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Munchel JK, Misra AK, Collins SA, DiGregorio R, Palmisciano A, Heidari P, Noto RB, Montesi SB, Caravan P, Shea BS. Fibrin-Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Reveals Ongoing Lung Injury in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 210:514-517. [PMID: 38843499 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202312-2357le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Munchel
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Abhinav K Misra
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and
| | - Scott A Collins
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Ryan DiGregorio
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and
| | - Amy Palmisciano
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and
| | - Pedram Heidari
- Department of Radiology, and
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Richard B Noto
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sydney B Montesi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Peter Caravan
- Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Barry S Shea
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine and
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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2
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Zhang H, Tsui CK, Garcia G, Joe LK, Wu H, Maruichi A, Fan W, Pandovski S, Yoon PH, Webster BM, Durieux J, Frankino PA, Higuchi-Sanabria R, Dillin A. The extracellular matrix integrates mitochondrial homeostasis. Cell 2024; 187:4289-4304.e26. [PMID: 38942015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Cellular homeostasis is intricately influenced by stimuli from the microenvironment, including signaling molecules, metabolites, and pathogens. Functioning as a signaling hub within the cell, mitochondria integrate information from various intracellular compartments to regulate cellular signaling and metabolism. Multiple studies have shown that mitochondria may respond to various extracellular signaling events. However, it is less clear how changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) can impact mitochondrial homeostasis to regulate animal physiology. We find that ECM remodeling alters mitochondrial homeostasis in an evolutionarily conserved manner. Mechanistically, ECM remodeling triggers a TGF-β response to induce mitochondrial fission and the unfolded protein response of the mitochondria (UPRMT). At the organismal level, ECM remodeling promotes defense of animals against pathogens through enhanced mitochondrial stress responses. We postulate that this ECM-mitochondria crosstalk represents an ancient immune pathway, which detects infection- or mechanical-stress-induced ECM damage, thereby initiating adaptive mitochondria-based immune and metabolic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Zhang
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - C Kimberly Tsui
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Gilberto Garcia
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Larry K Joe
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Haolun Wu
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ayane Maruichi
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Wudi Fan
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sentibel Pandovski
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter H Yoon
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Brant M Webster
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jenni Durieux
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Phillip A Frankino
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Andrew Dillin
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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3
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Libra A, Sciacca E, Muscato G, Sambataro G, Spicuzza L, Vancheri C. Highlights on Future Treatments of IPF: Clues and Pitfalls. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8392. [PMID: 39125962 PMCID: PMC11313529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by irreversible scarring of lung tissue, leading to death. Despite recent advancements in understanding its pathophysiology, IPF remains elusive, and therapeutic options are limited and non-curative. This review aims to synthesize the latest research developments, focusing on the molecular mechanisms driving the disease and on the related emerging treatments. Unfortunately, several phase 2 studies showing promising preliminary results did not meet the primary endpoints in the subsequent phase 3, underlying the complexity of the disease and the need for new integrated endpoints. IPF remains a challenging condition with a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and pathophysiological factors. Ongoing research into the molecular keystones of IPF is critical for the development of targeted therapies that could potentially stop the progression of the disease. Future directions include personalized medicine approaches, artificial intelligence integration, growth in genetic insights, and novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Libra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Regional Referral Center for Rare Lung Disease, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy; (A.L.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Enrico Sciacca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Regional Referral Center for Rare Lung Disease, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy; (A.L.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Muscato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Regional Referral Center for Rare Lung Disease, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy; (A.L.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Gianluca Sambataro
- Artroreuma s.r.l., Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic, 95030 Mascalucia, CT, Italy;
| | - Lucia Spicuzza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Regional Referral Center for Rare Lung Disease, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy; (A.L.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Carlo Vancheri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Regional Referral Center for Rare Lung Disease, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy; (A.L.); (E.S.); (G.M.); (L.S.)
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4
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Wu ML, Wheeler K, Silasi R, Lupu F, Griffin CT. Endothelial Chromatin-Remodeling Enzymes Regulate the Production of Critical ECM Components During Murine Lung Development. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1784-1798. [PMID: 38868942 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.320881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chromatin-remodeling enzymes BRG1 (brahma-related gene 1) and CHD4 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 4) independently regulate the transcription of genes critical for vascular development, but their coordinated impact on vessels in late-stage embryos has not been explored. METHODS In this study, we genetically deleted endothelial Brg1 and Chd4 in mixed background mice (Brg1fl/fl;Chd4fl/fl;VE-Cadherin-Cre), and littermates that were negative for Cre recombinase were used as controls. Tissues were analyzed by immunostaining, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed gene targets of BRG1 and CHD4 in cultured endothelial cells. RESULTS We found Brg1/Chd4 double mutants grew normally but died soon after birth with small and compact lungs. Despite having normal cellular composition, distal air sacs of the mutant lungs displayed diminished ECM (extracellular matrix) components and TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) signaling, which typically promotes ECM synthesis. Transcripts for collagen- and elastin-related genes and the TGFβ ligand Tgfb1 were decreased in mutant lung endothelial cells, but genetic deletion of endothelial Tgfb1 failed to recapitulate the small lungs and ECM defects seen in Brg1/Chd4 mutants. We instead found several ECM genes to be direct targets of BRG1 and CHD4 in cultured endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data highlight essential roles for endothelial chromatin-remodeling enzymes in promoting ECM deposition in the distal lung tissue during the saccular stage of embryonic lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Wu
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City (M.-L.W., K.W., R.S., F.L., C.T.G.)
| | - Kate Wheeler
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City (M.-L.W., K.W., R.S., F.L., C.T.G.)
| | - Robert Silasi
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City (M.-L.W., K.W., R.S., F.L., C.T.G.)
| | - Florea Lupu
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City (M.-L.W., K.W., R.S., F.L., C.T.G.)
| | - Courtney T Griffin
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City (M.-L.W., K.W., R.S., F.L., C.T.G.)
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City (C.T.G.)
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5
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Younesi FS, Miller AE, Barker TH, Rossi FMV, Hinz B. Fibroblast and myofibroblast activation in normal tissue repair and fibrosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:617-638. [PMID: 38589640 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The term 'fibroblast' often serves as a catch-all for a diverse array of mesenchymal cells, including perivascular cells, stromal progenitor cells and bona fide fibroblasts. Although phenotypically similar, these subpopulations are functionally distinct, maintaining tissue integrity and serving as local progenitor reservoirs. In response to tissue injury, these cells undergo a dynamic fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, marked by extracellular matrix secretion and contraction of actomyosin-based stress fibres. Importantly, whereas transient activation into myofibroblasts aids in tissue repair, persistent activation triggers pathological fibrosis. In this Review, we discuss the roles of mechanical cues, such as tissue stiffness and strain, alongside cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix ligands in modulating myofibroblast activation and survival. We also highlight the role of epigenetic modifications and myofibroblast memory in physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for therapeutically interfering with these factors and the associated signal transduction pathways to improve the outcome of dysregulated healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Sadat Younesi
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Kim DH, Sung M, Park MS, Sun EG, Yoon S, Yoo KH, Radhakrishnan K, Jung SY, Bae WK, Cho SH, Chung IJ. Galectin 3-binding protein (LGALS3BP) depletion attenuates hepatic fibrosis by reducing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) availability and inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 39073023 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased Galectin 3-binding protein (LGALS3BP) serum levels have been used to assess hepatic fibrosis stages and the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Considering the crucial role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the emergence of these diseases, the present study tested the hypothesis that LGALS3BP regulates the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. METHODS The expression levels of LGALS3BP and TGFB1 were analyzed in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and HCC. Multiple omics techniques, such as RNA-sequencing, transposase-accessible chromatin-sequencing assay, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics, were used to identify the regulatory mechanisms for the LGALS3BP-TGF-β1 axis. The effects of altered TGF-β1 signaling by LGALS3BP were investigated in conditional LGALS3BP-knockin and LGALS3BP-knockout mice. RESULTS In patients with MASH and HCC, the levels of LGALS3BP and TGFB1 exhibited positive correlations. Stimulation of LGALS3BP by the inflammatory cytokine interferon α in HCC cells or ectopic overexpression of LGALS3BP in hepatocytes promoted the expression levels of TGFB1. Aggravated fibrosis was observed in the livers of hepatocyte-specific LGALS3BP-knockin mice, with increased TGFB1 levels. LGALS3BP directly bound to and assembled integrin αV, an integral mediator required for releasing active TGF-β1 from extracellular latent complex with the rearranged F-actin cytoskeleton. The released TGF-β1 activated JunB transcription factor, which in turn promoted the TGF-β1 positive feedback loop. LGALS3BP deletion in the hepatocytes downregulated TGF-β1 signaling and CCl4 induced fibrosis. Moreover, LGALS3BP depletion hindered hepatocarcinogenesis by limiting the availability of fibrogenic TGF-β1. CONCLUSION LGALS3BP plays a crucial role in hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis by controlling the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, making it a promising therapeutic target in TGF-β1-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Minjeong Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program, Chonnam National University, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Myong-Suk Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Eun-Gene Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Sumin Yoon
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Yoo
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Woo-Kyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program, Chonnam National University, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Ik-Joo Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, South Korea
- National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, Hwasun, South Korea
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7
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Zhang H, Wu Y, Wu K, Dai Z. Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:176. [PMID: 39034318 PMCID: PMC11275440 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01868-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Hinz B. More Velcro for the TGF-β1 straitjacket: A new antibody straps latent TGF-β1 to the matrix. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eado5279. [PMID: 38980923 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ado5279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
In this issue of Science Signaling, Jackson et al. present a new antibody strategy to-quite literally-strap transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to latent complexes in the extracellular matrix. The antibody has no effect on latent TGF-β1 presented on the surface of immune cells and thus allows targeting of the detrimental effects of TGF-β1 in fibrosis without affecting its beneficial immune-suppressing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Sankhe CS, Sacco JL, Lawton J, Fair RA, Soares DVR, Aldahdooh MKR, Gomez ED, Gomez EW. Breast Cancer Cells Exhibit Mesenchymal-Epithelial Plasticity Following Dynamic Modulation of Matrix Stiffness. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2400087. [PMID: 38977422 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is essential for tissue and organ development and is thought to contribute to cancer by enabling the establishment of metastatic lesions. Despite its importance in both health and disease, there is a lack of in vitro platforms to study MET and little is known about the regulation of MET by mechanical cues. Here, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with dynamic and tunable stiffnesses mimicking that of normal and tumorigenic mammary tissue are synthesized. The platform is then utilized to examine the response of mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells to dynamic modulation of matrix stiffness. Gradual softening of the hydrogels reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, breast cancer cells exhibit temporal changes in cell morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and gene expression that are consistent with mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity as the stiffness of the matrix is reduced. A reduction in matrix stiffness attenuates the expression of integrin-linked kinase, and inhibition of integrin-linked kinase impacts proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression in cells cultured on stiff and dynamic hydrogels. Overall, these findings reveal intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal states as cells move along a matrix stiffness-mediated MET trajectory and suggest an important role for matrix mechanics in regulating mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay S Sankhe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jessica L Sacco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jacob Lawton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ryan A Fair
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | | | - Mohammed K R Aldahdooh
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Enrique D Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Esther W Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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10
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Bellani S, Molyneaux PL, Maher TM, Spagnolo P. Potential of αvβ6 and αvβ1 integrin inhibition for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:575-585. [PMID: 38949181 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2375375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown cause with a dismal prognosis. Nintedanib and Pirfenidone are approved worldwide for the treatment of IPF, but they only slow the rate of functional decline and disease progression. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more efficacious and better tolerated drugs. AREAS COVERED αvβ6 and αvβ1 are two integrins overexpressed in fibrotic tissue, which play a critical role in the development of lung fibrosis. They act by converting transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, one of the most important profibrotic cytokine, in its active form. Here, we summarize and critically discuss the potential of a dual αvβ6/αvβ1 integrin inhibitor for the treatment of IPF. EXPERT OPINION Bexotegrast, a dual αvβ6/αvβ1 integrin inhibitor, has the potential to slow or even halt disease progression in IPF. Indeed, the strong pre-clinical rationale and promising early phase clinical trial data have raised expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bellani
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Philip L Molyneaux
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
- Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Toby M Maher
- Hastings Centre for Pulmonary Research and Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Chia ZJ, Cao YN, Little PJ, Kamato D. Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1337-1348. [PMID: 38351317 PMCID: PMC11192764 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Ying-Nan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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12
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Miron-Mendoza M, Poole K, DiCesare S, Nakahara E, Bhatt MP, Hulleman JD, Petroll WM. The Role of Vimentin in Human Corneal Fibroblast Spreading and Myofibroblast Transformation. Cells 2024; 13:1094. [PMID: 38994947 PMCID: PMC11240817 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Vimentin has been reported to play diverse roles in cell processes such as spreading, migration, cell-matrix adhesion, and fibrotic transformation. Here, we assess how vimentin impacts cell spreading, morphology, and myofibroblast transformation of human corneal fibroblasts. Overall, although knockout (KO) of vimentin did not dramatically impact corneal fibroblast spreading and mechanical activity (traction force), cell elongation in response to PDGF was reduced in vimentin KO cells as compared to controls. Blocking vimentin polymerization using Withaferin had even more pronounced effects on cell spreading and also inhibited cell-induced matrix contraction. Furthermore, although absence of vimentin did not completely block TGFβ-induced myofibroblast transformation, the degree of transformation and amount of αSMA protein expression was reduced. Proteomics showed that vimentin KO cells cultured in TGFβ had a similar pattern of protein expression as controls. One exception included periostin, an ECM protein associated with wound healing and fibrosis in other cell types, which was highly expressed only in Vim KO cells. We also demonstrate for the first time that LRRC15, a protein previously associated with myofibroblast transformation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, is also expressed by corneal myofibroblasts. Interestingly, proteins associated with LRRC15 in other cell types, such as collagen, fibronectin, β1 integrin and α11 integrin, were also upregulated. Overall, our data show that vimentin impacts both corneal fibroblast spreading and myofibroblast transformation. We also identified novel proteins that may regulate corneal myofibroblast transformation in the presence and/or absence of vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Miron-Mendoza
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kara Poole
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sophie DiCesare
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Emi Nakahara
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Meet Paresh Bhatt
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John D. Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Walter Matthew Petroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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13
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Geyer M, Geyer F, Reuning U, Klapproth S, Wolff KD, Nieberler M. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock out of ITGB6 in human OSCC cells reduced migration and proliferation ability. Head Face Med 2024; 20:37. [PMID: 38890650 PMCID: PMC11184753 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-024-00437-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains challenging and survival rates have not been improved significantly over the past decades. Integrins have been recognized driving the cancer progression and high expression levels cause poor outcomes in patients afflicted with OSCC. Integrin αvβ6 and its subunit integrin beta 6 (ITGB6) were discovered to enhance the invasiveness by providing beneficial effects on downstream pathways promoting the cancer progression. The objective of this study was to establish a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock out of ITGB6 in the human OSCC cell line HN and investigate the effects on the migration and proliferation ability. METHODS ITGB6 knock out was performed using the CRISPR/Cas9-system, RNPs, and lipofection. Monoclonal cell clones were achieved by limiting dilution and knock out verification was carried out by sanger sequencing and FACS on protein level. The effects of the knock out on the proliferation and migration ability were evaluated by using MTT and scratch assays. In addition, in silico TCGA analysis was utilized regarding the effects of ITGB6 on overall survival and perineural invasion. RESULTS In silico analysis revealed a significant impact of ITGB6 mRNA expression levels on the overall survival of patients afflicted with OSCC. Additionally, a significantly higher rate of perineural invasion was discovered. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock out of ITGB6 was performed in the OSCC cell line HN, resulting in the generation of a monoclonal knock out clone. The knock out clone exhibited a significantly reduced migration and proliferation ability when compared to the wildtype. CONCLUSIONS ITGB6 is a relevant factor in the progression of OSCC and can be used for the development of novel treatment strategies. The present study is the first to establish a monoclonal CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ITGB6 knockout cell clone derived from an OSCC cell line. It suggests that ITGB6 has a significant impact on the proliferative and migratory capacity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Geyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, D-81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Fabian Geyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Reuning
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Technische Universität München, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Klapproth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dietrich Wolff
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, D-81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Nieberler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, D-81675, Munich, Germany
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14
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Zhu C, Zheng R, Han X, Tang Z, Li F, Hu X, Lin R, Shen J, Pei Q, Wang R, Wei G, Peng Z, Chen W, Liang Z, Zhou Y. Knockout of integrin αvβ6 protects against renal inflammation in chronic kidney disease by reduction of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:397. [PMID: 38844455 PMCID: PMC11156928 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06785-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Integrin αvβ6 holds promise as a therapeutic target for organ fibrosis, yet targeted therapies are hampered by concerns over inflammatory-related side effects. The role of αvβ6 in renal inflammation remains unknown, and clarifying this issue is crucial for αvβ6-targeted treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we revealed a remarkable positive correlation between overexpressed αvβ6 in proximal tubule cells (PTCs) and renal inflammation in CKD patients and mouse models. Notably, knockout of αvβ6 not only significantly alleviated renal fibrosis but also reduced inflammatory responses in mice, especially the infiltration of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Furthermore, conditional knockout of αvβ6 in PTCs in vivo and co-culture of PTCs with macrophages in vitro showed that depleting αvβ6 in PTCs suppressed the migration and pro-inflammatory differentiation of macrophages. Screening of macrophage activators showed that αvβ6 in PTCs activates macrophages via secreting IL-34. IL-34 produced by PTCs was significantly diminished by αvβ6 silencing, and reintroduction of IL-34 restored macrophage activities, while anti-IL-34 antibody restrained macrophage activities enhanced by αvβ6 overexpression. Moreover, RNA-sequencing of PTCs and verification experiments demonstrated that silencing αvβ6 in PTCs blocked hypoxia-stimulated IL-34 upregulation and secretion by inhibiting YAP expression, dephosphorylation, and nuclear translocation, which resulted in the activation of Hippo signaling. While application of a YAP agonist effectively recurred IL-34 production by PTCs, enhancing the subsequent macrophage migration and activation. Besides, reduced IL-34 expression and YAP activation were also observed in global or PTCs-specific αvβ6-deficient injured kidneys. Collectively, our research elucidates the pro-inflammatory function and YAP/IL-34/macrophage axis-mediated mechanism of αvβ6 in renal inflammation, providing a solid rationale for the use of αvβ6 inhibition to treat kidney inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruilin Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ziwen Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xinrong Hu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruoni Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiani Shen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Pei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guangyan Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhou Liang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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15
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Damerau A, Rosenow E, Alkhoury D, Buttgereit F, Gaber T. Fibrotic pathways and fibroblast-like synoviocyte phenotypes in osteoarthritis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385006. [PMID: 38895122 PMCID: PMC11183113 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by osteophyte formation, cartilage degradation, and structural and cellular alterations of the synovial membrane. Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of the synovial membrane have been identified as key drivers, secreting humoral mediators that maintain inflammatory processes, proteases that cause cartilage and bone destruction, and factors that drive fibrotic processes. In normal tissue repair, fibrotic processes are terminated after the damage has been repaired. In fibrosis, tissue remodeling and wound healing are exaggerated and prolonged. Various stressors, including aging, joint instability, and inflammation, lead to structural damage of the joint and micro lesions within the synovial tissue. One result is the reduced production of synovial fluid (lubricants), which reduces the lubricity of the cartilage areas, leading to cartilage damage. In the synovial tissue, a wound-healing cascade is initiated by activating macrophages, Th2 cells, and FLS. The latter can be divided into two major populations. The destructive thymocyte differentiation antigen (THY)1─ phenotype is restricted to the synovial lining layer. In contrast, the THY1+ phenotype of the sublining layer is classified as an invasive one with immune effector function driving synovitis. The exact mechanisms involved in the transition of fibroblasts into a myofibroblast-like phenotype that drives fibrosis remain unclear. The review provides an overview of the phenotypes and spatial distribution of FLS in the synovial membrane of OA, describes the mechanisms of fibroblast into myofibroblast activation, and the metabolic alterations of myofibroblast-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Damerau
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Glucocorticoids - Bioenergetics - 3R Research Lab, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emely Rosenow
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dana Alkhoury
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Glucocorticoids - Bioenergetics - 3R Research Lab, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo Gaber
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Glucocorticoids - Bioenergetics - 3R Research Lab, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Sachan N, Phoon CK, Bu L, Zilberberg L, Ahamed J, Rifkin DB. Binding requirements for latent transforming growth factor Beta2 activation. Matrix Biol Plus 2024; 22:100149. [PMID: 38831847 PMCID: PMC11145359 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2024.100149] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the mechanism for activation of latent TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 is understood to involve the binding of the TGFβ propeptide (LAP) to both an integrin and an insoluble substrate, the activation of latent TGFβ2 has been unclear because the TGFβ2 LAP does not have the classical integrin binding sequence found in the other two TGFβ isoform LAPs. To assess the potential requirement for covalent linkage with a matrix or cell surface protein for the activation of latent TGFβ2, we generated mice in which the TGFβ2 Cys residue predicted to be involved in binding was mutated to Ser (Tgfb2C24S). We reasoned that, if covalent interaction with a second molecule is required for latent TGFβ2 activation, mutant mice should display a Tgfb2 null (Tgfb2-/-)-like phenotype. Tgfb2C24S mice closely phenocopy Tgfb2-/- mice with death in utero between E18 and P1 and with congenital heart and kidney defects similar to those described for Tgfb2-/- mice. The mutant latent TGFβ2 is secreted at levels similar to WT, yet TGFβ signaling monitored as nuclear pSmad2 is suppressed. We conclude that, like latent TGFβ1, latent TGFβ2 activation requires binding to an immobilized matrix or plasma membrane molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalani Sachan
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Colin K.L. Phoon
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Lei Bu
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Lior Zilberberg
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jasimuddin Ahamed
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Daniel B. Rifkin
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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17
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Calver JF, Parmar NR, Harris G, Lithgo RM, Stylianou P, Zetterberg FR, Gooptu B, Mackinnon AC, Carr SB, Borthwick LA, Scott DJ, Stewart ID, Slack RJ, Jenkins RG, John AE. Defining the mechanism of galectin-3-mediated TGF-β1 activation and its role in lung fibrosis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107300. [PMID: 38641066 PMCID: PMC11134550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrin-mediated activation of the profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), plays a critical role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathogenesis. Galectin-3 is believed to contribute to the pathological wound healing seen in IPF, although its mechanism of action is not precisely defined. We hypothesized that galectin-3 potentiates TGF-β1 activation and/or signaling in the lung to promote fibrogenesis. We show that galectin-3 induces TGF-β1 activation in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) and specifically that extracellular galectin-3 promotes oleoyl-L-α-lysophosphatidic acid sodium salt-induced integrin-mediated TGF-β1 activation. Surface plasmon resonance analysis confirmed that galectin-3 binds to αv integrins, αvβ1, αvβ5, and αvβ6, and to the TGFβRII subunit in a glycosylation-dependent manner. This binding is heterogeneous and not a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Binding interactions were blocked by small molecule inhibitors of galectin-3, which target the carbohydrate recognition domain. Galectin-3 binding to β1 integrin was validated in vitro by coimmunoprecipitation in HLFs. Proximity ligation assays indicated that galectin-3 and β1 integrin colocalize closely (≤40 nm) on the cell surface and that colocalization is increased by TGF-β1 treatment and blocked by galectin-3 inhibitors. In the absence of TGF-β1 stimulation, colocalization was detectable only in HLFs from IPF patients, suggesting the proteins are inherently more closely associated in the disease state. Galectin-3 inhibitor treatment of precision cut lung slices from IPF patients' reduced Col1a1, TIMP1, and hyaluronan secretion to a similar degree as TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor. These data suggest that galectin-3 promotes TGF-β1 signaling and may induce fibrogenesis by interacting directly with components of the TGF-β1 signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Calver
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Galecto Biotech AB, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Nimesh R Parmar
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Roche Products Limited, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Harris
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan M Lithgo
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom; Membrane Protein Laboratory, Diamond Light Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; Diamond Light Source, Diamond House, Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Panayiota Stylianou
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom; Leicester Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bibek Gooptu
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom; Leicester Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Alison C Mackinnon
- Galecto Biotech AB, Nine Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B Carr
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lee A Borthwick
- Fibrofind Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David J Scott
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Iain D Stewart
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Slack
- Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Galecto Biotech AB, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - R Gisli Jenkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison E John
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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18
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Wu X, Yang Y. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and fibrotic diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112085. [PMID: 38626550 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a common cause and serious outcome of organ failure that can affect any organ, is responsible for up to 45% of all deaths in various clinical settings. Both preclinical models and clinical trials investigating various organ systems have shown that fibrosis is a highly dynamic process. Although many studies have sought to gain understanding of the mechanism of fibrosis progression, their findings have been mixed. In recent years, increasing evidence indicates that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and participate in the regulation of fibrotic processes in various organs and systems. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of NETs in fibrosis development and progression and their possibility as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiao Wu
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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19
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Mukhatayev Z, Adilbayeva A, Kunz J. CTHRC1: An Emerging Hallmark of Pathogenic Fibroblasts in Lung Fibrosis. Cells 2024; 13:946. [PMID: 38891078 PMCID: PMC11171484 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, irreversible lung disease characterized by fibrotic scarring in the lung parenchyma. This condition involves the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to the aberrant activation of myofibroblasts in the alveolar environment. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is a crucial driver of fibrogenesis because it promotes excessive ECM deposition, thereby leading to scar formation and lung damage. A primary target of TGF-β signaling in fibrosis is Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1 (CTHRC1), a secreted glycoprotein that plays a pivotal role in ECM deposition and wound repair. TGF-β transcriptionally regulates CTHRC1 in response to tissue injury and controls the wound healing response through functional activity. CTHRC1 may also play an essential role in re-establishing and maintaining tissue homeostasis after wound closure by modulating both the TGF-β and canonical Wnt signaling pathways. This dual function suggests that CTHRC1 regulates tissue remodeling and homeostasis. However, deregulated CTHRC1 expression in pathogenic fibroblasts has recently emerged as a hallmark of fibrosis in multiple organs and tissues. This review highlights recent studies suggesting that CTHRC1 can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for fibrosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis. Notably, CTHRC1 expression is responsive to antifibrotic drugs that target the TGF-β pathway, such as pirfenidone and bexotegrast, indicating its potential as a biomarker of treatment success. These findings suggest that CTHRC1 may present new opportunities for diagnosing and treating patients with lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeannette Kunz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, 5/1 Kerey and Zhanibek Khans St., 020000 Astana, Kazakhstan; (Z.M.); (A.A.)
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20
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Burgess JK, Gosens R. Mechanotransduction and the extracellular matrix: Key drivers of lung pathologies and drug responsiveness. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116255. [PMID: 38705536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The lung is a biomechanically active organ, with multiscale mechanical forces impacting the organ, tissue and cellular responses within this microenvironment. In chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and others, the structure of the lung is drastically altered impeding gas exchange. These changes are, in part, reflected in alterations in the composition, amount and organization of the extracellular matrix within the different lung compartments. The transmission of mechanical forces within lung tissue are broadcast by this complex mix of extracellular matrix components, in particular the collagens, elastin and proteoglycans and the crosslinking of these components. At both a macro and a micro level, the mechanical properties of the microenvironment have a key regulatory role in ascertaining cellular responses and the function of the lung. Cells adhere to, and receive signals from, the extracellular matrix through a number of different surface receptors and complexes which are important for mechanotransduction. This review summarizes the multiscale mechanics in the lung and how the mechanical environment changes in lung disease and aging. We then examine the role of mechanotransduction in driving cell signaling events in lung diseases and finish with a future perspective of the need to consider how such forces may impact pharmacological responsiveness in lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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21
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Zanoni I. Aged nasal epithelium is more prone to severe COVID-19. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:722-724. [PMID: 38641720 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Zanoni
- Harvard Medical School, and Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Immunology, Division of Gastroenterology, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Yang C, Rubin L, Yu X, Lazarovici P, Zheng W. Preclinical evidence using synthetic compounds and natural products indicates that AMPK represents a potential pharmacological target for the therapy of pulmonary diseases. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1326-1369. [PMID: 38229486 DOI: 10.1002/med.22014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved eukaryotic enzyme discovered as a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, with anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, anticancer, and antifibrosis beneficial effects. AMPK is dysregulated in human pulmonary diseases such as acute lung injury, nonsmall cell lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. This review provides an overview of the beneficial role of natural, synthetic, and Chinese traditional medicines AMPK modulators in pulmonary diseases, and highlights the role of the AMPK signaling pathway in the lung, emphasizing the importance of finding lead compounds and drugs that can target and modulate AMPK to treat the lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Limor Rubin
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xiyong Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
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23
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Brown NF, Murray ER, Cutmore LC, Howard P, Masterson L, Zammarchi F, Hartley JA, van Berkel PH, Marshall JF. Integrin-αvβ6 targeted peptide-toxin therapy in a novel αvβ6-expressing immunocompetent model of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatology 2024; 24:445-455. [PMID: 38519394 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Previously we reported that a novel αvβ6-specific peptide-drug conjugate (SG3299) could eliminate established human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenografts. However the development of effective therapies for PDAC, which is an essential need, must show efficacy in relevant immunocompetent animals. Previously we reported that the KPC mouse transgenic PDAC model that closely recapitulates most stages of development of human PDAC, unlike in humans, failed to express αvβ6 on their tumours or metastases. In this study we have taken the KPC-derived PDAC line TB32043 and engineered a variant line (TB32043mb6S2) that expresses mouse integrin αvβ6. We report that orthotopic implantation of the αvβ6 over-expressing TB32043mb6S2 cells promotes shorter overall survival and increase in metastases. Moreover, systemic treatment of mice with established TB32043mb6S2 tumours in the pancreas with SG2399 lived significantly longer (p < 0.001; mean OS 48d) compared with PBS or control SG3511 (mean OS 25.5d and 26d, respectively). Thus SG3299 is confirmed as a promising candidate therapeutic for the therapy of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Brown
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Elizabeth R Murray
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Lauren C Cutmore
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Philip Howard
- Spirogen, QMB Innovation Centre, 42 New Road, London, E1 2AX, UK
| | - Luke Masterson
- Spirogen, QMB Innovation Centre, 42 New Road, London, E1 2AX, UK
| | - Francesca Zammarchi
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Ltd, Translation & Innovation Hub Building, Imperial College White City Campus, 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - John A Hartley
- Cancer Research UK Drug-DNA Interactions Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Patrick H van Berkel
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Ltd, Translation & Innovation Hub Building, Imperial College White City Campus, 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - John F Marshall
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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24
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Woodall MNJ, Cujba AM, Worlock KB, Case KM, Masonou T, Yoshida M, Polanski K, Huang N, Lindeboom RGH, Mamanova L, Bolt L, Richardson L, Cakir B, Ellis S, Palor M, Burgoyne T, Pinto A, Moulding D, McHugh TD, Saleh A, Kilich E, Mehta P, O'Callaghan C, Zhou J, Barclay W, De Coppi P, Butler CR, Cortina-Borja M, Vinette H, Roy S, Breuer J, Chambers RC, Heywood WE, Mills K, Hynds RE, Teichmann SA, Meyer KB, Nikolić MZ, Smith CM. Age-specific nasal epithelial responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1293-1311. [PMID: 38622380 PMCID: PMC11087271 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Children infected with SARS-CoV-2 rarely progress to respiratory failure. However, the risk of mortality in infected people over 85 years of age remains high. Here we investigate differences in the cellular landscape and function of paediatric (<12 years), adult (30-50 years) and older adult (>70 years) ex vivo cultured nasal epithelial cells in response to infection with SARS-CoV-2. We show that cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2, and expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in nasal epithelial cell subtypes, differ between age groups. While ciliated cells are viral replication centres across all age groups, a distinct goblet inflammatory subtype emerges in infected paediatric cultures and shows high expression of interferon-stimulated genes and incomplete viral replication. In contrast, older adult cultures infected with SARS-CoV-2 show a proportional increase in basaloid-like cells, which facilitate viral spread and are associated with altered epithelial repair pathways. We confirm age-specific induction of these cell types by integrating data from in vivo COVID-19 studies and validate that our in vitro model recapitulates early epithelial responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kaylee B Worlock
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Tereza Masonou
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Masahiro Yoshida
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ni Huang
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Liam Bolt
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Samuel Ellis
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Machaela Palor
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Thomas Burgoyne
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andreia Pinto
- Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dale Moulding
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Timothy D McHugh
- UCL Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aarash Saleh
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eliz Kilich
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Puja Mehta
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy Barclay
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo De Coppi
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Colin R Butler
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Epithelial Cell Biology in ENT Research (EpiCENTR) Group, Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Heloise Vinette
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Sunando Roy
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Judith Breuer
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Rachel C Chambers
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy E Heywood
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Kevin Mills
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Robert E Hynds
- Epithelial Cell Biology in ENT Research (EpiCENTR) Group, Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Theory of Condensed Matter, Cavendish Laboratory/Dept Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Marko Z Nikolić
- UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Claire M Smith
- Great Ormond Street UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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25
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McCauley KB, Kukreja K, Tovar Walker AE, Jaffe AB, Klein AM. A map of signaling responses in the human airway epithelium. Cell Syst 2024; 15:307-321.e10. [PMID: 38508187 PMCID: PMC11031335 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Receptor-mediated signaling plays a central role in tissue regeneration, and it is dysregulated in disease. Here, we build a signaling-response map for a model regenerative human tissue: the airway epithelium. We analyzed the effect of 17 receptor-mediated signaling pathways on organotypic cultures to determine changes in abundance and phenotype of epithelial cell types. This map recapitulates the gamut of known airway epithelial signaling responses to these pathways. It defines convergent states induced by multiple ligands and diverse, ligand-specific responses in basal cell and secretory cell metaplasia. We show that loss of canonical differentiation induced by multiple pathways is associated with cell-cycle arrest, but that arrest is not sufficient to block differentiation. Using the signaling-response map, we show that a TGFB1-mediated response underlies specific aberrant cells found in multiple lung diseases and identify interferon responses in COVID-19 patient samples. Thus, we offer a framework enabling systematic evaluation of tissue signaling responses. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B McCauley
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Respiratory Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Disease Area X, Biomedical Research, Novartis, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kalki Kukreja
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Aron B Jaffe
- Respiratory Diseases, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Allon M Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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26
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Russell JJ, Mummidi S, DeMarco VG, Grisanti LA, Bailey CA, Bender SB, Chandrasekar B. Integrated miRNA-mRNA networks underlie attenuation of chronic β-adrenergic stimulation-induced cardiac remodeling by minocycline. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:360-366. [PMID: 38314697 PMCID: PMC11283891 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00140.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse cardiac remodeling contributes to heart failure development and progression, partly due to inappropriate sympathetic nervous system activation. Although β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) blockade is a common heart failure therapy, not all patients respond, prompting exploration of alternative treatments. Minocycline, an FDA-approved antibiotic, has pleiotropic properties beyond antimicrobial action. Recent evidence suggests it may alter gene expression via changes in miRNA expression. Thus, we hypothesized that minocycline could prevent adverse cardiac remodeling induced by the β-AR agonist isoproterenol, involving miRNA-mRNA transcriptome alterations. Male C57BL/6J mice received isoproterenol (30 mg/kg/day sc) or vehicle via osmotic minipump for 21 days, along with daily minocycline (50 mg/kg ip) or sterile saline. Isoproterenol induced cardiac hypertrophy without altering cardiac function, which minocycline prevented. Total mRNA sequencing revealed isoproterenol altering gene networks associated with inflammation and metabolism, with fibrosis activation predicted by integrated miRNA-mRNA sequencing, involving miR-21, miR-30a, miR-34a, miR-92a, and miR-150, among others. Conversely, the cardiac miRNA-mRNA transcriptome predicted fibrosis inhibition in minocycline-treated mice, involving antifibrotic shifts in Atf3 and Itgb6 gene expression associated with miR-194 upregulation. Picrosirius red staining confirmed isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis, prevented by minocycline. These results demonstrate minocycline's therapeutic potential in attenuating adverse cardiac remodeling through miRNA-mRNA-dependent mechanisms, especially in reducing cardiac fibrosis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that minocycline treatment prevents cardiac hypertrophy and fibrotic remodeling induced by chronic β-adrenergic stimulation by inducing antifibrotic shifts in the cardiac miRNA-mRNA transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Russell
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Srinivas Mummidi
- Health and Behavior Sciences, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States
| | - Vincent G DeMarco
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Laurel A Grisanti
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Chastidy A Bailey
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Shawn B Bender
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Dalton Cardiovascular Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Bysani Chandrasekar
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, United States
- Dalton Cardiovascular Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
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27
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Zheng M, Zhu W, Gao F, Zhuo Y, Zheng M, Wu G, Feng C. Novel inhalation therapy in pulmonary fibrosis: principles, applications and prospects. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:136. [PMID: 38553716 PMCID: PMC10981316 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) threatens millions of people worldwide with its irreversible progression. Although the underlying pathogenesis of PF is not fully understood, there is evidence to suggest that the disease can be blocked at various stages. Inhalation therapy has been applied for lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and its application for treating PF is currently under consideration. New techniques in inhalation therapy, such as the application of microparticles and nanoparticles, traditional Chinese medicine monomers, gene therapy, inhibitors, or agonists of signaling pathways, extracellular vesicle interventions, and other specific drugs, are effective in treating PF. However, the safety and effectiveness of these therapeutic techniques are influenced by the properties of inhaled particles, biological and pathological barriers, and the type of inhalation device used. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological, pharmaceutical, technical, preclinical, and clinical experimental aspects of novel inhalation therapy for treating PF and focus on therapeutic methods that significantly improve existing technologies or expand the range of drugs that can be administered via inhalation. Although inhalation therapy for PF has some limitations, the advantages are significant, and further research and innovation about new inhalation techniques and drugs are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zheng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100032, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital, Changshu, 215500, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yu Zhuo
- Department of Medical Oncology Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Mo Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Guanghao Wu
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Cuiling Feng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, China.
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100032, China.
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28
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Mittelheisser V, Gensbittel V, Bonati L, Li W, Tang L, Goetz JG. Evidence and therapeutic implications of biomechanically regulated immunosurveillance in cancer and other diseases. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:281-297. [PMID: 38286876 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Disease progression is usually accompanied by changes in the biochemical composition of cells and tissues and their biophysical properties. For instance, hallmarks of cancer include the stiffening of tissues caused by extracellular matrix remodelling and the softening of individual cancer cells. In this context, accumulating evidence has shown that immune cells sense and respond to mechanical signals from the environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these mechanical aspects of immune surveillance remain partially understood. The growing appreciation for the 'mechano-immunology' field has urged researchers to investigate how immune cells sense and respond to mechanical cues in various disease settings, paving the way for the development of novel engineering strategies that aim at mechanically modulating and potentiating immune cells for enhanced immunotherapies. Recent pioneer developments in this direction have laid the foundations for leveraging 'mechanical immunoengineering' strategies to treat various diseases. This Review first outlines the mechanical changes occurring during pathological progression in several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and infection. We next highlight the mechanosensitive nature of immune cells and how mechanical forces govern the immune responses in different diseases. Finally, we discuss how targeting the biomechanical features of the disease milieu and immune cells is a promising strategy for manipulating therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mittelheisser
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Gensbittel
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucia Bonati
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Weilin Li
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.
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29
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Xiao Y, Vazquez-Padron RI, Martinez L, Singer HA, Woltmann D, Salman LH. Role of platelet factor 4 in arteriovenous fistula maturation failure: What do we know so far? J Vasc Access 2024; 25:390-406. [PMID: 35751379 PMCID: PMC9974241 DOI: 10.1177/11297298221085458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure remains unacceptably high despite continuous efforts on technique improvement and careful pre-surgery planning. In fact, half of all newly created AVFs are unable to be used for hemodialysis (HD) without a salvage procedure. While vascular stenosis in the venous limb of the access is the culprit, the underlying factors leading to vascular narrowing and AVF maturation failure are yet to be determined. We have recently demonstrated that AVF non-maturation is associated with post-operative medial fibrosis and fibrotic stenosis, and post-operative intimal hyperplasia (IH) exacerbates the situation. Multiple pathological processes and signaling pathways are underlying the stenotic remodeling of the AVF. Our group has recently indicated that a pro-inflammatory cytokine platelet factor 4 (PF4/CXCL4) is upregulated in veins that fail to mature after AVF creation. Platelet factor 4 is a fibrosis marker and can be detected in vascular stenosis tissue, suggesting that it may contribute to AVF maturation failure through stimulation of fibrosis and development of fibrotic stenosis. Here, we present an overview of the how PF4-mediated fibrosis determines AVF maturation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Roberto I Vazquez-Padron
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laisel Martinez
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Harold A Singer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Woltmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Loay H Salman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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30
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Leask A, Fadl A, Naik A. A modest proposal: targeting αv integrin-mediated activation of latent TGFbeta as a novel therapeutic approach to treat scleroderma fibrosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:279-285. [PMID: 38393748 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2323528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The potent profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been associated with the onset and progression of the fibrosis seen in the autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc). AREA COVERED This review explores the data supporting the notion that TGF-β contributes to SSc fibrosis and examines why initiating clinical trials in SSc aimed at targeting integrin-mediated latent TGF-β activation is timely. EXPERT OPINION Targeting TGF-β directly has not been proven to be clinically effective in this disease. Conversely, targeting matrix stiffness, which perpetuates fibrosis, may have more promise. Intriguingly, targeting integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-β, which bridges these concepts, may have therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Asmaa Fadl
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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31
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Fox SC, Waskiewicz AJ. Transforming growth factor beta signaling and craniofacial development: modeling human diseases in zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1338070. [PMID: 38385025 PMCID: PMC10879340 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1338070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans and other jawed vertebrates rely heavily on their craniofacial skeleton for eating, breathing, and communicating. As such, it is vital that the elements of the craniofacial skeleton develop properly during embryogenesis to ensure a high quality of life and evolutionary fitness. Indeed, craniofacial abnormalities, including cleft palate and craniosynostosis, represent some of the most common congenital abnormalities in newborns. Like many other organ systems, the development of the craniofacial skeleton is complex, relying on specification and migration of the neural crest, patterning of the pharyngeal arches, and morphogenesis of each skeletal element into its final form. These processes must be carefully coordinated and integrated. One way this is achieved is through the spatial and temporal deployment of cell signaling pathways. Recent studies conducted using the zebrafish model underscore the importance of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathways in craniofacial development. Although both pathways contain similar components, each pathway results in unique outcomes on a cellular level. In this review, we will cover studies conducted using zebrafish that show the necessity of these pathways in each stage of craniofacial development, starting with the induction of the neural crest, and ending with the morphogenesis of craniofacial elements. We will also cover human skeletal and craniofacial diseases and malformations caused by mutations in the components of these pathways (e.g., cleft palate, craniosynostosis, etc.) and the potential utility of zebrafish in studying the etiology of these diseases. We will also briefly cover the utility of the zebrafish model in joint development and biology and discuss the role of TGF-β/BMP signaling in these processes and the diseases that result from aberrancies in these pathways, including osteoarthritis and multiple synostoses syndrome. Overall, this review will demonstrate the critical roles of TGF-β/BMP signaling in craniofacial development and show the utility of the zebrafish model in development and disease.
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Gaba S, Jain U. Advanced biosensors for nanomaterial-based detection of transforming growth factor alpha and beta, a class of major polypeptide regulators. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128622. [PMID: 38065462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factors (TGFs) regulate several cellular processes including, differentiation, growth, migration, extracellular matrix production, and apoptosis. TGF alpha (TGF-α) is a heterogeneous molecule containing 160 amino acid residues. It is a potent angiogenesis promoter that is activated by JAK-STAT signaling. Whereas TGF beta (TGF-β) consists of 390-412 amino acids. Smad and non-Smad signaling both occur in TGF beta. It is linked to immune cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation. It also triggers pre-apoptotic responses and inhibits cell proliferation. Both growth factors have a promising role in the development and homeostasis of tissues. Defects such as autoimmune diseases and cancer develop mechanisms to modulate checkpoints of the immune system resulting in altered growth factors profile. An accurate amount of these growth factors is essential for normal functioning, but an exceed or fall behind the normal level is alarming as it is linked to several disorders. This demands techniques for TGF-α and TGF-β profiling to effectively diagnose diseases, monitor their progression, and assess the efficacy of immunotherapeutic drugs. Quantitative detection techniques including the emergence of biosensing technology seem to accomplish the purpose. Until the present time, few biosensors have been designed in the context of TGF-α and TGF-β for disease detection, analyzing receptor binding, and interaction with carriers. In this paper, we have reviewed the physiology of transforming growth factor alpha and beta, including the types, structure, function, latent/active forms, signaling, and defects caused. It involves the description of biosensors on TGF-α and TGF-β, advances in technology, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Gaba
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Utkarsh Jain
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
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Ahuja S, Zaheer S. Multifaceted TGF-β signaling, a master regulator: From bench-to-bedside, intricacies, and complexities. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:87-127. [PMID: 37859532 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Physiological embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis are regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an evolutionarily conserved family of secreted polypeptide factors, acting in an autocrine and paracrine manner. The role of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis and cancer, overexpressed TGF-β causes extracellular matrix deposition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer-associated fibroblast formation, and/or angiogenesis. In this review article, we have tried to dive deep into the mechanism of action of TGF-β in inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. As TGF-β and its downstream signaling mechanism are implicated in fibrosis and carcinogenesis blocking this signaling mechanism appears to be a promising avenue. However, targeting TGF-β carries substantial risk as this pathway is implicated in multiple homeostatic processes and is also known to have tumor-suppressor functions. There is a need for careful dosing of TGF-β drugs for therapeutic use and patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ahuja
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sufian Zaheer
- Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Kolanko E, Cargnoni A, Papait A, Silini AR, Czekaj P, Parolini O. The evolution of in vitro models of lung fibrosis: promising prospects for drug discovery. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230127. [PMID: 38232990 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0127-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is a complex process, with unknown underlying mechanisms, involving various triggers, diseases and stimuli. Different cell types (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages) interact dynamically through multiple signalling pathways, including biochemical/molecular and mechanical signals, such as stiffness, affecting cell function and differentiation. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common fibrosing interstitial lung disease (fILD), characterised by a notably high mortality. Unfortunately, effective treatments for advanced fILD, and especially IPF and non-IPF progressive fibrosing phenotype ILD, are still lacking. The development of pharmacological therapies faces challenges due to limited knowledge of fibrosis pathogenesis and the absence of pre-clinical models accurately representing the complex features of the disease. To address these challenges, new model systems have been developed to enhance the translatability of preclinical drug testing and bridge the gap to human clinical trials. The use of two- and three-dimensional in vitro cultures derived from healthy or diseased individuals allows for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for lung fibrosis. Additionally, microfluidics systems, which replicate the respiratory system's physiology ex vivo, offer promising opportunities for the development of effective therapies, especially for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Kolanko
- Department of Cytophysiology, Katowice Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Anna Cargnoni
- Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Brescia, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Andrea Papait
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department Life Sciences and Public Health, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piotr Czekaj
- Department of Cytophysiology, Katowice Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department Life Sciences and Public Health, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Zheng L, Wu Q, Chen S, Wen J, Dong F, Meng N, Zeng W, Zhao C, Zhong X. Development and validation of a new diagnostic prediction model of ENHO and NOX4 for early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1273559. [PMID: 38348042 PMCID: PMC10859860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1273559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis. The challenge of early diagnosis, along with the lack of effective treatments for fibrosis, contribute to poor therapeutic outcomes and high mortality of SSc. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify suitable biomarkers for early diagnosis of SSc. Methods Three skin gene expression datasets of SSc patients and healthy controls were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE130955, GSE58095, and GSE181549). GSE130955 (48 early diffuse cutaneous SSc and 33 controls) were utilized to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SSc and normal skin samples. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were performed to identify diagnostic genes and construct a diagnostic prediction model. The results were further validated in GSE58095 (61 SSc and 36 controls) and GSE181549 (113 SSc and 44 controls) datasets. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied for assessing the level of diagnostic ability. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the diagnostic genes in skin tissues of out cohort (10 SSc and 5 controls). Immune infiltration analysis were performed using CIBERSORT algorithm. Results A total of 200 DEGs were identified between SSc and normal skin samples. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs may be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc, such as extracellular matrix remodeling, cell-cell interactions, and metabolism. Subsequently, two critical genes (ENHO and NOX4) were identified by LASSO and SVM-RFE. ENHO was found down-regulated while NOX4 was up-regulated in skin of SSc patients and their expression levels were validated by above three datasets and our cohort. Notably, these differential expressions were more pronounced in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc than in those with limited cutaneous SSc. Next, we developed a novel diagnostic model for SSc using ENHO and NOX4, which demonstrated strong predictive power in above three cohorts and in our own cohort. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis revealed dysregulated levels of various immune cell subtypes within early SSc skin specimens, and a negative correlation was observed between the levels of ENHO and Macrophages M1 and M2, while a positive correlation was observed between the levels of NOX4 and Macrophages M1 and M2. Conclusion This study identified ENHO and NOX4 as novel biomarkers that can be serve as a diagnostic prediction model for early detection of SSc and play a potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leting Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiulin Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shuyuan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fei Dong
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ningqin Meng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Zhang Z, Deng X, Gu W, Jiao Y, Su C, Liu H, Ma W, Zhang H, Xiang R, Wang D, Wang Y, Chunguo W, Meng F. Jianghu decoction and its active component polydatin inhibit inflammation and fibrotic lesions in the lungs of ILD mice via the AMPK signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117003. [PMID: 37543150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Recently, interstitial lung disease (ILD) morbidity and mortality have been increasing with insidious epidemiological characteristics. Jianghu decoction (JH) is an effective Chinese medicine for ILD. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to reveal the material basis and mechanism of action of JH in the treatment of ILD. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, an ILD mouse model was constructed with bleomycin. HE staining, transcriptome analysis, parallel reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (PRM-MS), UPLC‒MS, and western blotting assays were conducted. RESULTS HE staining results showed that JH effectively reduced inflammation and fibrosis foci in the lungs of the ILD model. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that JH regulates a set of biological signaling pathways related to immune inflammation and fibrosis. PRM-MS combined with western blotting was applied to detect inflammation and fibrosis involving proteins in lung tissue. JH effectively reversed the aberrant expression of HMGB1, RAGE, SEPTIN4, ACTA2, and ITGAV proteins in the model group. AMPK was identified as the core upstream regulatory protein for JH-mediated ILD regulation. In addition, UHPLC‒MS technology was applied to determine the active ingredients of JH. A total of 80 components were identified from JH, and polydatin (PD) was identified as the active ingredient that effectively alleviated lung fibrosis and inflammatory injury in ILD mice. To illustrate the molecular regulatory network of JH and PD in alleviating lung fibrosis and inflammatory injury, we also examined inflammation and fibrosis-related molecules downstream of the AMPK pathway with RT‒qPCR and western blotting. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that both JH and its active component PD exert synergistic inhibition on pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. Specifically, the AMPK/PGC1α/PPARγ signaling pathway was activated, and the AMPK/HMGB1/RAGE signaling pathway was inhibited in ILD lungs responding to JH or PD administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengju Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinqi Deng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Gu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Canyu Su
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Weiguo Ma
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Shunyi Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyang Xiang
- Yongledian Health Service Center of Tongzhou District, Beijing, China
| | - Dali Wang
- Yanshan Community Health Service Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Wang Chunguo
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengxian Meng
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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M. S. Barron A, Fabre T, De S. Distinct fibroblast functions associated with fibrotic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and their implications for therapeutic development. F1000Res 2024; 13:54. [PMID: 38681509 PMCID: PMC11053351 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.143472.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are ubiquitous cells that can adopt many functional states. As tissue-resident sentinels, they respond to acute damage signals and shape the earliest events in fibrotic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Upon sensing an insult, fibroblasts produce chemokines and growth factors to organize and support the response. Depending on the size and composition of the resulting infiltrate, these activated fibroblasts may also begin to contract or relax thus changing local stiffness within the tissue. These early events likely contribute to the divergent clinical manifestations of fibrotic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Further, distinct changes to the cellular composition and signaling dialogue in these diseases drive progressive fibroblasts specialization. In fibrotic diseases, fibroblasts support the survival, activation and differentiation of myeloid cells, granulocytes and innate lymphocytes, and produce most of the pathogenic extracellular matrix proteins. Whereas, in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, sequential accumulation of dendritic cells, T cells and B cells programs fibroblasts to support local, destructive adaptive immune responses. Fibroblast specialization has clear implications for the development of effective induction and maintenance therapies for patients with these clinically distinct diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. S. Barron
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Thomas Fabre
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Saurav De
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
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Guo C, Cui Y, Jiao M, Yao J, Zhao J, Tian Y, Dong J, Liao L. Crosstalk between proximal tubular epithelial cells and other interstitial cells in tubulointerstitial fibrosis after renal injury. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1256375. [PMID: 38260142 PMCID: PMC10801024 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1256375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The energy needs of tubular epithelial components, especially proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs), are high and they heavily depend on aerobic metabolism. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to various injuries caused by factors such as ischemia, proteinuria, toxins, and elevated glucose levels. Initial metabolic and phenotypic changes in PTECs after injury are likely an attempt at survival and repair. Nevertheless, in cases of recurrent or prolonged injury, PTECs have the potential to undergo a transition to a secretory state, leading to the generation and discharge of diverse bioactive substances, including transforming growth factor-β, Wnt ligands, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, lactic acid, exosomes, and extracellular vesicles. By promoting fibroblast activation, macrophage recruitment, and endothelial cell loss, these bioactive compounds stimulate communication between epithelial cells and other interstitial cells, ultimately worsening renal damage. This review provides a summary of the latest findings on bioactive compounds that facilitate the communication between these cellular categories, ultimately leading to the advancement of tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuying Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicin, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingwen Jiao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junyu Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yutian Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Liao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Institute of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicin, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Southern BD, Li H, Mao H, Crish JF, Grove LM, Scheraga RG, Mansoor S, Reinhardt A, Abraham S, Deshpande G, Loui A, Ivanov AI, Rosenfeld SS, Bresnick AR, Olman MA. A novel mechanoeffector role of fibroblast S100A4 in myofibroblast transdifferentiation and fibrosis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105530. [PMID: 38072048 PMCID: PMC10789633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast to myofibroblast transdifferentiation mediates numerous fibrotic disorders, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We have previously demonstrated that non-muscle myosin II (NMII) is activated in response to fibrotic lung extracellular matrix, thereby mediating myofibroblast transdifferentiation. NMII-A is known to interact with the calcium-binding protein S100A4, but the mechanism by which S100A4 regulates fibrotic disorders is unclear. In this study, we show that fibroblast S100A4 is a calcium-dependent, mechanoeffector protein that is uniquely sensitive to pathophysiologic-range lung stiffness (8-25 kPa) and thereby mediates myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Re-expression of endogenous fibroblast S100A4 rescues the myofibroblastic phenotype in S100A4 KO fibroblasts. Analysis of NMII-A/actin dynamics reveals that S100A4 mediates the unraveling and redistribution of peripheral actomyosin to a central location, resulting in a contractile myofibroblast. Furthermore, S100A4 loss protects against murine in vivo pulmonary fibrosis, and S100A4 expression is dysregulated in IPF. Our data reveal a novel mechanosensor/effector role for endogenous fibroblast S100A4 in inducing cytoskeletal redistribution in fibrotic disorders such as IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Southern
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Haiyan Li
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hongxia Mao
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - James F Crish
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lisa M Grove
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rachel G Scheraga
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sanaa Mansoor
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Amanda Reinhardt
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Susamma Abraham
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gauravi Deshpande
- Lerner Research Institute Imaging Core, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alicia Loui
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrei I Ivanov
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven S Rosenfeld
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Anne R Bresnick
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mitchell A Olman
- Lerner Research Institute Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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Schalich KM, Koganti PP, Castillo JM, Reiff OM, Cheong SH, Selvaraj V. The uterine secretory cycle: recurring physiology of endometrial outputs that setup the uterine luminal microenvironment. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:74-97. [PMID: 37694291 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00035.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conserved in female reproduction across all mammalian species is the estrous cycle and its regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a collective of intersected hormonal events that are crucial for ensuring uterine fertility. Nonetheless, knowledge of the direct mediators that synchronously shape the uterine microenvironment for successive yet distinct events, such as the transit of sperm and support for progressive stages of preimplantation embryo development, remain principally deficient. Toward understanding the timed endometrial outputs that permit luminal events as directed by the estrous cycle, we used Bovidae as a model system to uniquely surface sample and study temporal shifts to in vivo endometrial transcripts that encode for proteins destined to be secreted. The results revealed the full quantitative profile of endometrial components that shape the uterine luminal microenvironment at distinct phases of the estrous cycle (estrus, metestrus, diestrus, and proestrus). In interpreting this comprehensive log of stage-specific endometrial secretions, we define the "uterine secretory cycle" and extract a predictive understanding of recurring physiological actions regulated within the uterine lumen in anticipation of sperm and preimplantation embryonic stages. This repetitive microenvironmental preparedness to sequentially provide operative support was a stable intrinsic framework, with only limited responses to sperm or embryos if encountered in the lumen within the cyclic time period. In uncovering the secretory cycle and unraveling realistic biological processes, we present novel foundational knowledge of terminal effectors controlled by the HPG axis to direct a recurring sequence of vital functions within the uterine lumen.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study unravels the recurring sequence of changes within the uterus that supports vital functions (sperm transit and development of preimplantation embryonic stages) during the reproductive cycle in female Ruminantia. These data present new systems knowledge in uterine reproductive physiology crucial for setting up in vitro biomimicry and artificial environments for assisted reproduction technologies for a range of mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey M Schalich
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Prasanthi P Koganti
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Juan M Castillo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Olivia M Reiff
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
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41
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Baasch S, Henschel J, Henneke P. Combined Host-Pathogen Fate Mapping to Investigate Lung Macrophages in Viral Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2713:347-361. [PMID: 37639135 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3437-0_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage identity, as defined by epigenetic, transcriptional, proteomic, and functional programs, is greatly impacted by cues originating from the microenvironment. As a consequence, immunophenotyping based on surface marker expression is established and reliable in homeostatic conditions, whereas environmental challenges, in particular infections, severely hamper the determination of identity states. This has become more evident with recent discoveries that macrophage-inherent plasticity may go beyond limits of lineage-defining immunophenotypes. Therefore, transgenic fate mapping tools, such as the phage-derived loxP-cre-system, are essential for the analysis of macrophage adaptation in the tissue under extreme environmental conditions, for example, upon encounter with pathogens. In this chapter, we describe an advanced application of the loxP-cre-system during infection. Here, the host encodes a cell type-specific cre-recombinase, while the pathogen harbors a STOP-floxed fluorescent reporter gene. As an instructive example for the versatility of the system, we demonstrate that alveolar macrophages are predominantly targeted after respiratory tract infection with mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Combined host-pathogen fate mapping not only enables to distinguish between infected and non-infected (bystander) macrophages but also spurs exploration of phenotypic adaptation and tracing of cellular localization in the context of MCMV infection. Moreover, we provide a gating strategy for resolving the diversity of pulmonary immune cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Baasch
- Institute for Imunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julia Henschel
- Institute for Imunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Institute for Imunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Control, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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42
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Wawrzykowski J, Jamioł M, Kankofer M. A pilot study on the relationship between thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) in the bovine placenta during early mid-pregnancy as well as parturition with normally released and retained placenta. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23710. [PMID: 37811864 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, it is necessary to create appropriate conditions for the development of the placenta and the fetus. However, during parturition, the placenta must be separated and subsequently removed as soon as possible to not expose the female to the possibility of infection. In this study, the relationship between thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) concentrations was described during bovine pregnancy (second, fourth, and sixth months; n = 3/each month), at normal parturition (NR) and parturition with fetal membrane retention (R). The presence of THBS1 and TGFβ1 was confirmed in bovine placental tissues of both maternal and fetal parts. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in THBS1 concentrations (pg/mg protein) between examined parturient samples (maternal part: 5.76 ± 1.61 in R vs. 2.26 ± 1.58 in NR; fetal part: 2.62 ± 1.94 in R vs. 1.70 ± 0.23 in NR). TGFβ1 concentrations (pg/mg protein) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the retained fetal membranes compared to the released fetal membranes in the maternal part of the placenta (26.22 ± 7.53 in NR vs. 17.80 ± 5.01 in R). The participation of THBS1 in the activation of TGFβ1 in parturient bovine placental tissues leading to the normal release of fetal membranes may be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Wawrzykowski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Jamioł
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Kankofer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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43
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Frangogiannis NG. TGF-β as a therapeutic target in the infarcted and failing heart: cellular mechanisms, challenges, and opportunities. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:45-56. [PMID: 38329809 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2316735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myocardial fibrosis accompanies most cardiac conditions and can be reparative or maladaptive. Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β is a potent fibrogenic mediator, involved in repair, remodeling, and fibrosis of the injured heart. AREAS COVERED This review manuscript discusses the role of TGF-β in heart failure focusing on cellular mechanisms and therapeutic implications. TGF-β is activated in infarcted, remodeling and failing hearts. In addition to its fibrogenic actions, TGF-β has a broad range of effects on cardiomyocytes, immune, and vascular cells that may have both protective and detrimental consequences. TGF-β-mediated effects on macrophages promote anti-inflammatory transition, whereas actions on fibroblasts mediate reparative scar formation and effects on pericytes are involved in maturation of infarct neovessels. On the other hand, TGF-β actions on cardiomyocytes promote adverse remodeling, and prolonged activation of TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts stimulates progression of fibrosis and heart failure. EXPERT OPINION Understanding of the cell-specific actions of TGF-β is necessary to design therapeutic strategies in patients with myocardial disease. Moreover, to implement therapeutic interventions in the heterogeneous population of heart failure patients, mechanism-driven classification of both HFrEF and HFpEF patients is needed. Heart failure patients with prolonged or overactive fibrogenic TGF-β responses may benefit from cautious TGF-β inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Guo S, Dong Y, Wang C, Jiang Y, Xiang R, Fan LL, Luo H, Liu L. Integrative analysis reveals the recurrent genetic etiologies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. QJM 2023; 116:983-992. [PMID: 37688571 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasingly recognized as a chronic, progressive and fatal lung disease with an unknown etiology. Current studies focus on revealing the genetic factors in the risk of IPF, making the integrative analysis of genetic variations and transcriptomic alterations of substantial value. AIM This study aimed to improve the understanding of the molecular basis of IPF through an integrative analysis of whole-exome sequencing (WES), bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. METHODS WES is a powerful tool for studying the genetic basis of IPF, allowing for the identification of genetic variants that may be associated with the development of the disease. RNA-seq data provide a comprehensive view of the transcriptional changes in IPF patients, while scRNA-seq data offer a more granule view of cell-type-specific alterations. RESULTS In this study, we identified a comprehensive mutational landscape of recurrent genomic and transcriptomic variations, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, CNVs and differentially expressed genes, in IPF populations, which may play a significant role in the development and progression of IPF. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided valuable insights into the genetic and transcriptomic variations associated with IPF, revealing changes in gene expression that may contribute to disease development and progression. These findings highlight the importance of an integrative approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IPF and may pave the way for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Guo
- From the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Y Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - C Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Y Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Computer Science, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - R Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - L-L Fan
- From the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - H Luo
- From the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - L Liu
- From the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Yoshie S, Murono S, Hazama A. Approach for Elucidating the Molecular Mechanism of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Fibrosis of Asthmatic Airway Remodeling Focusing on Cl - Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:289. [PMID: 38203460 PMCID: PMC10779031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Airway remodeling caused by asthma is characterized by structural changes of subepithelial fibrosis, goblet cell metaplasia, submucosal gland hyperplasia, smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, and angiogenesis, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea, which cause marked quality of life deterioration. In particular, fibrosis exacerbated by asthma progression is reportedly mediated by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It is well known that the molecular mechanism of EMT in fibrosis of asthmatic airway remodeling is closely associated with several signaling pathways, including the TGF-β1/Smad, TGF-β1/non-Smad, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanism of EMT in fibrosis of asthmatic airway remodeling has not yet been fully clarified. Given that Cl- transport through Cl- channels causes passive water flow and consequent changes in cell volume, these channels may be considered to play a key role in EMT, which is characterized by significant morphological changes. In the present article, we highlight how EMT, which causes fibrosis and carcinogenesis in various tissues, is strongly associated with activation or inactivation of Cl- channels and discuss whether Cl- channels can lead to elucidation of the molecular mechanism of EMT in fibrosis of asthmatic airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Yoshie
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Murono
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hazama
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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Khan IS, Molina C, Ren X, Auyeung VC, Cohen M, Tsukui T, Atakilit A, Sheppard D. Impaired Myofibroblast Proliferation is a Central Feature of Pathologic Post-Natal Alveolar Simplification. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572766. [PMID: 38187712 PMCID: PMC10769348 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have impaired alveolar gas exchange due to alveolar simplification and dysmorphic pulmonary vasculature. Advances in clinical care have improved survival for infants with BPD, but the overall incidence of BPD remains unchanged because we lack specific therapies to prevent this disease. Recent work has suggested a role for increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling and myofibroblast populations in BPD pathogenesis, but the functional significance of each remains unclear. Here, we utilize multiple murine models of alveolar simplification and comparative single-cell RNA sequencing to identify shared mechanisms that could contribute to BPD pathogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a profound loss of myofibroblasts in two models of BPD and identifies gene expression signatures of increased TGFβ signaling, cell cycle arrest, and impaired proliferation in myofibroblasts. Using pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we find no evidence that increased TGFβ signaling in the lung mesenchyme contributes to alveolar simplification. In contrast, this is likely a failed compensatory response, since none of our approaches to inhibit TGFb signaling protect mice from alveolar simplification due to hyperoxia while several make simplification worse. In contrast, we find that impaired myofibroblast proliferation is a central feature in several murine models of BPD, and we show that inhibiting myofibroblast proliferation is sufficient to cause pathologic alveolar simplification. Our results underscore the importance of impaired myofibroblast proliferation as a central feature of alveolar simplification and suggest that efforts to reverse this process could have therapeutic value in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran S. Khan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
| | - Christopher Molina
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
| | - Xin Ren
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
| | - Vincent C. Auyeung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
| | - Max Cohen
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
| | - Tatsuya Tsukui
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
| | - Amha Atakilit
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, UCSF
- Department of Medicine, UCSF
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Ahmed DW, Eiken MK, DePalma SJ, Helms AS, Zemans RL, Spence JR, Baker BM, Loebel C. Integrating mechanical cues with engineered platforms to explore cardiopulmonary development and disease. iScience 2023; 26:108472. [PMID: 38077130 PMCID: PMC10698280 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces provide critical biological signals to cells during healthy and aberrant organ development as well as during disease processes in adults. Within the cardiopulmonary system, mechanical forces, such as shear, compressive, and tensile forces, act across various length scales, and dysregulated forces are often a leading cause of disease initiation and progression such as in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cardiomyopathies. Engineered in vitro models have supported studies of mechanical forces in a number of tissue and disease-specific contexts, thus enabling new mechanistic insights into cardiopulmonary development and disease. This review first provides fundamental examples where mechanical forces operate at multiple length scales to ensure precise lung and heart function. Next, we survey recent engineering platforms and tools that have provided new means to probe and modulate mechanical forces across in vitro and in vivo settings. Finally, the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations to inform novel therapeutic approaches for a number of cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia W. Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Adam S. Helms
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Sofia C, Comes A, Sgalla G, Richeldi L. An update on emerging drugs for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a look towards 2023 and beyond. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023; 28:283-296. [PMID: 37953604 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2281416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently approved drug treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been shown to slow lung function decline and improve clinical outcomes. Since significant advances in the understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms in IPF, novel potential agents are being tested to identify new targeted and better tolerated therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED This review describes the evidence from IPF phase II and III clinical trials that have been completed or are ongoing in recent years. The literature search was performed using Medline and Clinicaltrials.org databases. Particular attention is paid to the new inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4B (BI 1015550), being studied in a more advanced research phase. Some emerging critical issues of the pharmacological research are highlighted considering the recent outstanding failures of several phase III trials. EXPERT OPINION An exponential number of randomized clinical trials are underway testing promising new molecules to increase treatment choices for patients with IPF and improve patients' quality of life. The next goals should aim at a deeper understanding of the pathogenic pathways of the disease with the challenging goal of being able not only to stabilize but also to reverse the ongoing fibrotic process in patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Sofia
- Dipartimento di scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Comes
- Dipartimento di scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Sgalla
- Dipartimento di scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Richeldi
- Dipartimento di scienze mediche e chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Wang F, Ting C, Riemondy KA, Douglas M, Foster K, Patel N, Kaku N, Linsalata A, Nemzek J, Varisco BM, Cohen E, Wilson JA, Riches DW, Redente EF, Toivola DM, Zhou X, Moore BB, Coulombe PA, Omary MB, Zemans RL. Regulation of epithelial transitional states in murine and human pulmonary fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e165612. [PMID: 37768734 PMCID: PMC10645382 DOI: 10.1172/jci165612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scarring disease arising from impaired regeneration of the alveolar epithelium after injury. During regeneration, type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s) assume a transitional state that upregulates multiple keratins and ultimately differentiate into AEC1s. In IPF, transitional AECs accumulate with ineffectual AEC1 differentiation. However, whether and how transitional cells cause fibrosis, whether keratins regulate transitional cell accumulation and fibrosis, and why transitional AECs and fibrosis resolve in mouse models but accumulate in IPF are unclear. Here, we show that human keratin 8 (KRT8) genetic variants were associated with IPF. Krt8-/- mice were protected from fibrosis and accumulation of the transitional state. Keratin 8 (K8) regulated the expression of macrophage chemokines and macrophage recruitment. Profibrotic macrophages and myofibroblasts promoted the accumulation of transitional AECs, establishing a K8-dependent positive feedback loop driving fibrogenesis. Finally, rare murine transitional AECs were highly senescent and basaloid and may not differentiate into AEC1s, recapitulating the aberrant basaloid state in human IPF. We conclude that transitional AECs induced and were maintained by fibrosis in a K8-dependent manner; in mice, most transitional cells and fibrosis resolved, whereas in human IPF, transitional AECs evolved into an aberrant basaloid state that persisted with progressive fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher Ting
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kent A. Riemondy
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael Douglas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Nisha Patel
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
| | - Norihito Kaku
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Jean Nemzek
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian M. Varisco
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Erez Cohen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jasmine A. Wilson
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - David W.H. Riches
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth F. Redente
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Diana M. Toivola
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bethany B. Moore
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pierre A. Coulombe
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - M. Bishr Omary
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, and
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50
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Leask A, Naik A, Stratton RJ. Back to the future: targeting the extracellular matrix to treat systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:713-723. [PMID: 37789119 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of a stable extracellular matrix (ECM); fibrotic tissue is composed principally of highly crosslinked type I collagen and highly contractile myofibroblasts. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The fibrotic process has been recognized in SSc for >40 years, but drugs with demonstrable efficacy against SSc fibrosis in ameliorating the lung involvement have only recently been identified. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective at improving the skin score in patients with SSc. Previous clinical trials in SSc have largely focused on the cross-purposing of anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of immunosuppressive drugs from the transplantation field, which address inflammatory and/or autoimmune processes. Limited examination has taken place of specific anti-fibrotic agents developed through their ability to directly target the ECM in SSc by, for example, alleviating the persistent matrix stiffness and mechanotransduction that might be required for both the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, including in SSc. However, because of the importance of the ECM in the SSc phenotype, attempts have now been made to identify drugs that specifically target the ECM, including some drugs that are currently under consideration for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
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