1
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Franzén L, Olsson Lindvall M, Hühn M, Ptasinski V, Setyo L, Keith BP, Collin A, Oag S, Volckaert T, Borde A, Lundeberg J, Lindgren J, Belfield G, Jackson S, Ollerstam A, Stamou M, Ståhl PL, Hornberg JJ. Mapping spatially resolved transcriptomes in human and mouse pulmonary fibrosis. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1725-1736. [PMID: 38951642 PMCID: PMC11319205 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01819-2] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Efforts to identify effective treatments are thwarted by limited understanding of IPF pathogenesis and poor translatability of available preclinical models. Here we generated spatially resolved transcriptome maps of human IPF (n = 4) and bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis (n = 6) to address these limitations. We uncovered distinct fibrotic niches in the IPF lung, characterized by aberrant alveolar epithelial cells in a microenvironment dominated by transforming growth factor beta signaling alongside predicted regulators, such as TP53 and APOE. We also identified a clear divergence between the arrested alveolar regeneration in the IPF fibrotic niches and the active tissue repair in the acutely fibrotic mouse lung. Our study offers in-depth insights into the IPF transcriptional landscape and proposes alveolar regeneration as a promising therapeutic strategy for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovisa Franzén
- Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Olsson Lindvall
- Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Hühn
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Victoria Ptasinski
- Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Laura Setyo
- Pathology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin P Keith
- Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Astrid Collin
- Animal Science and Technology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steven Oag
- Animal Science and Technology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Volckaert
- Bioscience In Vivo, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annika Borde
- Bioscience In Vivo, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Lundeberg
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julia Lindgren
- Translational Genomics, Centre for Genomics Research, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Graham Belfield
- Translational Genomics, Centre for Genomics Research, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sonya Jackson
- Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Ollerstam
- Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marianna Stamou
- Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Patrik L Ståhl
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jorrit J Hornberg
- Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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2
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Chawla P, Gau D, Chen F, Welling N, Boone D, Taboas J, Lee AV, Galson DL, Roy P. Breast cancer cells promote osteoclast differentiation in an MRTF-dependent paracrine manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.06.570453. [PMID: 38106226 PMCID: PMC10723471 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Bone is a frequent site for breast cancer metastasis. Conditioning of the local tumor microenvironment (TME) through crosstalk between tumor cells and bone resident cells in the metastatic niche is a major driving force for bone colonization of breast cancer cells. The vast majority of breast cancer-associated metastasis is osteolytic in nature, and RANKL-induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts (OCLs) is a key requirement for osteolytic metastatic growth of cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that breast cancer cell-secreted factors stimulate RANKL-induced OCL differentiation of BMDMs requiring the function of Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) in tumor cells. This is partly attributed to the critical role of MRTF in maintaining the basal cellular expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a pro-osteoclastogenic matricellular factor known to promote bone metastasis in human breast cancer. Supporting these in vitro findings, bioinformatics analyses of multiple human breast cancer transcriptome datasets reveal a strong positive correlation between CTGF expression and MRTF gene signature further establishing the relevance of our findings in a human disease context. By Luminex analyses, we show that MRTF depletion in breast cancer cells has a broad impact on OCL-regulatory cell-secreted factors that extends beyond CTGF. These findings, taken together with demonstration of MRTF-dependence for bone colonization breast cancer cells in vivo, suggest that MRTF inhibition could be an effective strategy to diminish OCL formation and skeletal involvement in breast cancer. In summary, this study highlights a novel tumor-extrinsic function of MRTF relevant to breast cancer metastasis.
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Bankell E, Liu L, van der Horst J, Rippe C, Jepps TA, Nilsson BO, Swärd K. Suppression of smooth muscle cell inflammation by myocardin-related transcription factors involves inactivation of TANK-binding kinase 1. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13321. [PMID: 38858497 PMCID: PMC11164896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63901-3] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs: myocardin/MYOCD, MRTF-A/MRTFA, and MRTF-B/MRTFB) suppress production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human smooth muscle cells (SMCs) through sequestration of RelA in the NF-κB complex, but additional mechanisms are likely involved. The cGAS-STING pathway is activated by double-stranded DNA in the cytosolic compartment and acts through TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) to spark inflammation. The present study tested if MRTFs suppress inflammation also by targeting cGAS-STING signaling. Interrogation of a transcriptomic dataset where myocardin was overexpressed using a panel of 56 cGAS-STING cytokines showed the panel to be repressed. Moreover, MYOCD, MRTFA, and SRF associated negatively with the panel in human arteries. RT-qPCR in human bronchial SMCs showed that all MRTFs reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines on the panel. MRTFs diminished phosphorylation of TBK1, while STING phosphorylation was marginally affected. The TBK1 inhibitor amlexanox, but not the STING inhibitor H-151, reduced the anti-inflammatory effect of MRTF-A. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays supported binding between MRTF-A and TBK1 in SMCs. MRTFs thus appear to suppress cellular inflammation in part by acting on the kinase TBK1. This may defend SMCs against pro-inflammatory insults in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Bankell
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Li Liu
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Urology, Qingyuan Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jennifer van der Horst
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Catarina Rippe
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas A Jepps
- Vascular Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Bengt-Olof Nilsson
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karl Swärd
- Cellular Biomechanics/Vascular Physiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D12, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
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4
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Lichner Z, Ding M, Khare T, Dan Q, Benitez R, Praszner M, Song X, Saleeb R, Hinz B, Pei Y, Szászi K, Kapus A. Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor Mediates Epithelial Fibrogenesis in Polycystic Kidney Disease. Cells 2024; 13:984. [PMID: 38891116 PMCID: PMC11172104 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by extensive cyst formation and progressive fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby the loss/loss-of-function of Polycystin 1 or 2 (PC1/2) provokes fibrosis are largely unknown. The small GTPase RhoA has been recently implicated in cystogenesis, and we identified the RhoA/cytoskeleton/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) pathway as an emerging mediator of epithelium-induced fibrogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that MRTF is activated by PC1/2 loss and plays a critical role in the fibrogenic reprogramming of the epithelium. The loss of PC1 or PC2, induced by siRNA in vitro, activated RhoA and caused cytoskeletal remodeling and robust nuclear MRTF translocation and overexpression. These phenomena were also manifested in PKD1 (RC/RC) and PKD2 (WS25/-) mice, with MRTF translocation and overexpression occurring predominantly in dilated tubules and the cyst-lining epithelium, respectively. In epithelial cells, a large cohort of PC1/PC2 downregulation-induced genes was MRTF-dependent, including cytoskeletal, integrin-related, and matricellular/fibrogenic proteins. Epithelial MRTF was necessary for the paracrine priming of the fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. Thus, MRTF acts as a prime inducer of epithelial fibrogenesis in PKD. We propose that RhoA is a common upstream inducer of both histological hallmarks of PKD: cystogenesis and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Mei Ding
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Tarang Khare
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Enrich Bioscience, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Qinghong Dan
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Raquel Benitez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Mercédesz Praszner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Xuewen Song
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Rola Saleeb
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - York Pei
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada; (Z.L.); (T.K.); (R.S.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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5
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Longstreth JH, Wang K. The role of fibronectin in mediating cell migration. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1212-C1225. [PMID: 38372136 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00633.2023] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Fibronectin (FN) is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) protein involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including cell migration. These FN-mediated cell migration events are essential to processes such as wound repair, cancer metastasis, and vertebrate development. This review synthesizes mainly current literature to provide an overview of the mechanoregulatory role of FN-mediated cell migration. Background on FN structure and role in mechanotransduction is provided. Cell migration concepts are introduced, including the general cell migration mechanism and classification of cell migration types. Then, FN-mediated events that directly affect cell migration are explored. Finally, a focus on FN in tissue repair and cancer migration is presented, as these topics represent a large amount of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Longstreth
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Karin Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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6
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Gonzalez-Nolde S, Schweiger CJ, Davis EER, Manzoni TJ, Hussein SMI, Schmidt TA, Cone SG, Jay GD, Parreno J. The Actin Cytoskeleton as a Regulator of Proteoglycan 4. Cartilage 2024:19476035231223455. [PMID: 38183234 DOI: 10.1177/19476035231223455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The superficial zone (SZ) of articular cartilage is responsible for distributing shear forces for optimal cartilage loading and contributes to joint lubrication through the production of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4). PRG4 plays a critical role in joint homeostasis and is chondroprotective. Normal PRG4 production is affected by inflammation and irregular mechanical loading in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). THe SZ chondrocyte (SZC) phenotype, including PRG4 expression, is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton in vitro. There remains a limited understanding of the regulation of PRG4 by the actin cytoskeleton in native articular chondrocytes. The filamentous (F)-actin cytoskeleton is a potential node in crosstalk between mechanical stimulation and cytokine activation and the regulation of PRG4 in SZCs, therefore developing insights in the regulation of PRG4 by actin may identify molecular targets for novel PTOA therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search on PRG4 and the regulation of the SZC phenotype by actin organization was performed. RESULTS PRG4 is strongly regulated by the actin cytoskeleton in isolated SZCs in vitro. Biochemical and mechanical stimuli have been characterized to regulate PRG4 and may converge upon actin cytoskeleton signaling. CONCLUSION Actin-based regulation of PRG4 in native SZCs is not fully understood and requires further elucidation. Understanding the regulation of PRG4 by actin in SZCs requires an in vivo context to further potential of leveraging actin arrangement to arthritic therapeutics.
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7
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Shivashankar GV. Mechanical forces and the 3D genome. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 83:102728. [PMID: 37948897 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102728] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, the field of genomics has been studied from a biochemical perspective. Besides chemical influences, cells are subject to a variety of mechanical signals from their surrounding tissue microenvironment. These mechanical signals can not only cause changes to a cell's physical structure but can also lead to alterations in their genomes and gene expression programs. Understanding the mechanical control of genome organization and expression may provide a new perspective on gene regulation.
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8
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Urban L, Čoma M, Lacina L, Szabo P, Sabová J, Urban T, Šuca H, Lukačín Š, Zajíček R, Smetana K, Gál P. Heterogeneous response to TGF-β1/3 isoforms in fibroblasts of different origins: implications for wound healing and tumorigenesis. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:541-554. [PMID: 37707642 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02221-5] [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] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Identification of therapeutic targets for treating fibrotic diseases and cancer remains challenging. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 on myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix deposition in different types of fibroblasts, including normal/dermal, cancer-associated, and scar-derived fibroblasts. When comparing the phenotype and signaling pathways activation we observed extreme heterogeneity of studied markers across different fibroblast populations, even within those isolated from the same tissue. Specifically, the presence of myofibroblast and deposition of extracellular matrix were dependent on the origin of the fibroblasts and the type of treatment they received (TGF-β1 vs. TGF-β3). In parallel, we detected activation of canonical signaling (pSMAD2/3) across all studied fibroblasts, albeit to various extents. Treatment with TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 resulted in the activation of canonical and several non-canonical pathways, including AKT, ERK, and ROCK. Among studied cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts displayed the most heterogenic response to TGF-β1/3 treatments. In general, TGF-β1 demonstrated a more potent activation of signaling pathways compared to TGF-β3, whereas TGF-β3 exhibited rather an inhibitory effect in keloid- and hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts suggesting its clinical potential for scar treatment. In summary, our study has implications for comprehending the role of TGF-β signaling in fibroblast biology, fibrotic diseases, and cancer. Future research should focus on unraveling the mechanisms beyond differential fibroblast responses to TGF-β isomers considering inherent fibroblast heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Urban
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Inc, Ondavská, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Matúš Čoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Inc, Ondavská, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 2, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department Dermatovenereology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 128 08, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavol Szabo
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 2, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sabová
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Tomáš Urban
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hubert Šuca
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Štefan Lukačín
- Department of Heart Surgery, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Inc, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Robert Zajíček
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, U Nemocnice 2, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Peter Gál
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic.
- Department of Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Inc, Ondavská, 040 11, Košice, Slovak Republic.
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University, 832 32, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01, Košice, Slovak Republic.
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9
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Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Dudaryeva OY, Bernhard S, Tibbitt MW, Labouesse C. Implications of Cellular Mechanical Memory in Bioengineering. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5985-5998. [PMID: 37797187 PMCID: PMC10646820 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability to maintain and differentiate cells in vitro is critical to many advances in the field of bioengineering. However, on traditional, stiff (E ≈ GPa) culture substrates, cells are subjected to sustained mechanical stress that can lead to phenotypic changes. Such changes may remain even after transferring the cells to another scaffold or engrafting them in vivo and bias the outcomes of the biological investigation or clinical treatment. This persistence─or mechanical memory─was initially observed for sustained myofibroblast activation of pulmonary fibroblasts after culturing them on stiff (E ≈ 100 kPa) substrates. Aspects of mechanical memory have now been described in many in vitro contexts. In this Review, we discuss the stiffness-induced effectors of mechanical memory: structural changes in the cytoskeleton and activity of transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers. We then focus on how mechanical memory impacts cell expansion and tissue regeneration outcomes in bioengineering applications relying on prolonged 2D plastic culture, such as stem cell therapies and disease models. We propose that alternatives to traditional cell culture substrates can be used to mitigate or erase mechanical memory and improve the efficiency of downstream cell-based bioengineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Y Dudaryeva
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584, Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Bernhard
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Céline Labouesse
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
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11
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Kofler M, Kapus A. Nuclear Import and Export of YAP and TAZ. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4956. [PMID: 37894323 PMCID: PMC10605228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204956] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and its paralog Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) are major regulators of gene transcription/expression, primarily controlled by the Hippo pathway and the cytoskeleton. Integrating an array of chemical and mechanical signals, they impact growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Accordingly, they also play key roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Their activity is primarily regulated by their localization, that is, Hippo pathway- and/or cytoskeleton-controlled cytosolic or nuclear sequestration. While many details of such prevailing retention models have been elucidated, much less is known about their actual nuclear traffic: import and export. Although their size is not far from the cutoff for passive diffusion through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), and they do not contain any classic nuclear localization (NLS) or nuclear export signal (NES), evidence has been accumulating that their shuttling involves mediated and thus regulatable/targetable processes. The aim of this review is to summarize emerging information/concepts about their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, encompassing the relevant structural requirements (NLS, NES), nuclear transport receptors (NTRs, karyophererins), and NPC components, along with the potential transport mechanisms and their regulation. While dissecting retention vs. transport is often challenging, the emerging picture suggests that YAP/TAZ shuttles across the NPC via multiple, non-exclusive, mediated mechanisms, constituting a novel and intriguing facet of YAP/TAZ biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
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12
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Zhou J, Song Y, Wang X, Li X, Liu C, Tian C, Wang C, Li L, Yan G, Cui H. JTE-013 Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Affecting the RhoA/YAP Pathway and Mitochondrial Fusion/Fission. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1444. [PMID: 37895915 PMCID: PMC10609863 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101444] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis may be due to the proliferation of fibroblasts and the aggregation of extracellular matrix, resulting in the stimulation of inflammation damage, destroying lung tissue structure, seriously affecting the patient's respiratory function, and even leading to death. We investigated the role and mechanism of JTE-013 in attenuating bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis was established in mice. Type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (MLE-12) were stimulated with sphingosine monophosphate (S1P) in vitro. JTE-013, an S1PR2 (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2) antagonist, and Verteporfin were administered in vivo and in vitro. IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. IL-4 and IFN-γ positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. Inhibition of S1PR2 with JTE-013 significantly ameliorated BLM-induced pathological changes and inflammatory cytokine levels. JTE-013 also significantly reduced the expression of RHOA/YAP pathway proteins and mitochondrial fission protein Drp1, apoptosis, and the colocalization of α-SMA with YAP, Drp1, and Tom20, as detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL, and Western blot. In vitro, S1PR2 and YAP knockdown downregulated RHOA/YAP pathway protein expression, Drp1 phosphorylation, and Drp1 translocation, promoted YAP phosphorylation and phenotypic transformation of MFN2, and inhibited the up-regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production, and cell apoptosis (7.13% vs. 18.14%), protecting the integrity of the mitochondrial dynamics. JTE-013 also inhibited the expression of fibrosis markers α-SMA, MMP-9, and COL1A1, and alleviated the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusively, JTE-013 has great anti-pulmonary fibrosis potential by regulating RHOA/YAP and mitochondrial fusion/fission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Zhou
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Center of Medical Functional Experiment, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Yilan Song
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Xingmei Wang
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Center of Medical Functional Experiment, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Xinrui Li
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Center of Medical Functional Experiment, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Chang Liu
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Center of Medical Functional Experiment, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Chenchen Tian
- Center of Medical Functional Experiment, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China;
| | - Chongyang Wang
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Liangchang Li
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Guanghai Yan
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Hong Cui
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; (J.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.W.); (X.L.); (C.L.); (C.W.); (L.L.)
- Center of Medical Functional Experiment, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China;
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13
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Aoyama S, Kido Y, Kanamoto M, Naito M, Nakanishi M, Kanna M, Yamamotoya T, Asano T, Nakatsu Y. Prolyl isomerase Pin1 promotes extracellular matrix production in hepatic stellate cells through regulating formation of the Smad3-TAZ complex. Exp Cell Res 2023; 425:113544. [PMID: 36906101 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) produce extracellular matrixes (ECMs), such as collagen and fibronectin, in response to stimulation with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). The massive ECM accumulation in the liver due to HSCs causes fibrosis which eventually leads to hepatic cirrhosis and hepatoma development. However, details of the mechanisms underlying continuous HSC activation are as yet poorly understood. We thus attempted to elucidate the role of Pin1, one of the prolyl isomerases, in the underlying mechanism(s), using the human HSC line LX-2. Treatment with Pin1 siRNAs markedly alleviated the TGFβ-induced expressions of ECM components such as collagen 1a1/2, smooth muscle actin and fibronectin at both the mRNA and the protein level. Pin1 inhibitors also decreased the expressions of fibrotic markers. In addition, it was revealed that Pin1 associates with Smad2/3/4, and that four Ser/Thr-Pro motifs in the linker domain of Smad3 are essential for binding with Pin1. Pin1 significantly regulated Smad-binding element transcriptional activity without affecting Smad3 phosphorylations or translocation. Importantly, both Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator (TAZ) also participate in ECM induction, and upregulate Smad3 activity rather than TEA domain transcriptional factor transcriptional activity. Although Smad3 interacts with both TAZ and YAP, Pin1 facilitates the Smad3 association with TAZ, but not that with YAP. In conclusion, Pin1 plays pivotal roles in ECM component productions in HSCs through regulation of the interaction between TAZ and Smad3, and Pin1 inhibitors may have the potential to ameliorate fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Aoyama
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuri Kido
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mayu Kanamoto
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Miki Naito
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mikako Nakanishi
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Machi Kanna
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamamotoya
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoichiro Asano
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Nakatsu
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan.
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14
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Zhou J, Xiong S, Liu M, Yang H, Wei P, Yi F, Ouyang M, Xi H, Long Z, Liu Y, Li J, Ding L, Xiong L. Study on the influence of scaffold morphology and structure on osteogenic performance. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1127162. [PMID: 37051275 PMCID: PMC10083331 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1127162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of patients with bone defects caused by various bone diseases is increasing yearly in the aging population, and people are paying increasing attention to bone tissue engineering research. Currently, the application of bone tissue engineering mainly focuses on promoting fracture healing by carrying cytokines. However, cytokines implanted into the body easily cause an immune response, and the cost is high; therefore, the clinical treatment effect is not outstanding. In recent years, some scholars have proposed the concept of tissue-induced biomaterials that can induce bone regeneration through a scaffold structure without adding cytokines. By optimizing the scaffold structure, the performance of tissue-engineered bone scaffolds is improved and the osteogenesis effect is promoted, which provides ideas for the design and improvement of tissue-engineered bones in the future. In this study, the current understanding of the bone tissue structure is summarized through the discussion of current bone tissue engineering, and the current research on micro-nano bionic structure scaffolds and their osteogenesis mechanism is analyzed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shilang Xiong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hao Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Feng Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Ouyang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hanrui Xi
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhisheng Long
- Department of Orthopedics, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yayun Liu
- Department of Traumatology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingtang Li
- Department of Traumatology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Linghua Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinhua People’s Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Long Xiong,
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15
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Mukherjee A, Bravo-Cordero JJ. Regulation of dormancy during tumor dissemination: the role of the ECM. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:99-112. [PMID: 36802311 PMCID: PMC10027413 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The study of the metastatic cascade has revealed the complexity of the process and the multiple cellular states that disseminated cancer cells must go through. The tumor microenvironment and in particular the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in regulating the transition from invasion, dormancy to ultimately proliferation during the metastatic cascade. The time delay from primary tumor detection to metastatic growth is regulated by a molecular program that maintains disseminated tumor cells in a non-proliferative, quiescence state known as tumor cell dormancy. Identifying dormant cells and their niches in vivo and how they transition to the proliferative state is an active area of investigation, and novel approaches have been developed to track dormant cells during dissemination. In this review, we highlight the latest research on the invasive nature of disseminated tumor cells and their link to dormancy programs. We also discuss the role of the ECM in sustaining dormant niches at distant sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Mukherjee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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16
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Han B, Cao C, Wang A, Zhao Y, Jin M, Wang Y, Chen S, Yu M, Yang Z, Qu X, Wang X. Injectable Double-Network Hydrogel-Based Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Systems for Regenerating Dental Pulp. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:7821-7832. [PMID: 36734883 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The regeneration of dental pulp tissue is very important, but difficult, in dentistry. The biocompatibility, water content, and viscoelastic properties of pulp-like tissue must be optimized to achieve the efficient transfer of metabolites and nutrients, a suitable degradation rate, distribution of encapsulated cells, injectability, and gelation in situ under physiological conditions. As promising materials for pulp regeneration, hydrogel scaffolds have been produced to simulate the extracellular matrix and transmit signaling molecules. It is imperative to develop hydrogels to effectively regenerate pulp tissue for clinical application. Here, two injectable double-network (DN) hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems were developed for regenerating dental pulp. The microstructure, mechanical property, rheology property, and degradation behavior of the injectable DN glycol chitosan-based hydrogels in a simulated root canal model were characterized and compared to a single-network (SN) glycol chitosan-based hydrogel. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were then encapsulated into the GC-based hydrogels for the regeneration of pulp tissue, and the biological performance was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the DN hydrogels had ideal injectability under physiological conditions due to the dynamic nature of the crosslinks. Besides, the DN hydrogels exhibited better mechanical properties and longer degradation duration than the corresponding SN hydrogel. As a 3D cell culture system, the characteristics of the DN hydrogel facilitated odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of hDPSCs in vitro. Further in vivo analysis confirmed that the chemical composition, matrix stiffness, and degradation rate of the DN hydrogel matched those of pulp-like fibrous connective tissue, which might be related to Smad3 activation. These findings demonstrate that DN glycol chitosan-based hydrogels are suitable for the regeneration of pulp tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunling Cao
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Aijing Wang
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yanran Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Opto-electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Moran Jin
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shuqin Chen
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhenzhong Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaozhong Qu
- College of Materials Science and Opto-electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing 100081, China
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17
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Hayashi K, Labios RJ, Morita T, Ashimori A, Aoki R, Mikuni M, Kimura K. Significance of the p38MAPK-CRP2 axis in myofibroblastic phenotypic transition. Cell Struct Funct 2023; 48:199-210. [PMID: 37899269 DOI: 10.1247/csf.23060] [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: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that a LIM domain protein, cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2 [CRP2]), plays a vital role in the functional expression of myofibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts. CRP2 binds directly to myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTF [MRTF-A or MRTF-B]) and serum response factor (SRF) to stabilize the MRTF/SRF/CArG-box complex, leading to the expression of smooth muscle cell (SMC) genes such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagens. These are the marker genes for myofibroblasts. Here, we show that the adhesion of cultured human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) to collagen reduces the myofibroblastic features. HSF adhesion to collagen suppresses the expression of CRP2 and CSRP2-binding protein (CSRP2BP [CRP2BP]) and reduces the expression of SMC genes. Although CRP2BP is known as an epigenetic factor, we find that CRP2BP also acts as an adaptor protein to enhance the function of CRP2 mentioned above. This CRP2BP function does not depend on its histone acetyltransferase activity. We also addressed the molecular mechanism of the reduced myofibroblastic features of HSFs on collagen. HSF adhesion to collagen inhibits the p38MAPK-mediated pathway, and reducing the p38MAPK activity decreases the expression of CRP2 and SMC genes. Thus, the activation of p38MAPK is critical for the myofibroblastic features. We also show evidence that CRP2 plays a role in the myofibroblastic transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs). Like HSFs, such phenotypic modulation of RPEs depends on the p38MAPK pathway.Key words: CRP2, p38MAPK, MRTF, myofibroblasts, retinal pigment epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken'ichiro Hayashi
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Reuben Jacob Labios
- Department of RNA Biology and Neuroscience, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tsuyoshi Morita
- Department of Biology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Atsushige Ashimori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Ren Aoki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Masanori Mikuni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kazuhiro Kimura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
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18
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An R. MRTF may be the missing link in a multiscale mechanobiology approach toward macrophage dysfunction in space. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:997365. [PMID: 36172272 PMCID: PMC9510870 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.997365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages exhibit impaired phagocytosis, adhesion, migration, and cytokine production in space, hindering their ability to elicit immune responses. Considering that the combined effect of spaceflight microgravity and radiation is multiscale and multifactorial in nature, it is expected that contradictory findings are common in the field. This theory paper reanalyzes research on the macrophage spaceflight response across multiple timescales from seconds to weeks, and spatial scales from the molecular, intracellular, extracellular, to the physiological. Key findings include time-dependence of both pro-inflammatory activation and integrin expression. Here, we introduce the time-dependent, intracellular localization of MRTF-A as a hypothetical confounder of macrophage activation. We discuss the mechanosensitive MRTF-A/SRF pathway dependence on the actin cytoskeleton/nucleoskeleton, microtubules, membrane mechanoreceptors, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and intracellular/extracellular crosstalk. By adopting a multiscale perspective, this paper provides the first mechanistic answer for a three-decade-old question regarding impaired cytokine secretion in microgravity—and strengthens the connection between the recent advances in mechanobiology, microgravity, and the spaceflight immune response. Finally, we hypothesize MRTF involvement and complications in treating spaceflight-induced cardiovascular, skeletal, and immune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocky An
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Rocky An,
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19
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Jain N, Lord JM, Vogel V. Mechanoimmunology: Are inflammatory epigenetic states of macrophages tuned by biophysical factors? APL Bioeng 2022; 6:031502. [PMID: 36051106 PMCID: PMC9427154 DOI: 10.1063/5.0087699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many inflammatory diseases that are responsible for a majority of deaths are still uncurable, in part as the underpinning pathomechanisms and how to combat them is still poorly understood. Tissue-resident macrophages play pivotal roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, but if they gradually convert to proinflammatory phenotypes, or if blood-born proinflammatory macrophages persist long-term after activation, they contribute to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. While biochemical factors and how they regulate the inflammatory transcriptional response of macrophages have been at the forefront of research to identify targets for therapeutic interventions, evidence is increasing that physical factors also tune the macrophage phenotype. Recently, several mechanisms have emerged as to how physical factors impact the mechanobiology of macrophages, from the nuclear translocation of transcription factors to epigenetic modifications, perhaps even DNA methylation. Insight into the mechanobiology of macrophages and associated epigenetic modifications will deliver novel therapeutic options going forward, particularly in the context of increased inflammation with advancing age and age-related diseases. We review here how biophysical factors can co-regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression and epigenetic modifications and identify knowledge gaps that require urgent attention if this therapeutic potential is to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viola Vogel
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Burgos Villar KN, Liu X, Small EM. Transcriptional regulation of cardiac fibroblast phenotypic plasticity. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 28:100556. [PMID: 36777260 PMCID: PMC9915012 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts play critical roles in the maintenance of cardiac structure and the response to cardiac insult. Extracellular matrix deposition by activated resident cardiac fibroblasts, called myofibroblasts, is an essential wound healing response. However, persistent fibroblast activation contributes to pathological fibrosis and cardiac chamber stiffening, which can cause diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and initiate lethal arrhythmias. The dynamic and phenotypically plastic nature of cardiac fibroblasts is governed in part by the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix molecules. Understanding how fibroblasts integrate various biomechanical cues into a precise transcriptional response may uncover therapeutic strategies to prevent fibrosis. Here, we provide an overview of the recent literature on transcriptional control of cardiac fibroblast plasticity and fibrosis, with a focus on canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling, biomechanical regulation of Hippo/YAP and Rho/MRTF signaling, and metabolic and epigenetic control of fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N. Burgos Villar
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Eric M. Small
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA,Correspondence:
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21
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Xing F, Yin HM, Zhe M, Xie JC, Duan X, Xu JZ, Xiang Z, Li ZM. Nanotopographical 3D-Printed Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffolds Enhance Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Urine-Derived Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071437. [PMID: 35890332 PMCID: PMC9317219 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
3D-printing technology can be used to construct personalized bone substitutes with customized shapes, but it cannot regulate the topological morphology of the scaffold surface, which plays a vital role in regulating the biological behaviors of stem cells. In addition, stem cells are able to sense the topographical and mechanical cues of surface of scaffolds by mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. In our study, we fabricated a 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold with a nanotopographical surface and loaded it with urine-derived stem cells (USCs) for application of bone regeneration. The topological 3D-printed PCL scaffolds (TPS) fabricated by surface epiphytic crystallization, possessed uniformly patterned nanoridges, of which the element composition and functional groups of nanoridges were the same as PCL. Compared with bare 3D-printed PCL scaffolds (BPS), TPS have a higher ability for protein adsorption and mineralization in vitro. The proliferation, cell length, and osteogenic gene expression of USCs on the surface of TPS were significantly higher than that of BPS. In addition, the TPS loaded with USCs exhibited a good ability for bone regeneration in cranial bone defects. Our study demonstrated that nanotopographical 3D-printed scaffolds loaded with USCs are a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xing
- Orthopedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China; (F.X.); (Z.X.)
| | - Hua-Mo Yin
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (H.-M.Y.); (Z.-M.L.)
| | - Man Zhe
- Animal Experiment Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Ji-Chang Xie
- Laboratoire Roberval, FRE UTC-CNRS 2012, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Centre de Recherche Royallieu, CS60319, CEDEX, 60203 Compiègne, France;
| | - Xin Duan
- Orthopedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China; (F.X.); (Z.X.)
- Correspondence: (X.D.); (J.-Z.X.)
| | - Jia-Zhuang Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (H.-M.Y.); (Z.-M.L.)
- Correspondence: (X.D.); (J.-Z.X.)
| | - Zhou Xiang
- Orthopedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China; (F.X.); (Z.X.)
| | - Zhong-Ming Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; (H.-M.Y.); (Z.-M.L.)
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22
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Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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23
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Lua I, Balog S, Asahina K. TAZ/WWTR1 mediates liver mesothelial-mesenchymal transition induced by stiff extracellular environment, TGF-β1, and lysophosphatidic acid. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2561-2573. [PMID: 35445400 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30750] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mesothelial cells cover the surface of the internal organs and the walls of body cavities, facilitating the movement between organs by secretion of a lubricating fluid. Upon injury, mesothelial cells undergo a mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) and give rise to myofibroblasts during organ fibrosis, including in the liver. Although transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was shown to induce MMT, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying MMT remain to be clarified. In the present study, we examined how the extracellular environment, soluble factors, and cell density control the phenotype of liver mesothelial cells by culturing them at different cell densities or on hydrogels of different stiffness. We found that TGF-β1 does not fully induce MMT in mesothelial cells cultured at high cell density or in the absence of fetal bovine serum. Extracellular lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) synergistically induced MMT in the presence of TGF-β1 in mesothelial cells. LPA induced nuclear localization of WW domain-containing transcription regulator1 (WWTR1/TAZ) and knockdown of Taz, which suppressed LPA-induced MMT. Mesothelial cells cultured on stiff hydrogels upregulated nuclear localization of TAZ and myofibroblastic differentiation. Knockdown of Taz suppressed MMT of mesothelial cells cultured on stiff hydrogels, but inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling failed to suppress MMT. Our data indicate that TAZ mediates MMT induced by TGF-β1, LPA, and a stiff matrix. The microenvironment of a stiff extracellular matrix is a strong inducer of MMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lua
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Balog
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kinji Asahina
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Central Research Laboratory, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
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24
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Zhang T, He X, Caldwell L, Goru SK, Ulloa Severino L, Tolosa MF, Misra PS, McEvoy CM, Christova T, Liu Y, Atin C, Zhang J, Hu C, Vukosa N, Chen X, Krizova A, Kirpalani A, Gregorieff A, Ni R, Chan K, Gill MK, Attisano L, Wrana JL, Yuen DA. NUAK1 promotes organ fibrosis via YAP and TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eaaz4028. [PMID: 35320001 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz4028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a central pathway that drives progression of multiple chronic diseases, yet few safe and effective clinical antifibrotic therapies exist. In most fibrotic disorders, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-driven scarring is an important pathologic feature and a key contributor to disease progression. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are two closely related transcription cofactors that are important for coordinating fibrogenesis after organ injury, but how they are activated in response to tissue injury has, so far, remained unclear. Here, we describe NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) as a TGF-β-inducible profibrotic kinase that is up-regulated in multiple fibrotic organs in mice and humans. Mechanistically, we show that TGF-β induces a rapid increase in NUAK1 in fibroblasts. NUAK1, in turn, can promote profibrotic YAP and TGF-β/SMAD signaling, ultimately leading to organ scarring. Moreover, activated YAP and TAZ can induce further NUAK1 expression, creating a profibrotic positive feedback loop that enables persistent fibrosis. Using mouse models of kidney, lung, and liver fibrosis, we demonstrate that this fibrogenic signaling loop can be interrupted via fibroblast-specific loss of NUAK1 expression, leading to marked attenuation of fibrosis. Pharmacologic NUAK1 inhibition also reduced scarring, either when initiated immediately after injury or when initiated after fibrosis was already established. Together, our data suggest that NUAK1 plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in fibrogenesis and represents an attractive target for strategies that aim to slow fibrotic disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhou Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Xiaolin He
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Lauren Caldwell
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Santosh Kumar Goru
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Luisa Ulloa Severino
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Monica F Tolosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Paraish S Misra
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Caitríona M McEvoy
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Tania Christova
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yong Liu
- Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G OA3, Canada
| | - Cassandra Atin
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Johnny Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Catherine Hu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Noah Vukosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Adriana Krizova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anish Kirpalani
- Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Ruoyu Ni
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kin Chan
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Mandeep K Gill
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Liliana Attisano
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Darren A Yuen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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25
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He X, Tolosa MF, Zhang T, Goru SK, Ulloa Severino L, Misra PS, McEvoy CM, Caldwell L, Szeto SG, Gao F, Chen X, Atin C, Ki V, Vukosa N, Hu C, Zhang J, Yip C, Krizova A, Wrana JL, Yuen DA. Myofibroblast YAP/TAZ activation is a key step in organ fibrogenesis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:146243. [PMID: 35191398 PMCID: PMC8876427 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.146243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases account for nearly half of all deaths in the developed world. Despite its importance, the pathogenesis of fibrosis remains poorly understood. Recently, the two mechanosensitive transcription cofactors YAP and TAZ have emerged as important profibrotic regulators in multiple murine tissues. Despite this growing recognition, a number of important questions remain unanswered, including which cell types require YAP/TAZ activation for fibrosis to occur and the time course of this activation. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the role that myofibroblast YAP and TAZ play in organ fibrosis and the kinetics of their activation. Using analyses of cells, as well as multiple murine and human tissues, we demonstrated that myofibroblast YAP and TAZ were activated early after organ injury and that this activation was sustained. We further demonstrated the critical importance of myofibroblast YAP/TAZ in driving progressive scarring in the kidney, lung, and liver, using multiple transgenic models in which YAP and TAZ were either deleted or hyperactivated. Taken together, these data establish the importance of early injury-induced myofibroblast YAP and TAZ activation as a key event driving fibrosis in multiple organs. This information should help guide the development of new antifibrotic YAP/TAZ inhibition strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin He
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Monica F Tolosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Tianzhou Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Santosh Kumar Goru
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Luisa Ulloa Severino
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Paraish S Misra
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Caitríona M McEvoy
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Lauren Caldwell
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Szeto
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Feng Gao
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Pathology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Cassandra Atin
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Victoria Ki
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Noah Vukosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Catherine Hu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Johnny Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
| | - Christopher Yip
- Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriana Krizova
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren A Yuen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, and
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26
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Rogers JD, Richardson WJ. Fibroblast mechanotransduction network predicts targets for mechano-adaptive infarct therapies. eLife 2022; 11:e62856. [PMID: 35138248 PMCID: PMC8849334 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional control of fibrosis after myocardial infarction is critical for maintaining structural integrity in the infarct while preventing collagen accumulation in non-infarcted areas. Cardiac fibroblasts modulate matrix turnover in response to biochemical and biomechanical cues, but the complex interactions between signaling pathways confound efforts to develop therapies for regional scar formation. We employed a logic-based ordinary differential equation model of fibroblast mechano-chemo signal transduction to predict matrix protein expression in response to canonical biochemical stimuli and mechanical tension. Functional analysis of mechano-chemo interactions showed extensive pathway crosstalk with tension amplifying, dampening, or reversing responses to biochemical stimuli. Comprehensive drug target screens identified 13 mechano-adaptive therapies that promote matrix accumulation in regions where it is needed and reduce matrix levels in regions where it is not needed. Our predictions suggest that mechano-chemo interactions likely mediate cell behavior across many tissues and demonstrate the utility of multi-pathway signaling networks in discovering therapies for context-specific disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D Rogers
- Department of Bioengineering; Clemson UniversityClemsonUnited States
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27
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Morel S, Schilling S, Diagbouga MR, Delucchi M, Bochaton-Piallat ML, Lemeille S, Hirsch S, Kwak BR. Effects of Low and High Aneurysmal Wall Shear Stress on Endothelial Cell Behavior: Differences and Similarities. Front Physiol 2021; 12:727338. [PMID: 34721060 PMCID: PMC8551710 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.727338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) result from abnormal enlargement of the arterial lumen. IAs are mostly quiescent and asymptomatic, but their rupture leads to severe brain damage or death. As the evolution of IAs is hard to predict and intricates medical decision, it is essential to improve our understanding of their pathophysiology. Wall shear stress (WSS) is proposed to influence IA growth and rupture. In this study, we investigated the effects of low and supra-high aneurysmal WSS on endothelial cells (ECs). Methods: Porcine arterial ECs were exposed for 48 h to defined levels of shear stress (2, 30, or 80 dyne/cm2) using an Ibidi flow apparatus. Immunostaining for CD31 or γ-cytoplasmic actin was performed to outline cell borders or to determine cell architecture. Geometry measurements (cell orientation, area, circularity and aspect ratio) were performed on confocal microscopy images. mRNA was extracted for RNAseq analysis. Results: ECs exposed to low or supra-high aneurysmal WSS were more circular and had a lower aspect ratio than cells exposed to physiological flow. Furthermore, they lost the alignment in the direction of flow observed under physiological conditions. The effects of low WSS on differential gene expression were stronger than those of supra-high WSS. Gene set enrichment analysis highlighted that extracellular matrix proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and more particularly the actin protein family were among the protein classes the most affected by shear stress. Interestingly, most genes showed an opposite regulation under both types of aneurysmal WSS. Immunostainings for γ-cytoplasmic actin suggested a different organization of this cytoskeletal protein between ECs exposed to physiological and both types of aneurysmal WSS. Conclusion: Under both aneurysmal low and supra-high WSS the typical arterial EC morphology molds to a more spherical shape. Whereas low WSS down-regulates the expression of cytoskeletal-related proteins and up-regulates extracellular matrix proteins, supra-high WSS induces opposite changes in gene expression of these protein classes. The differential regulation in EC gene expression observed under various WSS translate into a different organization of the ECs’ architecture. This adaptation of ECs to different aneurysmal WSS conditions may affect vascular remodeling in IAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Morel
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Neurosurgery Division, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schilling
- Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland.,Institute of Tourism and Mobility, Lucerne School of Business, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Mannekomba R Diagbouga
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Delucchi
- Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | | | - Sylvain Lemeille
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sven Hirsch
- Institute of Applied Simulation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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28
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Yeh CF, Chou C, Yang KC. Mechanotransduction in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment targets. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:279-314. [PMID: 34696888 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
To perceive and integrate the environmental cues, cells and tissues sense and interpret various physical forces like shear, tensile, and compression stress. Mechanotransduction involves the sensing and translation of mechanical forces into biochemical and mechanical signals to guide cell fate and achieve tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanical homeostasis by tissue injury elicits multiple cellular responses leading to pathological matrix deposition and tissue stiffening, and consequent evolution toward pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes, leading to tissue/organ fibrosis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to fibrosis and uncovers the potential therapeutic targets to halt or resolve fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fan Yeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Caroline Chou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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29
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Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of the Mechanosensitive Transcription Factors MRTF and YAP /TAZ. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:197-216. [PMID: 34028745 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and the paralogous Hippo pathway effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional co-activators that play pivotal roles in myofibroblast generation and activation, and thus the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. They are regulated by a variety of chemical and mechanical fibrogenic stimuli, primarily at the level of their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. In this chapter we describe the tools and protocols that allow for exact, quantitative, and automated determination and analysis of the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of endogenous or heterologously expressed MRTF and YAP/TAZ, measured in large cell populations. Dynamic monitoring of nucleocytoplasmic ratios of transcription factors is a novel and important approach, suitable to address both the structural requirements and the regulatory mechanisms underlying transcription factor traffic and the consequent reprogramming of gene expression during fibrogenesis.
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Speight P, Rozycki M, Venugopal S, Szászi K, Kofler M, Kapus A. Myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor regulate cilium turnover by both transcriptional and local mechanisms. iScience 2021; 24:102739. [PMID: 34278253 PMCID: PMC8261663 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Turnover of the primary cilium (PC) is critical for proliferation and tissue homeostasis. Each key component of the PC resorption machinery, the HEF1/Aurora kinase A (AurA)/HDAC6 pathway harbors cis-elements potentially targeted by the transcriptional co-activator myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and/or its partner serum response factor (SRF). Thus we investigated if MRTF and/or SRF regulate PC turnover. Here we show that (1) both MRTF and SRF are indispensable for serum-induced PC resorption, and (2) they act via both transcriptional and local mechanisms. Intriguingly, MRTF and SRF are present in the basal body and/or the PC, and serum facilitates ciliary MRTF recruitment. MRTF promotes the stability and ciliary accumulation of AurA and facilitates SRF phosphorylation. Ciliary SRF interacts with AurA and HDAC6. MRTF also inhibits ciliogenesis. It interacts with and is required for the correct localization of the ciliogenesis modulator CEP290. Thus, MRTF and SRF are critical regulators of PC assembly and/or disassembly, acting both as transcription factors and as PC constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pam Speight
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 621, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Matthew Rozycki
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 621, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Shruthi Venugopal
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 621, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 621, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 621, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Room 621, 209 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
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Miranda MZ, Lichner Z, Szászi K, Kapus A. MRTF: Basic Biology and Role in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116040. [PMID: 34204945 PMCID: PMC8199744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A lesser known but crucially important downstream effect of Rho family GTPases is the regulation of gene expression. This major role is mediated via the cytoskeleton, the organization of which dictates the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of a set of transcription factors. Central among these is myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), which upon actin polymerization translocates to the nucleus and binds to its cognate partner, serum response factor (SRF). The MRTF/SRF complex then drives a large cohort of genes involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, contractility, extracellular matrix organization and many other processes. Accordingly, MRTF, activated by a variety of mechanical and chemical stimuli, affects a plethora of functions with physiological and pathological relevance. These include cell motility, development, metabolism and thus metastasis formation, inflammatory responses and—predominantly-organ fibrosis. The aim of this review is twofold: to provide an up-to-date summary about the basic biology and regulation of this versatile transcriptional coactivator; and to highlight its principal involvement in the pathobiology of kidney disease. Acting through both direct transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms, MRTF plays a key (yet not fully appreciated) role in the induction of a profibrotic epithelial phenotype (PEP) as well as in fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, prime pathomechanisms in chronic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zena Miranda
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Lichner
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada; (M.Z.M.); (Z.L.); (K.S.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Fabrication of Adhesive Substrate for Incorporating Hydrogels to Investigate the Influence of Stiffness on Cancer Cell Behavior. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2174:277-297. [PMID: 32813257 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0759-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stiffness control of cell culture platforms provides researchers in cell biology with the ability to study different experimental models in conditions of mimicking physiological or pathological microenvironments. Nevertheless, the signal transduction pathways and drug sensibility of cancer cells have been poorly characterized widely using biomimetic platforms because the limited experience of cancer cell biology groups about handling substrates with specific mechanical properties. The protein cross-linking and stiffening control are crucial checkpoints that could strongly affect cell adhesion and spreading, misrepresenting the data acquired, and also generating inaccurate cellular models. Here, we introduce a simple method to adhere to polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels on glass coverslips without any special treatment for mechanics studies in cancer cell biology. By using a commercial photosensitive glue, Loctite 3525, it is possible to polymerize PAA hydrogels directly on glass surfaces. Furthermore, we describe a cross-linking reaction method to attach proteins to PAA as an alternative method to Sulfo-SANPAH cross-linking, which is sometimes difficult to implement and reproduce. In this chapter, we describe a reliable procedure to fabricate ECM protein-cross-linked PAA hydrogels for mechanotransduction studies on cancer cells.
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Sun B, Qu R, Fan T, Yang Y, Jiang X, Khan AU, Zhou Z, Zhang J, Wei K, Ouyang J, Dai J. Actin polymerization state regulates osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:15. [PMID: 33858321 PMCID: PMC8048231 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-021-00259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actin is an essential cellular protein that assembles into microfilaments and regulates numerous processes such as cell migration, maintenance of cell shape, and material transport. METHODS In this study, we explored the effect of actin polymerization state on the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). The hASCs were treated for 7 days with different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nM) of jasplakinolide (JAS), a reagent that directly polymerizes F-actin. The effects of the actin polymerization state on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and the maturity of focal adhesion-related proteins were assessed. In addition, western blotting and alizarin red staining assays were performed to assess osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS Cell proliferation and migration in the JAS (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 nM) groups were higher than in the control group and the JAS (50 nM) group. The FAK, vinculin, paxillin, and talin protein expression levels were highest in the JAS (20 nM) group, while zyxin expression was highest in the JAS (50 nM) group. Western blotting showed that osteogenic differentiation in the JAS (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 nM) group was enhanced compared with that in the control group, and was strongest in the JAS (50 nM) group. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data suggest that the actin polymerization state may promote the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs by regulating the protein expression of focal adhesion-associated proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings provide valuable information for exploring the mechanism of osteogenic differentiation in hASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingyu Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Asmat Ullah Khan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhitao Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingliao Zhang
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Henan Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kuanhai Wei
- Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regeneration Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Virdi JK, Pethe P. Biomaterials Regulate Mechanosensors YAP/TAZ in Stem Cell Growth and Differentiation. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:199-215. [PMID: 33230800 PMCID: PMC8012461 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident stem cells are surrounded by a microenvironment known as 'stem cell niche' which is specific for each stem cell type. This niche comprises of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors like biochemical and biophysical signals, which regulate stem cell characteristics and differentiation. Biochemical signals have been thoroughly studied however, the effect of biophysical signals on stem cell regulation is yet to be completely understood. Biomaterials have aided in addressing this issue since they can provide a defined and tuneable microenvironment resembling in vivo conditions. We review various biomaterials used in many studies which have shown a connection between biomaterial-generated mechanical signals and alteration in stem cell behaviour. Researchers probed to understand the mechanism of mechanotransduction and reported that the signals from the extracellular matrix regulate a transcription factor yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which is a downstream-regulator of the Hippo pathway and it transduces the mechanical signals inside the nucleus. We highlight the role of the YAP/TAZ as mechanotransducers in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in response to substrate stiffness, also the possibility of mechanobiology as the emerging field of regenerative medicines and three-dimensional tissue printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmeet Kaur Virdi
- Department of Biological Science, Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to-be) University, Mumbai, India
| | - Prasad Pethe
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research (SCSCR), Symbiosis International University, Lavale, Mulshi, Pune, 412115, India.
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35
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Dorris ER, Russell J, Murphy M. Post-intubation subglottic stenosis: aetiology at the cellular and molecular level. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/159/200218. [PMID: 33472959 PMCID: PMC9489001 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0218-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords. This narrowing typically consists of fibrotic scar tissue, which may be due to a variety of diseases. This review focuses on post-intubation (PI) SGS. SGS can result in partial or complete narrowing of the airway. This narrowing is caused by fibrosis and can cause serious breathing difficulties. It can occur in both adults and children. The pathogenesis of post-intubation SGS is not well understood; however, it is considered to be the product of an abnormal healing process. This review discusses how intubation can change the local micro-environment, leading to dysregulated tissue repair. We discuss how mucosal inflammation, local hypoxia and biomechanical stress associated with intubation can promote excess tissue deposition that occurs during the pathological process of SGS. COVID-19 may cause an increased incidence of subglottic stenosis (SGS). In this review, the cellular and molecular aetiology of post-intubation SGS is outlined and we discuss how better knowledge of the underlying biology can inform SGS management.https://bit.ly/2RSliRK
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Dorris
- National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland .,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Russell
- Children's Hospital Ireland Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Madeline Murphy
- National Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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36
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Fearing BV, Speer JE, Jing L, Kalathil A, P. Kelly M, M. Buchowski J, P. Zebala L, Luhmann S, C. Gupta M, A. Setton L. Verteporfin treatment controls morphology, phenotype, and global gene expression for cells of the human nucleus pulposus. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1111. [PMID: 33392449 PMCID: PMC7770208 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells of the nucleus pulposus (NP) are essential contributors to extracellular matrix synthesis and function of the intervertebral disc. With age and degeneration, the NP becomes stiffer and more dehydrated, which is associated with a loss of phenotype and biosynthetic function for its resident NP cells. Also, with aging, the NP cell undergoes substantial morphological changes from a rounded shape with pronounced vacuoles in the neonate and juvenile, to one that is more flattened and spread with a loss of vacuoles. Here, we make use of the clinically relevant pharmacological treatment verteporfin (VP), previously identified as a disruptor of yes-associated protein-TEA domain family member-binding domain (TEAD) signaling, to promote morphological changes in adult human NP cells in order to study variations in gene expression related to differences in cell shape. Treatment of adult, degenerative human NP cells with VP caused a shift in morphology from a spread, fibroblastic-like shape to a rounded, clustered morphology with decreased transcriptional activity of TEAD and serum-response factor. These changes were accompanied by an increased expression of vacuoles, NP-specific gene markers, and biosynthetic activity. The contemporaneous observation of VP-induced changes in cell shape and prominent, time-dependent changes within the transcriptome of NP cells occurred over all timepoints in culture. Enriched gene sets with the transition to VP-induced cell rounding suggest a major role for cell adhesion, cytoskeletal remodeling, vacuolar lumen, and MAPK activity in the NP phenotypic and functional response to changes in cell shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey V. Fearing
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryAtrium Health Musculoskeletal InstituteCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Julie E. Speer
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Liufang Jing
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Aravind Kalathil
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Michael P. Kelly
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Jacob M. Buchowski
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Lukas P. Zebala
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Scott Luhmann
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Munish C. Gupta
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Lori A. Setton
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
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37
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Mechanosensing dysregulation in the fibroblast: A hallmark of the aging heart. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 63:101150. [PMID: 32846223 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The myofibroblast is a specialized fibroblast that expresses α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and participates in wound contraction and fibrosis. The fibroblast to myofibroblast transition depends on chemical and mechanical signals. A fibroblast senses the changes in the environment (extracellular matrix (ECM)) and transduces these changes to the cytoskeleton and the nucleus, resulting in activation or inhibition of α-SMA transcription in a process called mechanosensing. A stiff matrix greatly facilitates the transition from fibroblast to myofibroblast, and although the aging heart is much stiffer than the young one, the aging fibroblast has difficulties in transitioning into the contractile phenotype. This suggests that the events occurring downstream of the matrix, such as activation or changes in expression levels of various proteins participating in mechanotransduction can negatively alter the ability of the aging fibroblast to become a myofibroblast. In this review, we will discuss in detail the changes in ECM, receptors (integrin or non-integrin), focal adhesions, cytoskeleton, and transcription factors involved in mechanosensing that occur with aging.
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38
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Freeberg MAT, Perelas A, Rebman JK, Phipps RP, Thatcher TH, Sime PJ. Mechanical Feed-Forward Loops Contribute to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:18-25. [PMID: 33031756 PMCID: PMC7768346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive scarring disease characterized by extracellular matrix accumulation and altered mechanical properties of lung tissue. Recent studies support the hypothesis that these compositional and mechanical changes create a progressive feed-forward loop in which enhanced matrix deposition and tissue stiffening contribute to fibroblast and myofibroblast differentiation and activation, which further perpetuates matrix production and stiffening. The biomechanical properties of tissues are sensed and responded to by mechanotransduction pathways that facilitate sensing of changes in mechanical cues by tissue resident cells and convert the mechanical signals into downstream biochemical signals. Although our understanding of mechanotransduction pathways associated with pulmonary fibrosis remains incomplete, recent progress has allowed us to begin to elucidate the specific mechanisms supporting fibrotic feed-forward loops. The mechanosensors discussed here include integrins, Piezo channels, transient receptor potential channels, and nonselective ion channels. Also discussed are downstream transcription factors, including myocardin-related transcription factor and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif. This review describes mechanosensors and mechanotransduction pathways associated with fibrosis progression and highlights promising therapeutic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A T Freeberg
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Apostolos Perelas
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jane K Rebman
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Thomas H Thatcher
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Patricia J Sime
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
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Hiepen C, Mendez PL, Knaus P. It Takes Two to Tango: Endothelial TGFβ/BMP Signaling Crosstalk with Mechanobiology. Cells 2020; 9:E1965. [PMID: 32858894 PMCID: PMC7564048 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cytokines. While some ligand members are potent inducers of angiogenesis, others promote vascular homeostasis. However, the precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these functions is still a growing research field. In bone, the tissue in which BMPs were first discovered, crosstalk of TGFβ/BMP signaling with mechanobiology is well understood. Likewise, the endothelium represents a tissue that is constantly exposed to multiple mechanical triggers, such as wall shear stress, elicited by blood flow or strain, and tension from the surrounding cells and to the extracellular matrix. To integrate mechanical stimuli, the cytoskeleton plays a pivotal role in the transduction of these forces in endothelial cells. Importantly, mechanical forces integrate on several levels of the TGFβ/BMP pathway, such as receptors and SMADs, but also global cell-architecture and nuclear chromatin re-organization. Here, we summarize the current literature on crosstalk mechanisms between biochemical cues elicited by TGFβ/BMP growth factors and mechanical cues, as shear stress or matrix stiffness that collectively orchestrate endothelial function. We focus on the different subcellular compartments in which the forces are sensed and integrated into the TGFβ/BMP growth factor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petra Knaus
- Knaus-Lab/Signal Transduction, Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (C.H.); (P.-L.M.)
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40
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da Silva Madaleno C, Jatzlau J, Knaus P. BMP signalling in a mechanical context - Implications for bone biology. Bone 2020; 137:115416. [PMID: 32422297 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are extracellular multifunctional signalling cytokines and members of the TGFβ super family. These pleiotropic growth factors crucially promote bone formation, remodeling and healing after injury. Additionally, bone homeostasis is systematically regulated by mechanical inputs from the environment, which are incorporated into the bone cells' biochemical response. These inputs range from compression and tension induced by the movement of neighboring muscle, to fluid shear stress induced by interstitial fluid flow in the canaliculi and in the vascular system. Although BMPs are widely applied in a clinic context to promote fracture healing, it is still elusive how mechanical inputs modulate this signalling pathway, hindering an efficient and side-effect free application of these ligands in bone healing. This review aims to summarize the current understanding in how mechanical cues (tension, compression, shear force and hydrostatic pressure) and substrate stiffness modulate BMP signalling. We highlight the time-dependent effects in modulating immediate early up to long-term effects of mechano-BMP crosstalk during bone formation and remodeling, considering the interplay with other already established mechanosensitive pathways, such as MRTF/SRF and Hippo signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina da Silva Madaleno
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Brandenburg School of Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jerome Jatzlau
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Brandenburg School of Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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41
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Khan AU, Qu R, Fan T, Ouyang J, Dai J. A glance on the role of actin in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:283. [PMID: 32678016 PMCID: PMC7364498 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01789-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into multiple lineages including osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. An increasing number of studies have indicated that lineage commitment by MSCs is influenced by actin remodeling. Moreover, actin has roles in determining cell shape, nuclear shape, cell spreading, and cell stiffness, which eventually affect cell differentiation. Osteogenic differentiation is promoted in MSCs that exhibit a large spreading area, increased matrix stiffness, higher levels of actin polymerization, and higher density of stress fibers, whereas adipogenic differentiation is prevalent in MSCs with disrupted actin networks. In addition, the mechanical properties of F-actin empower cells to sense and transduce mechanical stimuli, which are also reported to influence differentiation. Various biomaterials, mechanical, and chemical interventions along with pathogen-induced actin alteration in the form of polymerization and depolymerization in MSC differentiation were studied recently. This review will cover the role of actin and its modifications through the use of different methods in inducing osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ullah Khan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingyu Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Pakshir P, Noskovicova N, Lodyga M, Son DO, Schuster R, Goodwin A, Karvonen H, Hinz B. The myofibroblast at a glance. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/13/jcs227900. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.227900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
In 1971, Gabbiani and co-workers discovered and characterized the “modification of fibroblasts into cells which are capable of an active spasm” (contraction) in rat wound granulation tissue and, accordingly, named these cells ‘myofibroblasts’. Now, myofibroblasts are not only recognized for their physiological role in tissue repair but also as cells that are key in promoting the development of fibrosis in all organs. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we provide an overview of the current understanding of central aspects of myofibroblast biology, such as their definition, activation from different precursors, the involved signaling pathways and most widely used models to study their function. Myofibroblasts will be placed into context with their extracellular matrix and with other cell types communicating in the fibrotic environment. Furthermore, the challenges and strategies to target myofibroblasts in anti-fibrotic therapies are summarized to emphasize their crucial role in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Pakshir
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Nina Noskovicova
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Monika Lodyga
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Dong Ok Son
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Ronen Schuster
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Amanda Goodwin
- Nottingham NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Henna Karvonen
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
- Respiratory Medicine, Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, POB 20, 90029 Oulu, Finland
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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Tejwani V, Yun X, Sikka G, Shimoda L, Suresh K. Airway Epithelial Genomic Signatures in Steroid-Resistant COPD; Role for SMAD3 in Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension; Regulation of Lung Endothelial Cell Function by VEGFR3. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 61:392-394. [PMID: 31038982 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0075ro] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vickram Tejwani
- Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xin Yun
- Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Sikka
- Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Larissa Shimoda
- Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karthik Suresh
- Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Cheng B, Wan W, Huang G, Li Y, Genin GM, Mofrad MRK, Lu TJ, Xu F, Lin M. Nanoscale integrin cluster dynamics controls cellular mechanosensing via FAKY397 phosphorylation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaax1909. [PMID: 32181337 PMCID: PMC7056303 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Transduction of extracellular matrix mechanics affects cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. While this mechanotransduction is known to depend on the regulation of focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation on Y397 (FAKpY397), the mechanism remains elusive. To address this, we developed a mathematical model to test the hypothesis that FAKpY397-based mechanosensing arises from the dynamics of nanoscale integrin clustering, stiffness-dependent disassembly of integrin clusters, and FAKY397 phosphorylation within integrin clusters. Modeling results predicted that integrin clustering dynamics governs how cells convert substrate stiffness to FAKpY397, and hence governs how different cell types transduce mechanical signals. Existing experiments on MDCK cells and HT1080 cells, as well as our new experiments on 3T3 fibroblasts, confirmed our predictions and supported our model. Our results suggest a new pathway by which integrin clusters enable cells to calibrate responses to their mechanical microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Wanting Wan
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Yuhui Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Guy M. Genin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Mohammad R. K. Mofrad
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, P.R. China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Materials and Structures, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Min Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, P.R. China
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45
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Mangum KD, Freeman EJ, Magin JC, Taylor JM, Mack CP. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the SMC-selective blood pressure-associated gene, ARHGAP42. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H413-H424. [PMID: 31886719 PMCID: PMC7052622 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00143.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that ARHGAP42 is a smooth muscle cell (SMC)-selective, RhoA-specific GTPase activating protein that regulates blood pressure and that a minor allele single nucleotide variation within a DNAse hypersensitive regulatory element in intron1 (Int1DHS) increased ARHGAP42 expression by promoting serum response factor binding. The goal of the current study was to identify additional transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms that control ARHGAP42 expression. Using deletion/mutation, gel shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments, we showed that recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin κ-J region (RBPJ) and TEA domain family member 1 (TEAD1) binding to a conserved core region was required for full IntDHS transcriptional activity. Importantly, overexpression of the notch intracellular domain (NICD) or plating SMCs on recombinant jagged-1 increased IntDHS activity and endogenous ARHGAP42 expression while siRNA-mediated knockdown of TEAD1 inhibited ARHGAP42 mRNA levels. Re-chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that RBPJ and TEAD1 were bound to the Int1DHS enhancer at the same time, and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicated that these factors interacted physically. Our results also suggest TEAD1 and RBPJ bound cooperatively to the Int1DHS and that the presence of TEAD1 promoted the recruitment of NICD by RBPJ. Finally, we showed that ARHGAP42 expression was inhibited by micro-RNA 505 (miR505) which interacted with the ARHGAP42 3'-untranslated region (UTR) to facilitate its degradation and by AK124326, a long noncoding RNA that overlaps with the ARHGAP42 transcription start site on the opposite DNA strand. Since siRNA-mediated depletion of AK124326 was associated with increased H3K9 acetylation and RNA Pol-II binding at the ARHGAP42 gene, it is likely that AK124326 inhibits ARHGAP42 transcription.NEW & NOTEWORTHY First, RBPJ and TEAD1 converge at an intronic enhancer to regulate ARHGAP42 expression in SMCs. Second, TEAD1 and RBPJ interact physically and bind cooperatively to the ARHGAP42 enhancer. Third, miR505 interacts with the ARHGAP42 3'-UTR to facilitate its degradation. Finally, LncRNA, AK124326, inhibits ARHGAP42 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Mangum
- Department of Pathology and the McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Emily J Freeman
- Department of Pathology and the McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Justin C Magin
- Department of Pathology and the McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Joan M Taylor
- Department of Pathology and the McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Christopher P Mack
- Department of Pathology and the McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Haak AJ, Ducharme MT, Diaz Espinosa AM, Tschumperlin DJ. Targeting GPCR Signaling for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Therapies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:172-182. [PMID: 32008852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A variety of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, largely through their promotion of profibrotic fibroblast activation. By contrast, recent work has highlighted the beneficial effects of Gαs-coupled GPCRs on reducing fibroblast activation and fibrosis. This review highlights how fibrosis-promoting and -inhibiting GPCR signaling converges on downstream signaling and transcriptional effectors, and how the diversity and dynamics of GPCR expression challenge efforts to identify effective therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Next-generation strategies to overcome these challenges, focusing on target selection, polypharmacology, and personalized medicine approaches, are discussed as a path towards more effective GPCR-targeted therapies for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Merrick T Ducharme
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ana M Diaz Espinosa
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Das SJ, Wishart TFL, Jandeleit-Dahm K, Lovicu FJ. Nox4-mediated ROS production is involved, but not essential for TGFβ-induced lens EMT leading to cataract. Exp Eye Res 2020; 192:107918. [PMID: 31926131 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing enzyme, NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), is upregulated in response to TGFβ in lens epithelial cells in vitro, and its selective inhibition was shown to block aspects of TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present in situ study we validate the role(s) of Nox4 in TGFβ-induced lens EMT leading to anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) formation. Mice overexpressing TGFβ in the lens, that develop ASC, were crossed to Nox4-deficient mice. When comparing mice overexpressing TGFβ in lens, to mice that were also deficient for Nox4, we see the delayed onset of cataract, along with a delay in EMT protein markers normally associated with TGFβ-induced fibrotic cataracts. In the absence of Nox4, we also see elevated levels of ERK1/2 activity that was shown to be required for TGFβ/Smad2/3-signaling. qRT-PCR revealed upregulation of Nox2 and its regulatory subunit in TGFβ-overexpressing lens epithelial cells devoid of Nox4. Taken together, these findings provide an improved platform to delineate putative Nox4 (and ROS) interactions with Smad2/3 and/or ERK1/2, in particular in the development of fibrotic diseases, such as specific forms of cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Das
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T F L Wishart
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K Jandeleit-Dahm
- Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - F J Lovicu
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology & Eye Health, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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48
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Song Y, Soto J, Chen B, Yang L, Li S. Cell engineering: Biophysical regulation of the nucleus. Biomaterials 2020; 234:119743. [PMID: 31962231 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cells live in a complex and dynamic microenvironment, and a variety of microenvironmental cues can regulate cell behavior. In addition to biochemical signals, biophysical cues can induce not only immediate intracellular responses, but also long-term effects on phenotypic changes such as stem cell differentiation, immune cell activation and somatic cell reprogramming. Cells respond to mechanical stimuli via an outside-in and inside-out feedback loop, and the cell nucleus plays an important role in this process. The mechanical properties of the nucleus can directly or indirectly modulate mechanotransduction, and the physical coupling of the cell nucleus with the cytoskeleton can affect chromatin structure and regulate the epigenetic state, gene expression and cell function. In this review, we will highlight the recent progress in nuclear biomechanics and mechanobiology in the context of cell engineering, tissue remodeling and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; School of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Jennifer Soto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Binru Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Hinz B, Lagares D. Evasion of apoptosis by myofibroblasts: a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:11-31. [PMID: 31792399 PMCID: PMC7913072 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is a lethal outcome of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis. Myofibroblasts are scar-forming cells that are ultimately responsible for the excessive synthesis, deposition and remodelling of extracellular matrix proteins in fibrosis. Advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms that keep myofibroblasts in an activated state and control myofibroblast functions. However, the mechanisms that help myofibroblasts to persist in fibrotic tissues remain poorly understood. Myofibroblasts evade apoptosis by activating molecular mechanisms in response to pro-survival biomechanical and growth factor signals from the fibrotic microenvironment, which can ultimately lead to the acquisition of a senescent phenotype. Growing evidence suggests that myofibroblasts and senescent myofibroblasts, rather than being resistant to apoptosis, are actually primed for apoptosis owing to concomitant activation of cell death signalling pathways; these cells are poised to apoptose when survival pathways are inhibited. This knowledge of apoptotic priming has paved the way for new therapies that trigger apoptosis in myofibroblasts by blocking pro-survival mechanisms, target senescent myofibroblast for apoptosis or promote the reprogramming of myofibroblasts into scar-resolving cells. These novel strategies are not only poised to prevent progressive tissue scarring, but also have the potential to reverse established fibrosis and to regenerate chronically injured tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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50
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Fearing BV, Jing L, Barcellona MN, Witte SE, Buchowski JM, Zebala LP, Kelly MP, Luhmann S, Gupta MC, Pathak A, Setton LA. Mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivators MRTF-A and YAP/TAZ regulate nucleus pulposus cell phenotype through cell shape. FASEB J 2019; 33:14022-14035. [PMID: 31638828 PMCID: PMC6894097 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802725rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the adult nucleus pulposus (NP) are critically important in maintaining overall disc health and function. NP cells reside in a soft, gelatinous matrix that dehydrates and becomes increasingly fibrotic with age. Such changes result in physical cues of matrix stiffness that may be potent regulators of NP cell phenotype and may contribute to a transition toward a senescent and fibroblastic NP cell with a limited capacity for repair. Here, we investigate the mechanosignaling cues generated from changes in matrix stiffness in directing NP cell phenotype and identify mechanisms that can potentially preserve a biosynthetically active, juvenile NP cell phenotype. Using a laminin-functionalized polyethylene glycol hydrogel, we show that when NP cells form rounded, multicell clusters, they are able to maintain cytosolic localization of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A, a coactivator of serum-response factor (SRF), known to promote fibroblast-like behaviors in many cells. Upon preservation of a rounded shape, human NP cells similarly showed cytosolic retention of transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralogue PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) with associated decline in activation of its transcription factor TEA domain family member-binding domain (TEAD). When changes in cell shape occur, leading to a more spread, fibrotic morphology associated with stronger F-actin alignment, SRF and TEAD are up-regulated. However, targeted deletion of either cofactor was not sufficient to overcome shape-mediated changes observed in transcriptional activation of SRF or TEAD. Findings show that substrate stiffness-induced promotion of F-actin alignment occurs concomitantly with a flattened, spread morphology, decreased NP marker expression, and reduced biosynthetic activity. This work indicates cell shape is a stronger indicator of SRF and TEAD mechanosignaling pathways than coactivators MRTF-A and YAP/TAZ, respectively, and may play a role in the degeneration-associated loss of NP cellularity and phenotype.-Fearing, B. V., Jing, L., Barcellona, M. N., Witte, S. E., Buchowski, J. M., Zebala, L. P., Kelly, M. P., Luhmann, S., Gupta, M. C., Pathak, A., Setton, L. A. Mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivators MRTF-A and YAP/TAZ regulate nucleus pulposus cell phenotype through cell shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey V. Fearing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Liufang Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marcos N. Barcellona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Savannah Est Witte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob M. Buchowski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lukas P. Zebala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael P. Kelly
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Scott Luhmann
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Munish C. Gupta
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Amit Pathak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lori A. Setton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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