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Sun Z, Chen G. Impact of heterogeneity in liver matrix and intrahepatic cells on the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Tissue Cell 2024; 91:102559. [PMID: 39293139 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102559] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a disease with a high prevalence worldwide. The development of hepatic fibrosis results from a combination of factors within the liver, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, collagen cross-linking, and inflammatory response. Heterogeneity in fibrotic liver is the result of a combination of heterogeneity in the intrahepatic microenvironment as well as heterogeneous expression of fibrosis-associated enzymes and cells, complicating the study of the mechanisms underlying the progression of liver fibrosis. The role of this heterogeneity on the crosstalk between cells and matrix and on the fibrotic process is worth exploring. In this paper, we will describe the phenomenon and mechanism of heterogeneity of liver matrix and intrahepatic cells in the process of hepatic fibrosis and discuss the crosstalk between heterogeneous factors on the development of fibrosis. The elucidation of heterogeneity is important for a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of liver fibrosis as well as for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongtao Sun
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China.
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2
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Milara J, Ribera P, Marín S, Montero P, Roger I, Cortijo J. Phosphodiesterase 4 is overexpressed in keloid epidermal scars and its inhibition reduces keratinocyte fibrotic alterations. Mol Med 2024; 30:134. [PMID: 39223490 PMCID: PMC11370283 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00906-8] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal remodeling and hypertrophy are hallmarks of skin fibrotic disorders, and keratinocyte to mesenchymal (EMT)-like transformations drive epidermis alteration in skin fibrosis such as keloids and hypertrophic scars (HTS). While phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors have shown effectiveness in various fibrotic disorders, their role in skin fibrosis is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the specific role of PDE4B in epidermal remodeling and hypertrophy seen in skin fibrosis. METHODS In vitro experiments examined the effects of inhibiting PDE4A-D (with Roflumilast) or PDE4B (with siRNA) on TGFβ1-induced EMT differentiation and dedifferentiation in human 3D epidermis. In vivo studies investigated the impact of PDE4 inhibition on HOCl-induced skin fibrosis and epidermal hypertrophy in mice, employing both preventive and therapeutic approaches. RESULTS The study found increased levels of PDE4B (mRNA, protein) in keloids > HTS compared to healthy epidermis, as well as in TGFβ-stimulated 3D epidermis. Keloids and HTS epidermis exhibited elevated levels of collagen Iα1, fibronectin, αSMA, N-cadherin, and NOX4 mRNA, along with decreased levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1, confirming an EMT process. Inhibition of both PDE4A-D and PDE4B prevented TGFβ1-induced Smad3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and mesenchymal differentiation in vitro. PDE4A-D inhibition also promoted mesenchymal dedifferentiation and reduced TGFβ1-induced ROS and keratinocyte senescence by rescuing PPM1A, a Smad3 phosphatase. In vivo, PDE4 inhibition mitigated HOCl-induced epidermal hypertrophy in mice in both preventive and therapeutic settings. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the study supports the potential of PDE4 inhibitors, particularly PDE4B, in treating skin fibrosis, including keloids and HTS, shedding light on their functional role in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Milara
- CIBER de enfermedades respiratorias, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 15, Valencia, 46010, Spain.
- Pharmacy unit, University General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pilar Ribera
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 15, Valencia, 46010, Spain
| | - Severiano Marín
- Plastic Surgery Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, 46014, Spain
| | - Paula Montero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 15, Valencia, 46010, Spain
- Faculty of health sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inés Roger
- CIBER de enfermedades respiratorias, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 15, Valencia, 46010, Spain
- Faculty of health sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- CIBER de enfermedades respiratorias, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, 15, Valencia, 46010, Spain
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3
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Alfaro E, Casitas R, Díaz-García E, García-Tovar S, Galera R, Torres-Vargas M, Fernández-Velilla M, López-Fernández C, Añón JM, Quintana-Díaz M, García-Río F, Cubillos-Zapata C. TGF-β1 overexpression in severe COVID-19 survivors and its implications for early-phase fibrotic abnormalities and long-term functional impairment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1401015. [PMID: 39281687 PMCID: PMC11393737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1401015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In post-COVID survivors, transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) might mediate fibroblast activation, resulting in persistent fibrosis. Methods In this study, 82 survivors of COVID-19-associated ARDS were examined at 6- and 24-months post-ICU discharge. At 6-months, quantitative CT analysis of lung attenuation was performed and active TGF-β1 was measured in blood and exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Results At 6-months of ICU-discharge, patients with reduced DmCO/alveolar volume ratio exhibited higher plasma and EBC levels of active TGF-β1. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were elevated in dyspneic survivors and directly related to the high-attenuation lung volume. In vitro, plasma and EBC from survivors induced profibrotic changes in human primary fibroblasts in a TGF-β receptor-dependent manner. Finally, at 6-months, plasma and EBC active TGF-β1 levels discriminated patients who, 24-months post-ICU-discharge, developed gas exchange impairment. Discussion TGF-β1 pathway plays a pivotal role in the early-phase fibrotic abnormalities in COVID-19-induced ARDS survivors, with significant implications for long-term functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alfaro
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Casitas
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Díaz-García
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara García-Tovar
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Galera
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Torres-Vargas
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cristina López-Fernández
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Añón
- Department of Intensive Medicine, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Quintana-Díaz
- Department of Intensive Medicine, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Río
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Cubillos-Zapata
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Service, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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4
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Li Y, Lu Y, Nian M, Sheng Q, Zhang C, Han C, Dou X, Ding Y. Therapeutic potential and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in treating fibrotic liver disease. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:643-657. [PMID: 37777315 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60443-1] [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: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, and also the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide. During the treatment of liver fibrosis, in addition to antiviral therapy or removal of inducers, there remains a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies. For thousands of years, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used to treat liver fibrosis in clinical setting. CHMs are effective for liver fibrosis, though its mechanisms of action are unclear. In recent years, many studies have attempted to determine the possible mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating liver fibrosis. There have been substantial improvements in the experimental investigation of CHMs which have greatly promoted the understanding of anti-liver fibrosis mechanisms. In this review, the role of CHMs in the treatment of liver fibrosis is described, based on studies over the past decade, which has addressed the various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate therapeutic efficacy. Among them, inhibition of stellate cell activation is identified as the most common mechanism. This article provides insights into the research direction of CHMs, in order to expand its clinical application range and improve its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yunrui Lu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Mozuo Nian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China.
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Martinez-Lopez S, Angel-Gomis E, Sanchez-Ardid E, Pastor-Campos A, Picó J, Gomez-Hurtado I. The 3Rs in Experimental Liver Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2357. [PMID: 37508134 PMCID: PMC10376896 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142357] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis present multiple physiological and immunological alterations that play a very important role in the development of clinically relevant secondary complications to the disease. Experimentation in animal models is essential to understand the pathogenesis of human diseases and, considering the high prevalence of liver disease worldwide, to understand the pathophysiology of disease progression and the molecular pathways involved, due to the complexity of the liver as an organ and its relationship with the rest of the organism. However, today there is a growing awareness about the sensitivity and suffering of animals, causing opposition to animal research among a minority in society and some scientists, but also about the attention to the welfare of laboratory animals since this has been built into regulations in most nations that conduct animal research. In 1959, Russell and Burch published the book "The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique", proposing that in those experiments where animals were necessary, everything possible should be done to try to replace them with non-sentient alternatives, to reduce to a minimum their number, and to refine experiments that are essential so that they caused the least amount of pain and distress. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the most widely used techniques to replace, reduce, and refine in experimental liver research is offered, to assess the advantages and weaknesses of available experimental liver disease models for researchers who are planning to perform animal studies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Martinez-Lopez
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
| | - Enrique Angel-Gomis
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
| | - Elisabet Sanchez-Ardid
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Patología Digestiva, Institut de Recerca IIB-Sant Pau, Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Pastor-Campos
- Oficina de Investigación Responsable, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Joanna Picó
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Gomez-Hurtado
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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Cheng F, Yang F, Wang Y, Zhou J, Qian H, Yan Y. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-27b-3p alleviates liver fibrosis via downregulating YAP/LOXL2 pathway. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:195. [PMID: 37328872 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is an extracellular copper-dependent enzyme that plays a central role in fibrosis by catalyzing the crosslinking and deposition of collagen. Therapeutic LOXL2 inhibition has been shown to suppress liver fibrosis progression and promote its reversal. This study investigates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived exosomes (MSC-ex) in LOXL2 inhibition of liver fibrosis. MSC-ex, nonselective LOX inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), or PBS were administered into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrotic livers. Serum LOXL2 and collagen crosslinking were assessed histologically and biochemically. MSC-ex's mechanisms on LOXL2 regulation were investigated in human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2. We found that systemic administration of MSC-ex significantly reduced LOXL2 expression and collagen crosslinking, delaying the progression of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanically, RNA-sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that miR-27b-3p was enriched in MSC-ex and exosomal miR-27b-3p repressed Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression by targeting its 3' untranslated region in LX-2. LOXL2 was identified as a novel downstream target gene of YAP, and YAP bound to the LOXL2 promoter to positively regulate transcription. Additionally, the miR-27b-3p inhibitor abrogated the anti-LOXL2 abilities of MSC-ex and diminished the antifibrotic efficacy. miR-27b-3p overexpression promoted MSC-ex mediated YAP/LOXL2 inhibition. Thus, MSC-ex may suppress LOXL2 expression through exosomal miR-27b-3p mediated YAP down-regulation. The findings here may improve our understanding of MSC-ex in liver fibrosis alleviation and provide new opportunities for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Fuji Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Yanjin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University (Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University), Changzhou, 213017, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China
| | - Yongmin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China.
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, China.
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University (Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University), Changzhou, 213017, China.
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Patras L, Paul D, Matei IR. Weaving the nest: extracellular matrix roles in pre-metastatic niche formation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1163786. [PMID: 37350937 PMCID: PMC10282420 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1163786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery that primary tumors condition distant organ sites of future metastasis for seeding by disseminating tumor cells through a process described as the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation revolutionized our understanding of cancer progression and opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Given the inherent inefficiency of metastasis, PMN generation is crucial to ensure the survival of rare tumor cells in the otherwise hostile environments of metastatic organs. Early on, it was recognized that preparing the "soil" of the distal organ to support the outgrowth of metastatic cells is the initiating event in PMN development, achieved through the remodeling of the organ's extracellular matrix (ECM). Remote restructuring of ECM at future sites of metastasis under the influence of primary tumor-secreted factors is an iterative process orchestrated through the crosstalk between resident stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells, and recruited innate immune cells. In this review, we will explore the ECM changes, cellular effectors, and the mechanisms of ECM remodeling throughout PMN progression, as well as its impact on shaping the PMN and ultimately promoting metastasis. Moreover, we highlight the clinical and translational implications of PMN ECM changes and opportunities for therapeutically targeting the ECM to hinder PMN formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Patras
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doru Paul
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Irina R. Matei
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Guo T, Wantono C, Tan Y, Deng F, Duan T, Liu D. Regulators, functions, and mechanotransduction pathways of matrix stiffness in hepatic disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098129. [PMID: 36711017 PMCID: PMC9878334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and imparts significant biochemical and mechanical cues to cells. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of liver fibrosis and is associated with many hepatic diseases, especially liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a consequence of liver fibrosis but is also recognized as an active driver in the progression of fibrotic hepatic disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the role of matrix stiffness in the pathological progression of hepatic disease. The regulators that modulate matrix stiffness including ECM components, MMPs, and crosslinking modifications are discussed. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating intercellular signaling and cell phenotype are classified, especially for hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immunocytes. The molecular mechanism that sensing and transducing mechanical signaling is highlighted. The current progress of ECM stiffness's role in hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer is introduced and summarized. Finally, the recent trials targeting ECM stiffness for the treatment of liver disease are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cindy Wantono
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feihong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Deliang Liu,
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Gao CC, Bai J, Han H, Qin HY. The versatility of macrophage heterogeneity in liver fibrosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:968879. [PMID: 35990625 PMCID: PMC9389038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.968879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a highly conserved wound healing response to liver injury, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver which might lead to loss of normal functions. In most cases, many types of insult could damage hepatic parenchymal cells like hepatocytes and/or cholangiocytes, and persistent injury might lead to initiation of fibrosis. This process is accompanied by amplified inflammatory responses, with immune cells especially macrophages recruited to the site of injury and activated, in order to orchestrate the process of wound healing and tissue repair. In the liver, both resident macrophages and recruited macrophages could activate interstitial cells which are responsible for ECM synthesis by producing a variety of cytokines and chemokines, modulate local microenvironment, and participate in the regulation of fibrosis. In this review, we will focus on the main pathological characteristics of liver fibrosis, as well as the heterogeneity on origin, polarization and functions of hepatic macrophages in the setting of liver fibrosis and their underlying mechanisms, which opens new perspectives for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong-Yan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Yan Qin,
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Wei J, Yao J, Yan M, Xie Y, Liu P, Mao Y, Li X. The role of matrix stiffness in cancer stromal cell fate and targeting therapeutic strategies. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:34-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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12
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Guo CJ, Pan Q, Ma X. lncRNA NONRATT013819.2 promotes transforming growth factor-β1-induced myofibroblastic transition of hepatic stellate cells by miR24-3p/ lox. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:661-675. [PMID: 35434372 PMCID: PMC8982046 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), yet the role of upregulated lncRNA-NONRATT013819.2 in activated HSCs remains uncertain. In this study, the effects of NONRATT013819.2 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and contraction of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced HSCs were investigated. The mechanisms of NONRATT013819.2 on the activated HSCs were explored by loss-of-function of NONRATT013819.2 and gain-of-function of the target gene. Here, TGF-β1 treatment resulted in a gradual increase in the expression of cytoskeleton markers (collagen, α-SMA, and TIMP1), NONRATT013819.2, miR24-3p, and lysyl oxidase (Lox) over time in HSCs. NONRATT013819.2 acted as a sponge of miR24-3p to competitively abolish the inhibition of the lox gene in HSCs. Silencing of NONRATT013819.2 suppressed the expression of cytoskeleton markers, proliferation, and the proportion of cells that entered the S-phase, and promoted apoptosis in TGF-β1-activated HSCs. These effects were reversed when lox overexpression was introduced simultaneously. Similarly, silencing of NONRATT013819.2 also blocked ECM reconstruction, while recused by lox overexpression in TGF-β1-activated HSCs. In conclusion, upregulation of NONRATT013819.2 promotes the myofibroblastic transition by competitively binding miR24-3p to release lox in HSCs. Therefore, targeted therapy of NONRATT013819.2 may have the potential for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can-Jie Guo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Qin Pan
- Research Center, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupi Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, China.,Digestive Disease Laboratory and Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai 200001, China
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13
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Targeting extracellular matrix stiffness and mechanotransducers to improve cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:34. [PMID: 35331296 PMCID: PMC8943941 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer microenvironment is critical for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The extracellular matrix (ECM) interacts with tumor and stromal cells to promote cancer cells proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Both ECM itself and ECM stiffening-induced mechanical stimuli may activate cell membrane receptors and mechanosensors such as integrin, Piezo1 and TRPV4, thereby modulating the malignant phenotype of tumor and stromal cells. A better understanding of how ECM stiffness regulates tumor progression will contribute to the development of new therapeutics. The rapidly expanding evidence in this research area suggests that the regulators and effectors of ECM stiffness represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This review summarizes recent work on the regulation of ECM stiffness in cancer, the effects of ECM stiffness on tumor progression, cancer immunity and drug resistance. We also discuss the potential targets that may be druggable to intervene ECM stiffness and tumor progression. Based on these advances, future efforts can be made to develop more effective and safe drugs to interrupt ECM stiffness-induced oncogenic signaling, cancer progression and drug resistance.
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14
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Brougham-Cook A, Jain I, Kukla DA, Masood F, Kimmel H, Ryoo H, Khetani SR, Underhill GH. High throughput interrogation of human liver stellate cells reveals microenvironmental regulation of phenotype. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:240-253. [PMID: 34800715 PMCID: PMC8738161 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common feature of progressive liver disease and is manifested as a dynamic series of alterations in both the biochemical and biophysical properties of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reside within the perisinusoidal space of the liver sinusoid and are one of the main drivers of liver fibrosis, yet it remains unclear how changes to the sinusoidal microenvironment impact HSC phenotype in the context of liver fibrosis. Cellular microarrays were used to examine and deconstruct the impacts of bio-chemo-mechanical changes on activated HSCs in vitro. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness were found to act individually and in combination to regulate HSC fibrogenic phenotype and proliferation. Hyaluronic acid and collagen III promoted elevated collagen I expression while collagen IV mediated a decrease. Previously activated HSCs exhibited reduced lysyl oxidase (Lox) expression as array substrate stiffness increased, with less dependence on ECM composition. Collagens III and IV increased HSC proliferation, whereas hyaluronic acid had the opposite effect. Meta-analysis performed on these data revealed distinct phenotypic clusters (e.g. low fibrogenesis/high proliferation) as a direct function of their microenvironmental composition. Notably, soft microenvironments mimicking healthy tissue (1 kPa), promoted higher levels of intracellular collagen I and Lox expression in activated HSCs, compared to stiff microenvironments mimicking fibrotic tissue (25 kPa). Collectively, these data suggest potential HSC functional adaptations in response to specific bio-chemo-mechanical changes relevant towards the development of therapeutic interventions. These findings also underscore the importance of the microenvironment when interrogating HSC behavior in healthy, disease, and treatment settings. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work we utilized high-throughput cellular microarray technology to systematically interrogate the complex interactions between HSCs and their microenvironment in the context of liver fibrosis. We observed that HSC phenotype is regulated by ECM composition and stiffness, and that these phenotypes can be classified into distinct clusters based on their microenvironmental context. Moreover, the range of these phenotypic responses to microenvironmental stimuli is substantial and a direct consequence of the combinatorial pairing of ECM protein and stiffness signals. We also observed a novel role for microenvironmental context in affecting HSC responses to potential fibrosis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Brougham-Cook
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Ishita Jain
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - David A Kukla
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Faisal Masood
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hyeon Ryoo
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Salman R Khetani
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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15
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Ide K, Takahashi S, Sakai K, Taga Y, Ueno T, Dickens D, Jenkins R, Falciani F, Sasaki T, Ooi K, Kawashiri S, Mizuno K, Hattori S, Sakai T. The dipeptide prolyl-hydroxyproline promotes cellular homeostasis and lamellipodia-driven motility via active β1-integrin in adult tendon cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100819. [PMID: 34029590 PMCID: PMC8239475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen-derived hydroxyproline (Hyp)-containing peptides have a variety of biological effects on cells. These bioactive collagen peptides are locally generated by the degradation of endogenous collagen in response to injury. However, no comprehensive study has yet explored the functional links between Hyp-containing peptides and cellular behavior. Here, we show that the dipeptide prolyl-4-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) exhibits pronounced effects on mouse tendon cells. Pro-Hyp promotes differentiation/maturation of tendon cells with modulation of lineage-specific factors and induces significant chemotactic activity in vitro. In addition, Pro-Hyp has profound effects on cell proliferation, with significantly upregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and extracellular matrix production and increased type I collagen network organization. Using proteomics, we have predicted molecular transport, cellular assembly and organization, and cellular movement as potential linked-network pathways that could be altered in response to Pro-Hyp. Mechanistically, cells treated with Pro-Hyp demonstrate increased directional persistence and significantly increased directed motility and migration velocity. They are accompanied by elongated lamellipodial protrusions with increased levels of active β1-integrin-containing focal contacts, as well as reorganization of thicker peripheral F-actin fibrils. Pro-Hyp-mediated chemotactic activity is significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in cells treated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or the α5β1-integrin antagonist ATN-161. Furthermore, ATN-161 significantly inhibits uptake of Pro-Hyp into adult tenocytes. Thus, our findings document the molecular basis of the functional benefits of the Pro-Hyp dipeptide in cellular behavior. These dynamic properties of collagen-derived Pro-Hyp dipeptide could lead the way to its application in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ide
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanai Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Keiko Sakai
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yuki Taga
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomonori Ueno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - David Dickens
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rosalind Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesco Falciani
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ooi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kawashiri
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Mizuno
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shunji Hattori
- Nippi Research Institute of Biomatrix, Toride, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takao Sakai
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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16
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Zhang L, Yan H, Tai Y, Xue Y, Wei Y, Wang K, Zhao Q, Wang S, Kong D, Midgley AC. Design and Evaluation of a Polypeptide that Mimics the Integrin Binding Site for EDA Fibronectin to Block Profibrotic Cell Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041575. [PMID: 33557232 PMCID: PMC7913925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by excessive production of disorganized collagen- and fibronectin-rich extracellular matrices (ECMs) and is driven by the persistence of myofibroblasts within tissues. A key protein contributing to myofibroblast differentiation is extra domain A fibronectin (EDA-FN). We sought to target and interfere with interactions between EDA-FN and its integrin receptors to effectively inhibit profibrotic activity and myofibroblast formation. Molecular docking was used to assist in the design of a blocking polypeptide (antifibrotic 38-amino-acid polypeptide, AF38Pep) for specific inhibition of EDA-FN associations with the fibroblast-expressed integrins α4β1 and α4β7. Blocking peptides were designed and evaluated in silico before synthesis, confirmation of binding specificity, and evaluation in vitro. We identified the high-affinity EDA-FN C-C′ loop binding cleft within integrins α4β1 and α4β7. The polypeptide with the highest predicted binding affinity, AF38Pep, was synthesized and could achieve specific binding to myofibroblast fibronectin-rich ECM and EDA-FN C-C′ loop peptides. AF38Pep demonstrated potent myofibroblast inhibitory activity at 10 µg/mL and was not cytotoxic. Treatment with AF38Pep prevented integrin α4β1-mediated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation and early signaling through extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), attenuated the expression of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and pro-MMP2, and inhibited collagen synthesis and deposition. Immunocytochemistry staining revealed an inhibition of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) incorporation into actin stress fibers and attenuated cell contraction. Increases in the expression of mRNA associated with fibrosis and downstream from integrin signaling were inhibited by treatment with AF38Pep. Our study suggested that AF38Pep could successfully interfere with EDA-FN C-C′ loop-specific integrin interactions and could act as an effective inhibitor of fibroblast of myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Hongyu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Yifan Tai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Yueming Xue
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Yongzhen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Shufang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (A.C.M.); Tel.: +86-1562-004-7851 (A.C.M.)
| | - Deling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
- Rongxiang Xu Center for Regenerative Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Adam C. Midgley
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (L.Z.); (H.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.X.); (Y.W.); (K.W.); (Q.Z.); (D.K.)
- Rongxiang Xu Center for Regenerative Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (A.C.M.); Tel.: +86-1562-004-7851 (A.C.M.)
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17
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Sosnowska M, Kutwin M, Strojny B, Koczoń P, Szczepaniak J, Bałaban J, Daniluk K, Jaworski S, Chwalibog A, Bielawski W, Sawosz E. Graphene oxide nanofilm and chicken embryo extract decrease the invasiveness of HepG2 liver cancer cells. Cancer Nanotechnol 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-020-00073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a mosaic of various structural and functional proteins that cooperate with the cell, regulate adhesion, and consequently manage its further fate. Liver destruction is accompanied by a disruption of the physicochemical properties of the ECM which deregulates the cell–ECM interaction and can lead to uncontrolled proliferation and neoplastic transformation of cells. Therefore, it can be assumed that ECM modification and restoration of its characteristics for healthy tissue may counteract uncontrolled cell proliferation. The purpose of the presented research model was to optimise the physical characteristics of ECM by introducing a graphene oxide plane/nanofilm (nfGO) and enriching the cell environment with potentially missing proteins by adding a functional protein cocktail (chicken embryo liver extract) and determine the impact of these factors on cell–ECM cooperation and its consequences on adhesion, proliferation, and cell phase, which are factors of the invasiveness of cancer cells.
Results
Experiments were performed with non-cancer HS-5 cells and liver cancer cells HepG2 and C3A. The cells were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) cultured on nfGO, (3) cultured with the addition of chicken embryo liver extract (CELE) and (4) cultured on the nfGO with the addition of CELE. CELE contained 1735 proteins; the top 57 of these proteins have been presented. The use of nfGO as well as CELE and nfGO + CELE reduced the proliferation of HepG2 cancer cells to the greatest extent; this is in contrast to non-cancer cells and also to C3A cancer cells. Furthermore, the combined use of the CELE protein cocktail and GO substrate effectively resulted in a decrease in the population of HepG2 cells in the G0/G1 phase and an increase of the population in G2/M. Molecular analysis of HepG2 cancer cells also showed an increase in the expression of genes responsible for adhesion such as focal adhesion kinase (fak), e-cadherin, and n-cadherin and a decrease in β-catenin, which is considered a proto-oncogene.
Conclusions
Studies have shown that both the GO surface structure on which the cells are grown as well as the presence of a multi-component natural cocktail of regulatory proteins, can modify the expression of integrins, increase adhesion and, as a consequence, proliferation and the cell cycle—entering the resting phase. For the first time, it has been documented that hepatic cancer cells of the HepG2 line under the influence of stimuli derived from mimic ECM (graphene oxide) in interaction with a unique protein complex derived from chicken liver embryo decreased of the invasiveness of cancer cells.
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18
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The extracellular matrix: A key player in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies. Blood Rev 2020; 48:100787. [PMID: 33317863 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells located in the bone marrow lay the foundation for multiple lineages of mature hematologic cells. Bone marrow niches are architecturally complex with specific cellular, physiochemical, and biomechanical factors. Increasing evidence suggests that the bone marrow microenvironment contributes to the pathogenesis of hematological neoplasms. Numerous studies have deciphered the role of genetic mutations and chromosomal translocations in the development hematologic malignancies. Significant progress has also been made in understanding how the cellular components and cytokine interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment promote the evolution of hematologic cancers. Although the extracellular matrix is known to be a key player in the pathogenesis of various diseases, it's role in the progression of hematologic malignancies is less understood. In this review, we discuss the interactions between the extracellular matrix and malignant cells, and provide an overview of the role of extracellular matrix remodeling in sustaining hematologic malignancies.
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McQuitty CE, Williams R, Chokshi S, Urbani L. Immunomodulatory Role of the Extracellular Matrix Within the Liver Disease Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2020; 11:574276. [PMID: 33262757 PMCID: PMC7686550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.574276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease when accompanied by underlying fibrosis, is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and chronic inflammation. Although traditionally considered as a passive and largely architectural structure, the ECM is now being recognized as a source of potent damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)s with immune-active peptides and domains. In parallel, the ECM anchors a range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, all of which are capable of modulating immune responses. A growing body of evidence shows that ECM proteins themselves are capable of modulating immunity either directly via ligation with immune cell receptors including integrins and TLRs, or indirectly through release of immunoactive molecules such as cytokines which are stored within the ECM structure. Notably, ECM deposition and remodeling during injury and fibrosis can result in release or formation of ECM-DAMPs within the tissue, which can promote local inflammatory immune response and chemotactic immune cell recruitment and inflammation. It is well described that the ECM and immune response are interlinked and mutually participate in driving fibrosis, although their precise interactions in the context of chronic liver disease are poorly understood. This review aims to describe the known pro-/anti-inflammatory and fibrogenic properties of ECM proteins and DAMPs, with particular reference to the immunomodulatory properties of the ECM in the context of chronic liver disease. Finally, we discuss the importance of developing novel biotechnological platforms based on decellularized ECM-scaffolds, which provide opportunities to directly explore liver ECM-immune cell interactions in greater detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. McQuitty
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Williams
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Urbani
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Impaired collagen fibril assembly in keloids with enhanced expression of lumican and collagen V. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 697:108676. [PMID: 33188736 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Keloids are characterized by fibroblast activation and altered architecture of extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive deposition of ECM molecules and irregular organization of collagen fibers have been observed in keloids. However, the ultrastructural alteration of collagen has not been fully investigated. In this study, the differences in tissue structure, collagen ultrastructure, matrix components, mechanical properties and collagen assembling molecules between keloids and their extra-lesional skins (ELSs) were explored using histology, transmission electron microscope (TEM), qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics. Histological evaluation showed thinner fibers in keloids with increased contents of collagen III and proteoglycans, which were supported by TEM findings of thinner collagen fibrils and less developed D-band periodicity in keloids than in ELSs (p < 0.05). In addition, total collagen and water contents were significantly increased (p < 0.05) along with richer proteoglycan production in keloids vs ELSs, which also led to increased stiffness and decreased maximal load in keloids compared with ELSs. Mechanism study showed that multiple molecules related to matrix assembly were significantly upregulated in keloids (p < 0.05). In particular, lumican and collagen V showed high degrees in co-expression analysis and their upregulation levels were revealed from microarray data, which were also verified in keloids at both gene and protein levels (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, siRNA knockdown of lumican failed to affect in vitro collagen assembly, but caused upregulated collagen V expression along with the upregulation of focal adhesion kinase, TGF-β1, TGF-β3 and PDGF, among which some are known for capable of enhancing collagen V expression. In conclusion, this study demonstrates impaired collagen assembly along with enhanced expression of lumican and collagen V, both are known for interfering with collagen fibril assembly.
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21
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Pan Q, Guo CJ, Xu QY, Wang JZ, Li H, Fang CH. miR-16 integrates signal pathways in myofibroblasts: determinant of cell fate necessary for fibrosis resolution. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:639. [PMID: 32801294 PMCID: PMC7429878 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts and poor response to treatment. This can be attributed to the myofibroblast-specific resistance to phenotype reversal. In this study, we complemented miR-16 into miR-16-deficient myofibroblasts and analyzed the global role of miR-16 using transcriptome profiling and generating a pathway-based action model underlying transcriptomic regulation. Phenotypic analysis of myofibroblasts and fibrogenic characterization were used to understand the effect of miR-16 on phenotypic remodeling of myofibroblasts. miR-16 expression altered the transcriptome of myofibroblasts to resemble that of HSCs. Simultaneous targeting of Smad2 and Wnt3a, etc. by miR-16 integrated signaling pathways of TGF-β and Wnt, etc., which underlay the comprehensive regulation of transcriptome. The synergistic effect of miR-16 on the signaling pathways abolished the phenotypic characteristics of myofibroblasts, including collagen production and inhibition of adipogenesis. In vivo, myofibroblast-specific expression of miR-16 not only eliminated mesenchymal cells with myofibroblast characteristics but also restored the phenotype of HSCs in perisinusoidal space. This phenotypic remodeling resolved liver fibrosis induced by chronic wound healing. Therefore, miR-16 may integrate signaling pathways crucial for the fate determination of myofibroblasts. Its global effect induces the reversal of HSC-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and, subsequently, the resolution of fibrogenesis. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of miR-16 as a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Can-Jie Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren-Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qing-Yang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jin-Zhi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chun-Hua Fang
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Tong-Ji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
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22
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Shihan MH, Kanwar M, Wang Y, Jackson EE, Faranda AP, Duncan MK. Fibronectin has multifunctional roles in posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Matrix Biol 2020; 90:79-108. [PMID: 32173580 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic posterior capsular opacification (PCO), one of the major complications of cataract surgery, occurs when lens epithelial cells (LCs) left behind post cataract surgery (PCS) undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition, migrate into the optical axis and produce opaque scar tissue. LCs left behind PCS robustly produce fibronectin, although its roles in fibrotic PCO are not known. In order to determine the function of fibronectin in PCO pathogenesis, we created mice lacking the fibronectin gene (FN conditional knock out -FNcKO) from the lens. While animals from this line have normal lenses, upon lens fiber cell removal which models cataract surgery, FNcKO LCs exhibit a greatly attenuated fibrotic response from 3 days PCS onward as assessed by a reduction in surgery-induced cell proliferation, and fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) production and deposition. This is correlated with less upregulation of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) and integrin signaling in FNcKO LCs PCS concomitant with sustained Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling and elevation of the epithelial cell marker E cadherin. Although the initial fibrotic response of FNcKO LCs was qualitatively normal at 48 h PCS as measured by the upregulation of fibrotic marker protein αSMA, RNA sequencing revealed that the fibrotic response was already quantitatively attenuated at this time, as measured by the upregulation of mRNAs encoding molecules that control, and are controlled by, TGFβ signaling, including many known markers of fibrosis. Most notably, gremlin-1, a known regulator of TGFβ superfamily signaling, was upregulated sharply in WT LCs PCS, while this response was attenuated in FNcKO LCs. As exogenous administration of either active TGFβ1 or gremlin-1 to FNcKO lens capsular bags rescued the attenuated fibrotic response of fibronectin null LCs PCS including the loss of SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, this suggests that fibronectin plays multifunctional roles in fibrotic PCO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Mallika Kanwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Erin E Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Adam P Faranda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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Chen G, Xia B, Fu Q, Huang X, Wang F, Chen Z, Lv Y. Matrix Mechanics as Regulatory Factors and Therapeutic Targets in Hepatic Fibrosis. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2509-2521. [PMID: 31754325 PMCID: PMC6854372 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.37500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of liver fibrosis is excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and deposition that improve liver matrix remodeling and stiffening. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a pathological consequence of liver fibrosis in traditional view, but also recognized as a key driver in pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis. Cells can perceive changes in the mechanical characteristics of hepatic matrix and respond by means of mechanical signal transduction pathways to regulate cell behavior. In this review, the authors first classify causes of liver matrix stiffening during fibrotic progression, such as higher degree of collagen cross-linking. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating activation of HSCs or fibroblasts under two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment is also classified and summarized. The mechanical signaling pathways involved in the process of hepatic matrix stiffening, such as YAP-TAZ signaling pathway, are further summarized. Finally, some potential therapeutic concepts and strategies based on matrix mechanics will be detailed. Collectively, these findings reinforce the importance of matrix mechanics in hepatic fibrosis, and underscore the value of clarifying its modulation in hopes of advancing the development of novel therapeutic targets and strategies for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Bin Xia
- Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Huang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Fuping Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Zhongmin Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
- Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
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Li J, Mao R, Kurada S, Wang J, Lin S, Chandra J, Rieder F. Pathogenesis of fibrostenosing Crohn's disease. Transl Res 2019; 209:39-54. [PMID: 30981697 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease, which could affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. A severe complication of CD is fibrosis-associated strictures, which can cause bowel obstruction. Unfortunately, there is no specific antifibrotic therapy available. More than 80% of the patients with CD will have to undergo at least 1 surgery in their life and recurrence of strictures after surgery is common. Investigations on the mechanism of fibrostenosing CD have revealed that fibrosis is mainly driven by expansion of mesenchymal cells including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. Being exposed to a pro-fibrotic milieu, these cells increase the secretion of extracellular matrix, as well as crosslinking enzymes, which drive tissue stiffness and remodeling. Fibrogenesis can become independent of inflammation in later stages of disease, which offers unique therapeutic potential. Exciting new evidence suggests smooth muscle cell hyperplasia as a strong contributor to luminal narrowing in fibrostenotic CD. Approval of new drugs in other fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as new targets associated with fibrosis found in CD, such as cadherins or specific integrins, shed light on the development of novel antifibrotic approaches in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Satya Kurada
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Sinan Lin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jyotsna Chandra
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.
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25
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Zhou WJ, Yang J, Zhang G, Hu ZQ, Jiang YM, Yu F. Association between red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio and hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16565. [PMID: 31348282 PMCID: PMC6709090 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the association between red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) and hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS The 388 subjects fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Red cell distribution, platelet, and other clinical and laboratory parameters were measured. RESULTS NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis had significantly higher RPR than those without fibrosis (P < .001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that RPR were significantly correlated with age, sex, creatinine, hemoglobin, white blood cell, and advanced fibrosis (all with P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RPR was an independent factor predicting advanced fibrosis (fibrosis-4 calculator ≥1.3) in NAFLD patients (OR: 5.718, 95%CI: 3.326-9.830, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that RPR were significantly associated with advanced fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
| | - Zheng-Qiang Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
| | - Yong-Mei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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26
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Kasagi Y, Dods K, Wang JX, Chandramouleeswaran PM, Benitez AJ, Gambanga F, Kluger J, Ashorobi T, Gross J, Tobias JW, Klein-Szanto AJ, Spergel JM, Cianferoni A, Falk GW, Whelan KA, Nakagawa H, Muir AB. Fibrostenotic eosinophilic esophagitis might reflect epithelial lysyl oxidase induction by fibroblast-derived TNF-α. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 144:171-182. [PMID: 30578874 PMCID: PMC6586527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis and stricture are major comorbidities in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a collagen cross-linking enzyme, has not been investigated in the context of EoE. OBJECTIVE We investigated regulation of epithelial LOX expression as a novel biomarker and functional effector of fibrostenotic disease conditions associated with EoE. METHODS LOX expression was analyzed by using RNA-sequencing, PCR assays, and immunostaining in patients with EoE; cytokine-stimulated esophageal 3-dimensional organoids; and fibroblast-epithelial cell coculture, the latter coupled with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. RESULTS Gene ontology and pathway analyses linked TNF-α and LOX expression in patients with EoE, which was validated in independent sets of patients with fibrostenotic conditions. TNF-α-mediated epithelial LOX upregulation was recapitulated in 3-dimensional organoids and coculture experiments. We find that fibroblast-derived TNF-α stimulates epithelial LOX expression through activation of nuclear factor κB and TGF-β-mediated signaling. In patients receiver operating characteristic analyses suggested that LOX upregulation indicates disease complications and fibrostenotic conditions in patients with EoE. CONCLUSIONS There is a novel positive feedback mechanism in epithelial LOX induction through fibroblast-derived TNF-α secretion. Esophageal epithelial LOX might have a role in the development of fibrosis with substantial translational implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kasagi
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Kara Dods
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Joshua X Wang
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Prasanna M Chandramouleeswaran
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa; University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Alain J Benitez
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Fiona Gambanga
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Jonathan Kluger
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Tokunbo Ashorobi
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Jonathan Gross
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa
| | | | - Andres J Klein-Szanto
- Histopathology Facility and Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Jonathan M Spergel
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Antonella Cianferoni
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Gary W Falk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Kelly A Whelan
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa; Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa; University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Amanda B Muir
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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27
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Sánchez-Romero N, Sainz-Arnal P, Pla-Palacín I, Dachary PR, Almeida H, Pastor C, Soto DR, Rodriguez MC, Arbizu EO, Martinez LB, Serrano-Aulló T, Baptista PM. The role of extracellular matrix on liver stem cell fate: A dynamic relationship in health and disease. Differentiation 2019; 106:49-56. [PMID: 30878881 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver stem cell niche is a specialized and dynamic microenvironment with biomechanical and biochemical characteristics that regulate stem cell behavior. This is feasible due to the coordination of a complex network of secreted factors, small molecules, neural, blood inputs and extracellular matrix (ECM) components involved in the regulation of stem cell fate (self-renewal, survival, and differentiation into more mature phenotypes like hepatocytes and cholangiocytes). In this review, we describe and summarize all the major components that play essential roles in the liver stem cell niche, in particular, growth factor signaling and the biomechanical properties of the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pilar Sainz-Arnal
- Health Research Institute of Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Aragon's Health Science Research Institute (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Iris Pla-Palacín
- Health Research Institute of Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Helen Almeida
- Health Research Institute of Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Pastor
- Aragon's Health Science Research Institute (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Daniela Rubio Soto
- Health Research Institute of Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Health Research Institute of Jiménez Díaz Foundation (IIS FJD), Madrid, Spain; Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering Department, University Carlos III of Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Pedro M Baptista
- Health Research Institute of Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Health Research Institute of Jiménez Díaz Foundation (IIS FJD), Madrid, Spain; Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering Department, University Carlos III of Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Peng X, Li L, Dong J, Lu S, Lu J, Li X, Zhou L, Qiu M. Lanostane-type triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2019; 157:103-110. [PMID: 30390604 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Twelve previously undescribed lanostane-type triterpenoids, including three triterpenoids with a γ-lactone ring, namely applanlactones A‒C, four highly oxygenated lanostane triterpenoids, namely methyl applaniate A and applanoic acids B‒D, as well as five C21 nortriterpenoids, applanones A‒E were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.. Their structures were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR and MS spectra, as well as X-ray crystallographic analyses. Meanwhile, applanlactone A, methyl applaniate A and applanoic acid B showed inhibitory effects for the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- XingRong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - JinRun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - ShuangYang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoNian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China
| | - MingHua Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, China.
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29
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Multi-cellular transitional organotypic models to investigate liver fibrosis. Acta Biomater 2018; 82:79-92. [PMID: 30316024 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the result of wound healing and inflammation resulting in organ dysfunction. Hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play critical roles in fibrogenesis. As the liver undergoes fibrosis, there are populations of cells that are healthy, fibrotic as well as those undergoing fibrosis. We investigated how a varying mechanical environment could induce changes in hepatic cells. In this study, a gradient in the mechanical properties of the microenvironment resulted in transitioning phenotypes in hepatic cells. We have designed detachable polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) whose elastic moduli ranged from 21 to 43 kPa to serve as Space of Disse mimics. We assembled novel 3D organotypic liver models comprised of hepatocytes, LSECs, HSCs, KCs, and the Space of Disse mimic. We demonstrate how cells in contact with a mechanical gradient exhibit different properties compared to cells cultured using non-gradient PEMs. Significant differences were observed in HSC and KC proliferation between 3D cultures assembled with gradient and non-gradient PEMs. While HSCs on the stiffer regions of the gradient PEMs expressed both GFAP and α-SMA, cells in cultures assembled with homogeneous 43 kPa multilayers primarily expressed α-SMA. Over an 8-day culture, the elastic modulus in the 21 and 43 kPa regions of the gradient PEMs increased by 1.6 and 3.7-fold, respectively. This was accompanied by a 4-fold increase in hydroxyproline. Such in vitro tissues can be used to investigate the effects of liver fibrosis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We have assembled a liver model assembled with four major primary hepatic cell types to investigate how a varying mechanical environment induces changes in hepatic cells. In this study, a gradient in the mechanical properties of the microenvironment results in transitioning phenotypes in hepatic cells. Our goal was to investigate the interplay between mechanical properties and a multi-cellular engineered liver tissue. In these models, Kupffer cell proliferation and hepatic stellate cell activation occurred due to mechanical cues and inter-cellular signaling across a distance of 2000 μm. These models are unique, in that, fibrosis was initiated purely through changes to the microenvironment. These models were not exposed to fibrogenic factors nor were the models assembled with cells from fibrotic rats. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first liver models that capture how a gradient microenvironment can result in transitioning cellular phenotypes.
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30
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Grant R, Hay D, Callanan A. From scaffold to structure: the synthetic production of cell derived extracellular matrix for liver tissue engineering. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aacbe1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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31
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Walraven M, Hinz B. Therapeutic approaches to control tissue repair and fibrosis: Extracellular matrix as a game changer. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:205-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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32
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Juillerat-Jeanneret L, Aubert JD, Mikulic J, Golshayan D. Fibrogenic Disorders in Human Diseases: From Inflammation to Organ Dysfunction. J Med Chem 2018; 61:9811-9840. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucienne Juillerat-Jeanneret
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - John-David Aubert
- Pneumology Division and Transplantation Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), CH1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Josip Mikulic
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dela Golshayan
- Transplantation Center and Transplantation Immunopathology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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33
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Kumar P, Smith T, Raeman R, Chopyk DM, Brink H, Liu Y, Sulchek T, Anania FA. Periostin promotes liver fibrogenesis by activating lysyl oxidase in hepatic stellate cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:12781-12792. [PMID: 29941453 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis arises from dysregulated wound healing due to persistent inflammatory hepatic injury. Periostin is a nonstructural extracellular matrix protein that promotes organ fibrosis in adults. Here, we sought to identify the molecular mechanisms in periostin-mediated hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis in periostin-/- mice was attenuated as evidenced by significantly reduced collagen fibril density and liver stiffness compared with those in WT controls. A single dose of carbon tetrachloride caused similar acute liver injury in periostin-/- and WT littermates, and we did not detect significant differences in transaminases and major fibrosis-related hepatic gene expression between these two genotypes. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major periostin-producing liver cell type. We found that in primary rat HSCs in vitro, periostin significantly increases the expression levels and activities of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) isoforms 1-3. Periostin also induced expression of intra- and extracellular collagen type 1 and fibronectin in HSCs. Interestingly, periostin stimulated phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, which was sustained despite short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor I and II, indicating that periostin-mediated SMAD2/3 phosphorylation is independent of TGFβ receptors. Moreover, periostin induced the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and AKT in HSCs. Notably, siRNA-mediated FAK knockdown failed to block periostin-induced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. These results suggest that periostin promotes enhanced matrix stiffness in chronic liver disease by activating LOX and LOXL, independently of TGFβ receptors. Hence, targeting periostin may be of therapeutic benefit in combating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
| | - Tekla Smith
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Reben Raeman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Daniel M Chopyk
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Hannah Brink
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332
| | - Yunshan Liu
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Todd Sulchek
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332
| | - Frank A Anania
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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34
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Sakabe T, Sakai K, Maeda T, Sunaga A, Furuta N, Schweitzer R, Sasaki T, Sakai T. Transcription factor scleraxis vitally contributes to progenitor lineage direction in wound healing of adult tendon in mice. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5766-5780. [PMID: 29507095 PMCID: PMC5912447 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.001987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendon is a dense connective tissue that transmits high mechanical forces from skeletal muscle to bone. The transcription factor scleraxis (Scx) is a highly specific marker of both precursor and mature tendon cells (tenocytes). Mice lacking scx exhibit a specific and virtually complete loss of tendons during development. However, the functional contribution of Scx to wound healing in adult tendon has not yet been fully characterized. Here, using ScxGFP-tracking and loss-of-function systems, we show in an adult mouse model of Achilles tendon injury that paratenon cells, representing a stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1)-positive and Scx-negative progenitor subpopulation, display Scx induction, migrate to the wound site, and produce extracellular matrix (ECM) to bridge the defect, whereas resident tenocytes exhibit a delayed response. Scx induction in the progenitors is initiated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling. scx-deficient mice had migration of Sca-1-positive progenitor cell to the lesion site but impaired ECM assembly to bridge the defect. Mechanistically, scx-null progenitors displayed higher chondrogenic potential with up-regulation of SRY-box 9 (Sox9) coactivator PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in vitro, and knock-in analysis revealed that forced expression of full-length scx significantly inhibited Sox9 expression. Accordingly, scx-null wounds formed cartilage-like tissues that developed ectopic ossification. Our findings indicate a critical role of Scx in a progenitor-cell lineage in wound healing of adult mouse tendon. These progenitor cells could represent targets in strategies to facilitate tendon repair. We propose that this lineage-regulatory mechanism in tissue progenitors could apply to a broader set of tissues or biological systems in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Sakabe
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Keiko Sakai
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Toru Maeda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Ataru Sunaga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Nao Furuta
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom
| | - Ronen Schweitzer
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon 97239, and
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Takao Sakai
- From the Medical Research Council Centre for Drug Safety Science, Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, United Kingdom,
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
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35
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Afratis NA, Klepfish M, Karamanos NK, Sagi I. The apparent competitive action of ECM proteases and cross-linking enzymes during fibrosis: Applications to drug discovery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 129:4-15. [PMID: 29627371 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progressive loss of organ function in most organs is associated with fibrosis, a tissue state associated with abnormal matrix buildup. If highly progressive, the fibrotic process eventually leads to organ failure and death. Fibrosis is a basic connective tissue lesion defined by the increase in the amount of fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) components in a tissue or organ. In addition, intrinsic changes in important structural cells can induce the fibrotic response by regulating the differentiation, recruitment, proliferation and activation of extracellular matrix-producing myofibroblasts. ECM enzymes belonging to the family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and lysyl oxidases (LOXs) play a crucial role in ECM remodeling and regeneration. MMPs have a catalytic role in degradation of ECM, whereas LOX/LOXLs mediate ECM, especially collagen, cross-linking and stiffening. Importantly, enzymes from both families are elevated during the fibrotic response to tissue injury and its resolution. Yet, the apparent molecular competition or antagonistic activities of these enzyme families during the various stages of fibrosis is often overlooked. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of MMPs and LOX/LOXL2 in chronic organ fibrosis. Finally, we review contemporary therapeutic strategies for fibrosis treatment, based on neutralization of MMP and LOX activity, as well as the development of novel drug delivery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos A Afratis
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Mordehay Klepfish
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Res. Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras 26500, Greece
| | - Irit Sagi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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36
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Leiva O, Leon C, Kah Ng S, Mangin P, Gachet C, Ravid K. The role of extracellular matrix stiffness in megakaryocyte and platelet development and function. Am J Hematol 2018; 93:430-441. [PMID: 29247535 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key acellular structure in constant remodeling to provide tissue cohesion and rigidity. Deregulation of the balance between matrix deposition, degradation, and crosslinking results in fibrosis. Bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) is associated with several malignant and nonmalignant pathologies severely affecting blood cell production. BMF results from abnormal deposition of collagen fibers and enhanced lysyl oxidase-mediated ECM crosslinking within the marrow, thereby increasing marrow stiffness. Bone marrow stiffness has been recently recognized as an important regulator of blood cell development, notably by modifying the fate and differentiation process of hematopoietic or mesenchymal stem cells. This review surveys the different components of the ECM and their influence on stem cell development, with a focus on the impact of the ECM composition and stiffness on the megakaryocytic lineage in health and disease. Megakaryocyte maturation and the biogenesis of their progeny, the platelets, are thought to respond to environmental mechanical forces through a number of mechanosensors, including integrins and mechanosensitive ion channels, reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Leiva
- Department of Medicine; Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Catherine Leon
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS; Strasbourg F-67000 France
| | - Seng Kah Ng
- Department of Medicine; Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Pierre Mangin
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS; Strasbourg F-67000 France
| | - Christian Gachet
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS; Strasbourg F-67000 France
| | - Katya Ravid
- Department of Medicine; Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine; Boston Massachusetts
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Dhanani KCH, Samson WJ, Edkins AL. Fibronectin is a stress responsive gene regulated by HSF1 in response to geldanamycin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17617. [PMID: 29247221 PMCID: PMC5732156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein with key roles in cell adhesion and migration. Hsp90 binds directly to fibronectin and Hsp90 depletion regulates fibronectin matrix stability. Where inhibition of Hsp90 with a C-terminal inhibitor, novobiocin, reduced the fibronectin matrix, treatment with an N-terminal inhibitor, geldanamycin, increased fibronectin levels. Geldanamycin treatment induced a stress response and a strong dose and time dependent increase in fibronectin mRNA via activation of the fibronectin promoter. Three putative heat shock elements (HSEs) were identified in the fibronectin promoter. Loss of two of these HSEs reduced both basal and geldanamycin-induced promoter activity, as did inhibition of the stress-responsive transcription factor HSF1. Binding of HSF1 to one of the putative HSE was confirmed by ChIP under basal conditions, and occupancy shown to increase with geldanamycin treatment. These data support the hypothesis that fibronectin is stress-responsive and a functional HSF1 target gene. COLA42 and LAMB3 mRNA levels were also increased with geldanamycin indicating that regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes by HSF1 may be a wider phenomenon. Taken together, these data have implications for our understanding of ECM dynamics in stress-related diseases in which HSF1 is activated, and where the clinical application of N-terminal Hsp90 inhibitors is intended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Colin Hassan Dhanani
- Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit (BioBRU), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - William John Samson
- Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit (BioBRU), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Adrienne Lesley Edkins
- Biomedical Biotechnology Research Unit (BioBRU), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
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38
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Guo X, Li W, Ma M, Lu X, Zhang H. Endothelial cell-derived matrix promotes the metabolic functional maturation of hepatocyte via integrin-Src signalling. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2809-2822. [PMID: 28470937 PMCID: PMC5661128 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is involved in the regulation of hepatocyte phenotype and function. Recently, the cell‐derived extracellular matrix has been proposed to represent the bioactive and biocompatible materials of the native ECM. Here, we show that the endothelial cell‐derived matrix (EC matrix) promotes the metabolic maturation of human adipose stem cell‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells (hASC‐HLCs) through the activation of the transcription factor forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) and the nuclear receptors hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Reducing the fibronectin content in the EC matrix or silencing the expression of α5 integrin in the hASC‐HLCs inhibited the effect of the EC matrix on Src phosphorylation and hepatocyte maturation. The inhibition of Src phosphorylation using the inhibitor PP2 or silencing the expression of Src in hASC‐HLCs also attenuated the up‐regulation of the metabolic function of hASC‐HLCs in a nuclear receptor‐dependent manner. These data elucidate integrin‐Src signalling linking the extrinsic EC matrix signals and metabolic functional maturation of hepatocyte. This study provides a model for studying the interaction between hepatocytes and non‐parenchymal cell‐derived matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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39
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Molecular Cues Guiding Matrix Stiffness in Liver Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:2646212. [PMID: 27800489 PMCID: PMC5075297 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2646212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tissue and matrix stiffness affect cell properties during morphogenesis, cell growth, differentiation, and migration and are altered in the tissue remodeling following injury and the pathological progression. However, detailed molecular mechanisms underlying alterations of stiffness in vivo are still poorly understood. Recent engineering technologies have developed powerful techniques to characterize the mechanical properties of cell and matrix at nanoscale levels. Extracellular matrix (ECM) influences mechanical tension and activation of pathogenic signaling during the development of chronic fibrotic diseases. In this short review, we will focus on the present knowledge of the mechanisms of how ECM stiffness is regulated during the development of liver fibrosis and the molecules involved in ECM stiffness as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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40
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Ebrahimi H, Naderian M, Sohrabpour AA. New Concepts on Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis; A Review Article. Middle East J Dig Dis 2016; 8:166-178. [PMID: 27698966 PMCID: PMC5045669 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2016.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a potentially reversible response to hepatic insults, triggered by different chronic diseases most importantly viral hepatitis, alcoholic, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the course of the chronic liver disease, hepatic fibrogenesis may develop, which is attributed to various types of cells, molecules, and pathways. Activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the primary source of extracellular matrix (ECM), is fundamental in pathophysiology of fibrogenesis, and thus is the most attractable target for reversing liver fibrosis. Although, liver biopsy has long been considered as the gold standard for diagnosis and staging of hepatic fibrosis, assessing progression and regression by biopsy is hampered by its limitations. We provide recent views on noninvasive approaches including serum biomarkers and radiologic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedyeh Ebrahimi
- Liver and Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Naderian
- Liver and Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Sohrabpour
- Assistant Professor, Liver and Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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41
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MeCP2 silencing of LncRNA H19 controls hepatic stellate cell proliferation by targeting IGF1R. Toxicology 2016; 359-360:39-46. [PMID: 27350269 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) plays a key role in liver fibrosis. However, the potential mechanism of MeCP2 in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Early reports suggest that LncRNA H19 is important epigenetic regulator with critical roles in cell proliferation, but its role in hepatic fibrosis remains elusive. Sprague-Dawley rats liver fibrosis was generated by 12-weeks treatment with CCl4 intraperitoneal injection. HSC-T6 cells were used in vitro study. The expression levels of MeCP2, H19, IGF1R, α-SMA, and Col1A1 were estimated by Western blotting, qRT-PCR and Immunohistochemistry. HSC-T6 cells were transfected with MeCP2-siRNA, pEGF-C1-MeCP2, pEX-3-H19, and H19-siRNA. Finally, cell proliferation ability was assessed by the MTT assay. Here, we found that H19 was significantly down-regulated in HSCs and fibrosis tissues, and an opposite pattern is observed for MeCP2 and IGF1R. Silencing of MeCP2 blocked HSCs proliferation. Knockdown of MeCP2 elevated H19 expression in activated HSCs, and over-expression of MeCP2 inhibited H19 expression in activated HSCs. Moreover, we investigated the effect of H19 on IGF1R expression. Overexpression of H19 in HSCs repressed the expression of IGF1R, and an opposite pattern is observed for H19 silenced. In addition, we reported that overexpression of H19 inhibited the TGF-β1-induced proliferation of HSCs. Furthermore, MeCP2 negative regulation of H19 by targeting the protein IGF1R. Taken together, these results demonstrated that MeCP2 silencing of H19 can alter the IGF1R overexpression, thus contributing to HSCs proliferation. These data could suggest the development of combination therapies that target the MeCP2.
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42
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The alterations in the extracellular matrix composition guide the repair of damaged liver tissue. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27398. [PMID: 27264108 PMCID: PMC4893701 DOI: 10.1038/srep27398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While the cellular mechanisms of liver regeneration have been thoroughly studied, the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in liver regeneration is still poorly understood. We utilized a proteomics-based approach to identify the shifts in ECM composition after CCl4 or DDC treatment and studied their effect on the proliferation of liver cells by combining biophysical and cell culture methods. We identified notable alterations in the ECM structural components (eg collagens I, IV, V, fibronectin, elastin) as well as in non-structural proteins (eg olfactomedin-4, thrombospondin-4, armadillo repeat-containing x-linked protein 2 (Armcx2)). Comparable alterations in ECM composition were seen in damaged human livers. The increase in collagen content and decrease in elastic fibers resulted in rearrangement and increased stiffness of damaged liver ECM. Interestingly, the alterations in ECM components were nonhomogenous and differed between periportal and pericentral areas and thus our experiments demonstrated the differential ability of selected ECM components to regulate the proliferation of hepatocytes and biliary cells. We define for the first time the alterations in the ECM composition of livers recovering from damage and present functional evidence for a coordinated ECM remodelling that ensures an efficient restoration of liver tissue.
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Trackman PC. Lysyl Oxidase Isoforms and Potential Therapeutic Opportunities for Fibrosis and Cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:935-45. [PMID: 26848785 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1151003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The lysyl oxidase family of enzymes is classically known as being required for connective tissue maturation by oxidizing lysine residues in elastin and lysine and hydroxylysine residues in collagen precursors. The resulting aldehydes then participate in cross-link formation, which is required for normal connective tissue integrity. These enzymes have biological functions that extend beyond this fundamental biosynthetic role, with contributions to angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Dysregulation of lysyl oxidases occurs in multiple pathologies including fibrosis, primary and metastatic cancers, and complications of diabetes in a variety of tissues. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the major findings of novel roles for lysyl oxidases in pathologies, and highlights some of the potential therapeutic approaches that are in development and which stem from these new findings. EXPERT OPINION Fundamental questions remain regarding the mechanisms of novel biological functions of this family of proteins, and regarding functions that are independent of their catalytic enzyme activity. However, progress is underway in the development of isoform-specific pharmacologic inhibitors, potential therapeutic antibodies and gaining an increased understanding of both tumor suppressor and metastasis promotion activities. Ultimately, this is likely to lead to novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C Trackman
- a Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
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