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Kubica S, Szota-Czyż J, Strzałka-Mrozik B, Adamska J, Bębenek E, Chrobak E, Gola JM. The Influence of Betulin Derivatives EB5 and ECH147 on the Expression of Selected TGFβ Superfamily Genes, TGFβ1, GDF15 and BMP2, in Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9961-9975. [PMID: 38132468 PMCID: PMC10741875 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120622] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Betulin derivatives are proposed to serve as an alternative to the drugs already established in oncologic treatment. Drug-induced nephrotoxicity leading to acute kidney injury frequently accompanies cancer treatment, and thus there is a need to research the effects of betulin derivatives on renal cells. The objective of our study was to assess the influence of the betulin derivatives 28-propynylobetulin (EB5) and 29-diethoxyphosphoryl-28-propynylobetulin (ECH147) on the expression of TGFβ1, BMP2 and GDF15 in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) cultured in vitro. The changes in mRNA expression and copy numbers were assessed using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the standard curve method, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the effect of the betulin derivatives on the protein concentration in the culture media's supernatant. The assessment of the betulin derivatives' influence on gene expression demonstrated that the mRNA level and protein concentration did not always correlate with each other. Each of the tested compounds affected the mRNA expression. The RT-qPCR analyses showed that EB5 and ECH147 induced effects similar to those of betulin or cisplatin and resulted in a decrease in the mRNA copy number of all the analyzed genes. The ELISA demonstrated that EB5 and ECH147 elevated the protein concentration of TGFβ1 and GDF15, while the level of BMP2 decreased. The concentration of the derivatives used in the treatment was crucial, but the effects did not always exhibit a simple linear dose-dependent relationship. Betulin and its derivatives, EB5 and ECH147, influenced the gene expression of TGFβ1, BMP2 and GDF15 in the renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. The observed effects raise the question of whether treatment with these compounds could promote the development of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kubica
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (S.K.); (J.S.-C.); (J.A.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Justyna Szota-Czyż
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (S.K.); (J.S.-C.); (J.A.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Barbara Strzałka-Mrozik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (S.K.); (J.S.-C.); (J.A.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Jolanta Adamska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (S.K.); (J.S.-C.); (J.A.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Ewa Bębenek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Elwira Chrobak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Joanna Magdalena Gola
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (S.K.); (J.S.-C.); (J.A.); (J.M.G.)
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Tsai CH, Liu E, Phan A, Lu KL, Mei H. NBL1 Reduces Corneal Fibrosis and Scar Formation after Wounding. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1570. [PMID: 38002252 PMCID: PMC10669476 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring is a leading cause of blindness. Currently, there is no treatment to prevent and/or reduce corneal scar formation under pathological conditions. Our previous data showed that the NBL1 protein, also termed the DAN Family BMP (Bone morphogenetic protein) Antagonist, was highly expressed in corneal stromal cells upon wounding. Here, we examined the function of NBL1 in corneal wound healing. Mouse corneas were mechanically wounded, followed by a 2-week treatment using NBL1. Wounded corneas treated with vehicle or an Fc tag served as controls. Compared with the controls, NBL1 treatment facilitated wound re-epithelialization, partially restored the stromal thickness, and significantly reduced corneal scar formation. NBL1 treatment did not decrease immune cell infiltration, indicating that the anti-scarring effect was not dependent on immune suppression. We further examined the anti-fibrotic effect of NBL1 on human corneas. Pairs of human corneas were induced to form myofibroblasts (a key player in fibrosis and scarring) upon wounding and incubation in a medium containing TGF-β1. The OS corneas were treated with Fc as a control, and the OD corneas were treated with NBL1. Compared with the control, human corneas treated with NBL1 had significantly fewer myofibroblasts, which was consistent with these mouse data. A further study revealed that NBL1 treatment inhibited BMP canonical (phospho-Smad1/5) and no-canonical (phospho-p38) pathways in human corneas. Data show that NBL1 reduced corneal fibrosis and scar formation in mice and cultured human corneas. The underlying molecular mechanism is not certain because both anti-fibrotic Smad1/5 and pro-fibrotic p38 pathways were inhibited upon NBL1 treatment. Whether the p38 pathway dominates the Smad1/5 pathway during corneal fibrosis, leading to the anti-fibrotic effect of NBL1, needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hao Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Emily Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew Phan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Krystal Lynn Lu
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hua Mei
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Kong D, Mourtzinos A, Heegsma J, Blokzijl H, de Meijer VE, Faber KN. Growth differentiation factor 7 autocrine signaling promotes hepatic progenitor cell expansion in liver fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:288. [PMID: 37798809 PMCID: PMC10557292 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver fibrosis is prevalent among chronic diseases of the liver and represents a major health burden worldwide. Growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the TGFβ protein superfamily, has been recently investigated for its role in repair of injured organs, but its role in chronic liver diseases remains unclear. Here, we examined hepatic GDF7 expression and its association with development and progression of human liver fibrosis. Moreover, we determined the source and target cells of GDF7 in the human liver. METHODS GDF7 expression was analyzed in fibrotic and healthy human liver tissues by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Cell-specific accumulation of GDF7 was examined by immunofluorescence through co-staining of cell type-specific markers on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human liver tissues. Public single cell RNA sequence databases were analyzed for cell type-specific expression of GDF7. In vitro, human liver organoids and LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) were treated with recombinant human GDF7. Human liver organoids were co-cultured with activated LX-2 cells to induce an autocrine signaling circuit of GDF7 in liver organoids. RESULTS GDF7 protein levels were elevated in fibrotic liver tissue, mainly detected in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In line, GDF7 mRNA was mainly detected in liver parenchymal cells. Expressions of BMPR1A and BMPR2, encoding GDF7 receptors, were readily detected in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and stellate cells in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, recombinant GDF7 promoted liver organoid growth and enhanced expression of the progenitor cell markers (LGR5, AXIN2), but failed to activate LX-2 cells. Still, activated LX-2 cells induced GDF7 and LGR5 expression in co-cultured human liver organoids. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study reveals a role of GDF7 in liver fibrosis and suggests a potential pro-regenerative function that can be utilized for amelioration of hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Apostolos Mourtzinos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Wu J, Tian Z, Zhuang X, Chen Y, Fan T, Li J, Wang X. Dynamic alterations in metabolomics and transcriptomics associated with intestinal fibrosis in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced murine model. J Transl Med 2023; 21:554. [PMID: 37592304 PMCID: PMC10436422 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04392-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal fibrosis is a common and severe complication of inflammatory bowel disease without clear pathogenesis. Abnormal expression of host genes and metabolic perturbations might associate with the onset of intestinal fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the development of intestinal fibrosis and the dynamic alterations in both fecal metabolites and host gene expression. METHODS We induced intestinal fibrosis in a murine model using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS-treated or control mice were sacrificed after 4 and 6 weeks of intervention; alterations in colonic genes and fecal metabolites were determined by transcriptomics and metabolomics, respectively. Differential, tendency, enrichment, and correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between host genes and fecal metabolites. RESULTS RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that 679 differential genes with enduring changes were mainly enriched in immune response-related signaling pathways and metabolism-related biological processes. Among them, 15 lipid metabolism-related genes were closely related to the development of intestinal fibrosis. Moreover, the fecal metabolic profile was significantly altered during intestinal fibrosis development, especially the lipid metabolites. Particularly, dynamic perturbations in lipids were strongly associated with alterations in lipid metabolism-related genes expression. Additionally, six dynamically altered metabolites might serve as biomarkers to identify colitis-related intestinal fibrosis in the murine model. CONCLUSIONS Intestinal fibrosis in colitis mice might be related to dynamic changes in gene expression and metabolites. These findings could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyi Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoduan Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiru Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Yokoyama M, Katsumata-Kato O, Fujita-Yoshigaki J. Acinar Cell Proliferation Promoted by BMP2 in Injured Mouse Parotid Gland: BMP2 Promotes Cell Proliferation in Parotid Gland. Int J Dent 2023; 2023:1765317. [PMID: 37033127 PMCID: PMC10081898 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1765317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To identify factors that affect salivary gland recovery, we investigated the expression and function of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in mice. Materials and Methods. Using a micro clip, mice parotid glands were removed 7 days after the ligation of the unilateral parotid excretory duct. Thereafter, they were weighed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and BMP2 expression was examined via real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Primary cultures of parotid glands were prepared, and BMP2 protein was added to the culture medium for 48 hr to examine its effect on cell proliferation. E-cadherin and vimentin expression was examined using western blotting. Finally, immunohistochemical staining using an anti-Ki67 antibody was performed. Results. Duct-ligated parotid glands weighed less than those that were collected after sham surgery and showed acinar cell atrophy. They also showed higher BMP2 expression than control glands. Primary-cultured parotid acinar cells supplemented with BMP2 showed higher proliferative potential than control cells. Furthermore, they showed E-cadherin, but not vimentin, expression, and their percentage of Ki67-positive cells were higher than that corresponding to the controls. Conclusions. Injury to salivary glands by excretory duct ligation increased BMP2 expression, which may be involved in maintaining salivary gland function by inducing acinar cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Yokoyama
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Katsumata-Kato
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan
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Chung YH, Huang GK, Kang CH, Cheng YT, Kao YH, Chien YS. MicroRNA-26a-5p Restoration Ameliorates Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Renal Fibrosis In Mice Through Modulating TGF-β Signaling. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100131. [PMID: 36948295 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic and progressive renal diseases characterized by excessive fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix accumulation, and loss of renal function, eventually leading to end-stage renal diseases. MicroRNA-26a-5p downregulation has been previously noted in the sera of unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO)-injured mice, and exosome-mediated miR-26a-5p reportedly attenuated experimental pulmonary and cardiac fibrosis. This study evaluated the expression patterns of miR-26a in human tissue microarray with kidney fibrosis and in tissues from a mouse model of UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Histological analyses showed that miR-26a-5p was downregulated in human and mouse tissues with renal interstitial nephritis and fibrosis. Moreover, miR-26a-5p restoration by intravenous injection of a mimic agent prominently suppressed the expression of TGF-β1 and its cognate receptors, the inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and inflammatory markers in UUO-injured kidney tissues. In vitro miR-26a-5p mimic delivery significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced activation of cultured rat kidney NRK-49F cells, in terms of downregulation of TGF-β1 receptors, restoration of epithelial marker E-cadherin, and suppression of mesenchymal markers, including vimentin, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin, as well as TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling activity. Our findings identified miR-26a-5p downregulation in kidney tissues from human interstitial nephritis and UUO-induced mouse kidney fibrosis. MiR-26a-5p restoration may exhibit an anti-fibrotic effect through the blockade of both TGF-β and NF-κB signaling axes and is considered a novel therapeutic target for treating obstruction-induced renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Hua Chung
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Gong-Kai Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsiung Kang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Tso Cheng
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Shu Chien
- Division of Nephrology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
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Das S, Mondal A, Dey C, Chakraborty S, Bhowmik R, Karmakar S, Sengupta A. ER stress induces upregulation of transcription factor Tbx20 and downstream Bmp2 signaling to promote cardiomyocyte survival. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103031. [PMID: 36805334 PMCID: PMC10036653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103031] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian heart, fetal cardiomyocytes proliferate prior to birth; however, they exit the cell cycle shortly after birth. Recent studies show that adult cardiomyocytes re-enters the cell cycle postinjury to promote cardiac regeneration. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) orchestrates the production and assembly of different types of proteins, and a disruption in this machinery leads to the generation of ER stress, which activates the unfolded protein response. There is a very fine balance between ER stress-mediated protective and proapoptotic responses. T-box transcription factor 20 (Tbx20) promotes embryonic and adult cardiomyocyte proliferation postinjury to restore cardiac homeostasis. However, the function and regulatory interactions of Tbx20 in ER stress-induced cardiomyopathy have not yet been reported. We show here that ER stress upregulates Tbx20, which activates downstream bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2)-pSmad1/5/8 signaling to induce cardiomyocyte proliferation and limit apoptosis. However, augmenting ER stress reverses this protective response. We also show that increased expression of tbx20 during ER stress is mediated by the activating transcription factor 6 arm of the unfolded protein response. Cardiomyocyte-specific loss of Tbx20 results in decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation and increased apoptosis. Administration of recombinant Bmp2 protein during ER stress upregulates Tbx20 leading to augmented proliferation, indicating a feed-forward loop mechanism. In in vivo ER stress, as well as in diabetic cardiomyopathy, the activity of Tbx20 is increased with concomitant increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and decreased apoptosis. These data support a critical role of Tbx20-Bmp2 signaling in promoting cardiomyocyte survival during ER stress-induced cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Das
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Arunima Mondal
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Chandrani Dey
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Rudranil Bhowmik
- Bioequivalence Study Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Sanmoy Karmakar
- Bioequivalence Study Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
| | - Arunima Sengupta
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
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Genetic Interference of FGFR3 Impedes Invasion of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Cells by Alleviating RAS/MAPK Signal Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021776. [PMID: 36675289 PMCID: PMC9863353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) is a less common disease in Western countries but has a high level of prevalence in Asian populations. Compared to bladder cancer, unique etiologic and genomic factors are involved in UTUC. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) up-regulation has been proposed as a promising target for bladder cancer therapy. In this study, we aimed to profile the expression of FGFR3 in Asian and Caucasian UTUC tissues and to evaluate the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of small interference RNA (siRNA)-mediated FGFR3 silencing in UTUC treatment. The FGFR3 expression levels in renal pelvis tissues and microarray sections from Asian and Caucasian patients with UTUC, respectively, were measured via immunohistochemistry. The BFTC-909 and UM-UC-14 UTUC cell lines were used to examine the effects of FGFR3 silencing on proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression, and signaling machinery. FGFR3 expression increased as the TNM stage increased in both Asian and Caucasian UTUC tumors, and no statistical difference was identified between the two groups. In vitro studies demonstrated that FGFR3 siRNA delivery significantly inhibited proliferation and migration and suppressed the expression of EMT markers and transcription factors in UTUC cells. Mechanistically, FGFR3 silencing alleviated the constitutive expression of RAS and the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling mediators, including ERK1/2 and JNK1/2. FGFR3 silencing elicited an apoptosis-inducing effect similar to that of FGFR inhibition. Conclusion: siRNA-targeted FGFR3 expression may impede the expansion and invasion of UTUC cells by alleviating the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. The genetic interference of FGFR3 expression via siRNA in UTUC cells may constitute a useful therapeutic strategy.
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Pisciotta A, Di Tinco R, Bertani G, Orlandi G, Bertoni L, Pignatti E, Orciani M, Sena P, Bertacchini J, Salvarani C, Carnevale G. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) promote the lipofibroblast transition in the early stage of a fibro-inflammatory process. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1196023. [PMID: 37206922 PMCID: PMC10189147 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1196023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In autoimmune diseases, particularly in systemic sclerosis and chronic periaortitis, a strict correlation between chronic inflammation and fibrosis exists. Since the currently used drugs prove mostly effective in suppressing inflammation, a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms exerted by cell types implicated in fibro-inflammation is needed to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are being matter of deep investigation to unveil their role in the evolution of fibrogenetic process. Several findings pointed out the controversial implication of MSCs in these events, with reports lining at a beneficial effect exerted by external MSCs and others highlighting a direct contribution of resident MSCs in fibrosis progression. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) have demonstrated to hold promise as potential therapeutic tools due to their immunomodulatory properties, which strongly support their contribution to tissue regeneration. Methods: Our present study evaluated hDPSCs response to a fibro-inflammatory microenvironment, mimicked in vitro by a transwell co-culture system with human dermal fibroblasts, at early and late culture passages, in presence of TGF-β1, a master promoter of fibrogenesis. Results and Discussion: We observed that hDPSCs, exposed to acute fibro-inflammatory stimuli, promote a myofibroblast-to-lipofibroblast transition, likely based on BMP2 dependent pathways. Conversely, when a chronic fibro-inflammatory microenvironment is generated, hDPSCs reduce their anti-fibrotic effect and acquire a pro-fibrotic phenotype. These data provide the basis for further investigations on the response of hDPSCs to varying fibro-inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pisciotta
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Pisciotta,
| | - Rosanna Di Tinco
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Orlandi
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Bertoni
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Pignatti
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Monia Orciani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Sena
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Rheumatology, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Carnevale
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Ding M, Huang Z, Wang X, Liu X, Xu L, Chen P, Liu J, Liu Y, Guan H, Chu Y, Liu H. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans-mediated targeted delivery of TGF-β1-binding peptide to liver for improved anti-liver fibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:1516-1525. [PMID: 35452701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.085] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Elevated expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, thus attenuating the excessive TGF-β1's activity by TGF-β1-binding peptide is an ideal strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. However, the application of small peptide as a pharmaceutical agent is obstacle due to difficult preparation and non-selective delivery. The I-plus sequences of circumsporozoite protein (CSP-I) possesses high affinity for heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which are primarily located on liver tissues. TGF-β1-binding peptide P15 holds specific ability of binding to TGF-β1. In this study, we describe an approach to efficiently preparing liver-targeting peptide P15-CSP-I, which is conjugation of the sequences of P15 to the N-terminus of CSP-I, from the cleavage of biological macromolecule SUMO-tagged P15-CSP-I. In vitro and ex vivo binding assay showed that P15-CSP-I specifically targeted to the hepatocytes and liver tissues. Moreover, P15-CSP-I inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and decreased fibrosis-related proteins expression in TGF-β1-activated HSCs in vitro. Furthermore, P15-CSP-I ameliorated liver morphology and decreased the fibrosis responses in vivo. Taken together, P15-CSP-I may be a potential candidate for targeting therapy on liver fibrosis due to its high efficient preparation, specific liver-targeting potential and improved anti-liver fibrotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglu Ding
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China; Department of Pediatrics Nursing, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China; Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China.
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Liming Xu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Peijian Chen
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Jieting Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Yong Liu
- Medical Research Center, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Huilin Guan
- Medical Research Center, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Yanhui Chu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China; Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, PR China.
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11
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Marañón P, Fernández-García CE, Isaza SC, Rey E, Gallego-Durán R, Montero-Vallejo R, de Cía JR, Ampuero J, Romero-Gómez M, García-Monzón C, González-Rodríguez Á. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 is a new molecular target linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with potential value as non-invasive screening tool. Biomark Res 2022; 10:35. [PMID: 35614516 PMCID: PMC9131682 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, being non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) its most clinically relevant form. Given the risks associated with taking a liver biopsy, the design of accurate non-invasive methods to identify NASH patients is of upmost importance. BMP2 plays a key role in metabolic homeostasis; however, little is known about its involvement in NAFLD onset and progression. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of BMP2 in NAFLD pathophysiology. METHODS Hepatic and circulating levels of BMP2 were quantified in serum and liver specimens from 115 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 75 subjects with histologically normal liver (NL). In addition, BMP2 content and release was determined in cultured human hepatocytes upon palmitic acid (PA) overload. RESULTS We found that BMP2 expression was abnormally increased in livers from NAFLD patients than in subjects with NL and this was reflected in higher serum BMP2 levels. Notably, we observed that PA upregulated BMP2 expression and secretion by human hepatocytes. An algorithm based on serum BMP2 levels and clinically relevant variables to NAFLD showed an AUROC of 0.886 (95%CI, 0.83-0.94) to discriminate NASH. We used this algorithm to develop SAN (Screening Algorithm for NASH): a SAN < 0.2 implied a low risk and a SAN ≥ 0.6 indicated high risk of NASH diagnosis. CONCLUSION This proof-of-concept study shows BMP2 as a new molecular target linked to NAFLD and introduces SAN as a simple and efficient algorithm to screen individuals at risk for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Marañón
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Ernesto Fernández-García
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephania C Isaza
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Rey
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Gallego-Durán
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/CSIC/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Montero-Vallejo
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/CSIC/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez de Cía
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/CSIC/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla/CSIC/Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmelo García-Monzón
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Águeda González-Rodríguez
- Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Risk Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Maestro Vives 2, 28009, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain. .,Present address: Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (Centro Mixto CSIC-UAM), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Chung YH, Cheng YT, Kao YH, Tsai WC, Huang GK, Chen YT, Shen YC, Tai MH, Chiang PH. MiR-26a-5p as a useful therapeutic target for upper tract urothelial carcinoma by regulating WNT5A/β-catenin signaling. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6955. [PMID: 35484165 PMCID: PMC9050734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08091-6] [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: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of miRNAs in cancer and their possible function as therapeutic agents are interesting and needed further investigation. The miR-26a-5p had been demonstrated as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. However, the importance of miR-26a-5p regulation in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the miR-26a-5p expression in UTUC tissues and to identify its regulatory targets and signal network involved in UTUC tumorigenesis. The miR-26a-5p expression was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using renal pelvis tissue samples from 22 patients who were diagnosed with UTUC and 64 cases of renal pelvis tissue microarray using in situ hybridization staining. BFTC-909 UTUC cells were used to examine the effects of miR-26a-5p genetic delivery on proliferation, migration and expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. MiR-26a-5p was significantly down-regulated in UTUC tumors compared to adjacent normal tissue and was decreased with histological grades. Moreover, restoration of miR-26a-5p showed inhibition effects on proliferation and migration of BFTC-909 cells. In addition, miR-26a-5p delivery regulated the EMT marker expression and inhibited WNT5A/β-catenin signaling and expression of downstream molecules including NF-κB and MMP-9 in BFTC-909 cells. This study demonstrated that miR-26a-5p restoration may reverse EMT process and regulate WNT5A/β-catenin signaling in UTUC cells. Further studies warranted to explore the potential roles in biomarkers for diagnostics and prognosis, as well as novel therapeutics targets for UTUC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Hua Chung
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuan-Tso Cheng
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Chi Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Gong-Kai Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yen-Ta Chen
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yuan-Chi Shen
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Hong Tai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Po-Hui Chiang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan, ROC.
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13
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Xiao Y, Li P, Lu X. Experimental Study on the Effect of miR-200b Regulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-2 Expression on the Proliferation and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BMP is an important member of the skeletal junction proteins associated with cell invasion, metastasis, and migration. MiR-200b is associated with the progression of several tumors. This study investigated whether miR-200b plays a role in regulating BMP-2 expression and affecting the
proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues with different TNM stages were collected and the proliferative nasal tissues alone were used as controls to detect the expression of miR-200b and BMP by RT-PCR. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell
line CNE1 cells were divided into miR-NC group, miR-200b mimic group, siRNA-NC group, and siRNA-BMP-2 group, to detect BMP-2 level, cell invasion and proliferation ability by transwell. The BMP-2 mRNA expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was significantly elevated compared to controls
and correlated with TNM stage. BMP-2 was higher in tumor tissues than in controls, however, the expression profile of miR-200b was opposite to BMP-2. Transfection with miR-200b mimic or siRNA-BMP-2 significantly down-regulated BMP-2 in CNE1 cells and attenuated cell invasive and proliferative
capacity. Reduced expression of miR-200b is associated with elevated BMP-2 expression and increased invasive capacity of nasopharyngeal cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-200b reduces the invasive and proliferative capacity of nasopharyngeal cancer cells by targeting and inhibiting BMP-2
expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430050, China
| | - Peiei Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430050, China
| | - Xiaoming Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wuhan Fifth Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430050, China
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14
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Lee MS, Stebbins MJ, Jiao H, Huang HC, Leiferman EM, Walczak BE, Palecek SP, Shusta EV, Li WJ. Comparative evaluation of isogenic mesodermal and ectomesodermal chondrocytes from human iPSCs for cartilage regeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf0907. [PMID: 34138734 PMCID: PMC8133756 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Generating phenotypic chondrocytes from pluripotent stem cells is of great interest in the field of cartilage regeneration. In this study, we differentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells into the mesodermal and ectomesodermal lineages to prepare isogenic mesodermal cell-derived chondrocytes (MC-Chs) and neural crest cell-derived chondrocytes (NCC-Chs), respectively, for comparative evaluation. Our results showed that both MC-Chs and NCC-Chs expressed hyaline cartilage-associated markers and were capable of generating hyaline cartilage-like tissue ectopically and at joint defects. Moreover, NCC-Chs revealed closer morphological and transcriptional similarities to native articular chondrocytes than MC-Chs. NCC-Ch implants induced by our growth factor mixture demonstrated increased matrix production and stiffness compared to MC-Ch implants. Our findings address how chondrocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells through mesodermal and ectomesodermal differentiation are different in activities and functions, providing the crucial information that helps make appropriate cell choices for effective regeneration of articular cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Song Lee
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Matthew J Stebbins
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Hongli Jiao
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Hui-Ching Huang
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ellen M Leiferman
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Brian E Walczak
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Wan-Ju Li
- Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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15
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Baboota RK, Blüher M, Smith U. Emerging Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 in Metabolic Disorders. Diabetes 2021; 70:303-312. [PMID: 33472940 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of signaling molecules that belong to the TGF-β superfamily. Initially discovered for their ability to induce bone formation, BMPs are known to play a diverse and critical array of biological roles. We here focus on recent evidence showing that BMP4 is an important regulator of white/beige adipogenic differentiation with important consequences for thermogenesis, energy homeostasis, and development of obesity in vivo. BMP4 is highly expressed in, and released by, human adipose tissue, and serum levels are increased in obesity. Recent studies have now shown BMP4 to play an important role not only for white/beige/brown adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis but also in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. It also has important suppressive effects on hepatic glucose production and lipid metabolism. Cellular BMP4 signaling/action is regulated by both ambient cell/systemic levels and several endogenous and systemic BMP antagonists. Reduced BMP4 signaling/action can contribute to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and associated metabolic disorders. In this article, we summarize the pleiotropic functions of BMP4 in the pathophysiology of these diseases and also consider the therapeutic implications of targeting BMP4 in the prevention/treatment of obesity and its associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh K Baboota
- The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), Helmholtz Zentrum München, University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulf Smith
- The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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16
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TGF-β Pathway in Salivary Gland Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239138. [PMID: 33266300 PMCID: PMC7730716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is presented in various physiologic and pathologic conditions of the salivary gland. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in several organs, including the salivary glands. Among the TGF-β superfamily members, TGF-β1 and 2 are pro-fibrotic ligands, whereas TGF-β3 and some bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are anti-fibrotic ligands. TGF-β1 is thought to be associated with the pro-fibrotic pathogenesis of sialadenitis, post-radiation salivary gland dysfunction, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Potential therapeutic strategies that target multiple levels in the TGF-β pathway are under preclinical and clinical research for fibrosis. Despite the anti-fibrotic effect of BMPs, their in vivo delivery poses a challenge in terms of adequate clinical efficacy. In this article, we will review the relevance of TGF-β signaling in salivary gland fibrosis and advances of potential therapeutic options in the field.
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17
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Huang X, Wang L, Meng M, Zhang S, Pham TTH, Jiang L, Chen L, Li Y, Zhou X, Qin L, Wu X, Zou C, Huang R. Extract of Averrhoacarambola L. (Oxalidaceae) roots ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 121:109516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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18
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Dewidar B, Meyer C, Dooley S, Meindl-Beinker N. TGF-β in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrogenesis-Updated 2019. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111419. [PMID: 31718044 PMCID: PMC6912224 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an advanced liver disease condition, which could progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, there is no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment is mainly the removal of the causative factor. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a master profibrogenic cytokine and a promising target to treat fibrosis. However, TGF-β has broad biological functions and its inhibition induces non-desirable side effects, which override therapeutic benefits. Therefore, understanding the pleiotropic effects of TGF-β and its upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms will help to design better TGF-β based therapeutics. Here, we summarize recent discoveries and milestones on the TGF-β signaling pathway related to liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, emphasizing research of the last five years. This comprises impact of TGF-β on liver fibrogenesis related biological processes, such as senescence, metabolism, reactive oxygen species generation, epigenetics, circadian rhythm, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. We also describe the influence of the microenvironment on the response of HSC to TGF-β. Finally, we discuss new approaches to target the TGF-β pathway, name current clinical trials, and explain promises and drawbacks that deserve to be adequately addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Nadja Meindl-Beinker
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-4983; Fax: +49-621-383-1467
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19
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Dituri F, Cossu C, Mancarella S, Giannelli G. The Interactivity between TGFβ and BMP Signaling in Organogenesis, Fibrosis, and Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:E1130. [PMID: 31547567 PMCID: PMC6829314 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) and Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) pathways intersect at multiple signaling hubs and cooperatively or counteractively participate to bring about cellular processes which are critical not only for tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis during development, but also for adult tissue homeostasis. The proper functioning of the TGFβ/BMP pathway depends on its communication with other signaling pathways and any deregulation leads to developmental defects or diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. In this review we explore the cellular and physio-pathological contexts in which the synergism or antagonism between the TGFβ and BMP pathways are crucial determinants for the normal developmental processes, as well as the progression of fibrosis and malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carla Cossu
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. De Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
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20
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Bradford STJ, Ranghini EJ, Grimley E, Lee PH, Dressler GR. High-throughput screens for agonists of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling identify potent benzoxazole compounds. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:3125-3136. [PMID: 30602563 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is critical in renal development and disease. In animal models of chronic kidney disease (CKD), re-activation of BMP signaling is reported to be protective by promoting renal repair and regeneration. Clinical use of recombinant BMPs, however, requires harmful doses to achieve efficacy and is costly because of BMPs' complex synthesis. Therefore, alternative strategies are needed to harness the beneficial effects of BMP signaling in CKD. Key aspects of the BMP signaling pathway can be regulated by both extracellular and intracellular molecules. In particular, secreted proteins like noggin and chordin inhibit BMP activity, whereas kielin/chordin-like proteins (KCP) enhance it and attenuate kidney fibrosis or CKD. Clinical development of KCP, however, is precluded by its size and complexity. Therefore, we propose an alternative strategy to enhance BMP signaling by using small molecules, which are simpler to synthesize and more cost-effective. To address our objective, here we developed a small-molecule high-throughput screen (HTS) with human renal cells having an integrated luciferase construct highly responsive to BMPs. We demonstrate the activity of a potent benzoxazole compound, sb4, that rapidly stimulated BMP signaling in these cells. Activation of BMP signaling by sb4 increased the phosphorylation of key second messengers (SMAD-1/5/9) and also increased expression of direct target genes (inhibitors of DNA binding, Id1 and Id3) in canonical BMP signaling. Our results underscore the feasibility of utilizing HTS to identify compounds that mimic key downstream events of BMP signaling in renal cells and have yielded a lead BMP agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayna T J Bradford
- From the Department of Pathology and.,the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, and
| | | | - Edward Grimley
- From the Department of Pathology and.,the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, School of Medicine, and
| | - Pil H Lee
- the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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Huang YH, Kuo HC, Yang YL, Wang FS. MicroRNA-29a is a key regulon that regulates BRD4 and mitigates liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:212-220. [PMID: 30745801 PMCID: PMC6367521 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.29930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-29a is a key regulon that regulates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and mitigates liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which it does so remains largely undefined. The inhibition of bromodomain-4 protein (BRD4) represents a novel therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the miR-29a regulation of BRD4 signaling in a bile duct-ligation (BDL) animal model with regard to developing cholestatic liver fibrosis. Hepatic tissue in miR-29a transgenic mice (miR-29aTg mice) displayed weak fibrotic matrix, as shown by α-smooth muscle actin staining within affected tissues compared to wild-type mice. miR-29a overexpression reduced the BDL exaggeration of BRD4 and SNAI1 expression. Increased miR-29a signaling caused the downregulation of EZH2, MeCP2, and SNAI1, as well as the upregulation of PPAR-γ expression, in primary HSCs. We further demonstrated that the administration of JQ1, a BRD4 inhibitor, could inhibit BRD4, C-MYC, EZH2, and SNAI1 expression, while both JQ1 and a miR-29a mimic could inhibit the migration and proliferation of HSCs. In short, our research demonstrates that miR-29a negatively regulates HSC activation by inhibiting BRD4 and EZH2 function, thus making it a promising target for the pharmacologic treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hsien Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chun Kuo
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Reseach Fellow, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.,Research Center for Industry of Human Ecology and Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, CGUST, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ling Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 833
| | - Feng-Sheng Wang
- Core Laboratory for Phenomics & Diagnostics, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 833
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