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Hsiao YC, Wang IH, Yang TL. Fibrotic remodeling and tissue regeneration mechanisms define the therapeutic potential of human muscular progenitors. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10439. [PMID: 36925693 PMCID: PMC10013817 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an intrinsic biological reaction toward the challenges of tissue injury that is implicated in the wound-healing process. Although it is useful to efficiently mitigate the damage, progression of fibrosis is responsible for the morbidity and mortality occurring in a variety of diseases. Because of lacking effective treatments, there is an emerging need for exploring antifibrotic strategies. Cell therapy based on stem/progenitor cells is regarded as a promising approach for treating fibrotic diseases. Appropriate selection of cellular sources is required for beneficial results. Muscle precursor cells (MPCs) are specialized progenitors harvested from skeletal muscle for conducting muscle regeneration. Whether they are also effective in regulating fibrosis has seldom been explored and merits further investigation. MPCs were successfully harvested from all human samples regardless of demographic backgrounds. The extracellular matrices remodeling was enhanced through the paracrine effects mediated by MPCs. The suppression effects on fibrosis were confirmed in vivo when MPCs were transplanted into the diseased animals with oral submucous fibrosis. The data shown here revealed the potential of MPCs to be employed to simultaneously regulate both processes of fibrosis and tissue regeneration, supporting them as the promising cell candidates for development of the cell therapy for antifibrosis and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chuan Hsiao
- Department of Ophthalmology Taipei City Hospital, Zhongxing Branch Taipei Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Taipei Taiwan
| | - I-Han Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine Taipei Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Lin Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine Taipei Taiwan.,Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
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MK-2206 Alleviates Renal Fibrosis by Suppressing the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213505. [DOI: 10.3390/cells11213505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common pathological feature of various kidney diseases, leading to irreversible renal failure and end-stage renal disease. However, there are still no effective treatments to reverse renal fibrosis. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of a targeted drug for fibrosis. Here, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-treated mice and a TGF-β1-treated human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) were used as models of renal fibrosis. Based on the changes of mRNA in UUO kidneys detected by transcriptome sequencing, MK-2206, an Akt inhibitor, was predicted as a potential drug to alleviate renal fibrosis through bioinformatics. We dissolved UUO mice with MK-2206 by gastric gavage and cultured TGF-β-induced HK-2 cells with MK-2206. Histopathological examinations were performed after MK-2206 intervention, and the degree of renal fibrosis, as well as the expression of Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins, were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. The results showed that MK-2206 significantly improved the pathological structure of the kidney. Furthermore, MK-2206 intervention effectively inhibited UUO- and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix deposition. Mechanistically, MK-2206 treatment attenuated the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, our study revealed for the first time that MK-2206 is a promising drug for the improvement of renal fibrosis.
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Wiśniewska J, Sadowska A, Wójtowicz A, Słyszewska M, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. Perspective on Stem Cell Therapy in Organ Fibrosis: Animal Models and Human Studies. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101068. [PMID: 34685439 PMCID: PMC8538998 DOI: 10.3390/life11101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that result from the disruption of regulatory processes responsible for ECM synthesis, deposition, and remodeling. Fibrosis develops in response to a trigger or injury and can occur in nearly all organs of the body. Thus, fibrosis leads to severe pathological conditions that disrupt organ architecture and cause loss of function. It has been estimated that severe fibrotic disorders are responsible for up to one-third of deaths worldwide. Although intensive research on the development of new strategies for fibrosis treatment has been carried out, therapeutic approaches remain limited. Since stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show remarkable self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacity, they have been intensively tested in preclinical studies and clinical trials as a potential tool to slow down the progression of fibrosis and improve the quality of life of patients with fibrotic disorders. In this review, we summarize in vitro studies, preclinical studies performed on animal models of human fibrotic diseases, and recent clinical trials on the efficacy of allogeneic and autologous stem cell applications in severe types of fibrosis that develop in lungs, liver, heart, kidney, uterus, and skin. Although the results of the studies seem to be encouraging, there are many aspects of cell-based therapy, including the cell source, dose, administration route and frequency, timing of delivery, and long-term safety, that remain open areas for future investigation. We also discuss the contemporary status, challenges, and future perspectives of stem cell transplantation for therapeutic options in fibrotic diseases as well as we present recent patents for stem cell-based therapies in organ fibrosis.
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NQO1 Deficiency Aggravates Renal Injury by Dysregulating Vps34/ATG14L Complex during Autophagy Initiation in Diabetic Nephropathy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020333. [PMID: 33672316 PMCID: PMC7926338 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the causes of end-stage renal failure, featuring renal fibrosis. However, autophagy, a vital process for intracellular homeostasis, can counteract renal fibrosis. Moreover, NAD(P)H: quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) modulates the ratios of reduced/oxidized nicotinamide nucleotides, exerting a cytoprotective function. Here, to examine the role of NQO1 genes in DN progression, the levels of autophagy-related proteins and pro-fibrotic markers were assessed in silencing or overexpression of NQO1 in human proximal tubular cells (HK2), and C57BL/6 (wild-type) and Nqo1 knockout (KO) mice injected to streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). NQO1 deficiency impaired the autophagy process by suppressing basal expression of ClassⅢ PI 3-kinase (Vps34) and autophagy-related (ATG)14L and inducing the expressions of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1), Smad3, and matrix metallopeptidase9 (MMP9) in high-glucose (HG) -treated HK2 cells. Meanwhile, NQO1 overexpression increased the expression of Vps34 and ATG14L, while, reducing TGF-β1, Smad3 and MMP9 expression. In vivo, the expression of Vps34 and ATG14L were suppressed in Nqo1 KO mice indicating aggravated glomerular changes and interstitial fibrosis. Therefore, NQO1 deficiency dysregulated autophagy initiation in HK2 cells, with consequent worsened renal cell damage under HG condition. Moreover, STZ-treated Nqo1 KO mice showed that NQO1 deficiency aggravated renal fibrosis by dysregulating autophagy.
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Hintz HM, Cowan AE, Shapovalova M, LeBeau AM. Development of a Cross-Reactive Monoclonal Antibody for Detecting the Tumor Stroma. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1466-1476. [PMID: 30966746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Here, we document the discovery of a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to both human and murine fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP), a serine protease that is overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), making it an attractive therapeutic target for the aiding and abetting tumor microenvironment. The lead antibody, B12, was identified from a naïve murine single-chain variable fragment antibody phage display library screened against recombinant human FAP on magnetic beads. The heavy and light chains of B12 were cloned into full-length human immunoglobulin 1 (IgG) vectors and expressed as a chimeric monoclonal antibody (B12 IgG). We engineered a drug-resistant prostate cancer cell line, CWR-R1-EnzR, to express human FAP for antibody characterization and validation (R1-EnzRFAP). B12 IgG selectively bound to the R1-EnzRFAP cells by flow cytometry and was internalized in vitro by confocal microscopy. B12 IgG was further evaluated as a near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging probe in R1-EnzRFAP and parental xenograft models. High tumor uptake and retention of the NIR probe was observed in the R1-EnzRFAP xenografts, and endogenous expression of murine stromal origin FAP was detected in the parental xenografts. Ex vivo evaluation of these models by immunohistochemistry documented B12 IgG localization to both human and murine FAP-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallie M Hintz
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Aidan E Cowan
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Mariya Shapovalova
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Aaron M LeBeau
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Minnesota Medical School , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
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Xiao Q, Guan Y, Li C, Liu L, Zhao D, Wang H. Decreased expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin contributes to the protection of lotensin against chronic renal failure in rats. Ren Fail 2018; 40:583-589. [PMID: 30371125 PMCID: PMC6211277 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2018.1496934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lotensin has been shown to have a protective function in the early stage of chronic renal failure. However, its role in the intermediate and late stages of chronic renal failure remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of lotensin in advanced chronic kidney disease. Methods: Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): sham group, 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) group, and lotensin group (oral administration of lotensin for 9 weeks following 5/6 Nx). Rats were sacrificed and pathological parameters were measured. Western blot assay and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in kidney tissues. Results: Compared to the 5/6 Nx group, lotensin administration significantly decreased 5/6 Nx-induced elevation in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24-h urinary protein excretion (UPE) rates, but markedly increased red blood cell count, plasma albumin and hemoglobin levels, along with improved renal morphology. Mechanistically, lotensin dramatically downregulated the renal expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA induced by 5/6 Nx. Conclusions: Lotensin protects against advanced chronic kidney disease in rats with 5/6 Nx through the downregulation of TGF-β1 and α-SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfei Xiao
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Yinghui Guan
- b Department of Respiration , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Chenhao Li
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Li Liu
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Dan Zhao
- c Central Laboratory , Third Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
| | - Hongyue Wang
- a Department of Nephrology , The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
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7
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El Agha E, Kramann R, Schneider RK, Li X, Seeger W, Humphreys BD, Bellusci S. Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Fibrotic Disease. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 21:166-177. [PMID: 28777943 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is associated with organ failure and high mortality and is commonly characterized by aberrant myofibroblast accumulation. Investigating the cellular origin of myofibroblasts in various diseases is thus a promising strategy for developing targeted anti-fibrotic treatments. Recent studies using genetic lineage tracing technology have implicated diverse organ-resident perivascular mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells and bone marrow-MSCs in myofibroblast generation during fibrosis development. In this Review, we give an overview of the emerging role of MSCs and MSC-like cells in myofibroblast-mediated fibrotic disease in the kidney, lung, heart, liver, skin, and bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie El Agha
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedicine, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany.
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rebekka K Schneider
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedicine, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Werner Seeger
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, W.G. Kerckhoff Institute, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedicine, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany.
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Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a chronic and progressive process affecting kidneys during aging and in chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of cause. CKD and renal fibrosis affect half of adults above age 70 and 10% of the world's population. Although no targeted therapy yet exists to slow renal fibrosis, a number of important recent advances have clarified the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. In this review, I highlight these advances with a focus on cells and pathways that may be amenable to therapeutic targeting. I discuss pathologic changes regulating interstitial myofibroblast activation, including profibrotic and proinflammatory paracrine signals secreted by epithelial cells after either acute or chronic injury. I conclude by highlighting novel therapeutic targets and approaches with particular promise for development of new treatments for patients with fibrotic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA;
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9
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Qureshi OS, Bon H, Twomey B, Holdsworth G, Ford K, Bergin M, Huang L, Muzylak M, Healy LJ, Hurdowar V, Johnson TS. An immunofluorescence assay for extracellular matrix components highlights the role of epithelial cells in producing a stable, fibrillar extracellular matrix. Biol Open 2017; 6:1423-1433. [PMID: 29032370 PMCID: PMC5665462 DOI: 10.1242/bio.025866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts are considered major drivers of fibrotic disease progression through the production of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to signals from damaged epithelial and inflammatory cells. Nevertheless, epithelial cells are capable of expressing components of the ECM, cross-linking enzymes that increase its stability and are sensitive to factors involved in the early stages of fibrosis. We therefore wanted to test the hypothesis that epithelial cells can deposit ECM in response to stimulation in a comparable manner to fibroblasts. We performed immunofluorescence analysis of components of stable, mature extracellular matrix produced by primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells and renal fibroblasts in response to cytokine stimulation. Whilst fibroblasts produced a higher basal level of extracellular matrix components, epithelial cells were able to deposit significant levels of fibronectin, collagen I, III and IV in response to cytokine stimulation. In response to hypoxia, epithelial cells showed an increase in collagen IV deposition but not in response to the acute stress stimuli aristolochic acid or hydrogen peroxide. When epithelial cells were in co-culture with fibroblasts we observed significant increases in the level of matrix deposition which could be reduced by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) blockade. Our results highlight the role of epithelial cells acting as efficient producers of stable extracellular matrix which could contribute to renal tubule thickening in fibrosis.
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10
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Wang HY, Zhang C, Xiao QF, Dou HC, Chen Y, Gu CM, Cui MJ. Hepatocyte growth factor inhibits tubular epithelial‑myofibroblast transdifferentiation by suppression of angiotensin II via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:2737-2743. [PMID: 28447719 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubular epithelial‑myofibroblast transdifferentiation (TEMT) is important in the development of chronic renal failure. The present study investigated whether hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) inhibits TEMT, and whether this function may be associated with the inhibition of angiotensin II (AngII) and the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. Human HK‑2 kidney proximal tubular cells were divided into 4 groups and treated with AngII (1x10‑6 M), HGF (8x10‑3 M), AngII plus HGF or control conditions, followed by an assessment of apoptosis induction and the expression levels of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), which is a marker of TEMT. as well as the activation level of JAK2, phosphorylated (p)‑JAK2, STAT3 and p‑STAT3 signaling pathways. In HK‑2 cells, α‑SMA mRNA and protein expression levels increased following treatment with AngII, however, decreased expression was observed following exposure to HGF. HGF counteracted the AngII‑induced increase in the expression of α‑SMA in HK‑2 cells. Similar expression profiles were observed for the phosphorylated forms of JAK2 and STAT3, indicating the possible involvement of this signaling pathway. The results demonstrated that treatment of cells with AngII was associated with the induction of apoptosis when compared with the control. By contrast, treatment with HGF attenuated AngII‑induced apoptosis. The results suggested that HGF may inhibit TEMT by inhibiting AngII through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in HK‑2 cells and HGF may prevent apoptosis induced by AngII. The present study provides a basis for understanding the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of TEMT by HGF, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian 361024, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Fei Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Chuan Dou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Mei Gu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Ji Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130031, P.R. China
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11
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Marks DL, Olson RL, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Epigenetic control of the tumor microenvironment. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1671-1687. [PMID: 27700179 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment have been shown to play important roles in both supporting and limiting cancer growth. The altered phenotype of tumor-associated stromal cells (fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells etc.) is proposed to be mainly due to epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression; however, only limited studies have probed the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of stromal cell function. We review recent studies demonstrating how specific epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and histone post-translational modification-based gene expression regulation, and miRNA-mediated translational regulation) drive aspects of stromal cell phenotype, and discuss the implications of these findings for treatment of malignancies. We also summarize the effects of epigenetic mechanism-targeted drugs on stromal cells and discuss the consideration of the microenvironment response in attempts to use these drugs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Marks
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rachel Lo Olson
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, MN 55904, USA
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Renal fibrosis is not reduced by blocking transforming growth factor-β signaling in matrix-producing interstitial cells. Kidney Int 2015; 88:503-14. [PMID: 25760325 PMCID: PMC4556568 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) strongly promotes renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, but the cellular target that mediates its profibrotic actions has not been clearly identified. While in vitro data suggest that TGF-β-induced matrix production is mediated by renal fibroblasts, the role of these cells in TGF-β-dependent tubulointerstitial fibrosis following renal injury is not well defined. To address this, we deleted the TGF-β type II receptor in matrix-producing interstitial cells using two different inducible Cre models: COL1A2-Cre with a mesenchymal enhancer element and tenascin-Cre which targets medullary interstitial cells and either the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction or aristolochic acid renal injury model. Renal interstitial cells lacking the TGF-β receptor had significantly impaired collagen I production, but unexpectedly, overall tissue fibrosis was unchanged in the conditional knockouts after renal injury. Thus, abrogating TGF-β signaling in matrix-producing interstitial cells is not sufficient to reduce fibrosis after renal injury.
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Wang HY, Yang LZ, Gu CM, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Zhao D, Li TS, Cui MJ. Pathological changes, TGF-β1 expression, and the effects of hepatocyte growth factor in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Ren Fail 2013; 36:393-9. [PMID: 24345300 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2013.867797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) ameliorates chronic renal failure, but its mechanism of action is unclear. This study was designed to test the delivery of HGF in the PCI-neo vector, using the 5/6 nephrectomized rat as a model for chronic renal failure, and to confirm that this protective function is associated with decreased protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Control (untreated), PCI-neo (vector control), 5/6 nephrectomy, and PCI-neo-HGF. Rats were sacrificed at both the fifth and ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy. Kidney specimens were used for pathological examination (hematoxylin-eosin staining), and detection of TGF-β1 protein (Western blot and immunohistochemistry) expression. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and 24-h urinary protein excretion (UPE) were increased, renal interstitium was seriously injured, and TGF-β1 protein expression was elevated in 5/6 nephrectomized rats compared to control rats at either time point. Red blood cell and hemoglobin levels decreased in the ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy. PCI-neo-HGF expression ameliorated the aforementioned changes and decreased TGF-β1 expression, not only in the fifth week, but also in the ninth week after surgery. The process of renal injury in the 5/6 nephrectomized rat was consistent with that of chronic renal failure. The increase in TGF-β1 expression was maintained after 5/6 nephrectomy. HGF relieved chronic renal failure, this protection was associated with down-regulation of TGF-β1 protein expression, and the protective effects were long-term and stable after 5/6 nephrectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , China
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14
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Wang HY, Yang LZ, Cui MJ, Gu CM, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Zhao D, Li TS, Chi B. Hepatocyte growth factor-induced amelioration in chronic renal failure is associated with reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Ren Fail 2012; 34:862-70. [PMID: 22680062 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2012.687344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine whether hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can improve renal function in 5/6 nephrectomized rats and investigate whether this function is associated with a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in rat glomerulus mesangial cells and renal interstitium. Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control, PCI-neo, sham-operation, 5/6 nephrectomy, and low-dose and high-dose PCI-neo-HGF. Rats were killed in the ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy, and the kidney specimens were subjected to pathological examination by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining and detection of α-SMA expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were increased, renal interstitium was injured, and α-SMA expression was elevated in 5/6 nephrectomized rats compared with that in control. The above changes were ameliorated in the rats injected with PCI-neo-HGF vector. At the molecular level we found that PCI-neo-HGF repressed α-SMA expression in mesangial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. In conclusion, our data suggest that HGF can relieve chronic renal failure, and this protection is associated with the down-regulation of α-SMA expression in mesangial cells and renal interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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15
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Wang Z, Tang L, Zhu Q, Yi F, Zhang F, Li PL, Li N. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α contributes to the profibrotic action of angiotensin II in renal medullary interstitial cells. Kidney Int 2010; 79:300-10. [PMID: 20881940 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2010.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To examine whether hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mediates the profibrotic effects of angiotensin II, we treated cultured renal medullary interstitial cells with angiotensin II and found that it increased HIF-1α levels. This was accompanied by a significant upregulation of collagen I/III, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, elevation of the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and a transdifferentiation marker vimentin. All these effects of angiotensin II were completely blocked by siRNA for HIF-1α but not HIF-2α. Overexpression of a prolyl-hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2) transgene, the predominant renal HIF prolyl-hydroxylase, attenuated the effects of angiotensin II and its gene silencing enhanced the effects of angiotensin II. Removal of hydrogen peroxide eliminated angiotensin II-induced profibrotic effects. A 2-week infusion of rats with angiotensin II increased the expression of HIF-1α and α-smooth muscle actin, another marker of transdifferentiation, in renal medullary interstitial cells in vivo. Thus, our study suggests that HIF-1α mediates angiotensin II-induced profibrotic effects through activation of cell transdifferentiation. We propose that redox regulation of prolyl-PHD2 plays a critical role in angiotensin II-induced activation of HIF-1α in renal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA
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16
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Song Y, Mehta N, Sheh B, Saljooque F, U HS, Rajasekaran M. Transdifferentiation of rat fetal brain stem cells into penile smooth muscle cells. BJU Int 2009; 104:257-62. [PMID: 19220248 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2009.08352.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether rat fetal brain stem cells can be induced to acquire cell fates outside the nervous system, hypothesising that cell-based replacement therapy with stem cells can aid in the regeneration of penile smooth musculature and might help to attenuate organic erectile dysfunction (ED), as the degeneration of penile smooth muscle cells leading to subsequent impairment of function is important in organic ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fetal brain stem cells (FBSCs) from embryonal 12-day Fisher 344 rats were isolated and characterized. For in vitro studies, undifferentiated FBSCs were cultured for 21 days in either N2 media (control) or N2 media conditioned in rat penile smooth muscle cell culture. These were then subjected to immunocytochemistry for specific markers of neural stem cells (nestin) and penile smooth muscle cells, i.e. alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), penis-specific myosin light chain (MLC) desmin, calponin, vimentin, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) and connexin. For in vivo studies, male adult Fisher 344 rats had an intracavernous injection with saline (five rats, control) or FBSCs that were labelled genetically by an expression construct for green fluorescent protein (GFP, nine rats, experimental) and maintained for 6 weeks. The rats were then killed and penile tissue was harvested and subjected to immunocytochemistry for markers of neural stem cells, smooth muscle cells, and sinusoidal endothelium (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF). RESULTS Undifferentiated cells exposed to N2 media continued to maintain the characteristic morphological and protein marker features of FBSCs, while the cells exposed to the conditioned media acquired the morphological features of smooth muscle cells. In addition, the differentiated cells (30-40%) expressed smooth muscle markers. Rats implanted with FBSCs had cells that showed double-labelling for GFP/alphaSMA, GFP/calponin and GFP/VEGF. The control group had no evidence of such double-labelling. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the transdifferentiation of FBSCs into penile smooth muscle cells. Such transdifferentiated cells showed long-term survival when injected into the cavernous tissue, thus raising the possibility of a novel therapeutic option for organic ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseob Song
- Department of Urology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Elberg G, Chen L, Elberg D, Chan MD, Logan CJ, Turman MA. MKL1 mediates TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression in human renal epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2008; 294:F1116-28. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00142.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the kidney, a process involved in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We hypothesized that a coactivator of the serum response factor (SRF), megakaryoblastic leukemia factor-1 (MKL1), stimulates α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) transcription in primary cultures of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTC), which convert into myofibroblasts on treatment with TGF-β1. Herein, we study the effect of MKL1 expression on α-SMA in these cells. We demonstrate that TGF-β1 stimulation of α-SMA transcription is mediated through CC(A/T)6-rich GG elements known to bind to SRF. These elements also mediate the MKL1 effect that dramatically activates α-SMA transcription in serum-free media. MKL1 fused to green fluorescent protein localizes to the nucleus and induces α-SMA expression regardless of treatment with TGF-β1. Using proteasome inhibitors, we also demonstrate that the proteolytic ubiquitin pathway regulates MKL1 expression. These data indicate that MKL1 overexpression is sufficient to induce α-SMA expression. Inhibition of endogenous expression of MKL1 by small interfering RNA abolishes TGF-β1 stimulation of α-SMA expression. Therefore, MKL1 is also absolutely required for TGF-β1 stimulation of α-SMA expression. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis show that overexpressed and endogenous MKL1 are located in the nucleus in non-stimulated RTC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrates that TGF-β1 induces binding of endogenous SRF and MKL1 to the α-SMA promoter in chromatin. Since MKL1 constitutes a potent factor regulating α-SMA expression, modulation of endogenous MKL1 expression or activity may have a profound effect on myofibroblast formation and function in the kidney.
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18
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Abstract
Tumours are known as wounds that do not heal - this implies that cells that are involved in angiogenesis and the response to injury, such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts, have a prominent role in the progression, growth and spread of cancers. Fibroblasts are associated with cancer cells at all stages of cancer progression, and their structural and functional contributions to this process are beginning to emerge. Their production of growth factors, chemokines and extracellular matrix facilitates the angiogenic recruitment of endothelial cells and pericytes. Fibroblasts are therefore a key determinant in the malignant progression of cancer and represent an important target for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Kalluri
- Center for Matrix Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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19
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Elberg G, Elberg D, Logan CJ, Chen L, Turman MA. Limitations of Commonly Used Internal Controls for Real-Time RT-PCR Analysis of Renal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Cell Transition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 102:e113-22. [PMID: 16340238 DOI: 10.1159/000090070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Progressive renal fibrotic disease is accompanied by the massive accumulation of myofibroblasts as defined by alpha smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) expression. We quantitated gene expression using real-time RT-PCR analysis during conversion of primary cultured human renal tubular cells (RTC) to myofibroblasts after treatment with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). We report herein the limitations of commonly used reference genes for mRNA quantitation. METHODS We determined the expression of alphaSMA and megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 (MKL1), a transcriptional regulator of alphaSMA, by quantitative real-time PCR using three common internal controls, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), cyclophilin A and 18S rRNA. RESULTS Expression of GAPDH mRNA and cyclophilin A mRNA, and to a lesser extent, 18S rRNA levels varied over time in culture and with exposure to TGF-beta1. Thus, depending on which reference gene was used, TGF-beta1 appeared to have different effects on expression of MKL1 and alphaSMA. CONCLUSIONS RTC converting to myofibroblasts in primary culture is a valuable system to study renal fibrosis in humans. However, variability in expression of reference genes with TGF-beta1 treatment illustrates the need to validate mRNA quantitation with multiple reference genes to provide accurate interpretation of fibrosis studies in the absence of a universal internal standard for mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Elberg
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA.
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Lygoe KA, Norman JT, Marshall JF, Lewis MP. AlphaV integrins play an important role in myofibroblast differentiation. Wound Repair Regen 2004; 12:461-70. [PMID: 15260812 DOI: 10.1111/j.1067-1927.2004.12402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta1 is a potent mediator of the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which is characterized by the appearance of the cytoskeletal protein alpha-smooth muscle actin. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of integrin extracellular matrix receptors in transforming growth factor-beta1-induced myofibroblast differentiation. We show that blockade of the alphav and/or beta1 integrins prevents the transforming growth factor-beta1-induced myofibroblast differentiation, seen by the increased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and enhanced collagen gel contraction in three human fibroblast cell lines (from the mouth, skin, and kidney). Further, blockade of alphav specific integrins alphavbeta5 and alphavbeta3 suppressed myofibroblast differentiation in fibroblasts from the mouth and skin; however, in the kidney cells, the prevention of differentiation was seen only with blockade of alphavbeta5 integrin but not alphavbeta3. A possible reason for this result may be different degrees of responsiveness to transforming growth factor-beta1 treatment seen from different anatomical origins of the cell lines. These data indicate a novel role for alphav integrins in the differentiation of human fibroblasts from the mouth, skin, and kidney into myofibroblasts and suggest that there is a common differentiation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Lygoe
- Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 256 Grays Inn Road, London WC1 X8LD, United Kingdom
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21
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Yang M, Huang H, Li J, Li D, Wang H. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) and activation of the ERK pathway are required for connective tissue growth factor to potentiate myofibroblast differentiation. FASEB J 2004; 18:1920-1. [PMID: 15469966 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-2357fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Renal myofibroblasts play a crucial role in the accumulation of excess extracellular matrix during renal fibrosis. Both transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are important profibrotic growth factors, which interact in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this study, we demonstrate that CTGF alone has no influence on myofibroblast transformation and fibronectin secretion in kidney interstitial fibroblasts, whereas incubation of CTGF in combination with TGFbeta1 enhanced TGFbeta1 responses, including myofibroblast activation, de novo expression of alpha-SMA, and extracellular accumulation of fibronectin. CTGF induced tryrosine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein (LRP) in fibroblasts, and the LRP-antagonist, receptor-associated protein (RAP) inhibited CTGF-induced tryrosine phosphorylation of LRP. Inhibition of LRP signaling reduced CTGF-mediated synergistic induction of alpha-SMA protein. Furthermore, the potentiating action of CTGF was neither dependent on modulation of TGFbeta1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation and its association with Smad4, nor did it result from nuclear accumulation of activated Smad2. When TGFbeta1-pretreated fibroblasts were incubated with CTGF, activation of ERK1/2 MAPK signaling was observed. Inhibition of ERK activation by the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 was associated with a reduction of CTGF-promoted alpha-SMA protein expression. Our in vitro studies provide evidence that CTGF potentiates TGFbeta1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and activates differentiated myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Division of Nephrology, First Hospital and Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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22
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Chai Q, Krag S, Chai S, Ledet T, Wogensen L. Localisation and phenotypical characterisation of collagen-producing cells in TGF-beta 1-induced renal interstitial fibrosis. Histochem Cell Biol 2003; 119:267-80. [PMID: 12684813 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-003-0513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) contributes to the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tubulointerstitial space in chronic renal diseases. Identification of target cells and the contribution of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in TGF-beta 1-induced fibrosis in vivo are currently under investigation. We have developed a transgenic model of slowly developing TGF-beta 1-driven tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). By using this model our aim was to localise the ECM-producing cells, to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of the cellular markers alpha-smooth muscle cell actin (alpha SM-actin), Fsp1 and Hsp47 and to explore the possible involvement of EMT in TGF-beta1-induced TIF in vivo. We utilised a combination of in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry and western blotting techniques and found that alpha SM-actin-positive interstitial cells are the main source of collagen types I and III and fibronectin, whereas collagen type IV(alpha 1/alpha 2) originates mainly from the tubular epithelial cells. Furthermore, macrophages are not important combatants during the early course of TGF-beta 1-induced TIF. Finally, EMT is not necessary for the initiation of TGF-beta 1-induced TIF. We conclude, that intervention directed against the recruitment of activated interstitial cells may avoid the development of end-stage renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chai
- The Research Laboratory for Biochemical Pathology, The Institute for Experimental Clinical Research, Aarhus Kommunehospital, 44-Noerrebrogade, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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