Neuropilin 2 Signaling Is Involved in Cell Positioning of Adult-born Neurons through Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK3β)

Promotive effect of skin precursor-derived Schwann cells on brachial plexus neurotomy and motor neuron damage repair through milieu-regulating secretome

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) with motor neurons (MNs) damage still remain poor recovery in preclinical research and clinical therapy, while cell-based therapy approaches emerged as novel strategies. Previous work of rat skin precursor-derived Schwann cells (SKP-SCs) provided substantial foundation for repairing peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Given that, our present work focused on exploring the repair efficacy and possible mechanisms of SKP-SCs implantation on rat BPI combined with neurorrhaphy post-neurotomy. Results indicated the significant locomotive and sensory function recovery, with improved morphological remodeling of regenerated nerves and angiogenesis, as well as amelioration of target muscles atrophy and motor endplate degeneration. Besides, MNs could restore from oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD) injury upon SKP-SCs-sourced secretome treatment, implying the underlying paracrine mechanisms. Moreover, rat cytokine array assay detected 67 cytokines from SKP-SC-secretome, and bioinformatic analyses of screened 32 cytokines presented multiple functional clusters covering diverse cell types, including inflammatory cells, Schwann cells, vascular endothelial cells (VECs), neurons, and SKP-SCs themselves, relating distinct biological processes to nerve regeneration. Especially, a panel of hypoxia-responsive cytokines (HRCK), can participate into multicellular biological process regulation for permissive regeneration milieu, which underscored the benefits of SKP-SCs and sourced secretome, facilitating the chorus of nerve regenerative microenvironment. Furthermore, platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were outstanding cytokines involved with nerve regenerative microenvironment regulating, with significantly elevated mRNA expression level in hypoxia-responsive SKP-SCs. Altogether, through recapitulating the implanted SKP-SCs and derived secretome as niche sensor and paracrine transmitters respectively, HRCK would be further excavated as molecular underpinning of the neural recuperative mechanizations for efficient cell therapy; meanwhile, the analysis paradigm in this study validated and anticipated the actions and mechanisms of SKP-SCs on traumatic BPI repair, and was beneficial to identify promising bioactive molecule cocktail and signaling targets for cell-free therapy strategy on neural repair and regeneration.

Semaphorin Receptors Antagonize Wnt Signaling Through Beta-Catenin Degradation

Precise control of morphogen signaling levels is essential for proper development. An outstanding question is: what mechanisms ensure proper morphogen activity and correct cellular responses? Previous work has identified Semaphorin (SEMA) receptors, Neuropilins (NRPs) and Plexins (PLXNs), as positive regulators of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Here, we provide evidence that NRPs and PLXNs antagonize Wnt signaling in both fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Further, Nrp1/2 deletion in fibroblasts results in elevated baseline Wnt pathway activity and increased maximal responses to Wnt stimulation. Notably, and in contrast to HH signaling, SEMA receptor-mediated Wnt antagonism is independent of primary cilia. Mechanistically, PLXNs and NRPs act downstream of Dishevelled (DVL) to destabilize β-catenin (CTNNB1) in a proteosome-dependent manner. Further, NRPs, but not PLXNs, act in a GSK3β/CK1-dependent fashion to antagonize Wnt signaling, suggesting distinct repressive mechanisms for these SEMA receptors. Overall, this study identifies SEMA receptors as novel Wnt pathway antagonists that may also play larger roles integrating signals from multiple inputs.

Orchestrating Resilience: How Neuropilin-2 and Macrophages Contribute to Cardiothoracic Disease

Immunity has evolved to balance the destructive nature of inflammation with wound healing to overcome trauma, infection, environmental insults, and rogue malignant cells. The inflammatory response is marked by overlapping phases of initiation, resolution, and post-resolution remodeling. However, the disruption of these events can lead to prolonged tissue damage and organ dysfunction, resulting long-term disease states. Macrophages are the archetypic phagocytes present within all tissues and are important contributors to these processes. Pleiotropic and highly plastic in their responses, macrophages support tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration, all while balancing immunologic self-tolerance with the clearance of noxious stimuli, pathogens, and malignant threats. Neuropilin-2 (Nrp2), a promiscuous co-receptor for growth factors, semaphorins, and integrins, has increasingly been recognized for its unique role in tissue homeostasis and immune regulation. Notably, recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of Nrp2 in both non-hematopoietic cells and macrophages with cardiothoracic disease. Herein, we describe the unique role of Nrp2 in diseases of the heart and lung, with an emphasis on Nrp2 in macrophages, and explore the potential to target Nrp2 as a therapeutic intervention.

A balance of noncanonical Semaphorin signaling from the cerebrospinal fluid regulates apical cell dynamics during corticogenesis

During corticogenesis, dynamic regulation of apical adhesion is fundamental to generate correct numbers and cell identities. While radial glial cells (RGCs) maintain basal and apical anchors, basal progenitors and neurons detach and settle at distal positions from the apical border. Whether diffusible signals delivered from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contribute to the regulation of apical adhesion dynamics remains fully unknown. Secreted class 3 Semaphorins (Semas) trigger cell responses via Plexin-Neuropilin (Nrp) membrane receptor complexes. Here, we report that unconventional Sema3-Nrp preformed complexes are delivered by the CSF from sources including the choroid plexus to Plexin-expressing RGCs via their apical endfeet. Through analysis of mutant mouse models and various ex vivo assays mimicking ventricular delivery to RGCs, we found that two different complexes, Sema3B/Nrp2 and Sema3F/Nrp1, exert dual effects on apical endfeet dynamics, nuclei positioning, and RGC progeny. This reveals unexpected balance of CSF-delivered guidance molecules during cortical development.

Neuropilin-2 Signaling Modulates Mossy Fiber Sprouting by Regulating Axon Collateral Formation Through CRMP2 in a Rat Model of Epilepsy

Programmed neural circuit formation constitutes the foundation for normal brain functions. Axon guidance cues play crucial roles in neural circuit establishment during development. Whether or how they contribute to maintaining the stability of networks in mature brains is seldom studied. Upon injury, neural rewiring could happen in adulthood, of which mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) is a canonical example. Here, we uncovered a novel role of axon guidance molecule family Sema3F/Npn-2 signaling in MFS and epileptogenesis in a rat model of epilepsy. Dentate gyrus-specific Npn-2 knockdown increased seizure activity in epileptic animals along with increased MFS. Hippocampal culture results suggested that Npn-2 signaling modulates MFS via regulating axon outgrowth and collateral formation. In addition, we discovered that Sema3F/Npn-2 signal through CRMP2 by regulating its phosphorylation in the process of MFS. Our work illustrated that Npn-2 signaling in adult epilepsy animals could potentially modulate seizure activity by controlling MFS. MFS constitutes the structural basis for abnormal electric discharge of neurons and recurrent seizures. Therapies targeting Npn-2 signaling could potentially have disease-modifying anti-epileptogenesis effects in epilepsy treatment.

Potential Cross Talk between Autism Risk Genes and Neurovascular Molecules: A Pilot Study on Impact of Blood Brain Barrier Integrity

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common pediatric neurobiological disorder with up to 80% of genetic etiologies. Systems biology approaches may make it possible to test novel therapeutic strategies targeting molecular pathways to alleviate ASD symptoms. A clinical database of autism subjects was queried for individuals with a copy number variation (CNV) on microarray, Vineland, and Parent Concern Questionnaire scores. Pathway analyses of genes from pathogenic CNVs yielded 659 genes whose protein-protein interactions and mRNA expression mapped 121 genes with maximal antenatal expression in 12 brain regions. A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)-derived neural circuits map revealed significant differences in anxiety, motor, and activities of daily living skills scores between altered CNV genes and normal microarrays subjects, involving Positive Valence (reward), Cognition (IQ), and Social Processes. Vascular signaling was identified as a biological process that may influence these neural circuits. Neuroinflammation, microglial activation, iNOS and 3-nitrotyrosine increase in the brain of Semaphorin 3F- Neuropilin 2 (Sema 3F-NRP2) KO, an ASD mouse model, agree with previous reports in the brain of ASD individuals. Signs of platelet deposition, activation, release of serotonin, and albumin leakage in ASD-relevant brain regions suggest possible blood brain barrier (BBB) deficits. Disruption of neurovascular signaling and BBB with neuroinflammation may mediate causative pathophysiology in some ASD subgroups. Although preliminary, these data demonstrate the potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies based on clinically derived data, genomics, cognitive neuroscience, and basic neuroscience methods.

CRMP4 is required for the positioning and maturation of newly generated neurons in adult mouse hippocampus

Adult neurogenesis is a phenomenon in which neural stem cells differentiate and mature to generate new neurons in the adult brain. In mammals, the sites where adult neurogenesis occurs are limited to the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone. In the hippocampus, newly generated neurons migrate into the granule cell layer (GCL) and are integrated into neural circuits. Previous studies have revealed that CRMP4, a member of the CRMP family, is expressed in immature neurons in the hippocampal SGZ of the adult brain. However, the role of CRMP4 in adult neurogenesis is unknown. To study the role of CRMP4 in hippocampal adult neurogenesis, we compared adult neurogenesis between wild type and CRMP4-/- mice. In CRMP4-/- mice, the number of doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells was comparable to that in wild-type mice, and some DCX-positive cells were ectopically located in the granule cell layer, suggesting that CRMP4 is involved in the migration of adult neurogenesis. In addition, the number of calretinin-positive new neurons in the SGZ was significantly increased, whereas the number of EdU/NeuN-double positive neurons was decreased in CRMP4-/- mice, suggesting that CRMP4 plays an important role in neuronal maturation. Because CRMP4 is expressed in immature neurons, its expression may regulate the migration from the SGZ to the GCL during neuronal maturation in hippocampal adult neurogenesis.

Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15081.

Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes.

Kv1.1 channels regulate early postnatal neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus via the TrkB signaling pathway

In the postnatal brain, neurogenesis occurs only within a few regions, such as the hippocampal sub-granular zone (SGZ). Postnatal neurogenesis is tightly regulated by factors that balance stem cell renewal with differentiation, and it gives rise to neurons that participate in learning and memory formation. The Kv1.1 channel, a voltage-gated potassium channel, was previously shown to suppress postnatal neurogenesis in the SGZ in a cell-autonomous manner. In this study, we have clarified the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Kv1.1-dependent postnatal neurogenesis. First, we discovered that the membrane potential of neural progenitor cells is highly dynamic during development. We further established a multinomial logistic regression model for cell-type classification based on the biophysical characteristics and corresponding cell markers. We found that the loss of Kv1.1 channel activity causes significant depolarization of type 2b neural progenitor cells. This depolarization is associated with increased tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling and proliferation of neural progenitor cells; suppressing TrkB signaling reduces the extent of postnatal neurogenesis. Thus, our study defines the role of the Kv1.1 potassium channel in regulating the proliferation of postnatal neural progenitor cells in mouse hippocampus.

Repurposing developmental mechanisms in the adult nervous system

Molecules and cellular processes important for nervous system development can be repurposed in adulthood for the regulation of adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neural regeneration following injury or degeneration. Efforts to recapitulate neural development in order to ameliorate injury or disease are promising, but these often fall short of functional restoration due in part to our incomplete understanding of how these damaged circuits initially developed. Despite these limitations, such strategies provide hope that harnessing developmental mechanisms can restore nervous system functions following damage or disease.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α is crucial for proper brain development

Sufficient tissue oxygenation is required for regular brain function; thus oxygen supply must be tightly regulated to avoid hypoxia and irreversible cell damage. If hypoxia occurs the transcription factor complex hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) will accumulate and coordinate adaptation of cells to hypoxia. However, even under atmospheric O₂ conditions stabilized HIF-2α protein was found in brains of adult mice. Mice with a neuro-specific knockout of Hif-2α showed a reduction of pyramidal neurons in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), a brain region responsible for a range of cognitive functions, including memory and navigation. Accordingly, behavioral studies showed disturbed cognitive abilities in these mice. In search of the underlying mechanisms for the specific loss of pyramidal cells in the RSC, we found deficits in migration in neural stem cells from Hif-2α knockout mice due to altered expression patterns of genes highly associated with neuronal migration and positioning.

Neuropilin-2b facilitates resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Innate and acquired resistance is the principle factor limiting the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer. We have observed a dramatic upregulation of the cell surface co-receptor neuropilin-2b in lung cancers clinically treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors correlating with acquired resistance. We hypothesize that neuropilin-2b plays a functional role in acquired tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.

METHODS

Non-small cell lung cancer proliferation and survival were determined during chronic tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure in the presence or absence of neuropilin-2b knock-down. Interactions of neuropilin-2a and neuropilin-2b isoforms with PTEN and GSK3β were assessed by immunoprecipitation. Neuropilin-2a and neuropilin-2b mutants deleted for their cytoplasmic domains were used to identify regions responsible for neuropilin-2b-GSK3β interaction. Because GSK3β is known to phosphorylate and degrade PTEN, phospho-PTEN and total PTEN levels were assessed after transfection of neuropilin-2a and neuropilin-2b wild-type and mutant constructs.

RESULTS

Non-small cell lung cancer cells chronically treated with gefitinib or osimertinib developed drug resistance and exhibited logarithmic growth in the presence of endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, neuropilin-2b knockdown cells remained sensitive to gefitinib. Likewise, neuropilin-2b knockdown suppressed and neuropilin-2a knockdown enhanced cellular migration. Acquired drug resistance and cell migration correlated with neuropilin-2b-dependent AKT activation with the intermediate step of GSK3β-dependent PTEN degradation. A specific binding site for GSK3β on the cytoplasmic domain of neuropilin-2b was identified with truncated protein constructs and computer modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropilin-2b facilitates non-small cell lung cancer resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and this biological effect relates to AKT activation. Neuropilin-2b GSK3β interactions appear to be essential for PTEN degradation and AKT activation in lung cancer cells. Disruption of the neuropilin-2b GSK3β interaction may represent a novel treatment strategy to preserve sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 overexpression increases long-term survival of posttrauma-born hippocampal neurons while inhibiting ectopic migration following traumatic brain injury

Cellular damage associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) manifests in motor and cognitive dysfunction following injury. Experimental models of TBI reveal cell death in the granule cell layer (GCL) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus acutely after injury. Adult-born neurons residing in the neurogenic niche of the GCL, the subgranular zone, are particularly vulnerable. Injury-induced proliferation of neural progenitors in the subgranular zone supports recovery of the immature neuron population, but their development and localization may be altered, potentially affecting long-term survival. Here we show that increasing hippocampal levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) is sufficient to promote end-stage maturity of posttrauma-born neurons and improve cognition following TBI. Mice with conditional overexpression of astrocyte-specific IGF1 and wild-type mice received controlled cortical impact or sham injury and bromo-2'-deoxyuridine injections for 7d after injury to label proliferating cells. IGF1 overexpression increased the number of GCL neurons born acutely after trauma that survived 6 weeks to maturity (NeuN+BrdU+), and enhanced their outward migration into the GCL while significantly reducing the proportion localized ectopically to the hilus and molecular layer. IGF1 selectively affected neurons, without increasing the persistence of posttrauma-proliferated glia in the dentate gyrus. IGF1 overexpressing animals performed better during radial arm water maze reversal testing, a neurogenesis-dependent cognitive test. These findings demonstrate the ability of IGF1 to promote the long-term survival and appropriate localization of granule neurons born acutely after a TBI, and suggest these new neurons contribute to improved cognitive function.

Deletion of Semaphorin 3F in Interneurons Is Associated with Decreased GABAergic Neurons, Autism-like Behavior, and Increased Oxidative Stress Cascades

Autism and epilepsy are diseases which have complex genetic inheritance. Genome-wide association and other genetic studies have implicated at least 500+ genes associated with the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) including the human semaphorin 3F (Sema 3F) and neuropilin 2 (NRP2) genes. However, the genetic basis of the comorbid occurrence of autism and epilepsy is unknown. The aberrant development of GABAergic circuitry is a possible risk factor in autism and epilepsy. Molecular biological approaches were used to test the hypothesis that cell-specific genetic variation in mouse homologs affects the formation and function of GABAergic circuitry. The empirical analysis with mice homozygous null for one of these genes, Sema 3F, in GABAergic neurons substantiated these predictions. Notably, deletion of Sema 3F in interneurons but not excitatory neurons during early development decreased the number of interneurons/neurites and mRNAs for cell-specific GABAergic markers and increased epileptogenesis and autistic behaviors. Studies of interneuron cell-specific knockout of Sema 3F signaling suggest that deficient Sema 3F signaling may lead to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Further studies of mouse KO models of ASD genes such as Sema 3F or NRP2 may be informative to clinical phenotypes contributing to the pathogenesis in autism and epilepsy patients.

The role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in brain health and disease

Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is highly regulated by a number of environmental and cell-intrinsic factors to adapt to environmental changes. Accumulating evidence suggests that adult-born neurons may play distinct physiological roles in hippocampus-dependent functions, such as memory encoding and mood regulation. In addition, several brain diseases, such as neurological diseases and mood disorders, have deleterious effects on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and some symptoms of those diseases can be partially explained by the dysregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Here we review a possible link between the physiological functions of adult-born neurons and their roles in pathological conditions.

Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers by Combined mRNA and miRNA Expression Microarray Analysis in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause for cancer-related death, and early diagnosis is one key to improve the survival rate of this disease. Molecular biomarkers are an important method for diagnostic use in pancreatic cancer. We used data from three mRNA microarray datasets and a microRNA dataset (GSE16515, GSE15471, GSE28735, and GSE41372) to identify potential key genes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and microRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Functional, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction analyses were performed on common DEGs across all datasets. The target genes of the DEMs were identified. DEMs targets that were also DEGs were further scrutinized using overall survival analysis. A total of 236 DEGs and 21 DEMs were identified. There were a total of four DEGs (ECT2, NR5A2, NRP2, and TGFBI), which were also predicted target genes of DEMs. Overall survival analysis showed that high expression levels of three of these genes (ECT2, NRP2, and TGFBI) were associated with poor overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients. The basic expression of DEGs in pancreas stood lower level in various organ tissues. The expression of ECT2 and NRP2 was higher in different pancreatic cancer cell lines than normal pancreas cell line. Knockout of ECT2 by Crispr Cas9 gene editing system decreased proliferation and migration ability in pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa2. In conclusion, we think that data mining method can do well in biomarker screening, and ECT2 and NRP2 can play as potential biomarker or therapy target by Crispr Cas9 in pancreatic cancer.

Cyclosporin A induces autophagy in cardiac fibroblasts through the NRP-2/WDFY-1 axis

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an effective immunosuppressive agent, but its myocardial toxicity limits its widespread and long-term clinical application. In this study, CsA treatment led to damages in myocardial fiber structure, an increase in myocardial fibrosis, and changes in heart size and shape; moreover, the degree of damage was exacerbated with prolonged drug application and increases in dose. However, the mechanism is not clear; therefore, the purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanism of CsA-induced myocardial fibrosis and identify a new target for the prevention and treatment of CsA-induced myocardial injury. Cardiac fibroblasts were treated with CsA (5, 10, or 20 μg/mL) for 24 h. Autophagy was observed by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. The expression of NRP-2/WDFY-1, autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1 and LC3B), fibrosis-related proteins (MMP2/9), and fibroblast phenotype conversion factor (α-SMA) was evaluated by Western blot. The expression of collagen I was determined by ELISA. Then, we used the gene interference technique to alter WDFY-1 expression with or without CsA or 3-MA treatment for 24 h, and the effects on autophagy and the expression of autophagy-related proteins, fibrosis-associated proteins, IFN-α, TNF-α, and IL-6 were determined. The results showed the following: (1) CsA induced fibrosis-related protein (MMP2/9), fibroblast phenotype conversion factor (α-SMA), and collagen I up-regulation in a dose-dependent manner. (2) CsA induced the formation of autophagosomes and up-regulated the expression of Beclin1, LC3B, and the ERK/MAPK pathway in cardiac fibroblasts. (3) CsA induced NRP-2 down-regulation and WDFY-1 up-regulation. (4) Depletion of WDFY-1 inhibited CsA-induced autophagy, TNF-α and IFN-α up-regulation, and fibrosis. (5) The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA inhibited CsA-induced TNF-α and IFN-α up-regulation and fibrosis. Overall, cyclosporin A induces autophagy in cardiac fibroblasts through the NRP-2/WDFY-1 axis, which promotes the progression of myocardial fibrosis.