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Meng P, Liu C, Li J, Fang P, Yang B, Sun W, Zhang Y. CXC chemokine receptor 7 ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting β-catenin signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tubular epithelial cells. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2300727. [PMID: 38189094 PMCID: PMC10776045 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2023.2300727] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common feature of various chronic kidney diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) family plays a role in renal fibrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CXCR7 in mediating renal fibrosis. CXCR7 expression is decreased in unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse models. Furthermore, CXCR7 was specifically expressed primarily in the Lotus Tetragonolobus Lectin-expressing segment of tubules, was slightly expressed in the peanut agglutinin-expressing segment, and was barely expressed in the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin-expressing segment. Administration of pFlag-CXCR7, an overexpression plasmid for CXCR7, significantly inhibited the activation of β-catenin signaling and protected against the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in a UIRI mouse model. Using cultured HKC-8 cells, we found that CXCR7 significantly downregulated the expression of active β-catenin and fibrosis-related markers, including fibronectin, Collagen I, and α-SMA. Furthermore, CXCR7 significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced changes in β-catenin signaling, EMT and fibrosis. These results suggest that CXCR7 plays a crucial role in inhibiting the activation of β-catenin signaling and the progression of EMT and renal fibrosis. Thus, CXCR7 could be a novel therapeutic target for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Meng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunli Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Al Saihati HA, Badr OA, Dessouky AA, Mostafa O, Samir Farid A, Aborayah NH, Abdullah Aljasir M, Baioumy B, Mahmoud Taha N, El-Sherbiny M, Hamed Al-Serwi R, Ramadan MM, Salim RF, Shaheen D, E M Ali F, Ebrahim N. Exploring the cytoprotective role of mesenchymal stem Cell-Derived exosomes in chronic liver Fibrosis: Insights into the Nrf2/Keap1/p62 signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112934. [PMID: 39178516 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathology present in most chronic liver diseases. Autophagy is a lysosome-mediated intracellular catabolic and recycling process that plays an essential role in maintaining normal hepatic functions. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor responsible for the regulation of cellular anti-oxidative stress response. This study was designed to assess the cytoprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) on endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Carbon Tetrachloride (CCL4) induced liver fibrosis. Rats were treated with 0.1 ml of CCL4 twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by administration of a single dose of MSC-exos. Rats were then sacrificed after 4 weeks, and liver samples were collected for gene expression analyses, Western blot, histological studies, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. Our results showed that MSC-exos administration decreased collagen deposition, apoptosis, and inflammation. Exosomes modulate the Nrf2/Keap1/p62 pathway, restoring autophagy and Nrf2 levels through modulation of the non-canonical pathway of Nrf2/Keap1/p62. Additionally, MSC-exos regulated miR-153-3p, miR-27a, miR-144 and miRNA-34a expression. In conclusion, the present study shed light on MSC-exos as a cytoprotective agent against EMT and tumorigenesis in chronic liver inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajir A Al Saihati
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hafr Albatin, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Omnia A Badr
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt.
| | - Arigue A Dessouky
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519 Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Ola Mostafa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.
| | - Ayman Samir Farid
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt.
| | - Nashwa H Aborayah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt, Department of Pharmacology, Mutah University, Mutah 61710, Jordan.
| | - Mohammad Abdullah Aljasir
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Bodour Baioumy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.
| | | | - Mohamed El-Sherbiny
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Rasha Hamed Al-Serwi
- Department of Basic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mahmoud M Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah City, United Arab Emirates; Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, Egypt.
| | - Rabab F Salim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha Universit, Egypt.
| | - Dalia Shaheen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nesrine Ebrahim
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Stem Cell Unit, Egypt.
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3
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Jeong JY, Bafor AE, Freeman BH, Chen PR, Park ES, Kim E. Pathophysiology in Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Focus on Endothelial Dysfunctions and Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1795. [PMID: 39200259 PMCID: PMC11351371 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081795] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) substantially increase the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the treatment options for bAVMs are severely limited, primarily relying on invasive methods that carry their own risks for intraoperative hemorrhage or even death. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical agents shown to treat this condition, primarily due to a poor understanding of bAVM pathophysiology. For the last decade, bAVM research has made significant advances, including the identification of novel genetic mutations and relevant signaling in bAVM development. However, bAVM pathophysiology is still largely unclear. Further investigation is required to understand the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, which will enable the development of safer and more effective treatment options. Endothelial cells (ECs), the cells that line the vascular lumen, are integral to the pathogenesis of bAVMs. Understanding the fundamental role of ECs in pathological conditions is crucial to unraveling bAVM pathophysiology. This review focuses on the current knowledge of bAVM-relevant signaling pathways and dysfunctions in ECs, particularly the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eunhee Kim
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (J.Y.J.); (A.E.B.); (B.H.F.); (P.R.C.); (E.S.P.)
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4
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Singh A, Bhatt KS, Nguyen HC, Frisbee JC, Singh KK. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6180. [PMID: 38892367 PMCID: PMC11173124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Under different pathophysiological conditions, endothelial cells lose endothelial phenotype and gain mesenchymal cell-like phenotype via a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). At the molecular level, endothelial cells lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific markers such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and gain the expression of mesenchymal cell markers such as α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, and collagens. EndMT is induced by numerous different pathways triggered and modulated by multiple different and often redundant mechanisms in a context-dependent manner depending on the pathophysiological status of the cell. EndMT plays an essential role in embryonic development, particularly in atrioventricular valve development; however, EndMT is also implicated in the pathogenesis of several genetically determined and acquired diseases, including malignant, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Among cardiovascular diseases, aberrant EndMT is reported in atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, fibroelastosis, and cardiac fibrosis. Accordingly, understanding the mechanisms behind the cause and/or effect of EndMT to eventually target EndMT appears to be a promising strategy for treating aberrant EndMT-associated diseases. However, this approach is limited by a lack of precise functional and molecular pathways, causes and/or effects, and a lack of robust animal models and human data about EndMT in different diseases. Here, we review different mechanisms in EndMT and the role of EndMT in various cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Singh
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Kriti S. Bhatt
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Hien C. Nguyen
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Jefferson C. Frisbee
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Krishna K. Singh
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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5
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Laiva AL, O'Brien FJ, Keogh MB. Dual delivery gene-activated scaffold directs fibroblast activity and keratinocyte epithelization. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016104. [PMID: 38283135 PMCID: PMC10821797 DOI: 10.1063/5.0174122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the most abundant cell type in dermal skin and keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis; both play a crucial role in wound remodeling and maturation. We aim to assess the functionality of a novel dual gene activated scaffold (GAS) on human adult dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) and see how the secretome produced could affect human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMVECs) and human epidermal keratinocyte (hEKs) growth and epithelization. Our GAS is a collagen chondroitin sulfate scaffold loaded with pro-angiogenic stromal derived factor (SDF-1α) and/or an anti-aging β-Klotho plasmids. hDFs were grown on GAS for two weeks and compared to gene-free scaffolds. GAS produced a significantly better healing outcome in the fibroblasts than in the gene-free scaffold group. Among the GAS groups, the dual GAS induced the most potent pro-regenerative maturation in fibroblasts with a downregulation in proliferation (twofold, p < 0.05), fibrotic remodeling regulators TGF-β1 (1.43-fold, p < 0.01) and CTGF (1.4-fold, p < 0.05), fibrotic cellular protein α-SMA (twofold, p < 0.05), and fibronectin matrix deposition (twofold, p < 0.05). The dual GAS secretome also showed enhancements of paracrine keratinocyte pro-epithelializing ability (1.3-fold, p < 0.05); basement membrane regeneration through laminin (6.4-fold, p < 0.005) and collagen IV (8.7-fold, p < 0.005) deposition. Our findings demonstrate enhanced responses in dual GAS containing hDFs by proangiogenic SDF-1α and β-Klotho anti-fibrotic rejuvenating activities. This was demonstrated by activating hDFs on dual GAS to become anti-fibrotic in nature while eliciting wound repair basement membrane proteins; enhancing a proangiogenic HDMVECs paracrine signaling and greater epithelisation of hEKs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael B. Keogh
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +973 17351450
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6
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Gaikwad AV, Eapen MS, Dey S, Bhattarai P, Shahzad AM, Chia C, Jaffar J, Westall G, Sutherland D, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Lu W, Sohal SS. TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-Catenin Are Augmented in the Pulmonary Arteries from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Role in Driving Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT). J Clin Med 2024; 13:1160. [PMID: 38398472 PMCID: PMC10888973 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041160] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: We have previously reported that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an active process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) contributing to arterial remodelling. Here, we aim to quantify drivers of EndMT in IPF patients compared to normal controls (NCs). Methods: Lung resections from thirteen IPF patients and eleven NCs were immunohistochemically stained for EndMT drivers, including TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin. Intima, media, and adventitia were analysed for expression of each EndMT driver in pulmonary arteries. Computer- and microscope-assisted Image ProPlus7.0 image analysis software was used for quantifications. Results: Significant TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin expression was apparent across all arterial sizes in IPF (p < 0.05). Intimal TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin were augmented in the arterial range of 100-1000 μm (p < 0.001) compared to NC. Intimal TGF-β1 and β-catenin percentage expression showed a strong correlation with the percentage expression of intimal vimentin (r' = 0.54, p = 0.05 and r' = 0.61, p = 0.02, respectively) and intimal N-cadherin (r' = 0.62, p = 0.03 and r' = 0.70, p = 0.001, respectively). Intimal TGF-β1 and β-catenin expression were significantly correlated with increased intimal thickness as well (r' = 0.52, p = 0.04; r' = 0.052, p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, intimal TGF-β1 expression was also significantly associated with increased intimal elastin deposition (r' = 0.79, p = 0.002). Furthermore, total TGF-β1 expression significantly impacted the percentage of DLCO (r' = -0.61, p = 0.03). Conclusions: This is the first study to illustrate the involvement of active TGF-β/Smad-2/3-dependent and β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling pathways in driving EndMT and resultant pulmonary arterial remodelling in patients with IPF. EndMT is a potential therapeutic target for vascular remodelling and fibrosis in general in patients with IPF.
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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, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, 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, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Prem Bhattarai
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Affan Mahmood Shahzad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Jade Jaffar
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Glen Westall
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Darren Sutherland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, 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, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
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7
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Benny M, Sharma M, Kulandavelu S, Chen P, Tian R, Ballengee S, Huang J, Levine AF, Claure M, Schmidt AF, Vazquez-Padron RI, Rodrigues CO, Wu S, Velazquez OC, Young KC. Protective role of CXCR7 activation in neonatal hyperoxia-induced systemic vascular remodeling and cardiovascular dysfunction in juvenile rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19538. [PMID: 37945645 PMCID: PMC10636097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46422-3] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hyperoxia induces long-term systemic vascular stiffness and cardiovascular remodeling, but the mechanisms are unclear. Chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) represents a key regulator of vascular homeostasis and repair by modulating TGF-β1 signaling. This study investigated whether pharmacological CXCR7 agonism prevents neonatal hyperoxia-induced systemic vascular stiffness and cardiac dysfunction in juvenile rats. Newborn Sprague Dawley rat pups assigned to room air or hyperoxia (85% oxygen), received CXCR7 agonist, TC14012 or placebo for 3 weeks. These rat pups were maintained in room air until 6 weeks when aortic pulse wave velocity doppler, cardiac echocardiography, aortic and left ventricular (LV) fibrosis were assessed. Neonatal hyperoxia induced systemic vascular stiffness and cardiac dysfunction in 6-week-old rats. This was associated with decreased aortic and LV CXCR7 expression. Early treatment with TC14012, partially protected against neonatal hyperoxia-induced systemic vascular stiffness and improved LV dysfunction and fibrosis in juvenile rats by decreasing TGF-β1 expression. In vitro, hyperoxia-exposed human umbilical arterial endothelial cells and coronary artery endothelial cells had increased TGF-β1 levels. However, treatment with TC14012 significantly reduced the TGF-β1 levels. These results suggest that dysregulation of endothelial CXCR7 signaling may contribute to neonatal hyperoxia-induced systemic vascular stiffness and cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merline Benny
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Mayank Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Shathiyah Kulandavelu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - PingPing Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Runxia Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sydne Ballengee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jiang Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Amanda F Levine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matteo Claure
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Augusto F Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Claudia O Rodrigues
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Shu Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Omaida C Velazquez
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Karen C Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10Th Avenue, RM-344, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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8
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Chen WC, Yu WK, Su VYF, Hsu HS, Yang KY. NLRP3 Inflammasome Activates Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Focal Adhesion Kinase Pathway in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15813. [PMID: 37958797 PMCID: PMC10648980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has poor clinical outcomes despite antifibrotic treatment. The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat-containing receptor, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) were shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the detailed mechanism is unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the regulation of EndoMT in pulmonary fibrosis. The inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome via a caspase-1 inhibitor, Ac-YVAD-cmk (YVAD), was intraperitoneally administered to male C57BL/6 mice (8-12 weeks old) one hour before bleomycin intratracheal injection (1.5 U/kg). Immunohistochemical staining, Masson's trichrome staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting were used to assess the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome and EndoMT in lung samples from mice. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were used as a model of EndoMT in vitro with YVAD and bleomycin stimulation. We observed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and EndoMT (decreased vascular endothelial cadherin with increased alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin) in the lung samples after bleomycin. However, inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome significantly reduces EndoMT via inhibiting focal adhesion kinase (FAK). In vitro studies also confirmed these findings. In conclusion, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition could reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis via the regulation of EndoMT by the FAK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chih Chen
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-C.C.); (H.-S.H.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-K.Y.); (V.Y.-F.S.)
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Kuang Yu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-K.Y.); (V.Y.-F.S.)
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Vincent Yi-Fong Su
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-K.Y.); (V.Y.-F.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Han-Shui Hsu
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-C.C.); (H.-S.H.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-K.Y.); (V.Y.-F.S.)
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Yao Yang
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-C.C.); (H.-S.H.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (W.-K.Y.); (V.Y.-F.S.)
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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9
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Zhao W, Wang L, Yang J, Chen X, Guo X, Xu K, Wang N, Zhao W, Xia C, Lian H, Rosas I, Yu G. Endothelial cell-derived MMP19 promotes pulmonary fibrosis by inducing E(nd)MT and monocyte infiltration. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:56. [PMID: 36915092 PMCID: PMC10009991 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in remodeling the extracellular matrix and in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MMP19, which is an MMP, was significantly upregulated in hyperplastic alveolar epithelial cells in IPF lung tissues and promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent studies have demonstrated that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (E(nd)MT) contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of MMP19 in pulmonary vascular injury and repair and E(nd)MT remains unclear. METHODS To determine the role of MMP19 in E(nd)MT and pulmonary fibrosis. MMP19 expressions were determined in the lung endothelial cells of IPF patients and bleomycin (BLM)-induced mice. The roles of MMP19 in E(nd)MT and endothelial barrier permeability were studied in the MMP19 cDNA-transfected primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and MMP19 adenoassociated virus (MMP19-AAV)-infected mice. The regulatory mechanism of MMP19 in pulmonary fibrosis was elucidated by blocking its interacting proteins SDF1 and ET1 with AMD3100 and Bosentan, respectively. RESULTS In this study, we found that MMP19 expression was significantly increased in the lung endothelial cells of IPF patients and BLM-induced mice compared to the control groups. MMP19 promoted E(nd)MT and the migration and permeability of HPMECs in vitro, stimulated monocyte infiltration into the alveolus, and aggravated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. SDF1 and Endothelin-1 (ET1) were physically associated with MMP19 in HPMECs and colocalized with MMP19 in endothelial cells in IPF patient lung tissues. AMD3100 and bosentan alleviated the fibrosis induced by MMP19 in the BLM mouse model. CONCLUSION MMP19 promoted E(nd)MT by interacting with ET1 and stimulated monocyte infiltration into lung tissues via the SDF1/CXCR4 axis, thus aggravating BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Vascular integrity regulated by MMP19 could be a promising therapeutic target for suppressing pulmonary fibrosis. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Juntang Yang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoshu Guo
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Ningdan Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Wenyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Cong Xia
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Hui Lian
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Ivan Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
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10
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Song BW, Kim S, Kim R, Jeong S, Moon H, Kim H, Vasileva EA, Mishchenko NP, Fedoreyev SA, Stonik VA, Lee MY, Kim J, Kim HK, Han J, Chang W. Regulation of Inflammation-Mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition with Echinochrome a for Improving Myocardial Dysfunction. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:756. [PMID: 36547903 PMCID: PMC9781361 DOI: 10.3390/md20120756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a process by which endothelial cells (ECs) transition into mesenchymal cells (e.g., myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells) and induce fibrosis of cells/tissues, due to ischemic conditions in the heart. Previously, we reported that echinochrome A (EchA) derived from sea urchin shells can modulate cardiovascular disease by promoting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; however, the mechanism underlying these effects was unclear. We investigated the role of EchA in the EndMT process by treating human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) with TGF-β2 and IL-1β, and confirmed the regulation of cell migration, inflammatory, oxidative responses and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, we developed an EndMT-induced myocardial infarction (MI) model to investigate the effect of EchA in vivo. After EchA was administered once a day for a total of 3 days, the histological and functional improvement of the myocardium was investigated to confirm the control of the EndMT. We concluded that EchA negatively regulates early or inflammation-related EndMT and reduces the myofibroblast proportion and fibrosis area, meaning that it may be a potential therapy for cardiac regeneration or cardioprotection from scar formation and cardiac fibrosis due to tissue granulation. Our findings encourage the study of marine bioactive compounds for the discovery of new therapeutics for recovering ischemic cardiac injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Wook Song
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ran Kim
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongtae Jeong
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanbyeol Moon
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojin Kim
- Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Elena A. Vasileva
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Natalia P. Mishchenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Sergey A. Fedoreyev
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Valentin A. Stonik
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Min Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Life Systems, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung Kyu Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutic Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
| | - Woochul Chang
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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11
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Kiselevskiy MV, Anisimova NY, Bilan MI, Usov AI, Ustyuzhanina NE, Petkevich AA, Shubina IZ, Morozevich GE, Nifantiev NE. Prospects for the Use of Marine Sulfated Fucose-Rich Polysaccharides in Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022; 48:1109-1122. [PMID: 36325402 PMCID: PMC9584273 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162022060152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Symptoms of the new coronavirus infection that appeared in 2019 (COVID-19) range from low fever and fatigue to acute pneumonia and multiple organ failure. The clinical picture of COVID-19 is heterogeneous and involves most physiological systems; therefore, drugs with a wide spectrum of mechanism of action are required. The choice of the treatment strategy for post-COVID-19 syndrome is still a challenge to be resolved. Polysaccharides with a high fucose content derived from seaweed and marine animals can form the basis for the subsequent development of promising agents for the treatment of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome. This class of biopolymers is characterized by a variety of biological activities, including antiviral, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, hemo-stimulating, anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory. Low molecular weight derivatives of these polysaccharides, as well as synthetic oligosaccharides with a sufficient amount and sulfation type may be considered as the most promising compounds due to their better bioavailability, which undoubtedly increases their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. V. Kiselevskiy
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115552 Moscow, Russia
| | - N. Yu. Anisimova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115552 Moscow, Russia
| | - M. I. Bilan
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. I. Usov
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - N. E. Ustyuzhanina
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - A. A. Petkevich
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115552 Moscow, Russia
| | - I. Zh. Shubina
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115552 Moscow, Russia
| | - G. E. Morozevich
- Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - N. E. Nifantiev
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Van Loy T, De Jonghe S, Castermans K, Dheedene W, Stoop R, Verschuren L, Versele M, Chaltin P, Luttun A, Schols D. Stimulation of the atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) by a small-molecule agonist attenuates fibrosis in a preclinical liver but not lung injury model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:293. [PMID: 35562519 PMCID: PMC9106635 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3, formerly CXC chemokine receptor 7) is a G protein-coupled receptor that recruits β-arrestins, but is devoid of functional G protein signaling after receptor stimulation. In preclinical models of liver and lung fibrosis, ACKR3 was previously shown to be upregulated after acute injury in liver sinusoidal and pulmonary capillary endothelial cells, respectively. This upregulation was linked with a pro-regenerative and anti-fibrotic role for ACKR3. A recently described ACKR3-targeting small molecule agonist protected mice from isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis. Here, we aimed to evaluate its protective role in preclinical models of liver and lung fibrosis. After confirming its in vitro pharmacological activity (i.e., ACKR3-mediated β-arrestin recruitment and receptor binding), in vivo administration of this ACKR3 agonist led to increased mouse CXCL12 plasma levels, indicating in vivo interaction of the agonist with ACKR3. Whereas twice daily in vivo administration of the ACKR3 agonist lacked inhibitory effect on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, it had a modest, but significant anti-fibrotic effect in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis model. In the latter model, ACKR3 stimulation affected the expression of several fibrosis-related genes and led to reduced collagen content as determined by picro-sirius red staining and hydroxyproline quantification. These data confirm that ACKR3 agonism, at least to some extent, attenuates fibrosis, although this effect is rather modest and heterogeneous across various tissue types. Stimulating ACKR3 alone without intervening in other signaling pathways involved in the multicellular crosstalk leading to fibrosis will, therefore, most likely not be sufficient to deliver a satisfactory clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Van Loy
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Wouter Dheedene
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Reinout Stoop
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Chaltin
- CISTIM, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), KU Leuven, Gaston Geenslaan 2, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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13
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Evaluation of Proteasome Inhibitors in the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091543. [PMID: 35563849 PMCID: PMC9099509 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091543] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and it has a worse prognosis than non-small cell lung cancer. The pathomechanism of IPF is not fully understood, but it has been suggested that repeated microinjuries of epithelial cells induce a wound healing response, during which fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts. These activated myofibroblasts express α smooth muscle actin and release extracellular matrix to promote matrix deposition and tissue remodeling. Under physiological conditions, the remodeling process stops once wound healing is complete. However, in the lungs of IPF patients, myofibroblasts re-main active and deposit excess extracellular matrix. This leads to the destruction of alveolar tissue, the loss of lung elastic recoil, and a rapid decrease in lung function. Some evidence has indicated that proteasomal inhibition combats fibrosis by inhibiting the expressions of extracellular matrix proteins and metalloproteinases. However, the mechanisms by which proteasome inhibitors may protect against fibrosis are not known. This review summarizes the current research on proteasome inhibitors for pulmonary fibrosis, and provides a reference for whether proteasome inhibitors have the potential to become new drugs for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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14
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Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis, a kind of terminal pathological changes in the lung, is caused by aberrant wound healing, deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and eventually replacement of lung parenchyma by ECM. Pulmonary fibrosis induced by acute lung injury and some diseases is reversible under treatment. While idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is persistent and irreversible even after treatment. Currently, the pathogenesis of irreversible pulmonary fibrosis is not fully elucidated. The known factors associated with the development of irreversible fibrosis include apoptosis resistance of (myo)fibroblasts, dysfunction of pulmonary vessel, cell mitochondria and autophagy, aberrant epithelia hyperplasia and lipid metabolism disorder. In this review, other than a brief introduction of reversible pulmonary fibrosis, we focus on the underlying pathogenesis of irreversible pulmonary fibrosis from the above aspects as well as preclinical disease models, and also suggest directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang Yu
- 1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xiao Tang
- 1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,2Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China
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15
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NOX1 and NOX2: two enzymes that promote endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by melanoma conditioned media. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106097. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Ye Z, Hu Y. TGF‑β1: Gentlemanly orchestrator in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:132. [PMID: 34013369 PMCID: PMC8136122 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a worldwide disease characterized by the chronic and irreversible decline of lung function. Currently, there is no drug to successfully treat the disease except for lung transplantation. Numerous studies have been devoted to the study of the fibrotic process of IPF and findings showed that transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1) plays a central role in the development of IPF. TGF‑β1 promotes the fibrotic process of IPF through various signaling pathways, including the Smad, MAPK, and ERK signaling pathways. There are intersections between these signaling pathways, which provide new targets for researchers to study new drugs. In addition, TGF‑β1 can affect the fibrosis process of IPF by affecting oxidative stress, epigenetics and other aspects. Most of the processes involved in TGF‑β1 promote IPF, but TGF‑β1 can also inhibit it. This review discusses the role of TGF‑β1 in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Ye
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Yongbin Hu
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
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17
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Hu B, Wang J, Chen J, Zhao L, Li X. The heterogeneity of fibroblasts in laryngotracheal stenosis and skin hypertrophic scar in pediatric patients. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 145:110709. [PMID: 33910042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the heterogeneity between the laryngotracheal stenosis and hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts. METHODS Human laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) and skin hypertrophic scar (HTS) specimens were obtained during the tracheal resection and T-shaped tracheal stent implantation surgery. Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured. Cell proliferation and migration were analyzed by cell count, EdU proliferation and wound-healing assays. The expressions of COL1a1, α-SMA, TGF-β1 signaling pathway, chemokines and receptors were analyzed by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Cell proliferation and migration of LTS derived fibroblasts were significantly faster than HTS fibroblasts, with no significant difference of the percentage of apoptotic cells. COL1a1, α-SMA, and Integrins were down-regulated in LTS fibroblasts, but TGFB1 and chemokine receptor CXCR7 were up-regulated in LTS fibroblasts. However, the expressions of SMAD4 and phospho-SMAD2/3 were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Human LTS and HTS derived fibroblasts differ in cell proliferation and migration. Different expressions of COL1a1, α-SMA, and CXCR7 were found between the two fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Hu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiarui Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Limin Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Trajectory modeling of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition reveals galectin-3 as a mediator in pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:327. [PMID: 33771973 PMCID: PMC7998015 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important source of fibrotic cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, how endothelial cells (ECs) are activated and how EndMT impact IPF remain largely elusive. Here, we use unsupervised pseudotemporal analysis to recognize the heterogeneity of ECs and reconstruct EndMT trajectory of bleomycin (BLM)-treated Tie2creER/+;Rosa26tdTomato/+ IPF mice. Genes like C3ar1 and Lgals3 (protein name galectin-3) are highly correlated with the transitional pseudotime, whose expression is gradually upregulated during the fate switch of ECs from quiescence to activation in fibrosis. Inhibition of galectin-3 via siRNA or protein antagonists in mice could alleviate the pathogenesis of IPF and the transition of ECs. With the stimulation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) by recombinant proteins and/or siRNAs for galectin-3 in vitro, β-catenin/GSK3β signaling and its upstream regulator AKT are perturbed, which indicates they mediate the EndMT progress. These results suggest that EndMT is essential to IPF process and provide potential therapeutic targets for vascular remodeling.
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19
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Yun E, Kook Y, Yoo KH, Kim KI, Lee MS, Kim J, Lee A. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Vascular Diseases. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120639. [PMID: 33371458 PMCID: PMC7767472 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis, are life-threatening diseases and have common features of vascular remodeling. During progression, extracellular matrix protein deposition and dysregulation of proteolytic enzymes occurs, which results in vascular stiffness and dysfunction. Although vasodilators or anti-fibrotic therapy have been mainly used as therapy owing to these characteristics, their effectiveness does not meet expectations. Therefore, a better understanding of the etiology and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner walls of blood vessels and maintain vascular homeostasis by protecting vascular cells from pathological stimuli. Chronic stimulation of ECs by various factors, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and hypoxia, leads to ECs undergoing an imbalance of endothelial homeostasis, which results in endothelial dysfunction and is closely associated with vascular diseases. Emerging studies suggest that endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contributes to endothelial dysfunction and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. EndMT is a process by which ECs lose their markers and show mesenchymal-like morphological changes, and gain mesenchymal cell markers. Despite the efforts to elucidate these molecular mechanisms, the role of EndMT in the pathogenesis of lung disease still requires further investigation. Here, we review the importance of EndMT in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular diseases and discuss various signaling pathways and mediators involved in the EndMT process. Furthermore, we will provide insight into the therapeutic potential of targeting EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsik Yun
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Yunjin Kook
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Kyung Hyun Yoo
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Keun Il Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (A.L.); Tel.: +82-2-710-9553 (J.K. & A.L.); Fax: +82-2-2077-7322 (J.K. & A.L.)
| | - Aram Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (A.L.); Tel.: +82-2-710-9553 (J.K. & A.L.); Fax: +82-2-2077-7322 (J.K. & A.L.)
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20
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Groover MK, Richmond JM. Potential therapeutic manipulations of the CXCR3 chemokine axis for the treatment of inflammatory fibrosing diseases. F1000Res 2020; 9:1197. [PMID: 33145014 PMCID: PMC7590900 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.26728.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines play important roles in homeostasis and inflammatory processes. While their roles in leukocyte recruitment are well-appreciated, chemokines play additional roles in the body, including mediating or regulating angiogenesis, tumor metastasis and wound healing. In this opinion article, we focus on the role of CXCR3 and its ligands in fibrotic processes. We emphasize differences of the effects of each ligand, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, on fibroblasts in different tissues of the body. We include discussions of differences in signaling pathways that may account for protective or pro-fibrotic effects of each ligand in different experimental models and ex vivo analysis of human tissues. Our goal is to highlight potential reasons why there are disparate findings in different models, and to suggest ways in which this chemokine axis could be manipulated for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan K. Groover
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachussetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of Dermatology, University of Massachussetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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21
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Zhang J, Xiao C, Feng Z, Gong Y, Sun B, Li Z, Lu Y, Fei X, Wu W, Sun X, Teng L. SOX4 promotes the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:468. [PMID: 33005101 PMCID: PMC7523060 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Increasing evidence has shown that the transcription factor SOX4 is closely associated with the development and progression of many malignant tumors. However, the effect of SOX4 on breast cancer is unclear. In this study, we purposed to investigate the role of SOX4 in the growth and metastasis in breast cancer and the underlying mechanism. Moreover, the effect of SOX4 on cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutic agents was also evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Methods We used lentivirus technique to ectopically express SOX4 in MDA-MB-231 and SUM149 cells or knockdown SOX4 in BT474 cells, and examined the effect of these changes on various cellular functions. MTT assay was used to determine the cell viability as well as resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The regulation of SOX4 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The binding of SOX4 to the CXCR7 gene was demonstrated using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter activity assay. The effect of SOX4/CXCR7 axis on metastasis was examined using Transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assays. The expression of SOX4/CXCR7 in primary tumors and metastatic foci in lymph nodes was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Cellular morphology was investigated under phase contrast microscope and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the effect of SOX4 on tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy was also studied in vivo by using bioluminescent imaging. Results SOX4 increased breast cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion in vitro and enhanced tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. It regulated EMT-related genes and bound to CXCR7 promoter to upregulate CXCR7 transcription. Both SOX4 and CXCR7 were highly expressed in human primary tumors and metastatic foci in lymph nodes. Treatment of breast cancer cells with the CXCR7 inhibitor CCX771 reversed the SOX4 effect on cell migration and invasion. Ectopic expression of SOX4 increased the susceptibility of cells to paclitaxel. Conclusions SOX4 plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. SOX4/CXCR7 may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment. Paclitaxel may be a good therapeutic option if the expression level of SOX4 is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003 People's Republic of China.,Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Chunhua Xiao
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA.,First Department of Breast Cancer, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 1 Huan-Hu Xi Road, Ti-Yuan Bei, He Xi, Tianjin, 300060 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenbo Feng
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA.,Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No.6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Gong
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Baohua Sun
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhongqi Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003 People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Fei
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003 People's Republic of China
| | - Weizhu Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Eastern Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Sun
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Lisong Teng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003 People's Republic of China
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22
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Zhang M, Yuan SZ, Sun H, Sun L, Zhou D, Yan J. miR-199b-5p promoted chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells by regulating JAG1. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1618-1629. [PMID: 32870569 DOI: 10.1002/term.3122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a promising candidate for use in cell-based therapy for cartilage repair. To promote understanding of the molecular control of chondrogenesis differentiation in MSCs, we compared the changes in microRNAs during in vitro chondrogenesis process of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). MiR-199b-5p was up-regulated significantly during this process. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of miR-199b-5p on chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 MSC cells and explore the underlying mechanisms. MiR-199b-5p mimics or inhibitor were transfected into C3H10T1/2 cells, respectively, and then, the effects of miR-199b-5p on chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells were detected. The results indicated that miR-199b-5p overexpression inhibited the growth of C3H10T1/2 cells but promoted transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3)-induced C3H10T1/2 cells of chondrogenic differentiation, as supported by enhancing the gene and protein expression of chondrocyte specific markers of SOX9, aggrecan, and collagen type II (Col2a1). In contrast, inhibiting miR-199b-5p notably promoted the proliferation of C3H10T1/2 cells but decreased chondrogenic differentiation. Furthermore, mechanism studies revealed that JAG1 was a direct target of miR-199b-5p by dual luciferase reporter assays. While silencing of JAG1 by isRNA resulted an increase of chondrogenic differentiation. Further, JAG1 knockdown was demonstrated to block the effect of miR-199b-5p inhibition. In conclusion, the present study revealed for the first time that miR-199b-5p was the positive regulators to modulate chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells by targeting JAG1. These findings may provide a novel insight on miRNA-mediated MSC therapy for cartilage related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Zheng Yuan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haimei Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Musculosketetal Tissue Bank, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Deshan Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jihong Yan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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23
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Huynh C, Dingemanse J, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE, Sidharta PN. Relevance of the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis and its effect in pathophysiological conditions. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105092. [PMID: 32758634 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the C-X-C receptor (CXCR) 7 and its close co-player CXCR4 in different physiological and pathophysiological processes has been extensively investigated within the last decades. Following activation by their shared ligand C-X-C ligand (CXCL) 12, both chemokine receptors can induce various routes of cell signaling and/or scavenge CXCL12 from the extracellular environment. This contributes to organ development and maintenance of homeostasis. Alterations of the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis have been detected in diseases such as cancer, central nervous system and cardiac disorders, and autoimmune diseases. These alterations include changes of the expression pattern, distribution, or downstream effects. The progression of the diseases can be regulated in preclinical models by the use of various modulators suggesting that this axis serves as a promising therapeutic target. It is therefore of great interest to investigate CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 modulators in clinical development, with several CXCR4 and CXCL12 modulators such as plerixafor, ulocuplumab, balixafortide, and olaptesed pegol having already reached this stage. An overview is presented of the most important diseases whose outcomes can be positively or negatively regulated by the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis and summarizes preclinical and clinical data of modulators of that axis. Contrary to CXCR4 and CXCL12 modulators, CXCR7 modulators have, thus far, not been extensively studied. Therefore, more (pre)clinical investigations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Huynh
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jasper Dingemanse
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Patricia N Sidharta
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland.
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24
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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: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [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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25
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CXCR7 Inhibits Fibrosis via Wnt/ β-Catenin Pathways during the Process of Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1216926. [PMID: 32566651 PMCID: PMC7293734 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1216926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although SDF-1/CXCR7 plays an important role in angiogenesis, the function and the pathway of the SDF-1/CXCR7 axis might depend on the cell type or tissue origin and not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of CXCR7 in SDF-1-induced proliferation, migration, apoptosis, tube formation, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the potential pathway of SDF-1/CXCR7. We confirmed that the silencing of CXCR7 inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs and contributed the apoptosis, while overexpressed CXCR7 increased SDF-1-induced HUVECs migration and tube formation. However, upregulated CXCR7 inhibited the expression of α-SMA, suggesting that CXCR7 might attenuate EndMT. In addition, overexpressed CXCR7 activated AKT and ERK signaling pathways but suppressed Wnt/β-catenin pathways in HUVECs. The inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathways decreased the expression of α-SMA. Altogether, these results suggest that CXCR7 might inhibit fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin pathways during the process of angiogenesis.
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26
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Srivastava SP, Goodwin JE. Cancer Biology and Prevention in Diabetes. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061380. [PMID: 32498358 PMCID: PMC7349292 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The available evidence suggests a complex relationship between diabetes and cancer. Epidemiological data suggest a positive correlation, however, in certain types of cancer, a more complex picture emerges, such as in some site-specific cancers being specific to type I diabetes but not to type II diabetes. Reports share common and differential mechanisms which affect the relationship between diabetes and cancer. We discuss the use of antidiabetic drugs in a wide range of cancer therapy and cancer therapeutics in the development of hyperglycemia, especially antineoplastic drugs which often induce hyperglycemia by targeting insulin/IGF-1 signaling. Similarly, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), a well-known target in type II diabetes mellitus, has differential effects on cancer types. Past studies suggest a protective role of DPP-4 inhibitors, but recent studies show that DPP-4 inhibition induces cancer metastasis. Moreover, molecular pathological mechanisms of cancer in diabetes are currently largely unclear. The cancer-causing mechanisms in diabetes have been shown to be complex, including excessive ROS-formation, destruction of essential biomolecules, chronic inflammation, and impaired healing phenomena, collectively leading to carcinogenesis in diabetic conditions. Diabetes-associated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contribute to cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation in tumors, allowing the epithelium and endothelium to enable tumor cell extravasation. In this review, we discuss the risk of cancer associated with anti-diabetic therapies, including DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors, and the role of catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT), AMPK, and cell-specific glucocorticoid receptors in cancer biology. We explore possible mechanistic links between diabetes and cancer biology and discuss new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8064, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
- Correspondence: (S.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
| | - Julie E. Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8064, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8066, USA
- Correspondence: (S.P.S.); (J.E.G.)
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27
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Zhang Y, Li C, Huang Y, Zhao S, Xu Y, Chen Y, Jiang F, Tao L, Shen X. EOFAZ inhibits endothelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition through downregulation of KLF4. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:300-310. [PMID: 32319539 PMCID: PMC7255478 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oil from Alpinia zerumbet rhizome (EOFAZ), which is termed Yan shanjiang in China, is extensively used as an herbal medicine in the Guizhou area and has been shown to protect against the damaging effects of cardiovascular injury in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, it was hypothesized that the protective effects of EOFAZ on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were mediated by inhibition of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). Cell motility was assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays. The expression of endothelial markers and mesenchymal markers were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting, and additionally, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 expression was determined by western blotting. Furthermore, the involvement of KLF4 in EndMT was determined using RNA interference to knockdown the expression of KLF4. TGF-β1 treatment significantly promoted EndMT, as evidenced by downregu-lation of vascular endothelial-cadherin and upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin in HUVECs, and by enhancing cell migration. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of KLF4 reversed TGF-β1-induced EndMT. Additionally, treatment with EOFAZ inhibited TGF-β1-induced EndMT in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that TGF-β1 may induce EndMT through upregulation of KLF4, and this may be reversed by EOFAZ. Therefore, EOFAZ was shown to inhibit TGF-β1-induced EndMT through regulation of KLF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Yongpan Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Yini Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Ling Tao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
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Zhang Q, Chang X, Wang H, Liu Y, Wang X, Wu M, Zhan H, Li S, Sun Y. TGF-β1 mediated Smad signaling pathway and EMT in hepatic fibrosis induced by Nano NiO in vivo and in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2020; 35:419-429. [PMID: 31737983 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (Nano NiO) bears hepatotoxicity, while whether it leads to liver fibrosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the Nano NiO-induced hepatic fibrosis model in vivo and investigate the roles of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in Smad pathway activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurrence, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in vitro. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg Nano NiO by intratracheal instilling twice a week for 9 weeks. HepG2 cells were treated with 100 μg/mL Nano NiO and TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB431542) to explore the mechanism of collagen formation. Results of Masson staining as well as the elevated levels of type I collagen (Col-I) and Col-III suggested that Nano NiO resulted in hepatic fibrosis in rats. Furthermore, Nano NiO increased the protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase1 (TIMP1), while decreased the protein content of E-cadherin and Smad7 in rat liver and HepG2 cells. Most importantly, Nano NiO-triggered the abnormal expression of the abovementioned proteins were all alleviated by co-treatment with SB431542, implying that TGF-β1-mediated Smad pathway, EMT and MMP9/TIMP1 imbalance were involved in overproduction of collagen in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings indicated that Nano NiO induced hepatic fibrosis via TGF-β1-mediated Smad pathway activation, EMT occurrence, and ECM deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haibing Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunlan Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haibing Zhan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department occupational disease control, Lanzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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29
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Lounsbury N. Advances in CXCR7 Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13020033. [PMID: 32098047 PMCID: PMC7169404 DOI: 10.3390/ph13020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that signals through the β-arrestin pathway. Its ligands include interferon-inducible T cell α chemoattractant (CXCL11) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12). It interacts with CXCR4, and the two are associated with various cancers, as well as other disease states such as coronary artery disease, stroke, inflammation and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antibodies and small interfering RNA (siRNA) have shown the utility of antagonists of CXCR7 in these disease states. Although some small molecules were initially reported as antagonists due to their displayed activity, many function as agonists while still producing the desired pharmacologic effects. A potential reason for this contradiction is that effects may be due to elevated extracellular CXCL12 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lounsbury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Larkin University College of Pharmacy, Miami, FL 33169, USA
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30
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Kim N, Ryu H, Kim S, Joo M, Jeon HJ, Lee MW, Song IC, Kim MN, Kim JM, Lee HJ. CXCR7 promotes migration and invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18100. [PMID: 31792315 PMCID: PMC6889124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR7 has been suggested to play important roles in the progression of several types of cancers. However, few studies have investigated the biological roles of CXCR7 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). CXCR7 expression and its clinical implications were examined in 103 HNSCC tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The biological roles and mechanisms of CXCR7-mediated signaling pathways were investigated in HNSCC cells through CXCR7 overexpression in vitro and in vivo. High expression of CXCR7 was significantly associated with tumor size (P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004), and stage (P = 0.020) in HNSCC. Overexpression of CXCR7 in HNSCC cells enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro and promoted lymph node metastasis in vivo. CXCR7 also induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition through PI3K/AKT. CXCR7 increased secretion of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and promoted EMT through phosphorylated Smad2/3. Taken together, our results provide functional and mechanistic roles of CXCR7 as a master regulator of oncogenic TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling in HNSCC, suggesting that CXCR7 might be a therapeutic target for the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Hyewon Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Solbi Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Mina Joo
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Heung Jin Jeon
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Myung-Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Ik-Chan Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Mi-Na Kim
- Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Jin-Man Kim
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Department of Pathology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Lee
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.
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Srivastava SP, Hedayat AF, Kanasaki K, Goodwin JE. microRNA Crosstalk Influences Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal, Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal, and Macrophage-to-Mesenchymal Transitions in the Kidney. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:904. [PMID: 31474862 PMCID: PMC6707424 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding nucleotides that regulate diverse biological processes. Altered microRNA biosynthesis or regulation contributes to pathological processes including kidney fibrosis. Kidney fibrosis is characterized by deposition of excess extracellular matrix (ECM), which is caused by infiltration of immune cells, inflammatory cells, altered chemokines, and cytokines as well as activation and accumulation of fibroblasts in the kidney. These activated fibroblasts can arise from epithelial cells via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), from bone marrow-derived M2 phenotype macrophages via macrophage-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), from endothelial cells via endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), from resident fibroblasts, and from bone marrow-derived monocytes and play a crucial role in fibrotic events. Disrupted microRNA biosynthesis and aberrant regulation contribute to the activation of mesenchymal programs in the kidney. miR-29 regulates the interaction between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and integrin β1 and the associated active transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and pro-EndMT signaling; however, miR-let-7 targets transforming growth factor β receptors (TGFβRs) to inhibit TGFβ signaling. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide, which is associated with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) phosphorylation and subsequently responsible for the production of miR-let-7. miR-29 and miR-let-7 family clusters participate in crosstalk mechanisms, which are crucial for endothelial cell homeostasis. The physiological level of AcSDKP is vital for the activation of anti-fibrotic mechanisms including restoration of anti-fibrotic microRNA crosstalk and suppression of profibrotic signaling by mitigating DPP-4-associated mesenchymal activation in the epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and M2 phenotype macrophages. The present review highlights recent advancements in the understanding of both the role of microRNAs in the development of kidney disease and their potential as novel therapeutic targets for fibrotic disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Fahim Hedayat
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Internal Medicine 1, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Japan
| | - Julie E Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Wu D, Birukov K. Endothelial Cell Mechano-Metabolomic Coupling to Disease States in the Lung Microvasculature. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:172. [PMID: 31380363 PMCID: PMC6658821 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lungs are the most vascular part of humans, accepting the totality of cardiac output in a volume much smaller than the body itself. Due to this cardiac output, the lung microvasculature is subject to mechanical forces including shear stress and cyclic stretch that vary with the cardiac and breathing cycle. Vessels are surrounded by extracellular matrix which dictates the stiffness which endothelial cells also sense and respond to. Shear stress, stiffness, and cyclic stretch are known to influence endothelial cell state. At high shear stress, endothelial cells exhibit cell quiescence marked by low inflammatory markers and high nitric oxide synthesis, whereas at low shear stress, endothelial cells are thought to "activate" into a pro-inflammatory state and have low nitric oxide. Shear stress' profound effect on vascular phenotype is most apparent in the arterial vasculature and in the pathophysiology of vascular inflammation. To conduct the flow of blood from the right heart, the lung microvasculature must be rigid yet compliant. It turns out that excessive substrate rigidity or stiffness is important in the development of pulmonary hypertension and chronic fibrosing lung diseases via excessive cell proliferation or the endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Recently, a new body of literature has evolved that couples mechanical sensing to endothelial phenotypic changes through metabolic signaling in clinically relevant contexts such as pulmonary hypertension, lung injury syndromes, as well as fibrosis, which is the focus of this review. Stretch, like flow, has profound effect on endothelial phenotype; metabolism studies due to stretch are in their infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wu
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Konstantin Birukov
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Lu X, Gong J, Dennery PA, Yao H. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: Pathogenesis and therapeutic targets for chronic pulmonary and vascular diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:100-107. [PMID: 31251941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a process of transdifferentiation where endothelial cells gradually adopt the phenotypic characteristics of mesenchymal cells. This phenomenon was first discovered in embryonic heart development. The mechanisms underlying EndoMT are due to the activation of transforming growth factor-β, bone morphogenetic protein, Wingless/Integrated, or Notch signaling pathways. The EndoMT can be modulated by pathological processes, including inflammation, disturbed shear stress, vascular stiffness, and metabolic dysregulation. Recent studies have shown that EndoMT is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases, including pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis. Lung pathology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia can be mimicked in rodents exposed to hyperoxia as neonates. Although hyperoxic exposure reduces an endothelial cell marker platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule but increases a mesenchymal cell biomarker α-smooth muscle actin in vitro in human pulmonary endothelial cells, there is no direct evidence showing EndoMT in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Both pulmonary hypertension and lung fibrosis occur in long-term survivors with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this review, we discuss the EndoMT and its modulation by pathological processes. We then focus on the role of EndoMT in the pathogenesis of these chronic lung diseases, and discuss therapeutic approaches targeting the EndoMT using its negative regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexin Lu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jiannan Gong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Phyllis A Dennery
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Hongwei Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
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Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Physiology and in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1281-1324. [PMID: 30864875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype displaying typical mesenchymal cell morphology and functions, including the acquisition of cellular motility and contractile properties. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific proteins such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and initiate the expression of mesenchymal cell-specific genes and the production of their encoded proteins including α-smooth muscle actin, extra domain A fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, also known as S100A4 protein, and fibrillar type I and type III collagens. Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered the main EndMT inducer. However, EndMT involves numerous molecular and signaling pathways that are triggered and modulated by multiple and often redundant mechanisms depending on the specific cellular context and on the physiological or pathological status of the cells. EndMT participates in highly important embryonic development processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of numerous genetically determined and acquired human diseases including malignant, vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Despite intensive investigation, many aspects of EndMT remain to be elucidated. The identification of molecules and regulatory pathways involved in EndMT and the discovery of specific EndMT inhibitors should provide novel therapeutic approaches for various human disorders mediated by EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Jiang Y, Zhou X, Hu R, Dai A. TGF-β1-induced SMAD2/3/4 activation promotes RELM-β transcription to modulate the endothelium-mesenchymal transition in human endothelial cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 105:52-60. [PMID: 30120989 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which is characterized by increased proliferation, migration and invasion of endothelial cells, increased expression of mesenchymal markers and reduced expression of endothelial markers, has been reported to be closely related to the pathogenesis of several diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. Resistin-like molecule-β (RELM-β), also known as "found in inflammatory zone 2″ (FIIZ2), plays an essential role in airway remodeling and pulmonary fibrosis; however, its role and mechanism in EndMT remain unclear. Herein, we used TGF-β1-induced EndMT cell model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human primary pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) to investigate the function and mechanism of RELM-β in TGF-β1-induced EndMT in endothelial cell lines. We found that TGF-β1 stimulation significantly upregulated RELM-β expression; RELM-β knockdown could attenuate TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and migration of endothelial cell lines and changes in protein levels of EndMT markers. SB432542, an inhibitor of SMADs, could partially reverse TGF-β1-induced RELM-β expression, endothelial cell migration and changes in EndMT marker protein levels. SMADs complex exerted its effects through SMAD2/3/4 complex mediating RELM-β transcription. In conclusion, TGF-β1 induces RELM-β transcription to promote EndMT in HUVECs and HPAECs through activation of SMAD2/3/4; blocking SMADs-mediated RELM-β transcription might ameliorate TGF-β1-induced EndMT in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Jiang
- Respiratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410016, China
| | - Xuanfen Zhou
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Respiratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410016, China
| | - Ruicheng Hu
- Respiratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410016, China
| | - Aiguo Dai
- Respiratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410016, China; University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan, 410219, China.
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36
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Wang C, Chen W, Shen J. CXCR7 Targeting and Its Major Disease Relevance. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:641. [PMID: 29977203 PMCID: PMC6021539 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors are the target of small peptide chemokines. They play various important roles in physiological and pathological processes. CXCR7, later renamed ACKR3, is a non-classical seven transmembrane-spanning receptor whose function as a signaling or non-signaling scavenger/decoy receptor is currently under debate. Even for cell signaling mechanisms, there has been inconsistency on whether CXCR7 couples to G-proteins or β-arrestins. Several reasons may contribute to this uncertainty or controversy. In one hand, it has been neglected that CXCR7 has more than five natural ligands and unfortunately, most of the prior research only studied SDF-1 (CXCL12) and/or I-TAC (CXCL11); on the other hand, there are mounting evidence supporting ligand and tissue bias for receptor signaling, but limited such information is available for CXCR7. In this review we focus on summarizing the endogenous and exogenous ligands of CXCR7, the main diseases related to CXCR7 and the biased signaling events happening on CXCR7. These three aspects of CXCR7 pharmacologic properties may explain why the contradicting opinions of whether CXCR7 is a signaling or non-signaling receptor exist. Further, potential new direction and perspective for the study of CXCR7 biology and pharmacology are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Weilin Chen
- Department of Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Zhao S, Xiao X, Sun S, Li D, Wang W, Fu Y, Fan F. MicroRNA-30d/JAG1 axis modulates pulmonary fibrosis through Notch signaling pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2018; 214:1315-1323. [PMID: 30029934 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fibroproliferative disease which can finally end up fatal lung failure. PF is characterized by abnormal proliferation of fibroblast, dysregulated fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblast and disorganized collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) production, deposition and degradation. JAG1/Notch signaling has been reported to play a key role in tissue fibrosis including PF. Herein, we confirmed the abnormal upregulation of JAG1 mRNA expression and protein levels in PF tissue specimens; JAG1 knockdown reduced TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and Collagen I protein levels. From the aspect of miRNA regulation, we searched for candidate miRNAs which might target JAG1 to inhibit its expression. Among the selected miRNAs, miR-30d expression was downregulated in PF tissues; miR-30d overexpression attenuated TGF-β1-induced primary normal human lung fibroblast (NHLF) proliferation, as well as α-SMA and Collagen I protein levels. Through directly binding to the 3'-UTR of JAG1, miR-30d significantly inhibited JAG1 mRNA expression and protein level. Furthermore, JAG1 overexpression partially reversed the effect of miR-30d on NHLF proliferation and α-SMA and Collagen I proteins upon TGF-β1 stimulation; miR-30d could suppress TGF-β1 function on NHLFs through blocking JAG1/Notch signaling. Rescuing miR-30d expression to suppress TGF-β1-induced activation of JAG1/Notch signaling may present a promising strategy for PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Xuefei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Shuang Sun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Fuyuan Fan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, China.
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Wu Q, Xu T, Liu Y, Li Y, Yuan J, Yao W, Xu Q, Yan W, Ni C. miR-1224-5p Mediates Mitochondrial Damage to Affect Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Targeting BECN1. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112357. [PMID: 29112159 PMCID: PMC5713326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is associated with fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition in lung tissues. The dysregulation of miR-1224-5p has been implicated in several human cancers; however, the expression and function of miR-1224-5p in silicosis is unknown. The mitochondrial dysfunctions play critical roles in some diseases, but how these processes are regulated in silicosis remains limited. Here, we explored the role of miR-1224-5p in a mouse model of silicosis. We showed that the expression of miR-1224-5p is increased both in lung tissues of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and fibroblasts exposed to TGF-β1. Repression of miR-1224-5p expression attenuated silica-induced fibrotic progression in vivo and TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation in vitro. Additionally, we demonstrated that miR-1224-5p facilitated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis primarily by repressing one of target genes, BECN1, thereby blocking PARK2 translocation to mitochondria and inducing the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Furthermore, the activation of PDGFR signal mediated by mitochondrial damage and insufficient mitophagy resulted in myofibroblast differentiation. Collectively, these data indicated that miR-1224-5p exerts key functions in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and may represent a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyun Wu
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Tiantian Xu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Jiali Yuan
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Wenxi Yao
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Weiwen Yan
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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