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Ye Q, Taleb SJ, Zhao J, Zhao Y. Emerging role of BMPs/BMPR2 signaling pathway in treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117178. [PMID: 39142248 PMCID: PMC11364484 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117178] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal and chronic lung disease that is characterized by accumulation of thickened scar in the lungs and impairment of gas exchange. The cases with unknown etiology are referred as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). There are currently no effective therapeutics to cure the disease; thus, the investigation of the pathogenesis of IPF is of great importance. Recent studies on bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors have indicated that reduction of BMP signaling in lungs may play a significant role in the development of lung fibrosis. BMPs are members of TGF-β superfamily, and they have been shown to play an anti-fibrotic role in combating TGF-β-mediated pathways. The impact of BMP receptors, in particular BMPR2, on pulmonary fibrosis is growing attraction to researchers. Previous studies on BMPR2 have often focused on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Given the strong clinical association between PAH and lung fibrosis, understanding BMPs/BMPR2-mediated signaling pathway is important for development of therapeutic strategies to treat IPF. In this review, we comprehensively review recent studies regarding the biological functions of BMPs and their receptors in lungs, especially focusing on their roles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinmao Ye
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, United States
| | - Sarah J Taleb
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, United States
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, United States; Department of internal Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, United States; Department of internal Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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Amanpour P, Eftekhari Z, Eidi A, Khodarahmi P. Ameliorative mechanism of dietary vitamin d and magnesium on newborn's pulmonary toxicity induced by cadmium. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127469. [PMID: 38759447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) exposure in mothers can cause respiratory issues in newborns, but the exact toxicity mechanisms are not fully understood. Vitamin D deficiency in Cd-exposed rats is associated with increased cadmium accumulation in tissues. Finding a cost-effective medication that is vital for the body while also reducing the effects of poisoning is crucial in treating poisonings. To investigate the mechanisms of Cd-induced lung toxicity, we examined the impact of prolonged Cd exposure in female rats before pregnancy on newborn lung health, focusing on sera TNF-α level, lung P53, Foxo1 mRNA, and lung VEGF, and BMP-4 protein level. A total of 50 rats were divided into control, Cd, Cd+Vitamin D, Cd+Mg, and Cd + Vitamin D+Mg groups. Cd exposure resulted in higher serum TNF-α levels and a significant rise in P53 mRNA levels. Additionally, the occurrence of hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and thickening of alveolar walls decreased following treatment with vitamin D + Mg. Although Cd did not affect the newborns' body weight, it did impair their lung function. These findings suggest that the Cd-induced increase in the P53 gene expression could be alleviated by vitamin D and Mg, along with the elevation of VEGF and BMP-4 proteins and Foxo1 gene expression. The study revealed that environmental toxins can sometimes harm molecules and proteins, leading to damage in critical fetal tissues. However, these issues can be mitigated through essential supplements. STRUCTURED ABSTRACT: The increasing role of Cd in the erratic behavior of numerous biological and molecular entities, notably the development of fetal lung tissue, has made it beneficial to investigate the possible adverse effects of Cd exposure in pregnant mothers and fetal organ development, where instinctive molecular events occur. Researchers are encouraged to create new aspects of medications to reduce clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life due to exposure to metal toxins, particularly in industrialized countries. The present study aimed to evaluate histopathological and molecular modifications of fetal lungs caused by maternal Cd toxicosis and evaluate the possible ameliorating effects of vitamin D and Mg alone and in combination with fetal lung developmental abnormalities, followed by maternal toxin induction, which can be generalized to humans. Fifty female Wistar rats were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran. To induce the model, cadmium at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight was injected intraperitoneally into the female rats over 28 days before mating (5 days after injection in a week). Afterward, the female rats were randomly divided into type IV polycarbonate cages and mated with healthy male rats. The pregnancy was confirmed by observation of the vaginal plaque, which was subsequently observed, and the number of days of embryo formation was calculated. Subsequently, the pregnant rats were assigned to the following groups and received PBS, vitamin D, Mg, or vitamin D + Mg. At the end of the nine-day treatment period (the 6th day of pregnancy to the 14th day), the neonates were born vaginally, and their body weight and mortality were recorded. The P53 and Foxo1 gene expression levels in the left and right lobes of the homogenized lungs of the newborns in each group were assessed. TNF-alpha was detected in the sera collected from the newborns by ELISA. The isolated left and right lung tissues were homogenized in radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) buffer and the superior phase was collected to determine the total protein content by Lowry's method and VEGF and BMP-4 protein levels. The obtained lung samples from newborn rats were fixed in a 10% formalin solution for tissue processing. The fixed samples were embedded in paraffin, and serial paraffin sections were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin staining. This study is the first to examine how maternal Cd exposure affects fetal lung development and to estimate the impact of prescribing Mg and vitamin D during pregnancy. The present study assessed the effects of a repeated dose of Cd for 4 weeks before pregnancy on the lung development of newborn rats born to mothers treated with vitamin D and Mg. The results showed that the P53 gene was overexpressed in the model group, while Foxo1 gene expression was downregulated, negatively impacting the lung structure and developmental indices of the fetuses. Therefore, the intake of vitamin D and Mg may contribute to improving the various stages of Cd-induced lung injury by modulating lung inflammation and mucosal secretion while also positively influencing the number of surviving offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paria Amanpour
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohre Eftekhari
- Biotechnology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Akram Eidi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin Khodarahmi
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
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Xiong G, Zhang H, Peng Y, Shi H, Han M, Hu T, Wang H, Zhang S, Wu X, Xu G, Zhang J, Liu Y. Subchronic co-exposure of polystyrene nanoplastics and 3-BHA significantly aggravated the reproductive toxicity of ovaries and uterus in female mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124101. [PMID: 38710361 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Both nanoplastics (NPs) and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (3-BHA) are environmental contaminants that can bio-accumulate through the food chain. However, the combined effects of which on mammalian female reproductive system remain unclear. Here, the female ICR-CD1 mice were used to evaluate the damage effects of ovaries and uterus after NPs and 3-BHA co-treatment for 35 days. Firstly, co-exposure significantly reduced the body weight and organ index of ovaries and uterus in mice. Secondly, combined effects of NPs and 3-BHA exacerbated the histopathological abnormalities to the ovaries and uterus and decreased female sex hormones such as FSH and LH while increased antioxidant activities including CAT and GSH-Px. Moreover, the apoptotic genes, inflammatory cytokines and the key reproductive development genes such as FSTL1 were significantly up-regulated under co-exposure conditions. Thirdly, through transcriptional and bioinformatics analysis, immunofluorescence and western blotting assays, together with molecular docking simulation, we determined that co-exposure up-regulated the FSTL1, TGF-β and p-Smad1/5/9 but down-regulated the expression of BMP4. Finally, the pharmacological rescue experiments further demonstrated that co-exposure of NPs and 3-BHA mainly exacerbated the female reproductive toxicity through FSTL1-mediated BMP4/TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Taken together, our studies provided the theoretical basis of new environmental pollutants on the reproductive health in female mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghua Xiong
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China; College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yulin Peng
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Huangqi Shi
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Meiling Han
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Tianle Hu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Hongcheng Wang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Shangrong Zhang
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Gaoxiao Xu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China
| | - Jun'e Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yong Liu
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Embryo Development and Reproductive Regulation, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Hormone and Reproduction, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236041, Anhui, China.
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Du R, Li K, Guo K, Chen Z, Han L, Bian H. FSTL1: A double-edged sword in cancer development. Gene 2024; 906:148263. [PMID: 38346455 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148263] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Flolistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1), a secreted glycoprotein that is involved in many physiological functions, has attracted much interest and has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including heart diseases and inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the involvement of FSTL1 in cancer progression has been implicated and researched. FSTL1 plays a contradictory role in cancer, depending on the cancer type as well as the contents of the tumor microenvironment. As reviewed here, the structure and distribution of FSTL1 are first introduced. Subsequently, the expression and clinical significance of FSTL1 in various types of cancer as a tumor enhancer or inhibitor are addressed. Furthermore, we discuss the functional role of FSTL1 in various processes that involve tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, immune responses, stemness, cell apoptosis, and resistance to chemotherapy. FSTL1 expression is tightly controlled in cancer, and a multitude of cancer-related signaling cascades like TGF-β/BMP/Smad signaling, AKT, NF-κB, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways are modulated by FSTL1. Finally, FSTL1 as a therapeutic target using monoclonal antibodies is stated. Herein, we review recent findings showing the double-edged characteristics and mechanisms of FSTL1 in cancer and elaborate on the current understanding of therapeutic approaches targeting FSTL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Du
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Kai Li
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Kelei Guo
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Li Han
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Hua Bian
- Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, 473004, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Nanyang Institute of Technology, No. 80, Changjiang Road, Nanyang 473004, Henan Province, PR China.
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Chen Y, Jiang W, Wang J, Ma X, Wu D, Liu L, Ji M, Qu X, Liu C, Liu H, Qin X, Xiang Y. Conditional knockout of ITGB4 in bronchial epithelial cells directs bronchopulmonary dysplasia. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3760-3772. [PMID: 37698050 PMCID: PMC10718146 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal respiratory system disease is closely associated with embryonic lung development. Our group found that integrin β4 (ITGB4) is downregulated in the airway epithelium of asthma patients. Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory illness in childhood. Therefore, we suspect whether the deletion of ITGB4 would affect fetal lung development. In this study, we characterized the role of ITGB4 deficiency in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). ITGB4 was conditionally knocked out in CCSP-rtTA, Tet-O-Cre and ITGB4f/f triple transgenic mice. Lung tissues at different developmental stages were collected for experimental detection and transcriptome sequencing. The effects of ITGB4 deficiency on lung branching morphogenesis were observed by fetal mouse lung explant culture. Deleting ITGB4 from the airway epithelial cells results in enlargement of alveolar airspaces, inhibition of branching, the abnormal structure of epithelium cells and the impairment of cilia growth during lung development. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the airway epithelial cilia of the β4ccsp.cre group appear to be sparse, shortened and lodging. Lung-development-relevant factors such as SftpC and SOX2 significantly decreased both mRNA and protein levels. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that multiple ontogenesis-regulating-relevant pathways converge to FAK. Accordingly, ITGB4 deletion decreased phospho-FAK, phospho-GSK3β and SOX2 levels, and the correspondingly contrary consequence was detected after treatment with GSK3β agonist (wortmannin). Airway branching defect of β4ccsp.cre mice lung explants was also partly recovered after wortmannin treatment. Airway epithelial-specific deletion of ITGB4 contributes to lung developmental defect, which could be achieved through the FAK/GSK3β/SOX2 signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of MedicineHunan Normal UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Wang Jiang
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Jin‐Mei Wang
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xiao‐Di Ma
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Di Wu
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- School of MedicineFoshan UniversityFoshanChina
| | - Le‐Xin Liu
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Ming Ji
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xiang‐Ping Qu
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Chi Liu
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Hui‐Jun Liu
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xiao‐Qun Qin
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Yang Xiang
- School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
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6
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Sun W, Yang X, Chen L, Guo L, Huang H, Liu X, Yang Y, Xu Z. FSTL1 promotes alveolar epithelial cell aging and worsens pulmonary fibrosis by affecting SENP1-mediated DeSUMOylation. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1716-1727. [PMID: 37369969 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) senescence-induced changes of lung mesenchymal cells are key to starting the progress of pulmonary fibrosis. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) plays a central regulatory role in the complex process of senescence and pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signal pathway activity. Activation of Smad4 and Ras relies on SUMO-specific peptidase 1 (SENP1)-mediated deSUMOylation during TGF-β signaling pathway activation. We hypothesized that SENP1-mediated deSUMOylation may be a potential therapeutic target by modulating FSTL1-regulated cellular senescence in pulmonary fibrosis. In verifying this hypothesis, we found that FSTL1 expression was upregulated in the lung tissues of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and that SENP1 was overexpressed in senescent AECs. TGF-β1-induced FSTL1 not only promoted AEC senescence but also upregulated SENP1 expression. Interfering with SENP1 expression inhibited FSTL1-dependent promotion of AEC senescence and improved pulmonary fibrosis in mouse lungs. FSTL1 enhancement of TGF-β1 signaling pathway activation was dependent on SENP1 in senescent AEC. Our work identifies a novel mechanism by which FSTL1 is involved in AEC senescence. Inhibition of SENP1 in epithelial cells alleviated pulmonary fibrosis by blocking FSTL1-enhanced TGF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoshu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zuojun Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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7
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Weckerle J, Mayr CH, Fundel-Clemens K, Lämmle B, Boryn L, Thomas MJ, Bretschneider T, Luippold AH, Huber HJ, Viollet C, Rist W, Veyel D, Ramirez F, Klee S, Kästle M. Transcriptomic and Proteomic Changes Driving Pulmonary Fibrosis Resolution in Young and Old Mice. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:422-440. [PMID: 37411041 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0012oc] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice mimics major hallmarks of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Yet in this model, it spontaneously resolves over time. We studied molecular mechanisms of fibrosis resolution and lung repair, focusing on transcriptional and proteomic signatures and the effect of aging. Old mice showed incomplete and delayed lung function recovery 8 weeks after bleomycin instillation. This shift in structural and functional repair in old bleomycin-treated mice was reflected in a temporal shift in gene and protein expression. We reveal gene signatures and signaling pathways that underpin the lung repair process. Importantly, the downregulation of WNT, BMP, and TGFβ antagonists Frzb, Sfrp1, Dkk2, Grem1, Fst, Fstl1, and Inhba correlated with lung function improvement. Those genes constitute a network with functions in stem cell pathways, wound, and pulmonary healing. We suggest that insufficient and delayed downregulation of those antagonists during fibrosis resolution in old mice explains the impaired regenerative outcome. Together, we identified signaling pathway molecules with relevance to lung regeneration that should be tested in-depth experimentally as potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bärbel Lämmle
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, and
| | | | | | - Tom Bretschneider
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | - Andreas H Luippold
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Rist
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | - Daniel Veyel
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | - Fidel Ramirez
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, and
| | - Stephan Klee
- Department of Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research
| | - Marc Kästle
- Department of Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research
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8
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Zhang S, Mo X, Jin Y, Niu Z, Yao M, Zhang Y, Li L, Hu G, Ning W. Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals cellular heterogeneity and highlights Fstl1-regulated alveolar myofibroblasts in mouse lung at birth. Genomics 2023; 115:110677. [PMID: 37406975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110677] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The matricellular protein, follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), regulates lung development and saccular formation. Here, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to construct a transcriptomic atlas of 22,774 individual cells from wild-type (WT) and Fstl1-/- lung (E18.5) samples and identified 27 cell subtypes. We observed abnormal population sizes and gene expression profiles in diverse cell subtypes in Fstl1-/- lung samples. We identified Pdgfra and Tgfbi as genetic markers specifically expressed in postnatal myofibroblasts (MyoFBs). Fstl1 deletion decreased the number of MyoFB cells and downregulated their roles in ECM organization and muscle tissue/vasculature development, partly through the TGF-β1/BMP4 signaling pathway. Our data provide a single-cell view of the cellular heterogeneity and the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal saccular formation and atelectatic lungs in Fstl1-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiuxue Mo
- School of Statistics and Data Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yueyue Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhuan Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Maolin Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lian Li
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Gang Hu
- School of Statistics and Data Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Wen Ning
- College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Liu H, Wen J, Tian X, Li T, Zhao J, Cheng J, Huang L, Zhao Y, Cao Q, Jiang J. miR-125a-3p regulates the expression of FSTL1, a pro-inflammatory factor, during adipogenic differentiation, and inhibits adipogenesis in mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23146. [PMID: 37584664 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300851r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Adipogenesis is tightly regulated by various factors, including genes and microRNAs. Excessive fat deposition is the key feature of obesity, which is a low-grade chronic inflammatory disease. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) has been reported to be an important mediator involved in various inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of FSTL1 in preadipocyte differentiation and inflammatory response is still unclear. The current study was designed to explore the biological function and potential mechanism of FSTL1 in mouse subcutaneous preadipocyte differentiation. We found that FSTL1 was highly expressed in the early stage of differentiation and subsequently decreased sharply, suggesting that FSTL1 played a possible role in adipogenesis. Meanwhile, the gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that FSTL1 was not only involved in the inflammatory response by inducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and CCL2 but also significantly attenuated preadipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by the reduction of lipid accumulation and the levels of adipogenic genes, including PPARγ and FABP4. In addition, the target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay validated that miR-125a-3p targeted the 3' UTR region of FSTL1. These results demonstrated that miR-125a-3p negatively regulated the expression of FSTL1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, overexpressing miR-125a-3p in preadipocytes dramatically accelerated adipogenic differentiation and downregulated the levels of IL-1β and CCL2, which were in accordance with the knockdown of FSTL1. On the contrary, treatment with miR-125a-3p inhibitors attenuated adipogenesis but induced the expression of inflammatory genes. In summary, this study suggests a positive function of FSTL1 in adipocyte-induced inflammation and negatively regulates preadipocyte differentiation. Further studies demonstrated that miR-125a-3p could reverse the effect by targeting FSTL1, which might provide a better understanding of treating obesity-related inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Wen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ju Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lishi Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanquan Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Tarabeih N, Kalinkovich A, Shalata A, Higla O, Livshits G. Pro-Inflammatory Biomarkers Combined with Body Composition Display a Strong Association with Knee Osteoarthritis in a Community-Based Study. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1315. [PMID: 37759715 PMCID: PMC10527309 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common progressive, age-dependent chronic degenerative joint diseases. KOA often develops as a result of a gradual articular cartilage loss caused by its wear and tear. Numerous studies suggest that the degradation of the knee joint involves inflammatory components. This process is also associated with body composition, particularly being overweight and muscle mass loss. The present study aimed to search for novel circulating KOA inflammatory biomarkers, taking into account body composition characteristics. To this aim, we recruited 98 patients diagnosed and radiologically confirmed with KOA and 519 healthy controls from the Arab community in Israel. A panel of soluble molecules, related to inflammatory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders, was measured by ELISA in plasma samples, while several body composition parameters were assessed with bioimpedance analysis. Statistical analysis, including multivariable logistic regression, revealed a number of the factors significantly associated with KOA, independently of age and sex. The most significant independent associations [OR (95% CI)] were fat body mass/body weight index-1.56 (1.20-2.02), systemic immune-inflammation index-4.03 (2.23-7.27), circulating vaspin levels-1.39 (1.15-1.68), follistatin/FSTL1 ratio-1.32 (1.02-1.70), and activin A/FSTL1 ratio-1.33 (1.01-1.75). Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm the relevance of these KOA-associated biological factors. Hereafter, they could serve as reliable biomarkers for KOA in the general human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Tarabeih
- Department of Morphological Studies, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Alexander Kalinkovich
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6905126, Israel;
| | - Adel Shalata
- The Simon Winter Institute for Human Genetics, Bnai Zion Medical Center, The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel;
| | - Orabi Higla
- Orthopedics Clinic, Clalit, Migdal HaMeah, Tel-Aviv 6203854, Israel;
| | - Gregory Livshits
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6905126, Israel;
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11
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Li B, Rodrigo-Torres D, Pelz C, Innes B, Canaday P, Chai S, Zandstra P, Bader GD, Grompe M. Cell networks in the mouse liver during partial hepatectomy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.16.549116. [PMID: 37503083 PMCID: PMC10370080 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.16.549116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In solid tissues homeostasis and regeneration after injury involve a complex interplay between many different cell types. The mammalian liver harbors numerous epithelial and non-epithelial cells and little is known about the global signaling networks that govern their interactions. To better understand the hepatic cell network, we isolated and purified 10 different cell populations from normal and regenerative mouse livers. Their transcriptomes were analyzed by bulk RNA-seq and a computational platform was used to analyze the cell-cell and ligand-receptor interactions among the 10 populations. Over 50,000 potential cell-cell interactions were found in both the ground state and after partial hepatectomy. Importantly, about half of these differed between the two states, indicating massive changes in the cell network during regeneration. Our study provides the first comprehensive database of potential cell-cell interactions in mammalian liver cell homeostasis and regeneration. With the help of this prediction model, we identified and validated two previously unknown signaling interactions involved in accelerating and delaying liver regeneration. Overall, we provide a novel platform for investigating autocrine/paracrine pathways in tissue regeneration, which can be adapted to other complex multicellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Oregon Stem Cell Center
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Daniel Rodrigo-Torres
- Oregon Stem Cell Center
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Carl Pelz
- Oregon Stem Cell Center
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Brendan Innes
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sunghee Chai
- Oregon Stem Cell Center
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter Zandstra
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gary D. Bader
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Markus Grompe
- Oregon Stem Cell Center
- Department of Pediatrics, Papé Family Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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12
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Li Q, Qiao Y, Wang F, Zhao J, Wu L, Ge H, Xu S. Prenatal triclosan exposure impairs mammalian lung branching morphogenesis through activating Bmp4 signaling. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114896. [PMID: 37054474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Triclosan (TCS) is a commonly used antibacterial agent present in personal care and household products. Recently, there have been increasing concerns about the association between children's health and TCS exposure during gestation, but the toxicological effects of TCS exposure on embryonic lung development remain undetermined. In this study, through using an ex vivo lung explant culture system, we found that prenatal exposure to TCS resulted in impaired lung branching morphogenesis and altered proximal-distal airway patterning. These TCS-induced dysplasias are accompanied by significantly reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis within the developing lung, as a consequence of activated Bmp4 signaling. Inhibition of Bmp4 signaling by Noggin partially rescues the lung branching morphogenesis and cellular defects in TCS-exposed lung explants. In addition, we provided in vivo evidence that administration of TCS during gestation leads to compromised branching formation and enlarged airspace in the lung of offspring. Thus, this study provides novel toxicological information on TCS and indicated a strong/possible association between TCS exposure during pregnancy and lung dysplasia in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Li
- Institute of Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Yulong Qiao
- Institute of Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Institute of Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Institute of Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Honghua Ge
- Institute of Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shengmin Xu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
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13
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Calthorpe RJ, Poulter C, Smyth AR, Sharkey D, Bhatt J, Jenkins G, Tatler AL. Complex roles of TGF-β signaling pathways in lung development and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 324:L285-L296. [PMID: 36625900 PMCID: PMC9988523 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00106.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As survival of extremely preterm infants continues to improve, there is also an associated increase in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), one of the most significant complications of preterm birth. BPD development is multifactorial resulting from exposure to multiple antenatal and postnatal stressors. BPD has both short-term health implications and long-term sequelae including increased respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological morbidity. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is an important signaling pathway in lung development, organ injury, and fibrosis and is implicated in the development of BPD. This review provides a detailed account on the role of TGF-β in antenatal and postnatal lung development, the effect of known risk factors for BPD on the TGF-β signaling pathway, and how medications currently in use or under development, for the prevention or treatment of BPD, affect TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Calthorpe
- Lifespan & Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Poulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R Smyth
- Lifespan & Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Don Sharkey
- Centre for Perinatal Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jayesh Bhatt
- Department of Pediatrics, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda L Tatler
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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14
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Wan L, Hu X, Xia T, Li F, Chi Q, Ma H, Yan S, Li W, Huang W. Disruption of Cdyl gene impairs mouse lung epithelium differentiation and maturation. Gene 2023; 853:147088. [PMID: 36464171 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147088] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
CDYL is a chromodomain protein that has been identified as a transcriptional co-repressor that is primarily involved in the formation of repressor complexes which coordinate histone modifications to repress gene transcription. However, most functions and mechanisms of action of the CDYL protein are unknown. In this study, we show that Cdyl-/- mice died of respiratory distress immediately at birth because of distinct abnormalities in distal lung morphogenesis which was characterized by thickened septal and expiratory alveolus atelectasis. Furthermore, Cdyl deletion in mice led to excessive proliferation of immature epithelial cells and an arrest in alveolar epithelium cell differentiation in late gestation which were associated with decreased secretion of mature surfactant proteins in alveolus. Microarray analysis showed that Cdyl gene deletion influenced the expression of genes regulating neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, cell adhesion, and cell cycle. We validated that Cdyl repressed the transcriptional activity of Cks1 in vitro. In conclusion, Cdyl gene participates in the perinatal respiratory epithelium differentiation and maturation that is important for normal lung function at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wan
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaojun Hu
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Fugui Li
- Cancer Research Institute of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, Zhongshan 528403, China
| | - Qiong Chi
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hongmei Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Sunxing Yan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weiqiang Li
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weijun Huang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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15
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Abstract
Liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, fatty liver, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and liver neoplasms, are major global health challenges. Despite the continued development of new drugs and technologies, the prognosis of end-stage liver diseases, including advanced liver cirrhosis and liver neoplasms, remains poor. Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), an extracellular glycoprotein, is secreted by various cell types. It is a glycoprotein that belongs to the family of secreted proteins acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). It is also known as transforming growth factor-beta inducible TSC-36 and follistatin-related protein (FRP). FSTL1 plays a key role in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration, as well as the regulation of inflammation and immunity. Studies have demonstrated that FSTL1 significantly affects the occurrence and development of liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of FSLT1 in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuansha Gu
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor
Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical
University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Hua Xue
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang
Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor
Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical
University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yu Nie
- School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical
University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Xinlai Qian
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang
Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, China
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16
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Zhao C, Chen Z, Zhu L, Miao Y, Guo J, Yuan Z, Wang P, Li L, Ning W. The BMP inhibitor follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) suppresses cervical carcinogenesis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1100045. [PMID: 36756161 PMCID: PMC9901576 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1100045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a cancer-related matricellular secretory protein with contradictory organ-specific roles. Its contribution to the pathogenesis of cervical carcinoma is still not clear. Meanwhile, it is necessary to identify novel candidate genes to understand cervical carcinoma's pathogenesis further and find potential therapeutic targets. We collected cervical carcinoma samples and matched adjacent tissues from patients with the locally-advanced disease and used cervical carcinoma cell lines HeLa and C33A to evaluate the effects of FSTL1 on CC cells. The mRNA transcription and protein expression of FSTL1 in cervical carcinoma tumor biopsy tissues were lower than those of matched adjacent tissues. Patients with a lower ratio of FSTL1 mRNA between the tumor and its matched adjacent tissues showed a correlation with the advanced cervical carcinoma FIGO stages. High expression of FSTL1 markedly inhibited the proliferation, motility, and invasion of HeLa and C33A. Regarding mechanism, FSTL1 plays its role by negatively regulating the BMP4/Smad1/5/9 signaling. Our study has demonstrated the tumor suppressor effect of FSTL1, and these findings suggested a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for cervical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongjie Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunheng Miao
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiasen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Wen Ning, ; Lian Li,
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Wen Ning, ; Lian Li,
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17
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Li X, Ma X, Miao Y, Zhang J, Xi B, Li W, Zhang Q, Chen L, Yang Y, Li H, Wei L, Zhou H, Yang C. Duvelisib attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:422-434. [PMID: 36651446 PMCID: PMC9889612 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease that seriously threatens the health of patients. The pathogenesis of IPF is still unclear, and there is a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Myofibroblasts are the main effector cells of IPF, leading to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoting the progression of fibrosis. Inhibiting the excessive activation and relieving autophagy blockage of myofibroblasts is the key to treat IPF. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a key regulatory role in promoting fibroblast activation and autophagy inhibition in lung fibrosis. Duvelisib is a PI3K inhibitor that can simultaneously inhibit the activities of PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ, and is mainly used for the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma tumour (SLL). In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of Duvelisib on pulmonary fibrosis. We used a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis to evaluate the effects of Duvelisib on pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and further explored the potential pharmacological mechanisms of Duvelisib in lung fibroblasts in vitro. The in vivo experiments showed that Duvelisib significantly alleviated bleomycin-induced collagen deposition and improved pulmonary function. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological experiments showed that Duvelisib dose-dependently suppressed lung fibroblast activation and improved autophagy inhibition by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and mTOR. Our results indicate that Duvelisib can alleviate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis and provide potential drugs for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Xiaoyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yang Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jianwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Buri Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Wenqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineTianjin Beichen HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Luqing Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineTianjin Beichen HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchTianjin International Joint Academy of BiomedicineTianjinChina
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18
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Rao J, Wang H, Ni M, Wang Z, Wang Z, Wei S, Liu M, Wang P, Qiu J, Zhang L, Wu C, Shen H, Wang X, Cheng F, Lu L. FSTL1 promotes liver fibrosis by reprogramming macrophage function through modulating the intracellular function of PKM2. Gut 2022; 71:2539-2550. [PMID: 35140065 PMCID: PMC9664121 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is widely recognised as a secreted glycoprotein, but its role in modulating macrophage-related inflammation during liver fibrosis has not been documented. Herein, we aimed to characterise the roles of macrophage FSTL1 in the development of liver fibrosis. DESIGN Expression analysis was conducted with human liver samples obtained from 33 patients with liver fibrosis and 18 individuals without fibrosis serving as controls. Myeloid-specific FSTL1-knockout (FSTL1M-KO) mice were constructed to explore the function and mechanism of macrophage FSTL1 in 3 murine models of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride injection, bile duct ligation or a methionine-deficient and choline-deficient diet. RESULTS FSTL1 expression was significantly elevated in macrophages from fibrotic livers of both humans and mice. Myeloid-specific FSTL1 deficiency effectively attenuated the progression of liver fibrosis. In FSTL1M-KO mice, the microenvironment that developed during liver fibrosis showed relatively less inflammation, as demonstrated by attenuated infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils and decreased expression of proinflammatory factors. FSTL1M-KO macrophages exhibited suppressed proinflammatory M1 polarisation and nuclear factor kappa B pathway activation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this study showed that, through its FK domain, FSTL1 bound directly to the pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Interestingly, FSTL1 promoted PKM2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, reduced PKM2 ubiquitination to enhance PKM2-dependent glycolysis and increased M1 polarisation. Pharmacological activation of PKM2 (DASA-58) partially countered FSTL1-mediated glycolysis and inflammation. CONCLUSION Macrophage FSTL1 promotes the progression of liver fibrosis by inducing M1 polarisation and inflammation based on the intracellular PKM2 reprogramming function of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Rao
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China .,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Wei
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mu Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiannan Qiu
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongbing Shen
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China .,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Hepatobiliary Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University; Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China .,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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19
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Horak M, Fairweather D, Kokkonen P, Bednar D, Bienertova-Vasku J. Follistatin-like 1 and its paralogs in heart development and cardiovascular disease. Heart Fail Rev 2022; 27:2251-2265. [PMID: 35867287 PMCID: PMC11140762 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10262-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels and a leading cause of death worldwide. Thus, there is a need to identify new cardiokines that may protect the heart from damage as reported in GBD 2017 Causes of Death Collaborators (2018) (The Lancet 392:1736-1788). Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a cardiokine that is highly expressed in the heart and released to the serum after cardiac injury where it is associated with CVD and predicts poor outcome. The action of FSTL1 likely depends not only on the tissue source but also post-translation modifications that are target tissue- and cell-specific. Animal studies examining the effect of FSTL1 in various models of heart disease have exploded over the past 15 years and primarily report a protective effect spanning from inhibiting inflammation via transforming growth factor, preventing remodeling and fibrosis to promoting angiogenesis and hypertrophy. A better understanding of FSTL1 and its homologs is needed to determine whether this protein could be a useful novel biomarker to predict poor outcome and death and whether it has therapeutic potential. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the literature for this family of proteins in order to better understand their role in normal physiology and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Horak
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - DeLisa Fairweather
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Piia Kokkonen
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - David Bednar
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Julie Bienertova-Vasku
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 625 00, Czech Republic.
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20
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Qi C, Cao J, Liu X, Chen Q, Liang M, Chen Z, Feng J, Chen B, Ning W, Li L. Follistatin-like 1 mitigates intermittent hypoxia-induced melanoma lung metastasis in mice. Sleep Breath 2022; 27:1165-1173. [DOI: 10.1007/s11325-022-02680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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21
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Sisto M, Ribatti D, Ingravallo G, Lisi S. The Expression of Follistatin-like 1 Protein Is Associated with the Activation of the EMT Program in Sjögren’s Syndrome. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185368. [PMID: 36143013 PMCID: PMC9503234 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The activation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program is a pathological response of the Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) salivary glands epithelial cells (SGEC) to chronic inflammation. Follistatin-like 1 protein (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), actively involved in the modulation of EMT. However, the role of FSTL1 in the EMT program activation in SS has not yet been investigated. Methods: TGF-β1-stimulated healthy human SGEC, SS SGEC, and SS salivary glands (SGs) biopsies were used to assess the effect of FSTL1 on the activation of the EMT program. FSTL1 gene activity was inhibited by the siRNA gene knockdown technique. Results: Here we reported that FSTL1 is up-regulated in SS SGs tissue in a correlated manner with the inflammatory grade. Blockage of FSTL1 gene expression by siRNA negatively modulates the TGF-β1-induced EMT program in vitro. We discovered that these actions were mediated through the modulation of the SMAD2/3-dependent EMT signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the TGF-β1-FSTL1-SMAD2/3 regulatory circuit plays a key role in the regulation of EMT in SS and targeting FSTL1 may be a strategy for the treatment of SGs EMT-dependent fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs (SMBNOS), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+39-080-547-8315; Fax: +39-080-547-8327
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs (SMBNOS), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Pathology Section, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs (SMBNOS), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
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22
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Qi C, Song X, Wang H, Yan Y, Liu B. The role of exercise-induced myokines in promoting angiogenesis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:981577. [PMID: 36091401 PMCID: PMC9459110 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.981577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic diseases are a major cause of mortality or disability in the clinic. Surgical or medical treatment often has poor effect on patients with tissue and organ ischemia caused by diffuse stenoses. Promoting angiogenesis is undoubtedly an effective method to improve perfusion in ischemic tissues and organs. Although many animal or clinical studies tried to use stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, or cytokines to promote angiogenesis, these methods could not be widely applied in the clinic due to their inconsistent experimental results. However, exercise rehabilitation has been written into many authoritative guidelines in the treatment of ischemic diseases. The function of exercise in promoting angiogenesis relies on the regulation of blood glucose and lipids, as well as cytokines that secreted by skeletal muscle, which are termed as myokines, during exercise. Myokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand (CXCL) family proteins, irisin, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), have been found to be closely related to the expression and function of angiogenesis-related factors and angiogenesis in both animal and clinical experiments, suggesting that myokines may become a new molecular target to promote angiogenesis and treat ischemic diseases. The aim of this review is to show current research progress regarding the mechanism how exercise and exercise-induced myokines promote angiogenesis. In addition, the limitation and prospect of researches on the roles of exercise-induced myokines in angiogenesis are also discussed. We hope this review could provide theoretical basis for the future mechanism studies and the development of new strategies for treating ischemic diseases.
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23
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Hitit M, Kose M, Kaya MS, Kırbas M, Dursun S, Alak I, Atli MO. Circulating miRNAs in maternal plasma as potential biomarkers of early pregnancy in sheep. Front Genet 2022; 13:929477. [PMID: 36061213 PMCID: PMC9428447 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.929477] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in the control of gene expression and is implied in many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. The aim was to assess plasma miRNA profiles during the peri-implantation and ascertain potential candidate miRNA markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in ovine plasma. The plasma samples were obtained from a total of 24 ewes on days 12 (pre-implantation; P12, n = 4), 16 (implantation; P16, n = 4) and 22 (post-implantation; P22, n = 4) after mating, and on their corresponding days of 12 (Pre-C; C12, n = 4), 16 (Imp-C; C16, n = 4) and 22 (Post-C; C22, n = 4) of the estrous cycle. The miRNA profiles in plasma were assessed by microarray technology. We detected the presence of 60 ovine-specific miRNAs in plasma samples. Of these miRNAs, 22 demonstrated a differential expression pattern, especially between the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and targeted 521 genes. Two miRNAs (oar-miR-218a and oar-miR-1185-3p) were confirmed using RT-qPCR in the ovine plasma samples. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of target genes established six functional modules, of which modules 1 and 3 were enriched in the common GO terms, such as inflammatory response, defense response, and regulation of immune response. In contrast, module 2 was enriched in the developmental process involved in reproduction, embryo development, embryonic morphogenesis, and regulation of the developmental process. The results indicate that miRNAs profiles of plasma seemed to be modulated during the peri-implantation stage of pregnancy in ewes. Circulating miRNAs could be promising candidates for diagnosis in early ovine pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Mustafa Hitit, ; Mehmet Osman Atli,
| | - Mehmet Kose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Salih Kaya
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mesut Kırbas
- Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sukru Dursun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Ilyas Alak
- Department of Animal Sciences, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Osman Atli
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Mustafa Hitit, ; Mehmet Osman Atli,
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24
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Xiao X, Zhang H, Ning W, Yang Z, Wang Y, Zhang T. Knockdown of FSTL1 inhibits microglia activation and alleviates depressive-like symptoms through modulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in CUMS mice. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114060. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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25
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Sheng H, Lin G, Zhao S, Li W, Zhang Z, Zhang W, Yun L, Yan X, Hu H. Antifibrotic Mechanism of Piceatannol in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:771031. [PMID: 35747752 PMCID: PMC9209743 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.771031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by myofibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition, which lead to irreversible damage of the lung’s architecture and the formation of fibrotic lesions. IPF is also a sequela in serious patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The molecular mechanisms under pulmonary fibrosis remain unclear, and there is no satisfactory treatment currently available. Piceatannol (PIC) is a naturally occurring resveratrol analog found in a variety of dietary sources such as grapes, passion fruit, and white tea. It has been reported to inhibit liver fibroblast growth and exhibited various antitumor activities, although its role in pulmonary fibrosis has not been established yet. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-fibrotic role of PIC in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods: Mice with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis were treated with PIC, and fibrotic changes were measured by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and hydroxyproline assay. Luciferase assay, Western blot assay, histological analysis, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the effect of PIC on fibroblast activation and autophagy in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3) and human lung fibroblast cells (HFL1). The anti-fibrotic mechanisms of PIC were either confirmed in vivo. Results: Our results showed that PIC significantly alleviated the bleomycin-induced collagen deposition and myofibroblast accumulation. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that PIC plays a role in activating autophagy in the process of anti-fibroblast activation. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that PIC can promote autophagy via inhibiting the TGF-β1-Smad3/ERK/P38 signaling pathway, which leads to a decreased number of activated myofibroblasts. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated for the first time that PIC possesses the protective effects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis due to the direct pulmonary protective effects which enhance the effect of autophagy in vitro and in vivo and finally leads to the decreased number of activated myofibroblasts. PIC may serve as a candidate compound for pulmonary fibrosis therapy and attenuates the sequelae of SARS-COV-2 pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjing Sheng
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, China
| | - Gang Lin
- Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shengxian Zhao
- College of Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Cixi, China
| | - Weibin Li
- The Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, The Cancer Center and the Department of Breast-Thyroid Surgery, Xiang’ an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhaolin Zhang
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Li Yun
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyang Yan
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, China
| | - Hongyu Hu
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Hongyu Hu,
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26
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zheng G, Liu Y, Li J, Huang H, Xu C, Zeng Y, Zhang X, Qin J, Dai C, Hambrock HO, Hartmann U, Feng B, Mak KK, Liu Y, Lan HY, Huang Y, Zheng ZH, Xia Y. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) interacts with Wnt ligands and Frizzled receptors to enhance Wnt/β-catenin signaling in obstructed kidneys in vivo. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102010. [PMID: 35525270 PMCID: PMC9234244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FS)-like 1 (FSTL1) is a member of the FS-SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) family of secreted and extracellular matrix proteins. The functions of FSTL1 have been studied in heart and lung injury as well as in wound healing; however, the role of FSTL1 in the kidney is largely unknown. Here, we show using single-cell RNA-Seq that Fstl1 was enriched in stromal cells in obstructed mouse kidneys. In addition, immunofluorescence demonstrated that FSTL1 expression was induced in fibroblasts during kidney fibrogenesis in mice and human patients. We demonstrate that FSTL1 overexpression increased renal fibrosis and activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, known to promote kidney fibrosis, but not the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Notch, Hedgehog, or Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathways in obstructed mouse kidneys, whereas inhibition of FSTL1 lowered Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Importantly, we show that FSTL1 interacted with Wnt ligands and the Frizzled (FZD) receptors but not the coreceptor lipoprotein receptor–related protein 6 (LRP6). Specifically, we found FSTL1 interacted with Wnt3a through its extracellular calcium–binding (EC) domain and von Willebrand factor type C–like (VWC) domain, and with FZD4 through its EC domain. Furthermore, we show that FSTL1 increased the association of Wnt3a with FZD4 and promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling and fibrogenesis. The EC domain interacting with both Wnt3a and FZD4 also enhanced Wnt3a signaling. Therefore, we conclude that FSTL1 is a novel extracellular enhancer of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guoxun Zheng
- iHuman Institute, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huihui Huang
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chunhua Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yelin Zeng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinzhong Qin
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study of Ministry of Education, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunsun Dai
- Center for Kidney Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Harald O Hambrock
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ursula Hartmann
- Center for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bo Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kingston Kinglun Mak
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immune and Genetic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhi-Hua Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Center of Nephrology and Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yin Xia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immune and Genetic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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27
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Rastegarpanah M, Azadmanesh K, Negahdari B, Asgari Y, Mazloomi M. Screening of candidate genes associated with high titer production of oncolytic measles virus based on systems biology approach. Virus Genes 2022; 58:270-283. [PMID: 35477822 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01902-y] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The number of viral particles required for oncolytic activity of measles virus (MV) can be more than a million times greater than the reported amount for vaccination. The aim of the current study is to find potential genes and signaling pathways that may be involved in the high-titer production of MV. In this study, a systems biology approach was considered including collection of gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, obtaining differentially expressed genes (DEGs), performing gene ontology, functional enrichment analyses, and topological analyses on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Then, to validate the in-silico data, total RNA was isolated from five cell lines, and full-length cDNA from template RNA was synthesized. Subsequently, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed. We identified five hub genes, including RAC1, HSP90AA1, DNM1, LTBP1, and FSTL1 associated with the enhancement in MV titer. Pathway analysis indicated enrichment in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, axon guidance, proteoglycans in cancer, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, and calcium signaling pathways. Upon verification by RT-qPCR, the relative expression of candidate genes was generally consistent with our bioinformatics analysis. Hub genes and signaling pathways may be involved in understanding the pathological mechanisms by which measles virus manipulates host factors in order to facilitate its replication. RAC1, HSP90AA1, DNM1, LTBP1, and FSTL1 genes, in combination with genetic engineering techniques, will allow the direct design of high-throughput cell lines to answer the required amounts for the oncolytic activity of MV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Rastegarpanah
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kayhan Azadmanesh
- Department of Molecular Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Yazdan Asgari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Mazloomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Moazzami Z, Heck R, Hu P, Nanda H, Ren K, Sun Z, Bartolomucci A, Gao Y, Chung D, Zhu W, Shen S, Ruan HB. Brown adipose tissue involution associated with progressive restriction in progenitor competence. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110575. [PMID: 35417710 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) undergoes progressive involution. This involution process is not recapitulated in rodents, and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that the interscapular BAT (iBAT) of rabbits whitens rapidly during early adulthood. The transcriptomic remodeling and identity switch of mature adipocytes are accompanied by loss of brown adipogenic competence of progenitors. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that rabbit and human iBAT progenitors highly express the FSTL1 gene. When iBAT involutes in rabbits, adipocyte progenitors reduce FSTL1 expression and are refractory to brown adipogenic recruitment. Conversely, FSTL1 is constitutively expressed in mouse iBAT to sustain WNT signaling and prevent involution. Progenitor incompetence and iBAT paucity can be induced in mice by genetic deletion of the Fstl1 gene or ablation of Fstl1+ progenitors. Our results highlight the hierarchy and dynamics of the BAT progenitor compartment and implicate the functional incompetence of FSTL1-expressing progenitors in BAT involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Huang
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China; National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Zengdi Zhang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Zahra Moazzami
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ryan Heck
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210004, China
| | - Hezkiel Nanda
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kaiqun Ren
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China
| | - Zequn Sun
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Weiyun Zhu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China; National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China
| | - Steven Shen
- Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Hai-Bin Ruan
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Weinberg PD. Haemodynamic Wall Shear Stress, Endothelial Permeability and Atherosclerosis-A Triad of Controversy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:836680. [PMID: 35340842 PMCID: PMC8948426 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.836680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A striking feature of atherosclerosis is its patchy distribution within the vascular system; certain arteries and certain locations within each artery are preferentially affected. Identifying the local risk factors underlying this phenomenon may lead to new therapeutic strategies. The large variation in lesion prevalence in areas of curvature and branching has motivated a search for haemodynamic triggers, particular those related to wall shear stress (WSS). The fact that lesions are rich in blood-derived lipids has motivated studies of local endothelial permeability. However, the location of lesions, the underlying haemodynamic triggers, the role of permeability, the routes by which lipids cross the endothelium, and the mechanisms by which WSS affects permeability have all been areas of controversy. This review presents evidence for and against the current consensus that lesions are triggered by low and/or oscillatory WSS and that this type of shear profile leads to elevated entry of low density lipoprotein (LDL) into the wall via widened intercellular junctions; it also evaluates more recent evidence that lesion location changes with age, that multidirectional shear stress plays a key role, that LDL dominantly crosses the endothelium by transcytosis, and that the link between flow and permeability results from hitherto unrecognised shear-sensitive mediators.
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Follistatin-like 1 suppresses osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal cells during inflammation. Arch Oral Biol 2022; 135:105345. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Funk ER, Mason NA, Pálsson S, Albrecht T, Johnson JA, Taylor SA. A supergene underlies linked variation in color and morphology in a Holarctic songbird. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6833. [PMID: 34824228 PMCID: PMC8616904 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic architecture of a phenotype can have considerable effects on the evolution of a trait or species. Characterizing genetic architecture provides insight into the complexity of a given phenotype and, potentially, the role of the phenotype in evolutionary processes like speciation. We use genome sequences to investigate the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in redpoll finches (Acanthis spp.). We demonstrate that variation in redpoll phenotype is broadly controlled by a ~55-Mb chromosomal inversion. Within this inversion, we find multiple candidate genes related to melanogenesis, carotenoid coloration, and bill shape, suggesting the inversion acts as a supergene controlling multiple linked traits. A latitudinal gradient in ecotype distribution suggests supergene driven variation in color and bill morphology are likely under environmental selection, maintaining supergene haplotypes as a balanced polymorphism. Our results provide a mechanism for the maintenance of ecotype variation in redpolls despite a genome largely homogenized by gene flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Funk
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Nicholas A Mason
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Snæbjörn Pálsson
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Department of Zoology, Charles University, Vinicna 7, CZ-12844, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Kvetna 8, CZ-60365, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Scott A Taylor
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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Fang D, Shi X, Jia X, Yang C, Wang L, Du B, Lu T, Shan L, Gao Y. Ups and downs: The PPARγ/p-PPARγ seesaw of follistatin-like 1 and integrin receptor signaling in adipogenesis. Mol Metab 2021; 55:101400. [PMID: 34813964 PMCID: PMC8683615 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), as an "adipokine", is highly expressed in preadipocytes, the detail role of FSTL1 in adipogenesis and obesity remains not fully understood. METHODS In vitro differentiation of both Fstl1-/- murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) were measured to assess the specific role of FSTL1 in adipose differentiation. Fstl1 adipocyte-specific knockout mice were generated to evaluate its role in obesity development. Gene expression analysis and phosphorylation patterns were performed to check out the molecular mechanism of the biological function of FSTL1. RESULTS FSTL1 deficiency inhibited preadipocytes differentiation in vitro and obesity development in vivo. Glycosylation at N142 site was pivotal for the biological effect of FSTL1 during adipogenesis; the conversion between PPARγ and p-PPARγ was the key factor for the function of FSTL1. Molecular mechanism studies showed that FSTL1 functions through the integrin/FAK/ERK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that FSTL1 promotes adipogenesis by inhibiting the conversion of PPARγ to p-PPARγ through the integrin/FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Glycosylated modification at N142 of FSTL1 is the key site to exert its biological effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Fang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xinyi Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaowei Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Baopu Du
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lin Shan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Loh JJ, Li TW, Zhou L, Wong TL, Liu X, Ma VWS, Lo CM, Man K, Lee TK, Ning W, Tong M, Ma S. FSTL1 Secreted by Activated Fibroblasts Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis and Stemness. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5692-5705. [PMID: 34551961 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-4226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in maintaining the immature phenotype of tumor-initiating cells (TIC) to promote cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a unique disease in that it develops in the setting of fibrosis and cirrhosis. This pathologic state commonly shows an enrichment of stromal myofibroblasts, which constitute the bulk of the tumor microenvironment and contribute to disease progression. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) has been widely reported as a proinflammatory mediator in different fibrosis-related and inflammatory diseases. Here we show FSTL1 expression to be closely correlated with activated fibroblasts and to be elevated in regenerative, fibrotic, and disease liver states in various mouse models. Consistently, FSTL1 lineage cells gave rise to myofibroblasts in a CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model. Clinically, high FSTL1 in fibroblast activation protein-positive (FAP+) fibroblasts were significantly correlated with more advanced tumors in patients with HCC. Although FSTL1 was expressed in primary fibroblasts derived from patients with HCC, it was barely detectable in HCC cell lines. Functional investigations revealed that treatment of HCC cells and patient-derived 3D organoids with recombinant FSTL1 or with conditioned medium collected from hepatic stellate cells or from cells overexpressing FSTL1 could promote HCC growth and metastasis. FSTL1 bound to TLR4 receptor, resulting in activation of AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 signaling. In a preclinical mouse model, blockade of FSTL1 mitigated HCC malignancy and metastasis, sensitized HCC tumors to sorafenib, prolonged survival, and eradicated the TIC subset. Collectively, these data suggest that FSTL1 may serve as an important novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that FSTL1 secreted by activated fibroblasts in the liver microenvironment augments hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy, providing a potential new strategy to improve treatment of this aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz-Wai Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Tin-Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Victor W S Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chung-Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Terence K Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.,The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Spatial transcriptomics reveals a role for sensory nerves in preserving cranial suture patency through modulation of BMP/TGF-β signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2103087118. [PMID: 34663698 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103087118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The patterning and ossification of the mammalian skeleton requires the coordinated actions of both intrinsic bone morphogens and extrinsic neurovascular signals, which function in a temporal and spatial fashion to control mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC) fate. Here, we show the genetic inhibition of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) sensory nerve innervation of the developing cranium results in premature calvarial suture closure, associated with a decrease in suture MPC proliferation and increased mineralization. In vitro, axons from peripheral afferent neurons derived from dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) of wild-type mice induce MPC proliferation in a spatially restricted manner via a soluble factor when cocultured in microfluidic chambers. Comparative spatial transcriptomic analysis of the cranial sutures in vivo confirmed a positive association between sensory axons and proliferative MPCs. SpatialTime analysis across the developing suture revealed regional-specific alterations in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and TGF-β signaling pathway transcripts in response to TrkA inhibition. RNA sequencing of DRG cell bodies, following direct, axonal coculture with MPCs, confirmed the alterations in BMP/TGF-β signaling pathway transcripts. Among these, the BMP inhibitor follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) replicated key features of the neural-to-bone influence, including mitogenic and anti-osteogenic effects via the inhibition of BMP/TGF-β signaling. Taken together, our results demonstrate that sensory nerve-derived signals, including FSTL1, function to coordinate cranial bone patterning by regulating MPC proliferation and differentiation in the suture mesenchyme.
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Release of Notch activity coordinated by IL-1β signalling confers differentiation plasticity of airway progenitors via Fosl2 during alveolar regeneration. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:953-966. [PMID: 34475534 PMCID: PMC7611842 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While the acquisition of cellular plasticity in adult stem cells is essential for rapid regeneration after tissue injury, little is known about the underlying mechanisms governing this process. Our data reveal the coordination of airway progenitor differentiation plasticity by inflammatory signals during alveolar regeneration. Upon damage, IL-1β signalling-dependent modulation of Jag1/2 expression in ciliated cells results in the inhibition of Notch signalling in secretory cells, which drives reprogramming and acquisition of differentiation plasticity. We identify a transcription factor Fosl2/Fra2 for secretory cell fate conversion to alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells retaining the distinct genetic and epigenetic signatures of secretory lineages. We furthermore reveal that KDR/FLK-1+ human secretory cells display a conserved capacity to generate AT2 cells via Notch inhibition. Our results demonstrate the functional role of a IL-1β-Notch-Fosl2 axis for the fate decision of secretory cells during injury repair, proposing a potential therapeutic target for human lung alveolar regeneration.
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36
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Ghim M, Pang KT, Burnap SA, Baig F, Yin X, Arshad M, Mayr M, Weinberg PD. Endothelial cells exposed to atheroprotective flow secrete follistatin-like 1 protein which reduces transcytosis and inflammation. Atherosclerosis 2021; 333:56-66. [PMID: 34425528 PMCID: PMC8459397 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS When endothelium is cultured in wells swirled on an orbital shaker, cells at the well centre experience putatively atherogenic flow whereas those near the edge experience putatively atheroprotective flow. Transcellular transport is decreased equally in both regions, consistent with it being reduced by a mediator released from cells in one part of the well and mixed in the swirling medium. Similar effects have been inferred for pro-inflammatory changes. Here we identify the mediator and flow characteristics stimulating its release. METHODS AND RESULTS Medium conditioned by cells swirled at the edge, but not by cells swirled at the centre or cultured under static conditions, significantly reduced transendothelial transport of a low density lipoprotein (LDL)-sized tracer and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced activation and translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adhesion. Inhibiting transcytosis similarly decreased tracer transport. Unbiased proteomics revealed that cells from the swirled edge secreted substantially more follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) than cells from the swirled centre or from static wells. Exogenous FSTL1 reduced transport of the LDL-sized tracer and of LDL itself, as well as TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) increased transport of the LDL-sized tracer and adhesion molecule expression; FSTL1 abolished these effects. CONCLUSIONS Putatively atheroprotective flow stimulates secretion of FSTL1 by cultured endothelial cells. FSTL1 reduces transcellular transport of LDL-sized particles and of LDL itself, and inhibits endothelial activation. If this also occurs in vivo, it may account for the atheroprotective nature of such flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mean Ghim
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kuin T Pang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sean A Burnap
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, UK
| | - Ferheen Baig
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, UK
| | - Xiaoke Yin
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, UK
| | - Mehwish Arshad
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Manuel Mayr
- King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, London, UK
| | - Peter D Weinberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Huan C, Xu W, Liu Y, Ruan K, Shi Y, Cheng H, Zhang X, Ke Y, Zhou J. Gremlin2 Activates Fibroblasts to Promote Pulmonary Fibrosis Through the Bone Morphogenic Protein Pathway. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:683267. [PMID: 34422900 PMCID: PMC8377751 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.683267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease causing unremitting extracellular matrix deposition. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily involves bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and TGF-β, and the balance between the activation of TGF-β-dependent SMADs (Smad2/3) and BMP-dependent SMADs (Smad1/5/8) is essential for fibrosis process. GREM2, initially identified as a TGF-β-inducible gene, encodes a small secreted glycoprotein belonging to a group of matricellular proteins, its role in lung fibrosis is not clear. Here, we identified Gremlin2 as a key regulator of fibroblast activation. Gremlin2 was highly expressed in the serum and lung tissues in IPF patients. Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model exhibited high expression of Gremlin2 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue. Isolation of primary cells from bleomycin-induced fibrosis lung showed a good correlation of Gremlin2 and Acta2 (α-SMA) expressions. Overexpression of Gremlin2 in human fetal lung fibroblast 1 (HFL-1) cells increased its invasion and migration. Furthermore, Gremlin2 regulates fibrosis functions through mediating TGF-β/BMP signaling, in which Gremlin2 may activate TGF-β signaling and inhibit BMP signaling. Therefore, we provided in vivo and in vitro evidence to demonstrate that Gremlin2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijuan Huan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wangting Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaru Liu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kexin Ruan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yueli Shi
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China
| | - Hongqiang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuehai Ke
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Follistatin-Like Proteins: Structure, Functions and Biomedical Importance. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080999. [PMID: 34440203 PMCID: PMC8391210 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Main forms of cellular signal transmission are known to be autocrine and paracrine signaling. Several cells secrete messengers called autocrine or paracrine agents that can bind the corresponding receptors on the surface of the cells themselves or their microenvironment. Follistatin and follistatin-like proteins can be called one of the most important bifunctional messengers capable of displaying both autocrine and paracrine activity. Whilst they are not as diverse as protein hormones or protein kinases, there are only five types of proteins. However, unlike protein kinases, there are no minor proteins among them; each follistatin-like protein performs an important physiological function. These proteins are involved in a variety of signaling pathways and biological processes, having the ability to bind to receptors such as DIP2A, TLR4, BMP and some others. The activation or experimentally induced knockout of the protein-coding genes often leads to fatal consequences for individual cells and the whole body as follistatin-like proteins indirectly regulate the cell cycle, tissue differentiation, metabolic pathways, and participate in the transmission chains of the pro-inflammatory intracellular signal. Abnormal course of these processes can cause the development of oncology or apoptosis, programmed cell death. There is still no comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of mechanisms of action of follistatin-like proteins, so the systematization and study of their cellular functions and regulation is an important direction of modern molecular and cell biology. Therefore, this review focuses on follistatin-related proteins that affect multiple targets and have direct or indirect effects on cellular signaling pathways, as well as to characterize the directions of their practical application in the field of biomedicine.
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Kishimoto K, Morimoto M. Mammalian tracheal development and reconstruction: insights from in vivo and in vitro studies. Development 2021; 148:dev198192. [PMID: 34228796 PMCID: PMC8276987 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The trachea delivers inhaled air into the lungs for gas exchange. Anomalies in tracheal development can result in life-threatening malformations, such as tracheoesophageal fistula and tracheomalacia. Given the limitations of current therapeutic approaches, development of technologies for the reconstitution of a three-dimensional trachea from stem cells is urgently required. Recently, single-cell sequencing technologies and quantitative analyses from cell to tissue scale have been employed to decipher the cellular basis of tracheal morphogenesis. In this Review, recent advances in mammalian tracheal development and the generation of tracheal tissues from pluripotent stem cells are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Kishimoto
- Laboratory for Lung Development and Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- RIKEN BDR–CuSTOM Joint Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Center for Stem Cell & Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Perinatal Institute, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Mitsuru Morimoto
- Laboratory for Lung Development and Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- RIKEN BDR–CuSTOM Joint Laboratory, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Qi P, Ma MZ, Kuai JH. Identification of growth differentiation factor 15 as a pro-fibrotic factor in mouse liver fibrosis progression. Int J Exp Pathol 2021; 102:148-156. [PMID: 33983642 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was elucidate the inhibitory role of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in liver fibrosis and its possible activation mechanism in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mice. We generated a GDF15-neutralizing antibody that can inhibit TGF-β1-induced activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway in LX-2 cells. All the mice in this study were induced by carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide. In addition, primary HSCs from mice were isolated from fresh livers using Nycodenz density gradient separation. The severity and extent of liver fibrosis were evaluated by Sirius Red and Masson staining. The effect of GDF15 on the activation of the TGF-β pathway was detected using dual-luciferase reporter and Western blotting assays. The expression of GDF15 in cirrhotic liver tissue was higher than that in normal liver tissue. Blocking GDF15 with a neutralizing antibody resulted in a delay in primary hepatic stellate cell activation and remission of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide. Meanwhile, TGF-β pathway activation was partly inhibited by a GDF15-neutralizing antibody in primary HSCs. These results indicated that GDF15 plays an important role in regulating HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression. The inhibition of GDF15 attenuates chemical-inducible liver fibrosis and delays hepatic stellate cell activation, and this effect is probably mainly attributed to its regulatory role in TGF-β signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Ze Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Hua Kuai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
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Yoon T, Ahn SS, Pyo JY, Song JJ, Park YB, Lee SW. Association between follistatin-related protein 1 and the functional status of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:1168-1174. [PMID: 34018995 PMCID: PMC8143737 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001454] [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: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) plays both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles in the inflammatory processes. We investigated whether serum FSTL1 could predict the current anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV)-specific indices. METHODS We randomly selected 74 patients with AAV from a prospective and observational cohort of Korean patients with AAV. Clinical and laboratory data and AAV-specific indices were recorded. FSTL1 concentration was determined using the stored sera. The lowest tertile of the short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36) was defined as the current low SF-36. The cutoffs of serum FSTL1 for the current low SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) were extrapolated by the receiver operator characteristic curve. RESULTS The median age was 62.5 years (55.4% were women). Serum FSTL1 was significantly correlated with SF-36 PCS (r = - 0.374), SF-36 MCS (r = -0.377), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.307), but not with Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS). In the multivariable linear regression analyses, BVAS, CRP, and serum FSTL1 were independently associated with the current SF-36 PCS (β = -0.255, β = -0.430, and β = -0.266, respectively) and the current SF-36 MCS (β = -0.234, β =-0.229, and β = -0.296, respectively). Patients with serum FSTL1 ≥779.8 pg/mL and those with serum FSTL1 ≥841.6 pg/mL exhibited a significantly higher risk of having the current low SF-36 PCS and SF-36 MCS than those without (relative risk 7.583 and 6.200, respectively). CONCLUSION Serum FSTL1 could predict the current functional status in AAV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taejun Yoon
- Department of Medical Science, BK21 Plus Project, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Ahn
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Yoon Pyo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jason Jungsik Song
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Beom Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Follistatin-Like 1 Attenuation Suppresses Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Mice through Interacting with TNF- α and Smad Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6640751. [PMID: 33936382 PMCID: PMC8055391 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6640751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Inflammation plays an important role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The protein follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) plays a proinflammatory role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether IDD could be delayed by inhibiting FSTL-1 expression. Methods We established a puncture-induced IDD model in wild-type and FSTL-1+/- mice and collected intervertebral discs (IVDs) from the mice. Safranin O staining was used to detect cartilage loss of IVD tissue, and HE staining was used to detect morphological changes of IVD tissue. We measured the expression of FSTL-1 and related inflammatory indicators in IVD tissues by immunohistochemical staining, real-time PCR, and Western blotting. Results In the age-induced model of IDD, the level of FSTL-1 increased with the exacerbation of degeneration. In the puncture-induced IDD model, FSTL-1-knockdown mice showed a reduced degree of degeneration compared with that of wild-type mice. Further experiments showed that FSTL-1 knockdown also significantly reduced the level of related inflammatory factors in IVD. In vitro experiments showed that FSTL-1 knockdown significantly reduced TNF-α-induced inflammation. Specifically, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors COX-2, iNOS, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5 were reduced. Knockdown of FSTL-1 attenuated inflammation by inhibiting the expression of P-Smad1/5/8, P-Erk1/2, and P-P65. Conclusion Knockdown of FSTL-1 attenuated inflammation by inhibiting the TNF-α response and Smad pathway activity and ultimately delayed IDD.
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Niu R, Nie ZT, Liu L, Chang YW, Shen JQ, Chen Q, Dong LJ, Hu BJ. Follistatin-like protein 1 functions as a potential target of gene therapy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:8643-8664. [PMID: 33714952 PMCID: PMC8034962 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The degree of retinal fibrosis increased in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients after administration of anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. Previous studies showed that the balance between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and VEGF plays an important role. Therefore, in a high-glucose state, an anti-VEGF and CTGFshRNA dual-target model was used to simulate clinical dual-target treatment in PDR patients, and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used for whole transcriptome sequencing. A hypoxia model was constructed to verify the sequencing results at the cellular level, and the vitreous humor and proliferative membranes were collected from patients for verification. All sequencing results included Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) and extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor pathway, indicated that anti-VEGF therapy may upregulate FSTL1 expression, while dual-target treatment downregulated FSTL1. Thus, we further studied the function of FSTL1 on the expression of VEGF and ECM factors by both overexpressing and silencing FSTL1. In conclusion, our results suggested that FSTL1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDR and is related to fibrosis caused by the anti-VEGF treatment, thus providing a potential target for gene therapy in PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Niu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ze-Tong Nie
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu-Wen Chang
- Hetian District People's Hospital, Xinjiang, China
| | | | - Qiong Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-Jie Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo-Jie Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Wu M, Ding Y, Wu N, Jiang J, Huang Y, Zhang F, Wang H, Zhou Q, Yang Y, Zhuo W, Teng L. FSTL1 promotes growth and metastasis in gastric cancer by activating AKT related pathway and predicts poor survival. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:712-728. [PMID: 33791149 PMCID: PMC7994156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence on the role of Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) in tumorigenesis and cancer progression is conflicting. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms by which FSTL1 contributes to gastric cancer (GC) remain unknown. This study shows that FSTL1 was frequently upregulated in primary GC tissues and significantly correlated with infiltrating depth, lymph node metastasis, unfavorable tumor stage and poor prognosis of GC. Down or up-regulation of FSTL1 inhibited or increased, respectively, the proliferation by reducing apoptosis, clonogenicity, migration and invasion of GC cells in vitro. Moreover, the higher expression of FSTL1 promoted subcutaneous xenograft tumor growth and lung/liver tumor metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that FSTL1 is involved in regulation of the AKT signaling through analyzing databases and experimental results. Mechanistic studies showed that FSTL1 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion in GC, at least partially, by activating AKT via regulating TLR4/CD14. In all, this study highlights the role of the FSTL1-TLR4/CD14-AKT axis, which provided novel insights into the mechanism of growth and metastasis in GC for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhou 450008, Henan, P. R. China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Fanyu Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lisong Teng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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Ma J, Yang Y, Wang L, Jia X, Lu T, Zeng Y, Liu L, Gao Y. Follistatin-like 1 deficiency impairs T cell development to promote lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7211-7227. [PMID: 33639614 PMCID: PMC7993667 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our study aims to detect the underlying mechanism of the suppressive effect of Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) on lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that FSTL1 had no effect on the proliferation and metastasis of 4T1 cells in vitro, while in the tumor-bearing Fstl1 heterozygous (Fstl1+/-) mice, the number of anti-tumor T lymphocytes in the lung was significantly reduced with the increase in lung metastasis. Impaired development of T cells can cause dysfunction of adaptive immune system, which promotes cancer metastasis. Therefore the effect of FSTL1 on T cell development was further investigated. Lower population of T cells in periphery and decreased proliferation of CD4- CD8- double negative (DN) thymocytes and impairment development of T cells were found in Fstl1+/- mice. Furthermore, high expression of FSTL1 in medullary thymus epithelial (mTEC) cells and decreased mRNA expression of inducible costimulator on activated T-cell ligand (Icosl) in mTECsh Fstl1 were detected. Combining other studies that the generation of ICOSL by mTEC cells promotes CD4+ single positive (SP) thymocytes to produce IL-2, which promotes T cell development. Our results indicate FSTL1 deficiency in mTEC cells impairs T cell development to promote the lung metastasis of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyan Zeng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Experimental Center for Basic Medical Teaching, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Baboota RK, Blüher M, Smith U. Emerging Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 in Metabolic Disorders. Diabetes 2021; 70:303-312. [PMID: 33472940 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of signaling molecules that belong to the TGF-β superfamily. Initially discovered for their ability to induce bone formation, BMPs are known to play a diverse and critical array of biological roles. We here focus on recent evidence showing that BMP4 is an important regulator of white/beige adipogenic differentiation with important consequences for thermogenesis, energy homeostasis, and development of obesity in vivo. BMP4 is highly expressed in, and released by, human adipose tissue, and serum levels are increased in obesity. Recent studies have now shown BMP4 to play an important role not only for white/beige/brown adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis but also in regulating systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. It also has important suppressive effects on hepatic glucose production and lipid metabolism. Cellular BMP4 signaling/action is regulated by both ambient cell/systemic levels and several endogenous and systemic BMP antagonists. Reduced BMP4 signaling/action can contribute to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and associated metabolic disorders. In this article, we summarize the pleiotropic functions of BMP4 in the pathophysiology of these diseases and also consider the therapeutic implications of targeting BMP4 in the prevention/treatment of obesity and its associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh K Baboota
- The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), Helmholtz Zentrum München, University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulf Smith
- The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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FSTL1 aggravates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling by regulating autophagy. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:45. [PMID: 33509151 PMCID: PMC7841997 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), a critical factor during embryogenesis particularly in respiratory lung development, is a novel mediator related to inflammation and tissue remodeling. We tried to investigate the role of FSTL1 in CS-induced autophagy dysregulation, airway inflammation and remodeling. METHODS Serum and lung specimens were obtained from COPD patients and controls. Adult female wild-type (WT) mice, FSTL1± mice and FSTL1flox/+ mice were exposed to room air or chronic CS. Additionally, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an inhibitor of autophagy, was applied in CS-exposed WT mice. The lung tissues and serum from patients and murine models were tested for FSTL1 and autophagy-associated protein expression by ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemical. Autophagosome were observed using electron microscope technology. LTB4, IL-8 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were examined using ELISA. Airway remodeling and lung function were also assessed. RESULTS Both FSTL1 and autophagy biomarkers increased in COPD patients and CS-exposed WT mice. Autophagy activation was upregulated in CS-exposed mice accompanied by airway remodeling and airway inflammation. FSTL1± mice showed a lower level of CS-induced autophagy compared with the control mice. FSTL1± mice can also resist CS-induced inflammatory response, airway remodeling and impaired lung function. CS-exposed WT mice with 3-MA pretreatment have a similar manifestation with CS-exposed FSTL1± mice. CONCLUSIONS FSTL1 promotes CS-induced COPD by modulating autophagy, therefore targeting FSTL1 and autophagy may shed light on treating cigarette smoke-induced COPD.
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Yu X, Pan X, Zhang S, Zhang YH, Chen L, Wan S, Huang T, Cai YD. Identification of Gene Signatures and Expression Patterns During Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition From Single-Cell Expression Atlas. Front Genet 2021; 11:605012. [PMID: 33584803 PMCID: PMC7876317 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.605012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer, which refers to abnormal cell proliferative diseases with systematic pathogenic potential, is one of the leading threats to human health. The final causes for patients’ deaths are usually cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance against continuing therapy. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is the transformation of tumor cells (TCs), is a prerequisite for pathogenic cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Conventional biomarkers can only define and recognize large tissues with obvious EMT markers but cannot accurately monitor detailed EMT processes. In this study, a systematic workflow was established integrating effective feature selection, multiple machine learning models [Random forest (RF), Support vector machine (SVM)], rule learning, and functional enrichment analyses to find new biomarkers and their functional implications for distinguishing single-cell isolated TCs with unique epithelial or mesenchymal markers using public single-cell expression profiling. Our discovered signatures may provide an effective and precise transcriptomic reference to monitor EMT progression at the single-cell level and contribute to the exploration of detailed tumorigenesis mechanisms during EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangtian Yu
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - XiaoYong Pan
- Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - ShiQi Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yu-Hang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of PMMP, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sibao Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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Li X, Liu X, Deng R, Gao S, Jiang Q, Liu R, Li H, Miao Y, Zhai Y, Zhang S, Wang Z, Ren Y, Ning W, Zhou H, Yang C. Betulinic acid attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by effectively intervening Wnt/β-catenin signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:153428. [PMID: 33341025 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal and progressive fibrotic lung disease lacking a validated and effective therapy. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade plays the key role in the pathogenesis of IPF. Betulinic acid is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid molecule that has excellent antitumor and antiviral activities. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that BA has an anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect mediated by the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Study design Pulmonary fibrosis markers were detected in vitro and in vivo to confirm the antifibrotic effect of BA. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins were overexpressed to determine the effect of BA on Wnt signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS BA dose-dependently inhibited Wnt3a-induced fibroblast activation in vitro. Moreover, BA decreased Wnt3a- and LiCl-induced transcriptional activity, as assessed by the TOPFlash assay in fibroblasts, and repressed the expression of the Wnt target genes cyclin D1, axin 2, and S100A4. Further investigation indicated that BA restrained the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, mainly by increasing the phospho-β-catenin ratio (S33/S37/T41 and S45), inhibited the phosphorylation of DVL2 and LRP, and decreased the levels of Wnt3a and LRP6. In agreement with the results of the in vitro assays, the in vivo experiments indicated that BA significantly decreased bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and suppressed myofibroblast activation by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. CONCLUSION BA may directly interfere with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to subsequently repress myofibroblast activation and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Ruxia Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Shaoyan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Qiuyan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Hailong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Yang Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Yunqian Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Yimeng Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Wen Ning
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300457, China.
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Regulation of Pulmonary Bacterial Immunity by Follistatin-Like Protein 1. Infect Immun 2020; 89:IAI.00298-20. [PMID: 33077624 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00298-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1) is highly expressed in the lung and is critical for lung homeostasis. The role of FSTL-1 in immunity to bacterial pneumonia is unknown. Wild-type (WT) and FSTL-1 hypomorphic (Hypo) mice were infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae to determine infectious burden, immune cell abundance, and cytokine production. FSTL-1 Hypo/TCRδ-/- and FSTL-1 Hypo/IL17ra-/- were also generated to assess the role of γδT17 cells in this model. FSTL-1 Hypo mice had reduced K. pneumoniae lung burden compared with that of WT controls. FSTL-1 Hypo mice had increased Il17a/interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-17-dependent cytokine expression. FSTL-1 Hypo lungs also had increased IL-17A+ and TCRγδ+ cells. FSTL-1 Hypo/TCRδ-/- displayed a lung burden similar to that of FSTL-1 Hypo and reduced lung burden compared with the TCRδ-/- controls. However, FSTL-1 Hypo/TCRδ-/- mice had greater bacterial dissemination than FSTL-1 Hypo mice, suggesting that gamma delta T (γδT) cells are dispensable for FSTL-1 Hypo control of pulmonary infection but are required for dissemination control. Confusing these observations, FSTL-1 Hypo/TCRδ-/- lungs had an increased percentage of IL-17A-producing cells compared with that of TCRδ-/- mice. Removal of IL-17A signaling in the FSTL-1 Hypo mouse resulted in an increased lung burden. These findings identify a novel role for FSTL-1 in innate lung immunity to bacterial infection, suggesting that FSTL-1 influences type-17 pulmonary bacterial immunity.
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