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Antar SA, ElMahdy MK, Darwish AG. Examining the contribution of Notch signaling to lung disease development. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03105-8. [PMID: 38652281 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Notch pathway is a widely observed signaling system that holds pivotal functions in regulating various developmental cellular functions and operations. The Notch signaling mechanism is crucial for lung homeostasis, damage, and restoration. Based on increasing evidence, the Notch pathway has been identified, as critical for fibrosis and subsequently, the development of chronic fibroproliferative conditions in various organs and tissues. Recent research indicates that deregulation of Notch signaling correlates with the pathogenesis of significant pulmonary conditions, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), lung carcinoma, and pulmonary abnormalities in some hereditary disorders. In various cellular and tissue environments, and across both physiological and pathological conditions, multiple consequences of Notch activation have been observed. Studies have ascertained that the Notch signaling cascade exhibits close associations with various other signaling systems. This study provides an updated overview of Notch signaling's role, especially its link to fibrosis and its potential therapeutic implications. This study sheds light on the latest findings regarding the mechanisms and outcomes of irregular or lacking Notch activity in the onset and development of pulmonary diseases. As our insight into this signaling mechanism suggests that modulating Notch signaling might hold potential as a valuable additional therapeutic approach in upcoming research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Antar
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Kh ElMahdy
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, 34518, Egypt
| | - Ahmed G Darwish
- Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32308, USA
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Wei M, Lu Z, Zhang H, Fan X, Zhang X, Jiang B, Li J, Xue M. Aspirin and Celecoxib Regulate Notch1/Hes1 Pathway to Prevent Pressure Overload-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy. Int Heart J 2024; 65:475-486. [PMID: 38825493 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.23-614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of cyclooxygenase (cox) inhibitors against myocardial hypertrophy.Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were induced by mechanical stretching. SD rats underwent transverse aortic constriction to induce pressure overload myocardial hypertrophy. Rats were subjected to echocardiography and tail arterial pressure in 12W. qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of Notch-related signaling. The inflammatory factors were tested by ELISA in serum, heart tissue, and cell culture supernatant.Compared with control, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were increased and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was reduced in myocardial tissues and serum of rat models. Levels of Notch1 and Hes1 were reduced in myocardial tissues. However, cox inhibitor treatment (aspirin and celecoxib), the improvement of exacerbated myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, dysfunction, and inflammation was parallel to the activation of Notch1/Hes1 pathway. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that, in cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells, application of ~20% mechanical stretching activated inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and hypertrophic markers (ANP and BNP). Moreover, expression levels of Notch1 and Hes1 were decreased. These changes were effectively alleviated by aspirin and celecoxib.Cox inhibitors may protect heart from hypertrophy and inflammation possibly via the Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wei
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Ziyu Lu
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Office of Academic Affairs, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Xiaomei Fan
- Department of Physiology, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Bihui Jiang
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Jianying Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University
| | - Mingming Xue
- Office of Academic Affairs, Inner Mongolia Medical University
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Nakamura Y, Shimizu Y, Fujimaki-Shiraishi M, Uchida N, Takemasa A, Niho S. A Protective Effect of Pirfenidone in Lung Fibroblast-Endothelial Cell Network via Inhibition of Rho-Kinase Activity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2259. [PMID: 37626755 PMCID: PMC10452915 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082259] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that has been attributed to several causes. Specifically, vascular injury is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The effects of the antifibrotic drug pirfenidone on angiogenesis have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pirfenidone in human lung fibroblast-endothelial cell co-culture network formation and to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms. Human lung fibroblasts were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells to establish a co-culture network cell sheet. The influence of pirfenidone was evaluated for protective effect on the endothelial network in cell sheets stimulated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Results indicated that TGF-β disrupted the network formation. Pirfenidone and Y27632 (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase [Rho-kinase or ROCK] inhibitor) protected against the TGF-β-induced endothelial network disruption. TGF-β activated Rho-kinase signaling in cells composing the co-culture cell sheet, whereas pirfenidone and Y27632 inhibited these effects. In conclusion, TGF-β-induced Rho-kinase activation and disrupted endothelial network formation. Pirfenidone suppressed TGF-β-induced Rho-kinase activity in cell sheets, thereby enabling vascular endothelial cells networks to be preserved in the cell sheets. These findings suggest that pirfenidone has potential vascular network-preserving effect via inhibiting Rho-kinase activity in vascular injury, which is a precursor to pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasuo Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu 321-0293, Tochigi, Japan; (Y.N.); (M.F.-S.); (N.U.); (A.T.); (S.N.)
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Dabaghi M, Carpio MB, Saraei N, Moran-Mirabal JM, Kolb MR, Hirota JA. A roadmap for developing and engineering in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:021302. [PMID: 38510343 PMCID: PMC10903385 DOI: 10.1063/5.0134177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe form of pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is a fatal disease with no cure and is challenging to diagnose. Unfortunately, due to the elusive etiology of IPF and a late diagnosis, there are no cures for IPF. Two FDA-approved drugs for IPF, nintedanib and pirfenidone, slow the progression of the disease, yet fail to cure or reverse it. Furthermore, most animal models have been unable to completely recapitulate the physiology of human IPF, resulting in the failure of many drug candidates in preclinical studies. In the last few decades, the development of new IPF drugs focused on changes at the cellular level, as it was believed that the cells were the main players in IPF development and progression. However, recent studies have shed light on the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF development, where the ECM communicates with cells and initiates a positive feedback loop to promote fibrotic processes. Stemming from this shift in the understanding of fibrosis, there is a need to develop in vitro model systems that mimic the human lung microenvironment to better understand how biochemical and biomechanical cues drive fibrotic processes in IPF. However, current in vitro cell culture platforms, which may include substrates with different stiffness or natural hydrogels, have shortcomings in recapitulating the complexity of fibrosis. This review aims to draw a roadmap for developing advanced in vitro pulmonary fibrosis models, which can be leveraged to understand better different mechanisms involved in IPF and develop drug candidates with improved efficacy. We begin with a brief overview defining pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the importance of ECM components in the disease progression. We focus on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the context of ECM biology and fibrotic processes, as most conventional advanced in vitro models of pulmonary fibrosis use these cell types. We transition to discussing the parameters of the 3D microenvironment that are relevant in pulmonary fibrosis progression. Finally, the review ends by summarizing the state of the art in the field and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dabaghi
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Mabel Barreiro Carpio
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Arthur N. Bourns Science Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Neda Saraei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Engineering Technology Building, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Martin R. Kolb
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health—Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
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Chen L, Li X, Deng Y, Chen J, Huang M, Zhu F, Gao Z, Wu L, Hong Q, Feng Z, Cai G, Sun X, Bai X, Chen X. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway mediates renal pericyte-myofibroblast transition by enhancing glycolysis through HKII. J Transl Med 2023; 21:323. [PMID: 37179292 PMCID: PMC10182641 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04167-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pericyte-myofibroblast transition (PMT) has been confirmed to contribute to renal fibrosis in several kidney diseases, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a well-known cytokine that drives PMT. However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully established, and little is known about the associated metabolic changes. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify transcriptomic changes during PMT. PDGFRβ + pericytes were isolated using MACS, and an in vitro model of PMT was induced by 5 ng/ml TGF-β1. Metabolites were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS). 2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG) was used to inhibit glycolysis via its actions on hexokinase (HK). The hexokinase II (HKII) plasmid was transfected into pericytes for HKII overexpression. LY294002 or rapamycin was used to inhibit the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway for mechanistic exploration. RESULTS An increase in carbon metabolism during PMT was detected through bioinformatics and metabolomics analysis. We first detected increased levels of glycolysis and HKII expression in pericytes after stimulation with TGF-β1 for 48 h, accompanied by increased expression of α-SMA, vimentin and desmin. Transdifferentiation was blunted when pericytes were pretreated with 2-DG, an inhibitor of glycolysis. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR were elevated during PMT, and after inhibition of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway with LY294002 or rapamycin, glycolysis in the TGF-β1-treated pericytes was decreased. Moreover, PMT and HKII transcription and activity were blunted, but the plasmid-mediated overexpression of HKII rescued PMT inhibition. CONCLUSIONS The expression and activity of HKII as well as the level of glycolysis were increased during PMT. Moreover, the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway regulates PMT by increasing glycolysis through HKII regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yiyao Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianwen Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mengjie Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Fengge Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhumei Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Quan Hong
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Guangyan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xueyuan Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Comparative transcriptome profile of mouse macrophages treated with the RhoA/Rock pathway inhibitors Y27632, Fingolimod (Gilenya), and Rezurock (Belumosudil, SLx-2119). Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110017. [PMID: 36931169 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110017] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages play a crucial role in, the currently uncurable, chronic rejection of transplants. In rodent transplantation models, inhibition of the RhoA/Rock pathway disrupts actin-related functions of macrophages, preventing them from entering the graft, and reducing vessel occlusion, fibrosis, and chronic rejection. Among RhoA/Rock inhibitors that inhibit chronic rejection in mouse transplantation are Y27632, Fingolimod, and Rezurock. In a mouse model, Rezurok is more effective in preventing fibrosis and less effective in preventing vessel occlusion than Y27632 or Fingolimod. Fingolimod is FDA-approved for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and Rezurock for chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD). Still, none had been tested for chronic rejection in humans. To explain the differences in the anti-chronic rejection properties of Y27632, Fingolimod, and Rezurock, we compared the transcriptome profile of mouse macrophages treated with these compounds separately. Treatment with Y27632 or Fingolimod downregulated GTPase and actin pathways involved in cell migration. Rezurock downregulated genes related to fibrosis, such as PTX3, CCR2, CCL2, cell cycle, DNA replication, adaptive immune response, and organelle assembly, while Fingolimod also specifically downregulated NOTCH1 at mRNA . The result of this study not only uncovers which pathways are shared or specific for these drugs but will help in the development of macrophage pathway-targeted therapies in human transplantation, MS, and GVHD. Because macrophages are the major players in immune response, tissue regeneration, renewal, and homeostasis, and development of many diseases, including cancer, the data compiled here will help in designing novel or improved therapies in many clinical applications.
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Liu D, Xu C, Jiang L, Zhu X. Pulmonary endogenous progenitor stem cell subpopulation: Physiology, pathogenesis, and progress. JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE MEDICINE 2023; 3:38-51. [PMID: 36789358 PMCID: PMC9924023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lungs are structurally and functionally complex organs consisting of diverse cell types from the proximal to distal axis. They have direct contact with the external environment and are constantly at risk of various injuries. Capable to proliferate and differentiate, pulmonary endogenous progenitor stem cells contribute to the maintenance of lung structure and function both under homeostasis and following injuries. Discovering candidate pulmonary endogenous progenitor stem cell types and underlying regenerative mechanisms provide insights into therapeutic strategy development for lung diseases. In this review, we reveal their compositions, roles in lung disease pathogenesis and injury repair, and the underlying mechanisms. We further underline the advanced progress in research approach and potential therapy for lung regeneration. We also demonstrate the feasibility and prospects of pulmonary endogenous stem cell transplantation for lung disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chufan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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Rackow AR, Nagel DJ, Zapas G, Clough RS, Sime PJ, Kottmann RM. The Novel Small Molecule BTB Inhibits Pro-Fibrotic Fibroblast Behavior though Inhibition of RhoA Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11946. [PMID: 36233248 PMCID: PMC9569993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, chronic, interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Although specific anti-fibrotic medications are now available, the median survival time following diagnosis remains very low, and new therapies are urgently needed. To uncover novel therapeutic targets, we examined how biochemical properties of the fibrotic lung are different from the healthy lung. Previous work identified lactate as a metabolite that is upregulated in IPF lung tissue. Importantly, inhibition of the enzyme responsible for lactate production prevents fibrosis in vivo. Further studies revealed that fibrotic lesions of the lung experience a significant decline in tissue pH, likely due to the overproduction of lactate. It is not entirely clear how cells in the lung respond to changes in extracellular pH, but a family of proton sensing G-protein coupled receptors has been shown to be activated by reductions in extracellular pH. This work examines the expression profiles of proton sensing GPCRs in non-fibrotic and IPF-derived primary human lung fibroblasts. We identify TDAG8 as a proton sensing GPCR that is upregulated in IPF fibroblasts and that knockdown of TDAG8 dampens myofibroblast differentiation. To our surprise, BTB, a proposed positive allosteric modulator of TDAG8, inhibits myofibroblast differentiation. Our data suggest that BTB does not require TDAG8 to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation, but rather inhibits myofibroblast differentiation through suppression of RhoA mediated signaling. Our work highlights the therapeutic potential of BTB as an anti-fibrotic treatment and expands upon the importance of RhoA-mediated signaling pathways in the context of myofibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, this works also suggests that TDAG8 inhibition may have therapeutic relevance in the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R. Rackow
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - David J. Nagel
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gregory Zapas
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ryan S. Clough
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Patricia J. Sime
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - R. Matthew Kottmann
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Kletukhina S, Mutallapova G, Titova A, Gomzikova M. Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911212. [PMID: 36232511 PMCID: PMC9569825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial fibrotic disease that leads to disability and death within 5 years of diagnosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease with a multifactorial etiology. The concept of aberrant regeneration of the pulmonary epithelium reveals the pathogenesis of IPF, according to which repeated damage and death of alveolar epithelial cells is the main mechanism leading to the development of progressive IPF. Cell death provokes the migration, proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, which overproduce extracellular matrix, resulting in fibrotic deformity of the lung tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising therapies for pulmonary fibrosis. MSCs, and EVs derived from MSCs, modulate the activity of immune cells, inhibit the expression of profibrotic genes, reduce collagen deposition and promote the repair of damaged lung tissue. This review considers the molecular mechanisms of the development of IPF and the multifaceted role of MSCs in the therapy of IPF. Currently, EVs-MSCs are regarded as a promising cell-free therapy tool, so in this review we discuss the results available to date of the use of EVs-MSCs for lung tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevindzh Kletukhina
- Laboratory of Intercellular Communication, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Guzel Mutallapova
- Laboratory of Intercellular Communication, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Angelina Titova
- Morphology and General Pathology Department, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Marina Gomzikova
- Laboratory of Intercellular Communication, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-917-8572269
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Study of the colonic epithelial-mesenchymal dialogue through establishment of two activated or not mesenchymal cell lines: Activated and resting ones differentially modulate colonocytes in co-culture. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273858. [PMID: 36040985 PMCID: PMC9426876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous and rapid renewal of the colonic epithelium is crucial to resist the plethora of luminal deleterious agents. Subepithelial fibroblasts contribute to this turnover by regulating epithelial proliferation and differentiation. However, when intestinal homeostasis is disturbed, fibroblasts can acquire an activated phenotype and play a major role in the progression of intestinal pathologies. To evaluate the involvement of fibroblasts in the regulation of colonocytes under homeostatic or pathological conditions, we established resting and activated conditionally immortalized fibroblast cell lines (nF and mF) from mouse colonic mucosa. We then studied the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions between activated or resting fibroblasts and the normal mouse colonocytes (Co) using a co-culture model. Both fibroblastic cell lines were characterized by RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Our results showed that nF and mF cells were positive for fibroblastic markers such as vimentin and collagen 1, and negative for cytokeratin 18 and E-cadherin, attesting to their fibroblastic type. They also expressed proteins characteristic of the epithelial stem cell niche such as Grem1, CD90 or Wnt5a. Only rare nF fibroblasts were positive for α-SMA, whereas all mF fibroblasts strongly expressed this marker, supporting that mF cells were activated fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. In coculture, nF fibroblasts and Co cells strongly interacted via paracrine exchanges resulting in BMP4 production in nF fibroblasts, activation of BMP signaling in Co colonocytes, and decreased growth of colonocytes. Activated-type mF fibroblasts did not exert the same effects on Co cells, allowing colonocytes free to proliferate. In conclusion, these two colonic fibroblast lines, associated with Co cells in coculture, should allow to better understand the role of mesenchymal cells in the preservation of homeostasis and the development of intestinal pathologies.
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11
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Mehta PM, Gimenez G, Walker RJ, Slatter TL. Reduction of lithium induced interstitial fibrosis on co-administration with amiloride. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14598. [PMID: 36028651 PMCID: PMC9418221 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18825-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term administration of lithium is associated with chronic interstitial fibrosis that is partially reduced with exposure to amiloride. We examined potential pathways of how amiloride may reduce interstitial fibrosis. Amiloride was administered to a rat model of lithium induced interstitial fibrosis over a long term (6 months), as well as for short terms of 14 and 28 days. Kidney cortical tissue was subjected to RNA sequencing and microRNA expression analysis. Gene expression changes of interest were confirmed using immunohistochemistry on kidney tissue. Pathways identified by RNA sequencing of kidney tissue were related to 'promoting inflammation' for lithium and 'reducing inflammation' for amiloride. Validation of candidate genes found amiloride reduced inflammatory components induced by lithium including NF-κB/p65Ser536 and activated pAKTSer473, and increased p53 mediated regulatory function through increased p21 in damaged tubular epithelial cells. Amiloride also reduced the amount of Notch1 positive PDGFrβ pericytes and infiltrating CD3 cells in the interstitium. Thus, amiloride attenuates a multitude of pro-inflammatory components induced by lithium. This suggests amiloride could be repurposed as a possible anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic agent to prevent or reduce the development of chronic interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulomi M Mehta
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gregory Gimenez
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robert J Walker
- Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tania L Slatter
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Yang C, Pan J, Luo X, Li J, Jiang Z. Hypoxia-induced mesenchymal stem cells inhibit corneal fibroblast proliferation by regulating the WWP2/Notch1 axis. Regen Med 2022; 17:375-388. [PMID: 35545948 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to explore the role of hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in corneal alkali burns and the underlying mechanism. Materials & methods: Rat corneal fibroblasts were incubated with IL-6, followed by treatment with hypoxic MSC supernatant. A rat corneal alkali burn model was implemented and processed with hypoxic MSCs. The associated factors were detected by corresponding methods. Results: Hypoxic MSCs reduced the Notch1 level and the proliferation of rat corneal fibroblasts. Hypoxic MSCs or WWP2 overexpression in MSCs enhanced ubiquitination of Notch1. WWP2 interacted with Notch1, and WWP2 silencing reversed the effects of the hypoxic MSCs. Hypoxic MSC treatment in vivo decreased the corneal neovascularization scores and opacity scores. Conclusion: Hypoxic MSCs inhibited inflammation and alleviated corneal injury in alkali burns via the WWP2/Notch1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongmeng Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Burn & Wound Healing Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.,Wound Repair Department, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, 324000, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zipei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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13
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Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhang J, Luo X, Qiu Q, Luo D, Zhang J. TGF-β promotes pericyte-myofibroblast transition in subretinal fibrosis through the Smad2/3 and Akt/mTOR pathways. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:673-684. [PMID: 35624154 PMCID: PMC9166792 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis remains a major obstacle to the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Choroidal pericytes were found to be a significant source of subretinal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanisms of pericyte-myofibroblast transition (PMT) remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to explore the role and potential mechanisms by which PMT contributes to subretinal fibrosis. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was induced by laser photocoagulation in transgenic mice with the collagen1α1-green fluorescent protein (Col1α1-GFP) reporter, and recombinant adeno-associated virus 2 (rAAV2)-mediated TGF-β2 (rAAV2-TGF-β2) was administered intravitreally to further induce PMT. Primary mouse choroidal GFP-positive pericytes were treated with TGF-β2 in combination with siRNAs targeting Smad2/3, the Akt inhibitor MK2206 or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin to examine cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. The involvement of the Akt/mTOR pathway in PMT in subretinal fibrosis was further investigated in vivo. Intraocular TGF-β2 overexpression induced GFP-positive pericyte infiltration and PMT in subretinal fibrosis, which was mimicked in vitro. Knockdown of Smad2/3 or inhibition of Akt/mTOR decreased cell proliferation, PMT and migration in primary mouse pericytes. Combined inhibition of Smad2/3 and mTOR showed synergistic effects on attenuating α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and cell proliferation. In mice with laser-induced CNV, the administration of the Akt/mTOR inhibitors suppressed pericyte proliferation and alleviated the severity of subretinal fibrosis. Our results showed that PMT plays a pivotal role in subretinal fibrosis, which was induced by TGF-β2 through the Smad2/3 and Akt/mTOR pathways. Thus, inhibiting PMT may be a novel strategy for the treatment of subretinal fibrosis. The identification of a new cell type that plays a crucial role in causing fibrosis under the retina could improve treatment of eye disease. Effective treatments exist for diseases that cause impairment and loss of vision in elderly people, but success can be limited by the development of subretinal fibrosis. Jingfa Zhang at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, and co-workers used mice with laser-induced retinal damage to explore how subretinal fibrosis may result from transition of pericytes, multi-functional cells in the capillaries, into myofibroblasts, cells associated with fibrosis. The overexpression of a growth factor called TGF-β2 induced pericytes to infiltrate the subretinal area and pericyte-myofibroblast transition via two signalling pathways. Inhibiting these pathways may help to treat subretinal fibrosis, and one option is the use of inhibitors of AKT/mTOR which may slow the ageing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueting Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Xizang, China
| | - Dawei Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases; Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine; Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Zheng Q, Lei Y, Hui S, Tong M, Liang L. HDAC3 promotes pulmonary fibrosis by activating NOTCH1 and STAT1 signaling and up-regulating inflammasome components AIM2 and ASC. Cytokine 2022; 153:155842. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Tanshinone IIA improves sepsis-induced acute lung injury through the ROCK2/NF-κB axis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 446:116021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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A vasculature niche orchestrates stromal cell phenotype through PDGF signaling: Importance in human fibrotic disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120336119. [PMID: 35320046 PMCID: PMC9060460 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120336119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrotic diseases, for example of the liver and lung, represent a huge unmet medical need. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF), tissue imaging, and functional assays, we identify a complex vascular niche in Dupuytren’s disease (DD), a common localized fibrotic condition of the palm, where early-disease-stage tissue can be accessed readily. We uncover a population of myofibroblast precursors within the pericyte compartment and demonstrate that the endothelium instructs the differentiation of functionally distinct stromal cells, thereby orchestrating discrete microenvironments in the fibrotic milieu. Together, these findings provide a basis for the concept of targeting blood vessel signaling to control the progression of human fibrosis. Fibrosis is characterized by excessive matrix protein accumulation and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in the Western world. The relative lack of effective antifibrotic therapeutics for the majority of these conditions reflects the difficulty in identifying targets for human fibrosis. Animal models fail to recapitulate all of the facets of human disease, and the limited clinical samples from patients with fibrosis of visceral organs are usually of late-stage disease [J. Nanchahal, B. Hinz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 113, 7291–7293 (2016)]. Here, we use Dupuytren’s disease (DD), a localized fibrotic condition of the hand, as a model to profile the vasculature niche of human fibrosis at single-cell resolution. Our spatially resolved molecular taxonomy of fibrotic blood vessels identifies distinct endothelial and pericyte populations and demonstrates a complex topological organization in the fibrotic microenvironment. In developing fibrosis, we show that the endothelium acts to promote immune regulatory fibroblast phenotype through platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling, thereby sustaining an immune cell–enriched perivascular niche. Moreover, we highlight pericytes as “housing” a putative myofibroblast precursor in DD. Overall, our results elucidate a tightly coupled vasculature niche in fibrosis that instructs the differentiation of functionally distinct stromal cells. These findings provide an important translational resource and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting blood vessel signaling in human fibrosis.
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17
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Zhou HY, Yang N, Sui H, Du XN, Luo Q, Zhao YJ, Zhou YW, Guan Q, Zhou Y, Qian HJ, Liu L, Wang DP, Lin HL. WITHDRAWN: The Role of the Vascular Niche in Organ Fibrosis and COVID-19-Related Organ Damage and the Countermeasures adopted by Chinese and Western Medicine. PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH - MODERN CHINESE MEDICINE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8960293 DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at
the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for
any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article
Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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18
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Bartolomé A, Suda N, Yu J, Zhu C, Son J, Ding H, Califano A, Accili D, Pajvani UB. Notch-mediated Ephrin signaling disrupts islet architecture and β cell function. JCI Insight 2022; 7:157694. [PMID: 35167496 PMCID: PMC8986078 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.157694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered islet architecture is associated with β cell dysfunction and type 2 diabetes (T2D) progression, but molecular effectors of islet spatial organization remain mostly unknown. Although Notch signaling is known to regulate pancreatic development, we observed “reactivated” β cell Notch activity in obese mouse models. To test the repercussions and reversibility of Notch effects, we generated doxycycline-dependent, β cell–specific Notch gain-of-function mice. As predicted, we found that Notch activation in postnatal β cells impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose intolerance, but we observed a surprising remnant glucose intolerance after doxycycline withdrawal and cessation of Notch activity, associated with a marked disruption of normal islet architecture. Transcriptomic screening of Notch-active islets revealed increased Ephrin signaling. Commensurately, exposure to Ephrin ligands increased β cell repulsion and impaired murine and human pseudoislet formation. Consistent with our mouse data, Notch and Ephrin signaling were increased in metabolically inflexible β cells in patients with T2D. These studies suggest that β cell Notch/Ephrin signaling can permanently alter islet architecture during a morphogenetic window in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Bartolomé
- Departamento de Fisiopatología Endocrina y del Sistema Nervioso, IIBm Alberto Sols (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nina Suda
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - Junjie Yu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - Changyu Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - Jinsook Son
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - Hongxu Ding
- Systems Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrea Califano
- Systems Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, United States of America
| | - Domenico Accili
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
| | - Utpal B Pajvani
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, United States of America
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19
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Zhou HY, Sui H, Zhao YJ, Qian HJ, Yang N, Liu L, Guan Q, Zhou Y, Lin HL, Wang DP. The Impact of Inflammatory Immune Reactions of the Vascular Niche on Organ Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:750509. [PMID: 34776968 PMCID: PMC8585779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.750509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a type of defense response against tissue damage, and can be mediated by lymphocytes and macrophages. Fibrosis is induced by tissue injury and inflammation, which leads to an increase in fibrous connective tissue in organs and a decrease in organ parenchyma cells, finally leading to organ dysfunction or even failure. The vascular niche is composed of endothelial cells, pericytes, macrophages, and hematopoietic stem cells. It forms a guiding microenvironment for the behavior of adjacent cells, and mainly exists in the microcirculation, including capillaries. When an organ is damaged, the vascular niche regulates inflammation and affects the repair of organ damage in a variety of ways, such as via its angiocrine function and transformation of myofibroblasts. In this paper, the main roles of vascular niche in the process of organ fibrosis and its mechanism of promoting the progress of fibrosis through inflammatory immunoregulation are summarized. It was proposed that the vascular niche should be regarded as a new therapeutic target for organ fibrosis, suggesting that antifibrotic effects could be achieved by regulating macrophages, inhibiting endothelial-mesenchymal transition, interfering with the angiocrine function of endothelial cells, and inhibiting the transformation of pericytes into myofibroblasts, thus providing new ideas for antifibrosis drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hua Sui
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yang-Jianing Zhao
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong-Jie Qian
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong-Li Lin
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Da-Peng Wang
- Institude college of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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20
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Pacurari M, Mitra A, Turner T. Idiopathic Pulmonary Comorbidities and Mechanisms. Int J Inflam 2021; 2021:3963659. [PMID: 34691383 PMCID: PMC8528608 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3963659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease with an unknown etiology mainly characterized by a progressive decline of lung function due to the scarring of the tissue deep in the lungs. The overall survival after diagnosis remains low between 3 and 5 years. IPF is a heterogeneous disease and much progress has been made in the past decade in understanding the disease mechanisms that contributed to the development of two new drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, which improved the therapeutic management of the disease. The understanding of the cofactors and comorbidities of IPF also contributed to improved management of the disease outcome. In the present review, we evaluate scientific evidence which indicates IPF as a risk factor for other diseases based on the complexity of molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the disease development and of comorbidities. We conclude from the existing literature that while much progress has been made in understating the mechanisms involved in IPF development, further studies are still necessary to fully understand IPF pathogenesis which will contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for IPF management as well as other diseases for which IPF is a major risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricica Pacurari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Amal Mitra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Timothy Turner
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
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21
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Yuan K, Agarwal S, Chakraborty A, Condon DF, Patel H, Zhang S, Huang F, Mello SA, Kirk OI, Vasquez R, de Jesus Perez VA. Lung Pericytes in Pulmonary Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2227-2247. [PMID: 34190345 PMCID: PMC10507675 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pericytes are mesenchymal-derived mural cells localized within the basement membrane of pulmonary and systemic capillaries. Besides structural support, pericytes control vascular tone, produce extracellular matrix components, and cytokines responsible for promoting vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis. However, pericytes can also contribute to vascular pathology through the production of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines, differentiation into myofibroblast-like cells, destruction of the extracellular matrix, and dissociation from the vessel wall. In the lung, pericytes are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the alveolar-capillary membrane and coordinating vascular repair in response to injury. Loss of pericyte communication with alveolar capillaries and a switch to a pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotype are common features of lung disorders associated with vascular remodeling, inflammation, and fibrosis. In this article, we will address how to differentiate pericytes from other cells, discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interactions of pericytes and endothelial cells in the pulmonary circulation, and the experimental tools currently used to study pericyte biology both in vivo and in vitro. We will also discuss evidence that links pericytes to the pathogenesis of clinically relevant lung disorders such as pulmonary hypertension, idiopathic lung fibrosis, sepsis, and SARS-COVID. Future studies dissecting the complex interactions of pericytes with other pulmonary cell populations will likely reveal critical insights into the origin of pulmonary diseases and offer opportunities to develop novel therapeutics to treat patients afflicted with these devastating disorders. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:2227-2247, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yuan
- Division of Respiratory Diseases Research, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stuti Agarwal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ananya Chakraborty
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David F. Condon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hiral Patel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Serena Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Flora Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Salvador A. Mello
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Rocio Vasquez
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Vinicio A. de Jesus Perez
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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22
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. New Insights into Profibrotic Myofibroblast Formation in Systemic Sclerosis: When the Vascular Wall Becomes the Enemy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:610. [PMID: 34202703 PMCID: PMC8307837 DOI: 10.3390/life11070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc), abnormalities in microvessel morphology occur early and evolve into a distinctive vasculopathy that relentlessly advances in parallel with the development of tissue fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts in nearly all affected organs. Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has profoundly changed over the last few years. Indeed, increasing evidence has suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process in which profibrotic myofibroblasts originate from endothelial cells, may take center stage in SSc pathogenesis. While in arterioles and small arteries EndoMT may lead to the accumulation of myofibroblasts within the vessel wall and development of fibroproliferative vascular lesions, in capillary vessels it may instead result in vascular destruction and formation of myofibroblasts that migrate into the perivascular space with consequent tissue fibrosis and microvessel rarefaction, which are hallmarks of SSc. Besides endothelial cells, other vascular wall-resident cells, such as pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, may acquire a myofibroblast-like synthetic phenotype contributing to both SSc-related vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of myofibroblasts inside the vessel wall provides the rationale for novel targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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23
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Condorelli AG, El Hachem M, Zambruno G, Nystrom A, Candi E, Castiglia D. Notch-ing up knowledge on molecular mechanisms of skin fibrosis: focus on the multifaceted Notch signalling pathway. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:36. [PMID: 33966637 PMCID: PMC8106838 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis can be defined as an excessive and deregulated deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, causing loss of physiological architecture and dysfunction of different tissues and organs. In the skin, fibrosis represents the hallmark of several acquired (e.g. systemic sclerosis and hypertrophic scars) and inherited (i.e. dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa) diseases. A complex series of interactions among a variety of cellular types and a wide range of molecular players drive the fibrogenic process, often in a context-dependent manner. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to skin fibrosis are not completely elucidated. In this scenario, an increasing body of evidence has recently disclosed the involvement of Notch signalling cascade in fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Despite its apparent simplicity, Notch represents one of the most multifaceted, strictly regulated and intricate pathways with still unknown features both in health and disease conditions. Starting from the most recent advances in Notch activation and regulation, this review focuses on the pro-fibrotic function of Notch pathway in fibroproliferative skin disorders describing molecular networks, interplay with other pro-fibrotic molecules and pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β1, and therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - May El Hachem
- Dermatology Unit and Genodermatosis Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genodermatosis Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexander Nystrom
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IDI-IRCCS, via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
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24
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Gajjala PR, Madala SK. Notch3: A New Culprit in Fibrotic Lung Disease. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 64:403-404. [PMID: 33591242 PMCID: PMC8008798 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0024ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prathibha R Gajjala
- Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio and.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Satish K Madala
- Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio and.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, Ohio
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25
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Liu G, Philp AM, Corte T, Travis MA, Schilter H, Hansbro NG, Burns CJ, Eapen MS, Sohal SS, Burgess JK, Hansbro PM. Therapeutic targets in lung tissue remodelling and fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107839. [PMID: 33774068 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Structural changes involving tissue remodelling and fibrosis are major features of many pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is a key factor in the development of tissue remodelling that results in symptoms and impaired lung function in these diseases. Tissue remodelling in the lungs is complex and differs between compartments. Some pathways are common but tissue remodelling around the airways and in the parenchyma have different morphologies. Hence it is critical to evaluate both common fibrotic pathways and those that are specific to different compartments; thereby expanding the understanding of the pathogenesis of fibrosis and remodelling in the airways and parenchyma in asthma, COPD and IPF with a view to developing therapeutic strategies for each. Here we review the current understanding of remodelling features and underlying mechanisms in these major respiratory diseases. The differences and similarities of remodelling are used to highlight potential common therapeutic targets and strategies. One central pathway in remodelling processes involves transforming growth factor (TGF)-β induced fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation that increases ECM production. The current treatments and clinical trials targeting remodelling are described, as well as potential future directions. These endeavours are indicative of the renewed effort and optimism for drug discovery targeting tissue remodelling and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh M Philp
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Medical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tamera Corte
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark A Travis
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre and Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi Schilter
- Pharmaxis Ltd, 20 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole G Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris J Burns
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mathew S Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder S Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wu X, Verschut V, Woest ME, Ng-Blichfeldt JP, Matias A, Villetti G, Accetta A, Facchinetti F, Gosens R, Kistemaker LEM. Rho-Kinase 1/2 Inhibition Prevents Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Effects on Pulmonary Remodeling and Repair. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:609509. [PMID: 33551810 PMCID: PMC7855981 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.609509] [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: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced myofibroblast transformation and alterations in mesenchymal-epithelial interactions contribute to chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) consists as two isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, and both are playing critical roles in many cellular responses to injury. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the differential role of ROCK isoforms on TGF-β signaling in lung fibrosis and repair. For this purpose, we tested the effect of a non-selective ROCK 1 and 2 inhibitor (compound 31) and a selective ROCK2 inhibitor (compound A11) in inhibiting TGF-β-induced remodeling in lung fibroblasts and slices; and dysfunctional epithelial-progenitor interactions in lung organoids. Here, we demonstrated that the inhibition of ROCK1/2 with compound 31 represses TGF-β-driven actin remodeling as well as extracellular matrix deposition in lung fibroblasts and PCLS, whereas selective ROCK2 inhibition with compound A11 did not. Furthermore, the TGF-β induced inhibition of organoid formation was functionally restored in a concentration-dependent manner by both dual ROCK 1 and 2 inhibition and selective ROCK2 inhibition. We conclude that dual pharmacological inhibition of ROCK 1 and 2 counteracts TGF-β induced effects on remodeling and alveolar epithelial progenitor function, suggesting this to be a promising therapeutic approach for respiratory diseases associated with fibrosis and defective lung repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Manon E. Woest
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- AQUILO BV, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - John-Poul Ng-Blichfeldt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ana Matias
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gino Villetti
- Corporate Pre-Clinical R and D, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Accetta
- Corporate Pre-Clinical R and D, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Parma, Italy
| | | | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Loes E. M. Kistemaker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- AQUILO BV, Groningen, Netherlands
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27
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Wang YC, Xie H, Zhang YC, Meng QH, Xiong MM, Jia MW, Peng F, Tang DL. Exosomal miR-107 antagonizes profibrotic phenotypes of pericytes by targeting a pathway involving HIF-1 α/Notch1/PDGFR β/YAP1/Twist1 axis in vitro. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 320:H520-H534. [PMID: 33216617 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00373.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular pericytes have been demonstrated as an origin for myofibroblasts that produce excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (ColIA1) and contribute to pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, the signaling mechanism responsible for ECM production within pericytes is poorly understood. In this study, we examined exosomal miR-107 in the fibrotic phenotypes of pericytes and the pathogenesis of PF. Using RT-qPCR, MiR-107 level was compared between clinical or bleomycin-induced PF and normal pulmonary tissues. Exosomes were isolated from cultured microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) derived from either normal or PF tissues, characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence, and then applied to pericytes. The effects of exosomes or different fibrosis-related signaling molecules were examined by Western blot, and the potential regulations between the signaling molecules were identified using bioinformatic analysis and assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay, and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation. MiR-107 was downregulated in clinical or experimental PF tissues and also in exosomes from PF-derived ECs. EC-derived exosomal miR-107 essentially controlled the miR-107 level and inhibited α-SMA and ColIA1 expression in pericytes. The antifibrosis effect of miR-107 was mediated through the suppression of a pathway involving HIF-1α/Notch1/PDGFRβ/YAP1/Twist1, where miR-107 directly targeted HIF-1α mRNA, whereas the latter directly activated the transcriptions of both Notch1 and PDGFRβ. Functionally, targeting miR-107 promoted and targeting HIF-1α abolished the fibrotic phenotypes of pericytes. Exosomal miR-107 produced by pulmonary vascular ECs may alleviate pericyte-induced fibrosis by inhibiting a signaling pathway involving HIF-1α/Notch1/PDGFRβ/YAP1/Twist1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work reveals a novel mechanism by which pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, via regulating the transdifferentiation of microvascular pericytes into myofibroblasts, contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Since targeting the formation of myofibroblasts may prevent the development and benefit the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, this study provides not only mechanistic understanding but also promising therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Xie
- University of Central South China/Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Chang Zhang
- Department of Lung Cancer and Gastroenterology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-He Meng
- Department of Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Ming-Mei Xiong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Wang Jia
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dao-Lin Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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28
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Jain PP, Hosokawa S, Xiong M, Babicheva A, Zhao T, Rodriguez M, Rahimi S, Pourhashemi K, Balistrieri F, Lai N, Malhotra A, Shyy JYJ, Valdez-Jasso D, Thistlethwaite PA, Makino A, Yuan JXJ. Revisiting the mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction using isolated perfused/ventilated mouse lung. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020956592. [PMID: 33282184 PMCID: PMC7691930 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020956592] [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: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction (HPV) is an important physiological mechanism of the lungs that matches perfusion to ventilation thus maximizing O2 saturation of the venous blood within the lungs. This study emphasizes on principal pathways in the initiation and modulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction with a primary focus on the role of Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+ influx pathways in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. We used an ex vivo model, isolated perfused/ventilated mouse lung to evaluate hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Alveolar hypoxia (utilizing a mini ventilator) rapidly and reversibly increased pulmonary arterial pressure due to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in the isolated perfused/ventilated lung. By applying specific inhibitors for different membrane receptors and ion channels through intrapulmonary perfusion solution in isolated lung, we were able to define the targeted receptors and channels that regulate hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. We show that extracellular Ca2+ or Ca2+ influx through various Ca2+-permeable channels in the plasma membrane is required for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, while blockade of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (with nifedipine), non-selective cation channels (with 30 µM SKF-96365), and TRPC6/TRPV1 channels (with 1 µM SAR-7334 and 30 µM capsazepine, respectively) significantly and reversibly inhibited hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Furthermore, blockers of Ca2+-sensing receptors (by 30 µM NPS2143, an allosteric Ca2+-sensing receptors inhibitor) and Notch (by 30 µM DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor) also attenuated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. These data indicate that Ca2+ influx in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells through voltage-dependent, receptor-operated, and store-operated Ca2+ entry pathways all contribute to initiation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. The extracellular Ca2+-mediated activation of Ca2+-sensing receptors and the cell-cell interaction via Notch ligands and receptors contribute to the regulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritesh P. Jain
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Susumu Hosokawa
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical
and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mingmei Xiong
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
- Department of Critical Medicine, The
Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aleksandra Babicheva
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Tengteng Zhao
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Marisela Rodriguez
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Shamin Rahimi
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Kiana Pourhashemi
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Francesca Balistrieri
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Ning Lai
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
| | - John Y.-J. Shyy
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine,
Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | - Ayako Makino
- Division of Endocrinology and
Metabolism, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jason X.-J. Yuan
- Section of Physiology, Division of
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Diego,
CA, USA
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29
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Chao CM, Chong L, Chu X, Shrestha A, Behnke J, Ehrhardt H, Zhang J, Chen C, Bellusci S. Targeting Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension (BPD-PH): Potential Role of the FGF Signaling Pathway in the Development of the Pulmonary Vascular System. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081875. [PMID: 32796770 PMCID: PMC7464452 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 50 years after the first description of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) by Northway, this chronic lung disease affecting many preterm infants is still poorly understood. Additonally, approximately 40% of preterm infants suffering from severe BPD also suffer from Bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH), leading to a significant increase in total morbidity and mortality. Until today, there is no curative therapy for both BPD and BPD-PH available. It has become increasingly evident that growth factors are playing a central role in normal and pathologic development of the pulmonary vasculature. Thus, this review aims to summarize the recent evidence in our understanding of BPD-PH from a basic scientific point of view, focusing on the potential role of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)/FGF10 signaling pathway contributing to disease development, progression and resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Ming Chao
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Z.); (C.C.)
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (X.C.); (A.S.)
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Gießen, Universities of Gießen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.); (H.E.)
- Correspondence: (C.-M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Lei Chong
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Key Clinical Specialty of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Discipline of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China;
| | - Xuran Chu
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (X.C.); (A.S.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Amit Shrestha
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (X.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Judith Behnke
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Gießen, Universities of Gießen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.); (H.E.)
| | - Harald Ehrhardt
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Gießen, Universities of Gießen and Marburg Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (J.B.); (H.E.)
| | - Jinsan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Z.); (C.C.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- International Collaborative Center on Growth Factor Research, Life Science Institute, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chengshui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Z.); (C.C.)
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Z.); (C.C.)
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (X.C.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (C.-M.C.); (S.B.)
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30
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Gaikwad AV, Eapen MS, McAlinden KD, Chia C, Larby J, Myers S, Dey S, Haug G, Markos J, Glanville AR, Sohal SS. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:1027-1043. [PMID: 32659128 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1795832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible fibrotic disease associated with respiratory failure. The disease remains idiopathic, but repeated alveolar epithelium injury, disruption of alveolar-capillary integrity, abnormal vascular repair, and pulmonary vascular remodeling are considered possible pathogenic mechanisms. Also, the development of comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension (PH) could further impact disease outcome, quality of life and survival rates in IPF. AREAS COVERED The current review provides a comprehensive literature survey of the mechanisms involved in the development and manifestations of IPF and their links to PH pathology. This review also provides the current understanding of molecular mechanisms that link the two pathologies and will specifically decipher the role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) along with the possible triggers of EndMT. The possibility of targeting EndMT as a therapeutic option in IPF is discussed. EXPERT OPINION With a steady increase in prevalence and mortality, IPF is no longer considered a rare disease. Thus, it is of utmost importance and urgency that the underlying profibrotic pathways and mechanisms are fully understood, to enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Kielan D McAlinden
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Josie Larby
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Stephen Myers
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - James Markos
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Allan R Glanville
- Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital , Sydney, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
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31
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Matsuda M, Seki E. The liver fibrosis niche: Novel insights into the interplay between fibrosis-composing mesenchymal cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 143:111556. [PMID: 32640349 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a hepatic wound-healing response caused by chronic liver diseases that include viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and cholestatic liver disease. Liver fibrosis eventually progresses to cirrhosis that is histologically characterized by an abnormal liver architecture that includes distortion of liver parenchyma, formation of regenerative nodules, and a massive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite intensive investigations into the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis, developments of anti-fibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis are still unsatisfactory. Recent novel experimental approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics, have revealed the heterogeneity of ECM-producing cells (mesenchymal cells) and ECM-regulating cells (immune cells and endothelial cells). These approaches have accelerated the identification of fibrosis-specific subpopulations among these cell types. The ECM also consists of heterogenous components. Their production, degradation, deposition, and remodeling are dynamically regulated in liver fibrosis, further affecting the functions of cells responsible for fibrosis. These cellular and ECM elements cooperatively form a unique microenvironment: a fibrotic niche. Understanding the complex interplay between these elements could lead to a better understanding of underlying fibrosis mechanisms and to the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michitaka Matsuda
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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32
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Zhang J, Xiang J, Liu T, Wang X, Tang Y, Liang Y. miR-495 targets ROCK1 to inhibit lipopolysaccharides-induced WI-38 cells apoptosis and inflammation. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020; 36:607-614. [PMID: 32237054 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease with leading mortality rate in children. It has been well established that microRNAs (miRNAs) have been regarded as critical regulator in acute lung injury. We intended to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of miR-495 on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced WI-38 cells. Here, we first found that miR-495 was downregulated in serum of patients with acute stage pneumonia. To establish cell model of acute pneumonia, WI-38 cells were treated with 20 μg/mL LPS, and qRT-PCR analysis also confirmed the downregulation of miR-495 in LPS-induced WI-38 cells. Data from MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometry assays showed that the decreased cell viability and induced cell apoptosis by LPS treatment were also reversed by miR-495 over-expression. Moreover, miR-495 inhibited expression of associated inflammatory factors, which were induced by LPS treatment. Second, ROCK1 (rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1) was identified as functional target gene of miR-495, whose expression was decreased by miR-495. Mechanically, combination of miR-495 and ROCK1 over-expression reversed the influence of miR-495 on LPS-induced inflammation, viability, and apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings indicated that miR-495 inhibited LPS-induced inflammation injury and apoptosis in WI-38 cells via targeting ROCK1, which would shed light on therapeutic schedule in acute pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Hubei No.3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yin Liang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Hubei No.3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
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33
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Zhang Y, Distler JHW. Therapeutic molecular targets of SSc-ILD. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:17-30. [DOI: 10.1177/2397198319899013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a fibrosing chronic connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. A major hallmark of systemic sclerosis is the uncontrolled and persistent activation of fibroblasts, which release excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, lead to organ dysfunction, and cause high mobility and motility of patients. Systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease is one of the most common fibrotic organ manifestations in systemic sclerosis and a major cause of death. Treatment options for systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease and other fibrotic manifestations, however, remain very limited. Thus, there is a huge medical need for effective therapies that target tissue fibrosis, vascular alterations, inflammation, and autoimmune disease in systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease. In this review, we discuss data suggesting therapeutic ways to target different genes in distinct tissues/organs that contribute to the development of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg HW Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3—Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital Erlangen, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Sun Y, Sun W, Yang N, Liu J, Tang H, Li F, Sun X, Gao L, Pei F, Liu J, Lin H, Taihua W. The effect of core fucosylation-mediated regulation of multiple signaling pathways on lung pericyte activation and fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 117:105639. [PMID: 31669139 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.105639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The main event in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis is the appearance of myofibroblasts. Recent evidence supports pericytes as a major source of myofibroblasts. TGFβ/Smad2/3 and PDGF/Erk signaling pathways are important for regulating pericyte activation. Previous studies have demonstrated that PDGFβR and TGFβR are modified by core fucosylation (CF) catalyzed by α-1,6-fucosyltransferase (FUT8). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of inhibiting CF versus the PDGFβR and TGFβR signaling pathways on pericyte activation and lung fibrosis. FUT8shRNA was used to knock down FUT8-mediated CF both in vivo and in isolated lung pericytes. The small molecule receptor antagonists, ST1571 (imatinib) and LY2109761, were used to block the PDGFβ/pErk and TGFβ/pSmad2/3 signaling pathways, respectively. Pericyte detachment and myofibroblastic transformation were assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Histochemical and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on pulmonary fibrosis. Our findings demonstrate that FUT8shRNA significantly blocked pericyte activation and the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, achieving intervention effects superior to the small molecule inhibitors. The PDGFβ and TGFβ pathways were simultaneously affected by the CF blockade. FUT8 expression was upregulated with the transformation of pericytes into myofibroblasts, and silencing FUT8 expression inhibited this transformation. In addition, there is a causal relationship between CF modification catalyzed by FUT8 and pulmonary fibrosis. Our findings suggest that FUT8 may be a novel therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Post-doctoral research station, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | - Ning Yang
- Departments of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - HaiYing Tang
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - Fengzhou Li
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - Xiuna Sun
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - Lili Gao
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - Fuyang Pei
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- Departments of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China
| | - Hongli Lin
- Departments of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China.
| | - Wu Taihua
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, PR China.
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