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Nolze A, Matern S, Grossmann C. Calcineurin Is a Universal Regulator of Vessel Function-Focus on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2269. [PMID: 37759492 PMCID: PMC10528183 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182269] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin, a serine/threonine phosphatase regulating transcription factors like NFaT and CREB, is well known for its immune modulatory effects and role in cardiac hypertrophy. Results from experiments with calcineurin knockout animals and calcineurin inhibitors indicate that calcineurin also plays a crucial role in vascular function, especially in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In the aorta, calcineurin stimulates the proliferation and migration of VSMCs in response to vascular injury or angiotensin II administration, leading to pathological vessel wall thickening. In the heart, calcineurin mediates coronary artery formation and VSMC differentiation, which are crucial for proper heart development. In pulmonary VSMCs, calcineurin/NFaT signaling regulates the release of Ca2+, resulting in increased vascular tone followed by pulmonary arterial hypertension. In renal VSMCs, calcineurin regulates extracellular matrix secretion promoting fibrosis development. In the mesenteric and cerebral arteries, calcineurin mediates a phenotypic switch of VSMCs leading to altered cell function. Gaining deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of calcineurin signaling will help researchers to understand developmental and pathogenetical aspects of the vasculature. In this review, we provide an overview of the physiological function and pathophysiology of calcineurin in the vascular system with a focus on vascular smooth muscle cells in different organs. Overall, there are indications that under certain pathological settings reduced calcineurin activity seems to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
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2
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Chu ZC, Cong T, Zhao JY, Zhang J, Lou ZY, Gao Y, Tang X. The identification of hub-methylated differentially expressed genes in osteoarthritis patients is based on epigenomic and transcriptomic data. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1219830. [PMID: 37465641 PMCID: PMC10351907 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1219830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to a commonly seen degenerative joint disorder and a major global public health burden. According to the existing literature, osteoarthritis is related to epigenetic changes, which are important for diagnosing and treating the disease early. Through early targeted treatment, costly treatments and poor prognosis caused by advanced osteoarthritis can be avoided. Methods This study combined gene differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of the transcriptome with epigenome microarray data to discover the hub gene of OA. We obtained 2 microarray datasets (GSE114007, GSE73626) in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The R software was utilized for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs). By using WGCNA to analyze the relationships between modules and phenotypes, it was discovered that the blue module (MEBlue) has the strongest phenotypic connection with OA (cor = 0.92, p = 4e-16). The hub genes for OA, also known as the hub methylated differentially expressed genes, were identified by matching the MEblue module to differentially methylated differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, this study used Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) to identify specific signal pathways associated with hub genes. qRT-PCR and western blotting assays were used to confirm the expression levels of the hub genes in OA patients and healthy controls. Results Three hub genes were discovered: HTRA1, P2RY6, and RCAN1. GSVA analysis showed that high HTRA1 expression was mainly enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apical junction; high expression of P2RY6 was mainly enriched in the peroxisome, coagulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition; and high expression of RCAN1 was mainly enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal-transition, TGF-β-signaling, and glycolysis. The results of the RT-qPCR and WB assay were consistent with the findings. Discussion The three genes tested may cause articular cartilage degeneration by inducing chondrocyte hypertrophy, regulating extracellular matrix accumulation, and improving macrophage pro-inflammatory response, resulting in the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. They can provide new ideas for targeted treatment of osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Chen Chu
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ting Cong
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jian-Yu Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Lou
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Ume AC, Wenegieme TY, Shelby JN, Paul-Onyia CDB, Waite AMJ, Kamau JK, Adams DN, Susuki K, Bennett ES, Ren H, Williams CR. Tacrolimus induces fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via a TGF-β-dependent mechanism to contribute to renal fibrosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F433-F445. [PMID: 36927118 PMCID: PMC10085566 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00226.2022] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of immunosuppressant calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is limited by irreversible kidney damage, hallmarked by renal fibrosis. CNIs directly damage many renal cell types. Given the diverse renal cell populations, additional targeted cell types and signaling mechanisms warrant further investigation. We hypothesized that fibroblasts contribute to CNI-induced renal fibrosis and propagate profibrotic effects via the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling axis. To test this, kidney damage-resistant mice (C57BL/6) received tacrolimus (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 21 days. Renal damage markers and signaling mediators were assessed. To investigate their role in renal damage, mouse renal fibroblasts were exposed to tacrolimus (1 nM) or vehicle for 24 h. Morphological and functional changes in addition to downstream signaling events were assessed. Tacrolimus-treated kidneys displayed evidence of renal fibrosis. Moreover, α-smooth muscle actin expression was significantly increased, suggesting the presence of fibroblast activation. TGF-β receptor activation and downstream Smad2/3 signaling were also upregulated. Consistent with in vivo findings, tacrolimus-treated renal fibroblasts displayed a phenotypic switch known as fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), as α-smooth muscle actin, actin stress fibers, cell motility, and collagen type IV expression were significantly increased. These findings were accompanied by concomitant induction of TGF-β signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of the downstream TGF-β effector Smad3 attenuated tacrolimus-induced phenotypic changes. Collectively, these findings suggest that 1) tacrolimus inhibits the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells axis while inducing TGF-β1 ligand secretion and receptor activation in renal fibroblasts; 2) aberrant TGF-β receptor activation stimulates Smad-mediated production of myofibroblast markers, notable features of FMT; and 3) FMT contributes to extracellular matrix expansion in tacrolimus-induced renal fibrosis. These results incorporate renal fibroblasts into the growing list of CNI-targeted cell types and identify renal FMT as a process mediated via a TGF-β-dependent mechanism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Renal fibrosis, a detrimental feature of irreversible kidney damage, remains a sinister consequence of long-term calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) immunosuppressive therapy. Our study not only incorporates renal fibroblasts into the growing list of cell types negatively impacted by CNIs but also identifies renal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition as a process mediated via a TGF-β-dependent mechanism. This insight will direct future studies investigating the feasibility of inhibiting TGF-β signaling to maintain CNI-mediated immunosuppression while ultimately preserving kidney health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaku C Ume
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Tara Y Wenegieme
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Jennae N Shelby
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Chiagozie D B Paul-Onyia
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Aston M J Waite
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - John K Kamau
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Danielle N Adams
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Keiichiro Susuki
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Eric S Bennett
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Hongmei Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
| | - Clintoria R Williams
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine and College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States
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Njeim R, Alkhansa S, Fornoni A. Unraveling the Crosstalk between Lipids and NADPH Oxidases in Diabetic Kidney Disease. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051360. [PMID: 37242602 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Abnormal lipid metabolism and intrarenal accumulation of lipids have been shown to be strongly correlated with the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, fatty acids, and sphingolipids are among the lipids that are altered in DKD, and their renal accumulation has been linked to the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, NADPH oxidase-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the development of DKD. Several types of lipids have been found to be tightly linked to NADPH oxidase-induced ROS production. This review aims to explore the interplay between lipids and NADPH oxidases in order to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of DKD and identify more effective targeted therapies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Njeim
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sahar Alkhansa
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
- AUB Diabetes, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Alessia Fornoni
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Filla MS, Faralli JA, Dunn CR, Khan H, Peters DM. NFATc1 Regulation of Dexamethasone-Induced TGFB2 Expression Is Cell Cycle Dependent in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Cells 2023; 12:504. [PMID: 36766846 PMCID: PMC9914240 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although elevated TGFβ2 levels appear to be a causative factor in glaucoma pathogenesis, little is known about how TGFβ2 expression is regulated in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Here, we investigated if activation of the cytokine regulator NFATc1 controlled transcription of TGFβ2 in human TM cells by using dexamethasone (DEX) to induce NFATc1 activity. The study used both proliferating and cell cycle arrested quiescent cells. Cell cycle arrest was achieved by either cell-cell contact inhibition or serum starvation. β-catenin staining and p21 and Ki-67 nuclear labeling were used to verify the formation of cell-cell contacts and activity of the cell cycle. NFATc1 inhibitors cyclosporine A (CsA) or 11R-VIVIT were used to determine the role of NFATc1. mRNA levels were determined by RT-qPCR. DEX increased TGFβ2 mRNA expression by 3.5-fold in proliferating cells but not in quiescent cells or serum-starved cells, and both CsA and 11R-VIVIT inhibited this increase. In contrast, the expression of other DEX/NFATc1-induced mRNAs (myocilin and β3 integrin) occurred regardless of the proliferative state of the cells. These studies show that NAFTc1 regulates TGFβ2 transcription in TM cells and reveals a previously unknown connection between the TM cell cycle and modulation of gene expression by NFATc1 and/or DEX in TM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Filla
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Faralli
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Caleigh R. Dunn
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Haania Khan
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Donna M. Peters
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Irnaten M, O’Brien CJ. Calcium-Signalling in Human Glaucoma Lamina Cribrosa Myofibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021287. [PMID: 36674805 PMCID: PMC9862249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of treatable visual impairment in the developed world, affecting approximately 64 million people worldwide, some of whom will be bilaterally blind from irreversible optic nerve damage. The optic nerve head is a key site of damage in glaucoma where there is fibrosis of the connective tissue in the lamina cribrosa (LC) extracellular matrix. As a ubiquitous second messenger, calcium (Ca2+) can interact with various cellular proteins to regulate multiple physiological processes and contribute to a wide range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and glaucoma. Our research has shown evidence of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, an elevated expression of Ca2+ entry channels, Ca2+-dependent pumps and exchangers, and an abnormal rise in cytosolic Ca2+ in human glaucomatous LC fibroblast cells. We have evidence that this increase is dependent on Ca2+ entry channels located in the plasma membrane, and its release is from internal stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as from the mitochondria. Here, we summarize some of the molecular Ca2+-dependent mechanisms related to this abnormal Ca2+-signalling in human glaucoma LC cells, with a view toward identifying potential therapeutic targets for ongoing optic neuropathy.
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Zmijewska AA, Zmijewski JW, Becker EJ, Benavides GA, Darley-Usmar V, Mannon RB. Bioenergetic maladaptation and release of HMGB1 in calcineurin inhibitor-mediated nephrotoxicity. Am J Transplant 2021; 21:2964-2977. [PMID: 33724664 PMCID: PMC8429074 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are potent immunosuppressive agents, universally used following solid organ transplantation to prevent rejection. Although effective, the long-term use of CNIs is associated with nephrotoxicity. The etiology of this adverse effect is complex, and effective therapeutic interventions remain to be determined. Using a combination of in vitro techniques and a mouse model of CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity, we found that the CNIs, cyclosporine A (CsA), and tacrolimus (TAC) share a similar mechanism of tubular epithelial kidney cell injury, including mitochondrial dysfunction and release of High-Mobility Group Box I (HMGB1). CNIs promote bioenergetic reprogramming due to mitochondrial dysfunction and a shift toward glycolytic metabolism. These events were accompanied by diminished cell-to-cell adhesion, loss of the epithelial cell phenotype, and release of HMGB1. Notably, Erk1/2 inhibitors effectively diminished HMGB1 release, and similar inhibitor was observed on inclusion of pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-FMK. In vivo, while CNIs activate tissue proremodeling signaling pathways, MAPK/Erk1/2 inhibitor prevented nephrotoxicity, including diminished HMGB1 release from kidney epithelial cells and accumulation in urine. In summary, HMGB1 is an early indicator and marker of progressive nephrotoxicity induced by CNIs. We suggest that proremodeling signaling pathway and loss of mitochondrial redox/bioenergetics homeostasis are crucial therapeutic targets to ameliorate CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Zmijewska
- Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jaroslaw W. Zmijewski
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Eugene J. Becker
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Gloria A. Benavides
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Victor Darley-Usmar
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Roslyn B. Mannon
- Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama,Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
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Calreticulin silencing inhibits extracellular matrix synthesis of human gingival fibroblasts cultured on three-dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds by inhibiting the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 signalling pathway. Ann Anat 2021; 239:151820. [PMID: 34411706 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retraction and compression of gingival tissue have a significant impact on the efficiency and stability of orthodontic treatment, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of mechanical forces on the expression level of calreticulin (CRT), the activity of the calcineurin (CaN)/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) 3 signalling pathway, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured on three-dimensional (3D) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds and to further explore the mechanical transduction pathways that may be involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mechanical force of 25 g/cm2 was applied to HGFs for 0, 6, 24, 48, or 72 h. The expression of CRT, CaN, NFAT3, phosphorylated NFAT3 (p-NFAT3) and type I collagen (COL-I) were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Subsequently, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the expression of CRT in HGFs, and the impacts of the applied force on the expression levels of CaN, NFAT3, p-NFAT3, and COL-I were also evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS The application of mechanical force on HGFs cultured on 3D PLGA scaffolds led to a significant increases in CRT, CaN, and COL-I expression as well as a decrease in p-NFAT3 expression. However, the effects of mechanical force on CaN, p-NFAT3, and COL-I expression were reversed following downregulation of CRT and displayed a significant decrease in CaN/NFAT3 activity and COL-I synthesis. CONCLUSION This study showed that the CaN/NFAT3 signalling pathway and CRT appear to be involved in the mechanotransduction of HGFs, and downregulation of CRT inhibits COL-I synthesis potentially via the CaN/NFAT3 signalling pathway. Taken together, these findings ultimately provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying mechanical force-induced ECM synthesis, which may be conducive to the development of targeted therapeutics to treat fibrotic diseases, including gingival fibrosis caused by orthodontic treatment.
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Calcium Regulation on the Atrial Regional Difference of Collagen Production Activity in Atrial Fibrogenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060686. [PMID: 34204537 PMCID: PMC8233809 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrosis plays an important role in the genesis of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The left atrium (LA) exhibits a higher level of fibrosis than the right atrium (RA) in heart failure and atrial arrhythmia. However, the mechanism for the high fibrogenic potential of the LA fibroblasts remains unclear. Calcium (Ca2+) signaling contributes to the pro-fibrotic activities of fibroblasts. This study investigated whether differences in Ca2+ homeostasis contribute to differential fibrogenesis in LA and RA fibroblasts. Methods: Ca2+ imaging, a patch clamp assay and Western blotting were performed in isolated rat LA and RA fibroblasts. Results: The LA fibroblasts exhibited a higher Ca2+ entry and gadolinium-sensitive current compared with the RA fibroblasts. The LA fibroblasts exhibited greater pro-collagen type I, type III, phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), phosphorylated phospholipase C (PLC), stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) 3 protein expression compared with RA fibroblasts. In the presence of 1 mmol/L ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid (EGTA, Ca2+ chelator), the LA fibroblasts had similar pro-collagen type I, type III and phosphorylated CaMKII expression compared with RA fibroblasts. Moreover, in the presence of KN93 (a CaMKII inhibitor, 10 μmol/L), the LA fibroblasts had similar pro-collagen type I and type III compared with RA fibroblasts. Conclusion: The discrepancy of phosphorylated PLC signaling and gadolinium-sensitive Ca2+ channels in LA and RA fibroblasts induces different levels of Ca2+ influx, phosphorylated CaMKII expression and collagen production.
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Woods S, Humphreys PA, Bates N, Richardson SA, Kuba SY, Brooks IR, Cain SA, Kimber SJ. Regulation of TGFβ Signalling by TRPV4 in Chondrocytes. Cells 2021; 10:726. [PMID: 33805168 PMCID: PMC8064313 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth factor TGFβ and the mechanosensitive calcium-permeable cation channel TRPV4 are both important for the development and maintenance of many tissues. Although TRPV4 and TGFβ both affect core cellular functions, how their signals are integrated is unknown. Here we show that pharmacological activation of TRPV4 significantly increased the canonical response to TGFβ stimulation in chondrocytes. Critically, this increase was only observed when TRPV4 was activated after, but not before TGFβ stimulation. The increase was prevented by pharmacological TRPV4 inhibition or knockdown and is calcium/CamKII dependent. RNA-seq analysis after TRPV4 activation showed enrichment for the TGFβ signalling pathway and identified JUN and SP1 as key transcription factors involved in this response. TRPV4 modulation of TGFβ signalling represents an important pathway linking mechanical signalling to tissue development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Woods
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.A.H.); (N.B.); (S.A.R.); (S.Y.K.); (I.R.B.); (S.A.C.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan J. Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.A.H.); (N.B.); (S.A.R.); (S.Y.K.); (I.R.B.); (S.A.C.)
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RCAN1.4 mediates high glucose-induced matrix production by stimulating mitochondrial fission in mesangial cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221739. [PMID: 31894838 PMCID: PMC6970086 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
High glucose (HG)-induced mitochondrial dynamic changes and oxidative damage are closely related to the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Recent studies suggest that regulators of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function in different cell types, so we investigate the role of RCAN1 in mitochondrial dynamics under HG ambience in rat glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). MCs subjected to HG exhibited an isoform-specific up-regulation of RCAN1.4 at both mRNA and protein levels. RCAN1.4 overexpression induced translocation of Dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) to mitochondria, mitochondrial fragmentation and depolarization, accompanied by increased matrix production under normal glucose and HG ambience. In contrast, decreasing the expression of RCAN1.4 by siRNA inhibited HG-induced mitochondrial fragmentation and matrix protein up-regulation. Moreover, both mitochondrial fission inhibitor Mdivi-1 and Drp1 shRNA prevented RCAN1.4-induced fibronectin up-regulation, suggesting that RCAN1.4-induced matrix production is dependent on its modulation of mitochondrial fission. Although HG-induced RCAN1.4 up-regulation was achieved by activating calcineurin, RCAN1.4-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation and matrix production is independent of calcineurin activity. These results provide the first evidence for the HG-induced RCAN1.4 up-regulation involving increased mitochondrial fragmentation, leading to matrix protein up-regulation.
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Lu A, Pallero MA, Owusu BY, Borovjagin AV, Lei W, Sanders PW, Murphy-Ullrich JE. Calreticulin is important for the development of renal fibrosis and dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. Matrix Biol Plus 2020; 8:100034. [PMID: 33543033 PMCID: PMC7852315 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2020.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, our lab showed that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and calcium regulatory protein, calreticulin (CRT), is important for collagen transcription, secretion, and assembly into the extracellular matrix (ECM) and that ER CRT is critical for TGF-β stimulation of type I collagen transcription through stimulation of ER calcium release and NFAT activation. Diabetes is the leading cause of end stage renal disease. TGF-β is a key factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, the role of calreticulin (Calr) in fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy has not been investigated. In current work, we used both in vitro and in vivo approaches to assess the role of ER CRT in TGF-β and glucose stimulated ECM production by renal tubule cells and in diabetic mice. Knockdown of CALR by siRNA in a human proximal tubular cell line (HK-2) showed reduced induction of soluble collagen when stimulated by TGF-β or high glucose as compared to control cells, as well as a reduction in fibronectin and collagen IV transcript levels. CRT protein is increased in kidneys of mice made diabetic with streptozotocin and subjected to uninephrectomy to accelerate renal tubular injury as compared to controls. We used renal-targeted ultrasound delivery of Cre-recombinase plasmid to knockdown specifically CRT expression in the remaining kidney of uninephrectomized Calr fl/fl mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. This approach reduced CRT expression in the kidney, primarily in the tubular epithelium, by 30-55%, which persisted over the course of the studies. Renal function as measured by the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was improved in the mice with knockdown of CRT as compared to diabetic mice injected with saline or subjected to ultrasound and injected with control GFP plasmid. PAS staining of kidneys and immunohistochemical analyses of collagen types I and IV show reduced glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Renal sections from diabetic mice with CRT knockdown showed reduced nuclear NFAT in renal tubules and treatment of diabetic mice with 11R-VIVIT, an NFAT inhibitor, reduced proteinuria and renal fibrosis. These studies identify ER CRT as an important regulator of TGF-β stimulated ECM production in the diabetic kidney, potentially through regulation of NFAT-dependent ECM transcription.
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Key Words
- 4-PBA, 4-phenylbutyrate
- CRT, calreticulin
- Calreticulin
- Collagen
- Diabetic nephropathy
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
- ER, endoplasmic reticulum
- Fibrosis
- GRP78, glucose related protein 78
- MB/US, microbubble/ultrasound
- NFAT
- NFAT, nuclear factor of activated T cells
- PAS, Periodic Acid-Schiff
- STZ, streptozotocin
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- UPR, unfolded protein response
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Lu
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL35294-0019, USA
| | - Manuel A. Pallero
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL35294-0019, USA
| | - Benjamin Y. Owusu
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL35294-0019, USA
| | - Anton V. Borovjagin
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL35294-0019, USA
| | - Weiqi Lei
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL35294-0019, USA
| | - Paul W. Sanders
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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13
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Pandya UM, Manzanares MA, Tellechea A, Egbuta C, Daubriac J, Jimenez-Jaramillo C, Samra F, Fredston-Hermann A, Saadipour K, Gold LI. Calreticulin exploits TGF-β for extracellular matrix induction engineering a tissue regenerative process. FASEB J 2020; 34:15849-15874. [PMID: 33015849 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001161r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Topical application of extracellular calreticulin (eCRT), an ER chaperone protein, in animal models enhances wound healing and induces tissue regeneration evidenced by epidermal appendage neogenesis and lack of scarring. In addition to chemoattraction of cells critical to the wound healing process, eCRT induces abundant neo-dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) formation by 3 days post-wounding. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms involved in eCRT induction of ECM. In vitro, eCRT strongly induces collagen I, fibronectin, elastin, α-smooth muscle actin in human adult dermal (HDFs) and neonatal fibroblasts (HFFs) mainly via TGF-β canonical signaling and Smad2/3 activation; RAP, an inhibitor of LRP1 blocked eCRT ECM induction. Conversely, eCRT induction of α5 and β1 integrins was not mediated by TGF-β signaling nor inhibited by RAP. Whereas eCRT strongly induces ECM and integrin α5 proteins in K41 wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), CRT null MEFs were unresponsive. The data show that eCRT induces the synthesis and release of TGF-β3 first via LRP1 or other receptor signaling and later induces ECM proteins via LRP1 signaling subsequently initiating TGF-β receptor signaling for intracellular CRT (iCRT)-dependent induction of TGF-β1 and ECM proteins. In addition, TGF-β1 induces 2-3-fold higher level of ECM proteins than eCRT. Whereas eCRT and iCRT converge for ECM induction, we propose that eCRT attenuates TGF-β-mediated fibrosis/scarring to achieve tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unnati M Pandya
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miguel A Manzanares
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana Tellechea
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chinaza Egbuta
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julien Daubriac
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Couger Jimenez-Jaramillo
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fares Samra
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexa Fredston-Hermann
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Khalil Saadipour
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leslie I Gold
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Pathology Department, New York University School of Medicine-Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Shi X, Zhang Y, Chen R, Gong Y, Zhang M, Guan R, Rotstein OD, Liu X, Wen XY. ndufa7 plays a critical role in cardiac hypertrophy. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:13151-13162. [PMID: 32989924 PMCID: PMC7701565 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a common pathological change in patients with progressive cardiac function failure, which can be caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or arterial hypertension. Despite years of study, there is still limited knowledge about the underlying molecular mechanisms for cardiac hypertrophy. NDUFA7, a subunit of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I), has been reported to be a novel HCM associated gene. However, the biological role of NDUFA7 in heart remains unknown. In this study, we found that NDUFA7 exhibited high expression in the heart, and its level was significantly decreased in mice model of cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, we demonstrated that ndufa7 knockdown in developing zebrafish embryos resulted in cardiac development and functional defects, associated with increased expression of pathological hypertrophy biomarkers nppa (ANP) and nppb (BNP). Mechanistic study demonstrated that ndufa7 depletion promoted ROS production and calcineurin signalling activation. Moreover, NDUFA7 depletion contributed to cardiac cell hypertrophy. Together, these results report for the first time that ndufa7 is implicated in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjuan Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ru Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Gong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Guan
- Zebrafish Centre for Advanced Drug Discovery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, & Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ori D Rotstein
- Zebrafish Centre for Advanced Drug Discovery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, & Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wen
- Zebrafish Centre for Advanced Drug Discovery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, & Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Agoro R, Ni P, Noonan ML, White KE. Osteocytic FGF23 and Its Kidney Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:592. [PMID: 32982979 PMCID: PMC7485387 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteocytes, which represent up to 95% of adult skeletal cells, are deeply embedded in bone. These cells exhibit important interactive abilities with other bone cells such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts to control skeletal formation and resorption. Beyond this local role, osteocytes can also influence the function of distant organs due to the presence of their sophisticated lacunocanalicular system, which connects osteocyte dendrites directly to the vasculature. Through these networks, osteocytes sense changes in circulating metabolites and respond by producing endocrine factors to control homeostasis. One critical function of osteocytes is to respond to increased blood phosphate and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D (1,25D) by producing fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23). FGF23 acts on the kidneys through partner fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and the co-receptor Klotho to promote phosphaturia via a downregulation of phosphate transporters, as well as the control of vitamin D metabolizing enzymes to reduce blood 1,25D. In the first part of this review, we will explore the signals involved in the positive and negative regulation of FGF23 in osteocytes. In the second portion, we will bridge bone responses with the review of current knowledge on FGF23 endocrine functions in the kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafiou Agoro
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Pu Ni
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Megan L. Noonan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kenneth E. White
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Medicine/Division of Nephrology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Kenneth E. White
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16
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Phenolic Constituents of Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. Leaf Down-Regulate TGF- β Expression and Ameliorate CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis: Evidence from In Vivo and In Silico Studies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8120646. [PMID: 31847463 PMCID: PMC6943707 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8120646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatic diseases globally and in Egypt particularly necessitates an intensive search for natural hepatoprotective candidates. Despite the traditional use of Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. and C. cainito L. leaves in the treatment of certain ailments, evidence-based reports on their bioactivities are limited. In this work, in vivo and in silico studies were conducted to evaluate their methanol extracts potential to alleviate liver damage in CCl4-intoxicated rats, in addition to their antioxidant activity and identifying the molecular mechanisms of their phenolic constituents. The extracts restored the altered total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), alanine aminotransferase ALT, aspartate aminotransferase AST, total protein, and albumin. Histopathological architecture, DNA fragmentation, and mRNA expression level of TGF-β1 also confirmed the anti-fibrotic activity of the two extracts. The total phenolic content (TPC) in C. oliviforme ethanol extract exceeded that in C. caimito. Additionally, the malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels assured the antioxidant potential. Seven phenolics; quercetin, isoquercitrin, myricetin, kaempferol, and caffeic, trans-ferulic, and gallic acids were isolated from the ethanol extract of C. oliviforme. The molecular docking of isolated compounds revealed a low binding energy (kcal/mol with TGF-β1, thus confirming the hepatoprotctive activity of the extracts. In conclusion, the C. oliviforme leaves could be considered as potent safe raw material for the production of herbal formulations to alleviate hepatic toxicity after preclinical safety study.
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17
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Murphy-Ullrich JE. Thrombospondin 1 and Its Diverse Roles as a Regulator of Extracellular Matrix in Fibrotic Disease. J Histochem Cytochem 2019; 67:683-699. [PMID: 31116066 PMCID: PMC6713974 DOI: 10.1369/0022155419851103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a matricellular extracellular matrix protein that has diverse roles in regulating cellular processes important for the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. We will present evidence for the importance of TSP1 control of latent transforming growth factor beta activation in renal fibrosis with an emphasis on diabetic nephropathy. Other functions of TSP1 that affect renal fibrosis, including regulation of inflammation and capillary density, will be addressed. Emerging roles for TSP1 N-terminal domain regulation of collagen matrix assembly, direct effects of TSP1-collagen binding, and intracellular functions of TSP1 in mediating endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, which could potentially affect renal fibrogenesis, will also be discussed. Finally, we will address possible strategies for targeting TSP1 functions to treat fibrotic renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Murphy-Ullrich
- Departments of Pathology, Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, and Ophthalmology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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18
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Lieberman A, Barrett R, Kim J, Zhang KL, Avery D, Monslow J, Kim H, Kim BJ, Puré E, Ryeom S. Deletion of Calcineurin Promotes a Protumorigenic Fibroblast Phenotype. Cancer Res 2019; 79:3928-3939. [PMID: 31189649 PMCID: PMC6679769 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation is a crucial step in tumor growth and metastatic progression. Activated fibroblasts remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) in primary tumor and metastatic microenvironments, exerting both pro- and antitumorigenic effects. However, the intrinsic mechanisms that regulate the activation of fibroblasts are not well-defined. The signaling axis comprising the calcium-activated Ser/Thr phosphatase calcineurin (CN), and its downstream target nuclear factor of activated T cells, has been implicated in endothelial (EC) and immune cell activation, but its role in fibroblasts is not known. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of CN in fibroblasts in vitro altered fibroblast morphology and function consistent with an activated phenotype relative to wild-type fibroblasts. CN-null fibroblasts had a greater migratory capacity, increased collagen secretion and remodeling, and promoted more robust EC activation in vitro. ECM generated by CN-null fibroblasts contained more collagen with greater alignment of fibrillar collagen compared with wild-type fibroblast-derived matrix. These differences in matrix composition and organization imposed distinct changes in morphology and cytoskeletal architecture of both fibroblasts and tumor cells. Consistent with this in vitro phenotype, mice with stromal CN deletion had a greater incidence and larger lung metastases. Our data suggest that CN signaling contributes to the maintenance of fibroblast homeostasis and that loss of CN is sufficient to promote fibroblast activation. SIGNIFICANCE: Calcineurin signaling is a key pathway underlying fibroblast homeostasis that could be targeted to potentially prevent fibroblast activation in distant metastatic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Lieberman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard Barrett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jaewon Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathy L Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana Avery
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James Monslow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hyunsoo Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bang-Jin Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Sandra Ryeom
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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19
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Pan XY, You HM, Wang L, Bi YH, Yang Y, Meng HW, Meng XM, Ma TT, Huang C, Li J. Methylation of RCAN1.4 mediated by DNMT1 and DNMT3b enhances hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrogenesis through Calcineurin/NFAT3 signaling. Theranostics 2019; 9:4308-4323. [PMID: 31285763 PMCID: PMC6599664 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis is characterized by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the liver. RCAN1 (regulator of calcineurin 1), an endogenous inhibitor of calcineurin (CaN), is required for ECM synthesis during hypertrophy of various organs. However, the functional role of RCAN1 in liver fibrogenesis has not yet been addressed. Methods: We induced experimental liver fibrosis in mice by intraperitoneal injection of 10 % CCl4 twice a week. To investigate the functional role of RCAN1.4 in the progression of liver fibrosis, we specifically over-expressed RCAN1.4 in mice liver using rAAV8-packaged RCAN1.4 over-expression plasmid. Following the establishment of the fibrotic mouse model, primary hepatic stellate cells were isolated. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of RCAN1.4 on hepatic fibrogenesis, hepatic stellate cell activation, and cell survival. The biological role and signaling events for RCAN1 were analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to predict the methylated CpG islands in the RCAN1.4 gene promoter. We used the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP assay) to investigate DNA methyltransferases which induced decreased expression of RCAN1.4 in liver fibrosis. Results: Two isoforms of RCAN1 protein were expressed in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and HSC-T6 cells cultured with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). RCAN1 isoform 4 (RCAN1.4) was selectively down-regulated in vivo and in vitro. The BSP analysis indicated the presence of two methylated sites in RCAN1.4 promoter and the downregulated RCAN1.4 expression levels could be restored by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-azadC) and DNMTs-RNAi transfection in vitro. ChIP assay was used to demonstrate that the decreased RCAN1.4 expression was associated with DNMT1 and DNMT3b. Furthermore, we established a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model by injecting the recombinant adeno-associated virus-packaged RCAN1.4 (rAAV8-RCAN1.4) over-expression plasmid through the tail vein. Liver- specific-over-expression of RAN1.4 led to liver function recovery and alleviated ECM deposition. The key protein (a member of the NFAT family of proteins) identified on PPI network data was analyzed in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrated that RCAN1.4 over-expression alleviates, whereas its knockdown exacerbates, TGF-β1-induced liver fibrosis in vitro in a CaN/NFAT3 signaling-dependent manner. Conclusions: RCAN1.4 could alleviate liver fibrosis through inhibition of CaN/NFAT3 signaling, and the anti-fibrosis function of RCAN1.4 could be blocked by DNA methylation mediated by DNMT1 and DNMT3b. Thus, RCAN1.4 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-yin Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Hong-mei You
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Ling Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Yi-hui Bi
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Yang Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Hong-wu Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Xiao-ming Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Tao-tao Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Cheng Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
| | - Jun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University
- The key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune medicines, Ministry of Education
- Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University
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20
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Francis CE, Bai Y. Differential expression of cyclosporine A-Induced calcineurin isoform-specific matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in renal fibroblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:2549-2554. [PMID: 30007437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.07.014] [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: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Long-term treatment with the potent immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) results in chronic nephrotoxicity. Its immunosuppressive properties are due to the inhibition of the calcium- and calmodulin-dependent phosphatase protein calcineurin A (CnA) which has three catalytic isoforms. Of those, the CnAα and β isoforms are ubiquitously expressed, particularly in the kidney. Additionally, chronic nephrotoxicity has been associated with an imbalance of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation resulting in an accumulation of ECM molecules. This study evaluates whether the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) induced by CsA are calcineurin isoform specific. Wild-type (WT), CnAα knockout (CnAα-/-) and CnAβ knockout (CnAβ-/-) kidney fibroblast cell lines (an in vitro innovative tool that was previously created in our lab) were treated with CsA at 10 ng/ml for 48 h. ELISA analysis demonstrated that the CsA-induced secretion profile of MMP-9 was highest in CnAα-/- cells and lowest in CnAβ-/- cells vs. WT cells. In contrast, CsA did not induce an increase in MMP-2 protein levels in WT, CnAα-/- nor CnAβ-/- renal fibroblasts. These results indicate that MMP-9 secretion is CnA-isoform specific, i.e. the CnAβ isoform contributes to the CsA-induced upregulation of MMP-9 while the CnAα does not. As such, understanding the role of calcineurin A isoforms in the regulation of the homeostasis of ECM degradation in the kidney after long-term CsA treatment needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia E Francis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Suwanee, GA, USA.
| | - Yun Bai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Suwanee, GA, USA.
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21
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Hasan P, Saotome M, Ikoma T, Iguchi K, Kawasaki H, Iwashita T, Hayashi H, Maekawa Y. Mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-related protein 1, contributes to the promotion of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in Dahl-salt sensitive rats. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 121:103-106. [PMID: 29981304 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension promotes cardiac hypertrophy which finally leads to cardiac dysfunction. Although aberrant mitochondrial dynamics is known to be a relevant contributor of pathogenesis in heart disease, little is known about the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and cardiac hypertrophy. We investigated the pathophysiological roles of Dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1, a mitochondrial fission protein) on the hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS & RESULTS Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed with a low-salt (0.3% NaCl) or a high-salt (8% NaCl) chow to promote hypertension with and without administration of mdivi1 (an inhibitor of Drp1: 1 mg/kg/every alternative day), and then the hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy was assessed. High-salt fed rats exhibited left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), myocytes hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis, and mdivi-1 suppressed them without alteration of the blood pressure. Mdivi1 also reduced ROS production by hypertension, which subsequently suppressed the Ca2+-activated protein phosphatase calcineurin and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that Drp1 contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy via ROS production and the Drp1 suppression may be effective to prevent the hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prottoy Hasan
- Cardiology, Internal Medicine 3, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masao Saotome
- Cardiology, Internal Medicine 3, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Takenori Ikoma
- Cardiology, Internal Medicine 3, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Keisuke Iguchi
- Cardiology, Internal Medicine 3, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hideya Kawasaki
- Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Toshihide Iwashita
- Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hayashi
- Cardiology, Internal Medicine 3, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Maekawa
- Cardiology, Internal Medicine 3, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Li R, Zhang M, Wang Y, Yung KKL, Su R, Li Z, Zhao L, Dong C, Cai Z. Effects of sub-chronic exposure to atmospheric PM 2.5 on fibrosis, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in the livers of rats. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2018; 7:271-282. [PMID: 30090581 PMCID: PMC6062260 DOI: 10.1039/c7tx00262a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have revealed that exposure to PM2.5 is linked to liver cancer. However, the hepatic toxicity and relevant molecular mechanisms of PM2.5 have not yet been fully described. Herein, we report on our investigation of the fibrosis, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in the livers of rats, caused by exposure to PM2.5 during summer and winter in Taiyuan, China. Male SD rats were sub-chronically exposed to PM2.5 (in summer: 0.2, 0.6, 1.5 mg per kg of b.w.; in winter: 0.3, 1.5, 2.7 mg per kg of b.w.) via intratracheal instillation once every 3 days for 60 days. The results showed that exposure to high dosages of PM2.5 caused the following: (1) hepatic histopathological changes and liver function decline through elevating the activities of AST, ALT, CYP450 and GST; (2) triggered liver fibrosis, in which TGF-β1, Col I, Col III, and MMP13 mRNA and protein expression were significantly upregulated, and enhanced inflammation with the overexpression of TNF-α, IL-6 and HO-1 versus the control; (3) induced liver ER stress and cell apoptosis via activating the GRP78/ATF6/CHOP/TRB3/caspase 12 pathway. The data also indicated that the liver injury induced by winter PM2.5 in Taiyuan was more serious compared to that induced by summer PM2.5. This work provides new insight into the mechanisms of PM2.5-induced liver injury, and aids the understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which PM2.5 might affect liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijin Li
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
| | - Mei Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
| | - Ken Kin Lam Yung
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis , Department of Biology , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong SAR , China . ; ; Tel: (+852)-34117070
| | - Ruijun Su
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
| | - Zhuoyu Li
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
| | - Liping Zhao
- Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital , Taiyuan , PR China
| | - Chuan Dong
- Institute of Environmental Science , Institute of Biotechnology Shanxi University , Taiyuan , PR China . ; ; Tel: (+86)-351-7011011
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis , Department of Biology , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong SAR , China . ; ; Tel: (+852)-34117070
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Owusu BY, Zimmerman KA, Murphy-Ullrich JE. The role of the endoplasmic reticulum protein calreticulin in mediating TGF-β-stimulated extracellular matrix production in fibrotic disease. J Cell Commun Signal 2017; 12:289-299. [PMID: 29080087 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a key factor contributing to fibrotic disease. Although ER stress is a short-term adaptive response, with chronic stimulation, it can activate pathways leading to fibrosis. ER stress can induce TGF-β signaling, a central driver of extracellular matrix production in fibrosis. This review will discuss the role of an ER protein, calreticulin (CRT), which has both chaperone and calcium regulatory functions, in fibrosis. CRT expression is upregulated in multiple different fibrotic diseases. The roles of CRT in regulation of fibronectin extracellular matrix assembly, extracellular matrix transcription, and collagen secretion and processing into the extracellular matrix will be discussed. Evidence for the importance of CRT in ER calcium release and NFAT activation downstream of TGF-β signaling will be presented. Finally, we will summarize evidence from animal models in which CRT expression is genetically reduced or experimentally downregulated in targeted tissues of adult animals and discuss how these models define a key role for CRT in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Y Owusu
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, G001A Volker Hall, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kurt A Zimmerman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Joanne E Murphy-Ullrich
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, G001A Volker Hall, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA. .,Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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FGF23 activates injury-primed renal fibroblasts via FGFR4-dependent signalling and enhancement of TGF-β autoinduction. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 92:63-78. [PMID: 28919046 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bone-derived fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is an important endocrine regulator of mineral homeostasis with effects transduced by cognate FGF receptor (FGFR)1-α-Klotho complexes. Circulating FGF23 levels rise precipitously in patients with kidney disease and portend worse renal and cardiovascular outcomes. De novo expression of FGF23 has been found in the heart and kidney following injury but its significance remains unclear. Studies showing that exposure to chronically high FGF23 concentrations activates hypertrophic gene programs in the cardiomyocyte has spawned intense interest in other pathological off-target effects of FGF23 excess. In the kidney, observational evidence points to a concordance of ectopic renal FGF23 expression and the activation of local transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling. Although we have previously shown that FGF23 activates injury-primed renal fibroblasts in vitro, our understanding of the mechanism underpinning these effects was incomplete. Here we show that in the absence of α-Klotho, FGF23 augments pro-fibrotic signalling cascades in injury-primed renal fibroblasts via activation of FGFR4 and upregulation of the calcium transporter, transient receptor potential cation channel 6. The resultant rise in intracellular calcium and production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species induced expression of NFAT responsive-genes and enhanced TGF-β1 autoinduction through non-canonical JNK-dependent pathways. Reconstitution with transmembrane α-Klotho, or its soluble ectodomain, restored classical Egr signalling and antagonised FGF23-driven myofibroblast differentiation. Thus, renal FGF23 may amplify local myofibroblast activation in injury and perpetuate pro-fibrotic signalling. These findings strengthen the rationale for exploring therapeutic inhibition of FGFR4 or restoration of α-Klotho as upstream regulators of off-target FGF23 effects.
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Karimzadeh F, Opas M. Calreticulin Is Required for TGF-β-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition during Cardiogenesis in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 8:1299-1311. [PMID: 28434939 PMCID: PMC5425659 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calreticulin, a multifunctional endoplasmic reticulum resident protein, is required for TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and subsequent cardiomyogenesis. Using embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from calreticulin-null and wild-type (WT) embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we show that expression of EMT and cardiac differentiation markers is induced during differentiation of WT EBs. This induction is inhibited in the absence of calreticulin and can be mimicked by inhibiting TGF-β signaling in WT cells. The presence of calreticulin in WT cells permits TGF-β-mediated signaling via AKT/GSK3β and promotes repression of E-cadherin by SNAIL2/SLUG. This is paralleled by induction of N-cadherin in a process known as the cadherin switch. We show that regulated Ca2+ signaling between calreticulin and calcineurin is critical for the unabated TGF-β signaling that is necessary for the exit from pluripotency and the cadherin switch during EMT. Calreticulin is thus a key mediator of TGF-β-induced commencement of cardiomyogenesis in mouse ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karimzadeh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michal Opas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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26
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Prevention of TGF-β-induced early liver fibrosis by a maleic acid derivative anti-oxidant through suppression of ROS, inflammation and hepatic stellate cells activation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174008. [PMID: 28384213 PMCID: PMC5383026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Current anti-fibrotic effect of antioxidants in vivo is disappointing due probably to the fact that once liver fibrogenesis is established it is too advanced to be reversed by anti-oxidation mechanism. We consider antioxidant may only act on the early phase of fibrogenesis. Thus, we had previously established an early liver fibrosis animal model using an inducible expression vector (pPK9a), which contains TGF-β gene and was hydro-dynamically transferred into mice to induce a transient liver fibrosis. TGF-β1 has been well documented to up-regulate the expression of α2(1) collagen (Col 1A2) gene in the liver via the reactive oxygen species (ROS); the process triggers inflammation, leading to hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation and liver fibrogenesis. Using our animal model and ROS, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and Col 1A2 promoter assays as screening targets, we report here that a maleic acid derivative isolated from the Antrodia camphorata mycelium strongly decreases ROS production, promoter activity of Cox-2 and Col 1A2, intracellular calcium, expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad4-p-Smad2/3 co-localization in cell nucleus and the DNA binding activity of Sp1. Our results suggest that the maleic acid derivative prevents liver fibrosis at an early phase both in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of ROS, inflammation and the activation of HSC.
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Tam A, Churg A, Wright JL, Zhou S, Kirby M, Coxson HO, Lam S, Man SFP, Sin DD. Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 193:825-34. [PMID: 26599602 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201503-0487oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE After adjustment for the amount of smoking, women have a 50% increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with men. The anatomic basis and/or mechanism(s) of these sex-related differences in COPD are unknown. OBJECTIVES To characterize the impact of female sex hormones on chronic cigarette smoke-induced airway remodeling and emphysema in a mouse model of COPD. METHODS Airway remodeling and emphysema were determined morphometrically in male, female, and ovariectomized mice exposed to 6 months of cigarette smoke. Antioxidant- and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-related genes were profiled in airway tissues. The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen was also administered during smoke exposure in a short-term model. Airway wall thickness of male and female human smokers at risk of or with mild COPD was measured using optical coherence tomography. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Small airway wall remodeling was increased in female but not male or ovariectomized mice and was associated with increased distal airway resistance, down-regulation of antioxidant genes, increased oxidative stress, and activation of TGF-β1. These effects were prevented by ovariectomy. Use of tamoxifen as a therapeutic intervention mitigated smoke-induced increase in oxidative stress in female mice. Compared with male human smokers, female human smokers had significantly thicker airway walls. CONCLUSIONS The excess risk of small airway disease in female mice after chronic smoke exposure was associated with increased oxidative stress and TGF-β1 signaling and also was related to the effects of female sex hormones. Estrogen receptor antagonism might be of value in reducing oxidative stress in female smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Tam
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital.,2 Department of Medicine, and
| | - Andrew Churg
- 3 Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and
| | - Joanne L Wright
- 3 Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and
| | - Steven Zhou
- 3 Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; and
| | - Miranda Kirby
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital.,2 Department of Medicine, and
| | - Harvey O Coxson
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital.,2 Department of Medicine, and
| | - Stephen Lam
- 4 British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - S F Paul Man
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital.,2 Department of Medicine, and
| | - Don D Sin
- 1 Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital.,2 Department of Medicine, and
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28
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Barzegar-Fallah A, Alimoradi H, Razmi A, Dehpour AR, Asgari M, Shafiei M. Inhibition of calcineurin/NFAT pathway plays an essential role in renoprotective effect of tropisetron in early stage of diabetic nephropathy. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 767:152-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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29
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Janssen LJ, Mukherjee S, Ask K. Calcium Homeostasis and Ionic Mechanisms in Pulmonary Fibroblasts. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 53:135-48. [PMID: 25785898 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0269tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are key cellular mediators of many chronic interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, drug-induced interstitial lung disease, and interstitial lung disease in connective tissue disease. A great deal of effort has been expended to understand the signaling mechanisms underlying the various cellular functions of fibroblasts. Recently, it has been shown that Ca(2+) oscillations play a central role in the regulation of gene expression in human pulmonary fibroblasts. However, the mechanisms whereby cytosolic [Ca(2+)] are regulated and [Ca(2+)] oscillations transduced are both poorly understood. In this review, we present the general concepts of [Ca(2+)] homeostasis, of ionic mechanisms responsible for various Ca(2+) fluxes, and of regulation of gene expression by [Ca(2+)]. In each case, we then also summarize the original findings that pertain specifically to pulmonary fibroblasts. From these data, we propose an overall signaling cascade by which excitation of the fibroblasts triggers pulsatile release of internally sequestered Ca(2+), which, in turn, activates membrane conductances, including voltage-dependent Ca(2+) influx pathways. Collectively, these events produce recurring Ca(2+) oscillations, the frequency of which is transduced by Ca(2+)-dependent transcription factors, which, in turn, orchestrate a variety of cellular events, including proliferation, synthesis/secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, autoactivation (production of transforming growth factor-β), and transformation into myofibroblasts. That unifying hypothesis, in turn, allows us to highlight several specific cellular targets and therapeutic intervention strategies aimed at controlling unwanted pulmonary fibrosis. The relationships between Ca(2+) signaling events and the unfolded protein response and apoptosis are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Janssen
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subhendu Mukherjee
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kjetil Ask
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Lee SY, Kim SI, Choi ME. Therapeutic targets for treating fibrotic kidney diseases. Transl Res 2015; 165:512-30. [PMID: 25176603 PMCID: PMC4326607 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of virtually all progressive kidney diseases and strongly correlates with the deterioration of kidney function. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade is central to the current treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the renoprotective effects aimed to prevent or slow progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the incidence of CKD is still increasing, and there is a critical need for new therapeutics. Here, we review novel strategies targeting various components implicated in the fibrogenic pathway to inhibit or retard the loss of kidney function. We focus, in particular, on antifibrotic approaches that target transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a key mediator of kidney fibrosis, and exciting new data on the role of autophagy. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are highlighted as modulators of profibrotic TGF-β activity. BMP-7 has a protective role against TGF-β1 in kidney fibrosis, whereas CTGF enhances TGF-β-mediated fibrosis. We also discuss recent advances in the development of additional strategies for antifibrotic therapy. These include strategies targeting chemokine pathways via CC chemokine receptors 1 and 2 to modulate the inflammatory response, inhibition of phosphodiesterase to restore nitric oxide-cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate function, inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and 4 to suppress reactive oxygen species production, and inhibition of endothelin 1 or tumor necrosis factor α to ameliorate progressive renal fibrosis. Furthermore, a brief overview of some of the biomarkers of kidney fibrosis is currently being explored that may improve the ability to monitor antifibrotic therapies. It is hoped that evidence based on the preclinical and clinical data discussed in this review leads to novel antifibrotic therapies effective in patients with CKD to prevent or delay progression to ESRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Lee
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Department of Internal Medicine, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sung I Kim
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Mary E Choi
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY.
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Cobbina SJ, Chen Y, Zhou Z, Wu X, Feng W, Wang W, Li Q, Zhao T, Mao G, Wu X, Yang L. Interaction of four low dose toxic metals with essential metals in brain, liver and kidneys of mice on sub-chronic exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 39:280-291. [PMID: 25531266 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study reports on interactions between low dose toxic and essential metals. Low dose Pb (0.01mg/L), Hg (0.001mg/L), Cd (0.005mg/L) and As (0.01mg/L) were administered singly to four groups of 3-week old mice for 120 days. Pb exposure increased brain Mg and Cu by 55.5% and 266%, respectively. Increased brain Mg resulted from metabolic activity of brain to combat insults, whiles Cu overload was due to alteration and dysfunction of CTR1 and ATP7A molecules. Reduction of liver Ca by 56.0% and 31.6% (on exposure to As and Cd, respectively) resulted from inhibition of Ca-dependent ATPase in nuclei and endoplasmic reticulum through binding with thiol groups. Decreased kidney Mg, Ca and Fe was due to uptake of complexes of As and Cd with thiol groups from proximal tubular lumen. At considerably low doses, the study establishes that, toxic metals disturb the homeostasis of essential metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Jerry Cobbina
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xueshan Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Liuqing Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Xuefu Rd. 301, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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Wu Y, Wang Y, Qi X, Zhang P, Zhang C, Zhang W. Increased macrophage activation inhibited by tacrolimus in the kidney of diabetic rats. Nephron Clin Pract 2014; 128:46-56. [PMID: 25376933 DOI: 10.1159/000366446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Accumulating evidence suggests that macrophage-induced inflammation may be the mechanism of development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. A previous study by our group has shown that tacrolimus, like cyclosporin A, has a renoprotective effect in diabetic rats. The present study aimed to elucidate the underlying molecular events. METHODS Diabetic rats were induced by using streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were subjected to oral tacrolimus treatment at a dose of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. Body weight, blood glucose, hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) and renal pathology were assessed, followed by analyses of renal calcineurin (CaN) expression, changes in renal macrophage infiltration, proliferation and activation, and detection of renal TLR2+ and TLR4+ as well as NF-κB-p-p65+ in macrophages. RESULTS Diabetic rats had a reduced body weight and increased blood glucose and HbA(1c) levels, whereas tacrolimus treatment did not affect body weight or blood glucose and HbA(1c). Increased relative kidney weight was only significantly reduced by tacrolimus treatment at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg, while the elevated albumin excretion rate was markedly attenuated after treatment with tacrolimus (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) in diabetic rats. Elevated glomerular volume was significantly attenuated by tacrolimus treatment with 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, and increased indices for tubulointerstitial injury were only ameliorated by tacrolimus treatment with 1.0 mg/kg. Western blot data showed that expression of CaN protein was induced 2.4-fold in the kidneys of positive control diabetic rats, whereas tacrolimus treatment at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg doses reduced the increased expression of CaN protein by 38.0 and 73.2%, respectively. Histologically there was a marked accumulation of ED-1+ cells (macrophages) in diabetic kidneys and tacrolimus treatment failed to inhibit it. In contrast, tacrolimus treatment at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg doses significantly inhibited the elevated ED-1+/PCNA+ cells and ED-1+/iNOS+ cells in the kidneys of diabetic rats, while tacrolimus treatment at a dose of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg significantly suppressed the increased ED-1+/TLR2+ cells, ED-1+/TLR4+ cells and ED-1+/NF-κB-p-p65+ cells in the kidneys of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION The data from the current study demonstrated that tacrolimus could ameliorate early renal injury through a mechanism to suppress macrophage activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggui Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
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Abstract
During every heartbeat, cardiac valves open and close coordinately to control the unidirectional flow of blood. In this dynamically challenging environment, resident valve cells actively maintain homeostasis, but the signalling between cells and their microenvironment is complex. When homeostasis is disrupted and the valve opening obstructed, haemodynamic profiles can be altered and lead to impaired cardiac function. Currently, late stages of cardiac valve diseases are treated surgically, because no drug therapies exist to reverse or halt disease progression. Consequently, investigators have sought to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of valvular diseases using in vitro cell culture systems and biomaterial scaffolds that can mimic the extracellular microenvironment. In this Review, we describe how signals in the extracellular matrix regulate valve cell function. We propose that the cellular context is a critical factor when studying the molecular basis of valvular diseases in vitro, and one should consider how the surrounding matrix might influence cell signalling and functional outcomes in the valve. Investigators need to build a systems-level understanding of the complex signalling network involved in valve regulation, to facilitate drug target identification and promote in situ or ex vivo heart valve regeneration.
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Williams CR, Wynne BM, Walker M, Hoover RS, Gooch JL. Compensatory renal hypertrophy following uninephrectomy is calcineurin-independent. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:2361-6. [PMID: 25287476 PMCID: PMC4302641 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin is a calcium-dependent phosphatase that is involved in many cellular processes including hypertrophy. Inhibition or genetic loss of calcineurin blocks pathological cardiac hypertrophy and diabetic renal hypertrophy. However, calcineurin does not appear to be involved in physiological cardiac hypertrophy induced by exercise. The role of calcineurin in a compensatory, non-pathological model of renal hypertrophy has not been tested. Therefore, in this study, we examined activation of calcineurin and the effect of calcineurin inhibition or knockout on compensatory hypertrophy following uninephrectomy (UNX). UNX induces ∼15% increase in the size of the remaining kidney; the data show no change in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nox4 or transforming growth factor-β expression confirming the model as one of compensatory hypertrophy. Next, analyses of the remaining kidney reveal that total calcineurin activity is increased, and, to a lesser extent, transcriptional activity of the calcineurin substrate nuclear factor of activated T cell is up-regulated following UNX. However, inhibition of calcineurin with cyclosporine failed to prevent compensatory renal hypertrophy. Likewise, hypertrophy was comparable to WT in mice lacking either isoform of the catalytic subunit of calcineurin (CnAα−/− or CnAβ−/−). In conclusion, similar to its role in the heart, calcineurin is required for pathological but not compensatory renal hypertrophy. This separation of signalling pathways could therefore help further define key factors necessary for pathological hypertrophy including diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clintoria R Williams
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA; Department of Medicine/Division of Nephrology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Qin JJ, Nag S, Wang W, Zhou J, Zhang WD, Wang H, Zhang R. NFAT as cancer target: mission possible? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1846:297-311. [PMID: 25072963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The NFAT signaling pathway regulates various aspects of cellular functions; NFAT acts as a calcium sensor, integrating calcium signaling with other pathways involved in development and growth, immune response, and inflammatory response. The NFAT family of transcription factors regulates diverse cellular functions such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The NFAT isoforms are constitutively activated and overexpressed in several cancer types wherein they transactivate downstream targets that play important roles in cancer development and progression. Though the NFAT family has been conclusively proved to be pivotal in cancer progression, the different isoforms play distinct roles in different cellular contexts. In this review, our discussion is focused on the mechanisms that drive the activation of various NFAT isoforms in cancer. Additionally, we analyze the potential of NFAT as a valid target for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Subhasree Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China; Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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Lee SH, Choi J, Kim H, Lee DH, Roh GS, Kim HJ, Kang SS, Choi WS, Cho GJ. FK506 reduces calpain-regulated calcineurin activity in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Anat Cell Biol 2014; 47:91-100. [PMID: 24987545 PMCID: PMC4076426 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2014.47.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive immune responses induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) are known to lead to necrotic and apoptotic cell death, and calcineurin plays a major role in this process. Calcineurin dephosphorylates the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), permitting its translocation into the nucleus. As a result, calcineurin promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines causes renal cell death. Calcineurin activity is regulated by calpain, a cysteine protease present in the nucleus. Calpain-mediated proteolysis increases the phosphatase activity of calcineurin, resulting in NFAT dephosphorylation. This process has been studied in cardiomyocytes but its role in renal IRI is unknown. Thus, we examined whether calpain regulates calcineurin in renal tubule nuclei. We established an in vivo renal IRI model in mice and identified the protective role of a calcineurin inhibitor, FK506, in this process. Calcineurin is expressed in the nucleus, where it is present in its calpain-cleaved form. FK506 reduced nuclear expression of calcineurin and prevented calcineurin-mediated NFAT activation. Our study shows clearly that FK506 reduces calpain-mediated calcineurin activity. Consequently, calcineurin could not maintain NFAT activation. FK506 reduced renal cell death by suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. This study provides evidence that FK506 protects against inflammation in a renal IRI mouse model. We also provided a mechanism of calcineurin action in the nucleus. Therefore, FK506 could improve renal function by decreasing calcineurin activity in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of renal tubule cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Hee Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Jungil Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hwajin Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Gu Seob Roh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Sang Soo Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Wan Sung Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Gyeong Jae Cho
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Research Center for Neural Dysfunction, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
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Goettsch C, Babelova A, Trummer O, Erben RG, Rauner M, Rammelt S, Weissmann N, Weinberger V, Benkhoff S, Kampschulte M, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Hofbauer LC, Brandes RP, Schröder K. NADPH oxidase 4 limits bone mass by promoting osteoclastogenesis. J Clin Invest 2014; 123:4731-8. [PMID: 24216508 DOI: 10.1172/jci67603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ROS are implicated in bone diseases. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), a constitutively active enzymatic source of ROS, may contribute to the development of such disorders. Therefore, we studied the role of NOX4 in bone homeostasis. Nox4(-/-) mice displayed higher bone density and reduced numbers and markers of osteoclasts. Ex vivo, differentiation of monocytes into osteoclasts with RANKL and M-CSF induced Nox4 expression. Loss of NOX4 activity attenuated osteoclastogenesis, which was accompanied by impaired activation of RANKL-induced NFATc1 and c-JUN. In an in vivo model of murine ovariectomy–induced osteoporosis, pharmacological inhibition or acute genetic knockdown of Nox4 mitigated loss of trabecular bone. Human bone obtained from patients with increased osteoclast activity exhibited increased NOX4 expression. Moreover, a SNP of NOX4 was associated with elevated circulating markers of bone turnover and reduced bone density in women. Thus, NOX4 is involved in bone loss and represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Williams CR, Gooch JL. Calcineurin Aβ regulates NADPH oxidase (Nox) expression and activity via nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) in response to high glucose. J Biol Chem 2013; 289:4896-905. [PMID: 24371139 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.514869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophy is an adaptive response that enables organs to appropriately meet increased functional demands. Previously, we reported that calcineurin (Cn) is required for glomerular and whole kidney hypertrophy in diabetic rodents (Gooch, J. L., Barnes, J. L., Garcia, S., and Abboud, H. E. (2003). Calcineurin is activated in diabetes and is required for glomerular hypertrophy and ECM accumulation. Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 284, F144-F154; Reddy, R. N., Knotts, T. L., Roberts, B. R., Molkentin, J. D., Price, S. R., and Gooch, J. L. (2011). Calcineurin Aβ is required for hypertrophy but not matrix expansion in the diabetic kidney. J. Cell Mol. Med. 15, 414-422). Because studies have also implicated the reactive oxygen species-generating enzymes NADPH oxidases (Nox) in diabetic kidney responses, we tested the hypothesis that Nox and Cn cooperate in a common signaling pathway. First, we examined the role of the two main isoforms of Cn in hypertrophic signaling. Using primary kidney cells lacking a catalytic subunit of Cn (CnAα(-/-) or CnAβ(-/-)), we found that high glucose selectively activates CnAβ, whereas CnAα is constitutively active. Furthermore, CnAβ but not CnAα mediates hypertrophy. Next, we found that chronic reactive oxygen species generation in response to high glucose is attenuated in CnAβ(-/-) cells, suggesting that Cn is upstream of Nox. Consistent with this, loss of CnAβ reduces basal expression and blocks high glucose induction of Nox2 and Nox4. Inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), a CnAβ-regulated transcription factor, decreases Nox2 and Nox4 expression, whereas NFAT overexpression increases Nox2 and Nox4, indicating that the CnAβ/NFAT pathway modulates Nox. These data reveal that the CnAβ/NFAT pathway regulates Nox and plays an important role in high glucose-mediated hypertrophic responses in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clintoria R Williams
- From the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30033 and
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Myofibroblasts: trust your heart and let fate decide. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 70:9-18. [PMID: 24189039 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a substantial problem in managing multiple forms of heart disease. Fibrosis results from an unrestrained tissue repair process orchestrated predominantly by the myofibroblast. These are highly specialized cells characterized by their ability to secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) components and remodel tissue due to their contractile properties. This contractile activity of the myofibroblast is ascribed, in part, to the expression of smooth muscle α-actin (αSMA) and other tension-associated structural genes. Myofibroblasts are a newly generated cell type derived largely from residing mesenchymal cells in response to both mechanical and neurohumoral stimuli. Several cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors are induced in the injured heart, and in conjunction with elevated wall tension, specific signaling pathways and downstream effectors are mobilized to initiate myofibroblast differentiation. Here we will review the cell fates that contribute to the myofibroblast as well as nodal molecular signaling effectors that promote their differentiation and activity. We will discuss canonical versus non-canonical transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), angiotensin II (AngII), endothelin-1 (ET-1), serum response factor (SRF), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and mechanical signaling pathways that are required for myofibroblast transformation and fibrotic disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Myocyte-Fibroblast Signalling in Myocardium ".
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Zimmerman KA, Graham LV, Pallero MA, Murphy-Ullrich JE. Calreticulin regulates transforming growth factor-β-stimulated extracellular matrix production. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:14584-14598. [PMID: 23564462 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.447243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an emerging factor in fibrotic disease, although precise mechanisms are not clear. Calreticulin (CRT) is an ER chaperone and regulator of Ca(2+) signaling up-regulated by ER stress and in fibrotic tissues. Previously, we showed that ER CRT regulates type I collagen transcript, trafficking, secretion, and processing into the extracellular matrix (ECM). To determine the role of CRT in ECM regulation under fibrotic conditions, we asked whether CRT modified cellular responses to the pro-fibrotic cytokine, TGF-β. These studies show that CRT-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and rat and human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung fibroblasts with siRNA CRT knockdown had impaired TGF-β stimulation of type I collagen and fibronectin. In contrast, fibroblasts with increased CRT expression had enhanced responses to TGF-β. The lack of CRT does not impact canonical TGF-β signaling as TGF-β was able to stimulate Smad reporter activity in CRT-/- MEFs. CRT regulation of TGF-β-stimulated Ca(2+) signaling is important for induction of ECM. CRT-/- MEFs failed to increase intracellular Ca(2+) levels in response to TGF-β. NFAT activity is required for ECM stimulation by TGF-β. In CRT-/- MEFs, TGF-β stimulation of NFAT nuclear translocation and reporter activity is impaired. Importantly, CRT is required for TGF-β stimulation of ECM under conditions of ER stress, as tunicamycin-induced ER stress was insufficient to induce ECM production in TGF-β stimulated CRT-/- MEFs. Together, these data identify CRT-regulated Ca(2+)-dependent pathways as a critical molecular link between ER stress and TGF-β fibrotic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Zimmerman
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019
| | - Lauren V Graham
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019
| | - Manuel A Pallero
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019
| | - Joanne E Murphy-Ullrich
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019.
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Kumawat K, Menzen MH, Bos IST, Baarsma HA, Borger P, Roth M, Tamm M, Halayko AJ, Simoons M, Prins A, Postma DS, Schmidt M, Gosens R. Noncanonical WNT-5A signaling regulates TGF-β-induced extracellular matrix production by airway smooth muscle cells. FASEB J 2012; 27:1631-43. [PMID: 23254341 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-217539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), a key mediator of fibrotic responses, is increased in asthma and drives airway remodeling by inducing expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying TGF-β-induced ECM expression by airway smooth muscle cells and demonstrate a novel link between TGF-β and Wingless/integrase 1 (WNT) signaling in ECM deposition. Airway smooth muscle expresses abundant WNT ligands, with the noncanonical WNT-5A being the most profoundly expressed. Interestingly, WNT-5A shows ∼2-fold higher abundance in airway smooth muscle cells isolated from individuals with asthma than individuals without asthma. WNT-5A is markedly induced in response to TGF-β (4-16-fold; EC₅₀ 0.3 ng/ml) and is required for collagen and fibronectin expression by airway smooth muscle. WNT-5A engages noncanonical WNT signaling pathways, as inhibition of Ca(2+) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling attenuated this TGF-β response, whereas the canonical WNT antagonist Dickkopf 1 (DKK-1) did not. Accordingly, WNT-5A induced JNK phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). Furthermore, silencing of the WNT-5A receptors Frizzled 8 (FZD8) and RYK attenuated TGF-β-induced ECM expression. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that noncanonical WNT-5A signaling is activated by and necessary for TGF-β-induced ECM production by airway smooth muscle cells, which could have significance in asthma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Kumawat
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Werneck MBF, Hottz E, Bozza PT, Viola JPB. Cyclosporin A inhibits colon cancer cell growth independently of the calcineurin pathway. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:3997-4008. [PMID: 22992618 DOI: 10.4161/cc.22222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for the development of colon cancer, providing genotoxic insults, growth and pro-angiogenic factors that can promote tumorigenesis and tumor growth. Immunomodulatory agents can interfere with the inflammation that feeds cancer, but their impact on the transformed cell is poorly understood. The calcium/calcineurin signaling pathway, through activation of NFAT, is essential for effective immune responses, and its inhibitors cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 are used in the clinics to suppress immunity. Moreover, the kinases GSK3β and mTOR, modulated by PI-3K/Akt, can inhibit NFAT activity, suggesting a cross-talk between the calcium and growth factor signaling pathways. Both NFAT and mTOR activity have been associated with tumorigenesis. We therefore investigated the impact of calcineurin and PI-3K/mTOR inhibition in growth of human colon carcinoma cells. We show that despite the efficient inhibition of NFAT1 activity, FK506 promotes tumor growth, whereas CsA inhibits it due to a delay in cell cycle progression and induction of necroptosis. We found NFκB activation and mTORC1 activity not to be altered by CsA or FK506. Similarly, changes to mitochondrial homeostasis were equivalent upon treatment with these drugs. We further show that, in our model, NFAT1 activation is not modulated by PI3K/mTOR. We conclude that CsA slows cell cycle progression and induces necroptosis of human carcinoma cell lines in a TGFβ-, NFAT-, NFκB- and PI3K/mTOR-independent fashion. Nevertheless, our data suggest that CsA, in addition to its anti-inflammatory capacity, may target transformed colon and esophagus carcinoma cells without affecting non-transformed cells, promoting beneficial tumoristatic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam B F Werneck
- Division of Cellular Biology, Brazilian National Institute of Cancer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
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Liu Y, Qi H, Wang Y, Wu M, Cao Y, Huang W, Li L, Ji Z, Sun H. Allicin protects against myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 19:693-698. [PMID: 22633288 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the cardioprotective effect of allicin (AL) on myocardial injury of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to further explore its underlying mechanisms. Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats (plasma glucose levels ≥ 16.7 mmol/l) were treated with AL by intraperitoneal injection at the doses of 4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg, and 16 mg/kg daily for 28 days. The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on every 7th day during the 28 days of treatment. The body weight, blood glucose, and parameter of cardiac function were detected after 4 weeks to study the cardioprotective effects of AL on diabetic rats in vivo. The apoptotic index of cardiomyocytes was estimated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expressions of Fas, Bcl-2, CTGF, and TGF-β(1) protein were studied by immunohistochemistry. Laser scanning confocal microscopy technique was utilized to observe the effects of AL on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. AL at the doses of 4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg, and 16 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent manner and increased body weight as well compared with the model group. Hemodynamic parameters including left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise and fall (+dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax) were significantly restored back to normal levels in AL-treated (8 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg) rats compared with diabetic model rats. AL markedly inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by diabetic cardiac injury. Further investigation revealed that this inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis was mediated by increasing anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and decreasing pro-apoptotic protein Fas. Additional experiments demonstrated AL abrogated myocardial fibrosis by blocking the expressions of CTGF and TGF-β(1) protein. AL shows protective action on myocardial injury in diabetic rats. The possible mechanisms were involved in reducing blood glucose, correcting hemodynamic impairment, reducing Fas expression, activating Bcl-2 expression, decreasing intracellular calcium overload, inhibiting the expressions of TGF-β(1) and CTGF, and further improving cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing 163319, PR China
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Fang WL, Lee MT, Wu LS, Chen YJ, Mason J, Ke FC, Hwang JJ. CREB coactivator CRTC2/TORC2 and its regulator calcineurin crucially mediate follicle-stimulating hormone and transforming growth factor β1 upregulation of steroidogenesis. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:2430-40. [PMID: 21826657 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In vitro and in vivo studies implicate that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) play crucial physiological roles in regulating ovarian granulosa cell function essential to fertility control in females. FSH induces cAMP and calcium signaling, thereby activating transcription factor CREB to upregulate steroidogenic gene expression, and TGFβ1 greatly enhances FSH-stimulated steroidogenesis. A CREB coactivator CRTC2/TORC2 was identified to function as a cAMP and calcium-sensitive coincidence sensor. This led us to explore the role of CRTC2 and its regulator calcineurin in FSH and TGFβ1-stimulated steroidogenesis. Primary culture of granulosa cells from gonadotropin-primed immature rats was used. Immunoblotting analysis shows that FSH rapidly and transiently induced dephosphorylation/activation of CRTC2, and FSH + TGFβ1 additionally induced late-phase CRTC2 dephosphorylation. Immunofluorescence analysis further confirms FSH ± TGFβ1 promoted CRTC2 nuclear translocation. Using selective inhibitors, we demonstrate that FSH activated CRTC2 in a PKA- and calcineurin-dependent manner, and TGFβ1 acting through its type I receptor (TGFβRI)-modulated FSH action in a calcineurin-mediated and PKA-independent fashion. Next, we investigated the involvement of calcineurin and CRTC2 in FSH and TGFβ1-stimulated steroidogenesis. Calcineurin and TGFβRI inhibitor dramatically reduced the FSH ± TGFβ1-increased progesterone synthesis and protein levels of StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD enzyme. Furthermore, chromatin-immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrate that FSH ± TGFβ1 differentially increased CRTC2, CREB, and CBP binding to these steroidogenic genes, and CREB nuclear association with CRTC2 and CBP. In all, this study reveals for the first time that CRTC2 and calcineurin are critical signaling mediators in FSH and TGFβ1-stimulated steroidogenesis in ovarian granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ling Fang
- Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Reddy RN, Knotts TL, Roberts BR, Molkentin JD, Price SR, Gooch JL. Calcineurin A-β is required for hypertrophy but not matrix expansion in the diabetic kidney. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 15:414-22. [PMID: 19778355 PMCID: PMC3822805 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00910.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin is an important signalling protein that regulates a number of molecular and cellular processes. Previously, we found that inhibition of calcineurin with cyclosporine reduced renal hypertrophy and blocked glomerular matrix expansion in the diabetic kidney. Isoforms of the catalytic subunit of calcineurin are reported to have tissue specific expression and functions. In particular, the β isoform has been implicated in cardiac and skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, we examined the role of calcineurin β in diabetic renal hypertrophy and glomerular matrix expansion. Type I diabetes was induced in wild-type and β−/− mice and then renal function, extracellular matrix expansion and hypertrophy were evaluated. The absence of β produced a significant decrease in total calcineurin activity in the inner medulla (IM) and reduced nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc) activity. Loss of β did not alter diabetic renal dysfunction assessed by glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin excretion and blood urea nitrogen. Similarly, matrix expansion in the whole kidney and glomerulus was not different between diabetic wild-type and β−/− mice. In contrast, whole kidney and glomerular hypertrophy were significantly reduced in diabetic β−/− mice. Moreover, β−/− renal fibroblasts demonstrated impaired phosphorylation of Erk1/Erk2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) following stimulation with transforming growth factor-β and did not undergo hypertrophy with 48 hrs culture in high glucose. In conclusion, loss of the β isoform of calcineurin is sufficient to reproduce beneficial aspects of cyclosporine on diabetic renal hypertrophy but not matrix expansion. Therefore, while multiple signals appear to regulate matrix, calcineurin β appears to be a central mechanism involved in organ hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh N Reddy
- Department of Medicine/Division of Nephrology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Norcantharidin inhibits the expression of extracellular matrix and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose independent of calcineurin signal pathway. J Transl Med 2011; 91:1706-16. [PMID: 21931301 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) was shown in our previous studies to attenuate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NCTD on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose and on calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway. Whether or not the antifibrotic effect of NCTD on renal interstitium was dependent on its inhibition of CaN pathway was also investigated. Experimental concentrations of NCTD were verified by cytotoxic test and MTT assay. HK-2 cells were transfected with CaN small interference RNA (siRNA). The mRNA and protein expressions of FN, ColIV, TGF-β1, and CaN in HK-2 cells were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The CaN/NFAT pathway was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and western blot. Our study revealed that NCTD concentrations over 5 mg/l had overt cytotoxicity on HK-2 cells. Meanwhile, both 2.5 and 5 mg/l NCTD inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation (P < 0.05). NCTD inhibited the upregulation of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 of HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05), and also significantly downregulated the expression of CaN mRNA and protein in HK-2 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, not only was the nuclear translocation of NFATc inhibited, but its protein level in the nucleus was also reduced. Following CaN siRNA transfection, CaN mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased. In contrast, the protein levels of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 increased in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05). However, NCTD treatment downregulated their expression. These results indicated that NCTD could decrease the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose, downregulate CaN expression, and block the CaN/NFAT signaling pathway. However, the effect of NCTD on inhibition of the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 was not associated with its inhibition of the CaN/NFAT pathway.
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Jang C, Lim JH, Park CW, Cho YJ. Regulator of Calcineurin 1 Isoform 4 (RCAN1.4) Is Overexpressed in the Glomeruli of Diabetic Mice. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2011; 15:299-305. [PMID: 22128263 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2011.15.5.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is activated in diabetes and plays a role in glomerular hypertrophy and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Here, kidneys from diabetic model mice were investigated for the expression of the regulator of CaN 1 (RCAN1) isoform 4 (RCAN1.4) which had been shown to be transcriptionally upregulated by CaN activation. We found the increased immunoreactivity for RCAN1 in the glomerular cells of db/db mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. In concordance, the expression of RCAN1 protein and RCAN1.4 mRNA were elevated in the whole kidney sample from db/db mice. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α, and glycated albumin (AGE-BSA) were identified as inducers of RCAN1.4 in mesangial cells. Pretreatment of cyclosporine A blocked the increases of RCAN1.4 stimulated by IL-1β or AGE-BSA, suggesting that activation of CaN is required for the RCAN1.4 induction. Stable transfection of RCAN1.4 in Mes-13 mesangial cells upregulated several factors relevant to ECM production and degradation. These results suggested that RCAN1.4 might act as a link between CaN activation and ECM turnover in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chorong Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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Li Y, Ge Y, Liu FY, Peng YM, Sun L, Li J, Chen Q, Sun Y, Ye K. Norcantharidin, a protective therapeutic agent in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 361:79-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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New DD, Block K, Bhandhari B, Gorin Y, Abboud HE. IGF-I increases the expression of fibronectin by Nox4-dependent Akt phosphorylation in renal tubular epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2011; 302:C122-30. [PMID: 21940672 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00141.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix accumulation contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease. Many growth factors including insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) enhance matrix protein accumulation. Proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTCs) synthesize matrix proteins. NADPH oxidases are major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), important signaling molecules that mediate biological responses in a variety of cells and tissue. We investigated the mechanism by which IGF-I regulates fibronectin accumulation in PTCs and the role of a potential redox-dependent signaling pathway. IGF-I induces an increase in NADPH-dependent superoxide generation, enhances the release of hydrogen peroxide, and increases the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in PTCs. IGF-I also stimulates phosphorylation of Akt, and inhibition of Akt or its upstream activator phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase attenuates IGF-I-induced fibronectin accumulation. Expression of dominant negative Akt also inhibits IGF-I-induced expression of fibronectin, indicating a role for this kinase in fibronectin accumulation. Expression of dominant negative adenovirus Nox4 inhibits IGF-I-induced NADPH oxidase activity, Akt phosphorylation, and fibronectin protein expression. Moreover, transfection of small interfering RNA targeting Nox4 decreases Nox4 protein expression and blocks IGF-I-induced Akt phosphorylation and the increase in fibronectin, placing Nox4 and ROS upstream of Akt signaling pathway. To confirm the role of Nox4, PTCs were infected with adenovirus construct expressing wild-type Nox4. Ad-Nox4, but not control Ad-green fluorescent protein, upregulated Nox4 expression and increased NADPH oxidase activity as well as fibronectin expression. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence for a role of Nox4 in IGF-I-induced Akt phosphorylation and fibronectin expression in tubular epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D New
- University of Texas Health Science Center Department of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
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Li Y, Chen Q, Liu FY, Peng YM, Hou T, Duan SB, Li J, Luo JH, Sun L, Ling GH. Norcantharidin attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy. Ren Fail 2011; 33:233-41. [PMID: 21332346 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2011.553305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of norcantharidin (NCTD) on tubulointerstitial fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in streptozotocin-induced rat model. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose NCTD (0.05 mg/kg/day) group, and high-dose NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day) group. The model group was induced by injection intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin in 0.1 mol/L sodium citrate solution (pH 4.5), after high-calorie foods were given for 2 months. NCTD was administered daily after the DN rat model was built. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the third and the eighth week; renal fibrosis and the expression of FN, collagen IV, TGF-β1, and calcineurin (CaN) were detected by Masson and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. RESULTS Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was observed in DN rats, this kind of pathological changes was ameliorated in NCTD treatment group (p < 0.05). The expressions of FN, collagen IV, and TGF-β1 protein increased in the tubulointerstitial field of DN rats compared with the rats in control group. NCTD treatment could dose-dependently decrease their expression and reverse the fibrotic degree (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of CaN was detected in tubular fields of normal kidney and increased in the tubulointerstitial field in DN rats. However, NCTD downregulated its expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS NCTD could downregulate FN, collagen IV, and TGF-β1 expression in tubulointerstitial fields and attenuate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the early stage of DN rats. NCTD also alleviated the expression of CaN in tubules in DN. The relationship between the role of NCTD's anti-tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its inhibition to CaN expression remains to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Research Institute of Nephrology, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
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