes, and blocked radiation-induced collagen accumulation and fibrosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that CDDO-Me ameliorates radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, and this synthetic triterpenoid is a promising novel therapeutic agent for RILI. Further mechanistic, efficacy, and safety studies are warranted to elucidate the role of CDDO-Me in the management of RILI.

Galectin-1 Protein Therapy Prevents Pathology and Improves Muscle Function in the mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, leading to the loss of a critical component of the sarcolemmal dystrophin glycoprotein complex. Galectin-1 is a small 14 kDa protein normally found in skeletal muscle and has been shown to be a modifier of immune response, muscle repair, and apoptosis. Galectin-1 levels are elevated in the muscle of mouse and dog models of DMD. Together, these findings led us to hypothesize that Galectin-1 may serve as a modifier of disease progression in DMD. To test this hypothesis, recombinant mouse Galectin-1 was produced and used to treat myogenic cells and the mdx mouse model of DMD. Here we show that intramuscular and intraperitoneal injections of Galectin-1 into mdx mice prevented pathology and improved muscle function in skeletal muscle. These improvements were a result of enhanced sarcolemmal stability mediated by elevated utrophin and α7β1 integrin protein levels. Together our results demonstrate for the first time that Galectin-1 may serve as an exciting new protein therapeutic for the treatment of DMD.

Galectin-1 triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Galectin-1 (Gal1), a β-galactoside-binding protein abundantly expressed in tumor microenvironments, is associated with the development of metastasis in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). However, the precise roles of Gal1 in HCC cell invasiveness and dissemination are uncertain. Here, we investigated whether Gal1 mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells, a key process during cancer progression. We used the well-differentiated and low invasive HepG2 cells and performed 'gain-of-function' and 'loss-function' experiments by transfecting cells with Gal1 cDNA constructs or by siRNA strategies, respectively. Epithelial and mesenchymal markers expression, changes in apico-basal polarity, independent-anchorage growth, and activation of specific signaling pathways were studied using Western blot, fluorescence microscopy, soft-agar assays, and FOP/TOP flash reporter system. Gal1 up-regulation in HepG2 cells induced down-regulation of the adherens junction protein E-cadherin and increased expression of the transcription factor Snail, one of the main inducers of EMT in HCC. Enhanced Gal1 expression facilitated the transition from epithelial cell morphology towards a fibroblastoid phenotype and favored up-regulation of the mesenchymal marker vimentin in HCC cells. Cells overexpressing Gal1 showed enhanced anchorage-independent growth and loss of apico-basal polarity. Remarkably, Gal1 promoted Akt activation, β-catenin nuclear translocation, TCF4/LEF1 transcriptional activity and increased cyclin D1 and c-Myc expression, suggesting activation of the Wnt pathway. Furthermore, Gal1 overexpression induced E-cadherin downregulation through a PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanism. Our results provide the first evidence of a role of Gal1 as an inducer of EMT in HCC cells, with critical implications in HCC metastasis.