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Horn P, Norlin J, Almholt K, Viuff BM, Galsgaard ED, Hald A, Zosel F, Demuth H, Poulsen S, Norby PL, Rasch MG, Vyberg M, Fleckner J, Werge MP, Gluud LL, Rink MR, Shepherd E, Northall E, Lalor PF, Weston CJ, Fog-Tonnesen M, Newsome PN. Evaluation of Gremlin-1 as a therapeutic target in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. eLife 2024; 13:RP95185. [PMID: 39361025 PMCID: PMC11449483 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95185] [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] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1 has been implicated in liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) via inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling and has thereby been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Using rat in vivo and human in vitro and ex vivo model systems of MASH fibrosis, we show that neutralisation of Gremlin-1 activity with monoclonal therapeutic antibodies does not reduce liver inflammation or liver fibrosis. Still, Gremlin-1 was upregulated in human and rat MASH fibrosis, but expression was restricted to a small subpopulation of COL3A1/THY1+ myofibroblasts. Lentiviral overexpression of Gremlin-1 in LX-2 cells and primary hepatic stellate cells led to changes in BMP-related gene expression, which did not translate to increased fibrogenesis. Furthermore, we show that Gremlin-1 binds to heparin with high affinity, which prevents Gremlin-1 from entering systemic circulation, prohibiting Gremlin-1-mediated organ crosstalk. Overall, our findings suggest a redundant role for Gremlin-1 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, which is unamenable to therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horn
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité MitteBerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist ProgramBerlinGermany
| | - Jenny Norlin
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Hald
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Franziska Zosel
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Helle Demuth
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Svend Poulsen
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Peder L Norby
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Morten G Rasch
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | - Mogens Vyberg
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, and Centre for RNA Medicine, Aalborg University CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jan Fleckner
- Global Translation, Novo Nordisk A/SMaaloevDenmark
| | | | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Marco R Rink
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma Shepherd
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Ellie Northall
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Patricia F Lalor
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Chris J Weston
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Philip N Newsome
- Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London and King’s College HospitalLondonUnited Kingdom
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Gui R, Li W, Li Z, Wang H, Wu Y, Jiao W, Zhao G, Shen Y, Wang L, Zhang J, Chen S, Hao L, Cheng Y. Effects and potential mechanisms of IGF1/IGF1R in the liver fibrosis: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126263. [PMID: 37567540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126263] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response due to persistent liver damage and it may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer if no intervention is given. In the current cognition, liver fibrosis is reversible. So, it is of great significance to explore the related gene targets or biomarker for anti-fibrosis of liver. Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) are mainly expressed in the liver tissues and play critical roles in the liver function. The present review summarized the role of IGF1/IGF1R and its signaling system in liver fibrosis and illustrated the potential mechanisms including DNA damage repair, cell senescence, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress that may be involved in this process according to the studies on the fibrosis of liver or other organs. In particular, the roles of IGF1 and IGF1R in DNA damage repair were elaborated, including membrane-localized and nucleus-localized IGF1R. In addition, for each of the potential mechanism in anti-fibrosis of liver, the signaling pathways of the IGF1/IGF1R mediated and the cell species in liver acted by IGF1 and IGF1R under different conditions were included. The data in this review will support for the study about the effect of IGF1/IGF1R on liver fibrosis induced by various factors, meanwhile, provide a basis for the study of liver fibrosis to focus on the communications between the different kinds of liver cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Gui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wanqiao Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenlin Jiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yannan Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Luping Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jialu Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Sihan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Linlin Hao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130062, China.
| | - Yunyun Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, College of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Fourman LT, Stanley TL, Ockene MW, McClure CM, Toribio M, Corey KE, Chung RT, Torriani M, Kleiner DE, Hadigan CM, Grinspoon SK. Proteomic Analysis of Hepatic Fibrosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Demonstrates Up-regulation of Immune Response and Tissue Repair Pathways. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:565-576. [PMID: 36461941 PMCID: PMC10152500 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac475] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a high prevalence of hepatic fibrosis as a strong clinical predictor of all-cause and liver-specific mortality risk. METHODS We leveraged data from an earlier clinical trial to define the circulating proteomic signature of hepatic fibrosis in HIV-associated NAFLD. A total of 183 plasma proteins within 2 high-multiplex panels were quantified at baseline and at 12 months (Olink Cardiovascular III; Immuno-Oncology). RESULTS Twenty proteins were up-regulated at baseline among participants with fibrosis stages 2-3 versus 0-1. Proteins most differentially expressed included matrix metalloproteinase 2 (P < .001), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (P = .001), and collagen α1(I) chain (P = .001). Proteins were enriched within pathways including response to tumor necrosis factor and aminopeptidase activity. Key proteins correlated directly with visceral adiposity and glucose intolerance and inversely with CD4+ T-cell count. Within the placebo-treated arm, 11 proteins differentially increased among individuals with hepatic fibrosis progression over a 12-month period (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Among individuals with HIV-associated NAFLD, hepatic fibrosis was associated with a distinct proteomic signature involving up-regulation of tissue repair and immune response pathways. These findings enhance our understanding of potential mechanisms and biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis in HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay T Fourman
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Takara L Stanley
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mollie W Ockene
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Colin M McClure
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mabel Toribio
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathleen E Corey
- Liver Center, Gastroenterology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center, Gastroenterology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin Torriani
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Colleen M Hadigan
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven K Grinspoon
- Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Grillo E, Ravelli C, Colleluori G, D'Agostino F, Domenichini M, Giordano A, Mitola S. Role of gremlin-1 in the pathophysiology of the adipose tissues. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:51-60. [PMID: 36155165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.004] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is a secreted bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist playing a pivotal role in the regulation of tissue formation and embryonic development. Since its first identification in 1997, gremlin-1 has been shown to be a multifunctional factor involved in wound healing, inflammation, cancer and tissue fibrosis. Among others, the activity of gremlin-1 is mediated by its interaction with BMPs or with membrane receptors such as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Growing evidence has highlighted a central role of gremlin-1 in the homeostasis of the adipose tissue (AT). Of note, gremlin-1 is involved in AT dysfunction during type 2 diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) metabolic disorders. In this review we discuss recent findings on gremlin-1 involvement in AT biology, with particular attention to its role in metabolic diseases, to highlight its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Georgia Colleluori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Domenichini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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5
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Gremlin1 is a therapeutically targetable FGFR1 ligand that regulates lineage plasticity and castration resistance in prostate cancer. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:565-580. [PMID: 35624341 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00380-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Among the greatest hurdles in clinical management of prostate cancer (PCa) are the progression to lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and the lack of suitable targeted therapies for advanced disease. Here we identify Gremlin1 as a ligand for fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), which promotes lineage plasticity and drives castration resistance. Importantly, we generate a specific anti-Gremlin1 therapeutic antibody and demonstrate synergistic effect with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in CRPC. GREM1 transcription is suppressed by androgen receptor (AR) and released following ADT. We show that Gremlin1 binds to FGFR1 and activates downstream MAPK signaling. Gremlin1 interacts with FGFR1 differently to its canonical ligand FGF1, as revealed through protein structure docking and mutagenesis experiments. Altogether, our data indicate Gremlin1 as a promising candidate therapeutic target for CRPC.
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O'Reilly S. Gremlin: a complex molecule regulating wound healing and fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7917-7923. [PMID: 34731251 PMCID: PMC11071963 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin-1 is part of the TGF-β superfamily and is a BMP antagonist that blocks BMP signalling to precisely control BMP gradients. Gremlin-1 is primarily involved in organogenesis and limb patterning however, has recently been described as being involved in fibrotic diseases. Initially described as a key factor involved in diabetic kidney fibrosis due to being induced by high glucose, it has now been described as being associated with lung, liver, eye, and skin fibrosis. This suggests that it is a key conserved molecule mediating fibrotic events irrespective of organ. It appears that Gremlin-1 may have effects mediated by BMP-dependent and independent pathways. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of Gremlin-1 in fibrosis, its mechanisms and if this can be targeted therapeutically in fibrotic diseases, which currently have very limited treatment options and are highly prevalent.
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7
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Benitez R, Caro M, Andres-Leon E, O'Valle F, Delgado M. CORTISTATIN REGULATES FIBROSIS AND MYOFIBROBLAST ACTIVATION IN EXPERIMENTAL HEPATOTOXIC- AND CHOLESTATIC-INDUCED LIVER INJURY. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2275-2296. [PMID: 34821378 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis induced by chronic hepatic injury remains as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identification of susceptibility/prognosis factors and new therapeutic tools for treating hepatic fibrotic disorders are urgent medical needs. Cortistatin is a neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities in lung that binds to receptors that are expressed in liver fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells. We evaluated the capacity of cortistatin to regulate liver fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We experimentally induced liver fibrosis in mice by chronic CCl4 exposition and bile duct ligation and evaluated the histopathological signs and fibrotic markers. KEY RESULTS Hepatic expression of cortistatin inversely correlated with liver fibrosis grade in mice and humans with hepatic disorders. Cortistatin-deficient mice showed exacerbated signs of liver damage and fibrosis and increased mortality rates when challenged to hepatotoxic and cholestatic injury. Compared to wild-type mice, non-parenchymal liver cells isolated from cortistatin-deficient mice showed increased presence of cells with activated myofibroblast phenotypes and a differential genetic signature that is indicative of activated hepatic stellate cells and periportal fibroblasts and of myofibroblasts with active contractile apparatus. Cortistatin treatment reversed in vivo and in vitro these exaggerated fibrogenic phenotypes and protected from progression to severe liver fibrosis in response to hepatic injury. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We identify cortistatin as an endogenous molecular break of liver fibrosis and its deficiency as a potential poor-prognosis marker for chronic hepatic disorders that course with fibrosis. Cortistatin-based therapies emerge as attractive strategies for ameliorating severe hepatic fibrosis of various etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Benitez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Caro
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andres-Leon
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco O'Valle
- Dept. of Pathology, School of Medicine, IBIMER and IBS-Granada, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Delgado
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
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Su Q, Kim SY, Adewale F, Zhou Y, Aldler C, Ni M, Wei Y, Burczynski ME, Atwal GS, Sleeman MW, Murphy AJ, Xin Y, Cheng X. Single-cell RNA transcriptome landscape of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells in healthy and NAFLD mouse liver. iScience 2021; 24:103233. [PMID: 34755088 PMCID: PMC8560975 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health-care problem with limited therapeutic options. To obtain a cellular resolution of pathogenesis, 82,168 single-cell transcriptomes (scRNA-seq) across different NAFLD stages were profiled, identifying hepatocytes and 12 other non-parenchymal cell (NPC) types. scRNA-seq revealed insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the disease. We discovered a dual role for hepatic stellate cells in gene expression regulation and in the potential to trans-differentiate into myofibroblasts. We uncovered distinct expression profiles of Kupffer cells versus monocyte-derived macrophages during NAFLD progression. Kupffer cells showed stronger immune responses, while monocyte-derived macrophages demonstrated a capability for differentiation. Three chimeric NPCs were identified including endothelial-chimeric stellate cells, hepatocyte-chimeric endothelial cells, and endothelial-chimeric Kupffer cells. Our work identified unanticipated aspects of mouse with NAFLD at the single-cell level and advanced the understanding of cellular heterogeneity in NAFLD livers. Of all, 82,168 single-cell transcriptomes across different NAFLD stages were profiled Hepatocytes and 12 non-parenchymal cell types were identified in mouse liver Three chimeric NPCs were identified in mouse liver
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Su
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Sun Y Kim
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Funmi Adewale
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Ye Zhou
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Christina Aldler
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Min Ni
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Yi Wei
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Michael E Burczynski
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Gurinder S Atwal
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Mark W Sleeman
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Yurong Xin
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
| | - Xiping Cheng
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York 10591, USA
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Ruiqi L, Ming P, Qihang S, Yangyang L, Junli C, Wei L, Chao G, Xinyue L, Kang Y, Hongtao Y. Saikosaponin D Inhibits Peritoneal Fibrosis in Rats With Renal Failure by Regulation of TGFβ1/ BMP7 / Gremlin1/ Smad Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:628671. [PMID: 34721005 PMCID: PMC8555629 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.628671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can improve the quality of life of patients with kidney disease and prolong survival. However, peritoneal fibrosis can often occur and lead to PD withdrawal. Therefore, it is imperative to better understand how to inhibit and slow down progression of peritoneal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of Saikosaponin d (SSD), a monomer extracted from the plant Bupleurum, on peritoneal fibrosis and the contribution of TGFβ1/BMP7/Gremlin1 pathway cross-talk in this process. To this aim, we used a model 5/6 nephrectomy and peritoneal fibrosis in rats. Rats were divided into four groups, namely a control group (saline administration); a model group (dialysate administration; group M); a SSD group (dialysate and SSD administration); and a positive drug group (dialysate and Benazepril Hydrochloride administration; group M + A). Histological analysis indicated that peritoneal fibrosis occurred in all groups. WB, ELISA, and PCR essays suggested that TGFβ1 and Gremlin1 levels in group M were significantly higher than those in group C, whereas BMP7 expression was significantly lower. TGFβ1, Gremlin1 and BMP7 levels were significantly lower in the group where SSD was administered than in the other groups. The expression of BMP7 in SSD group was significantly increased. In addition, levels of Smad1/5/8 as assessed by PCR, and levels of p-Smad1/5/8 expression as assessed by WB were also significantly higher in the SSD group than in the M group. Expression of vimentin and α-SMA, two important markers of fibrosis, was also significantly decreased. Our study suggests a role for the TGFβ1/BMP7/Gremlin1/Smad pathway in peritoneal fibrosis with potential therapeutic implications. Finally, our results also suggest that the monomer SSD may be able to reverse peritoneal fibrosis via regulation of the TGFβ1/BMP7/Gremlin1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Ruiqi
- Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pei Ming
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Su Qihang
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Yangyang
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Junli
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Gao Chao
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Liu Xinyue
- Renal Department, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Kang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Hongtao
- Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
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10
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Müller II, Schneider M, Müller KAL, Lunov O, Borst O, Simmet T, Gawaz M. Protective role of Gremlin-1 in myocardial function. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13539. [PMID: 33729579 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gremlin-1 is a cystine knot protein and is expressed in organs developing fibrosis. Transient ischaemia leads to myocardial fibrosis, a major determinant of impaired myocardial function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of Gremlin-1 was investigated in infarcted myocardium by real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, histological and immunohistochemistry staining. We further elaborated the colocalization of Gremlin-1 and TGF-β proteins by confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The interaction between Gremlin-1 and TGF-β was analysed by photon correlation spectroscopy. Gremlin-1 modulation of the TGF-β-dependent collagen I synthesis in fibroblasts was investigated using ELISA and immunohistochemistry experiments. The effect of prolonged administration of recombinant Gremlin-1 on myocardial function following ischaemia/reperfusion was accessed by echocardiography and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Gremlin-1 is expressed in myocardial tissue and infiltrating cells after transient myocardial ischaemia (P < .05). Gremlin-1 colocalizes with the pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expressed in fibroblasts and inflammatory cell infiltrates (P < .05). Gremlin-1 reduces TGF-β-induced collagen production of myocardial fibroblasts by approximately 20% (P < .05). We found that Gremlin-1 binds with high affinity to TGF-β (KD = 54 nmol/L) as evidenced by photon correlation spectroscopy and co-immunoprecipitation. intravenous administration of m Gremlin-1-Fc, but not of equivalent amount of Fc control, significantly reduced infarct size by approximately 20%. In the m Gremlin-1-Fc group, infarct area was reduced by up to 30% in comparison with mice treated with Fc control (I/LV: 4.8 ± 1.2% vs 6.0 ± 1.2% P < .05; I/AaR: 15.2 ± 1.5% vs 21.1 ± 5%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The present data disclose Gremlin-1 as an antagonist of TGF-β and presume a role for Gremlin-1/TGF-β interaction in myocardial remodelling following myocardial ischaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris I Müller
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martina Schneider
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karin A L Müller
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver Borst
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Meinrad Gawaz
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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11
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DHA inhibits Gremlin-1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via ERK suppression in human breast cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222308. [PMID: 32141512 PMCID: PMC7087330 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid abundant in fish oils. It is known to have an inhibitory effect on various diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that epithelial cells gain migratory property to become mesenchymal cells involved in wound healing, organ fibrosis, and cancer progression. Gremlin-1 (GREM1) is a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist known to play a role in EMT. However, the role of GREM1 in the induction of EMT in human breast cancer cells and the effect of DHA on GREM1-induced EMT remain unclear. Establishment of GREM1 knockdown cell lines was performed using lentiviral shRNAs. Expression of EMT markers was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Effect of GREM1 and/or DHA on cell migration was investigated using wound healing assay. The level of GREM1 expression in human breast cancer tissues was determined by Oncomine database mining. GREM1 induced the expression of genes including N-cadherin, vimentin, and Slug. GREM1 promoted the migration of human breast cancer cells. GREM1 enhanced the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and the ERK activation was involved in EMT. Interestingly, DHA reduced the expression of GREM1. DHA also inhibited the expression of mesenchymal cell-associated genes and cell migration induced by GREM1. Furthermore, DHA suppressed the expression of p-ERK induced by GREM1. These results indicate that GREM1–ERK axis plays a role in EMT in human breast cancer cells and DHA is a putative compound that can inhibit EMT by inhibiting GREM1 signal transduction.
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12
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Rosique-Oramas D, Martínez-Castillo M, Raya A, Medina-Ávila Z, Aragón F, Limón-Castillo J, Hernández-Barragán A, Santoyo A, Montalvo-Javé E, Pérez-Hernández J, Higuera-de la Tijera F, Torre A, Kershenobich D, Gutiérrez-Reyes G. Production of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins during the development of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis C. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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13
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Job S, Rapoud D, Dos Santos A, Gonzalez P, Desterke C, Pascal G, Elarouci N, Ayadi M, Adam R, Azoulay D, Castaing D, Vibert E, Cherqui D, Samuel D, Sa Cuhna A, Marchio A, Pineau P, Guettier C, de Reyniès A, Faivre J. Identification of Four Immune Subtypes Characterized by Distinct Composition and Functions of Tumor Microenvironment in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2020; 72:965-981. [PMID: 31875970 PMCID: PMC7589418 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a severe malignant tumor in which the standard therapies are mostly ineffective. The biological significance of the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) of ICC has been stressed but was insufficiently taken into account in the search for classifications of ICC adapted to clinical trial design. We investigated the heterogeneous tumor stroma composition and built a TME-based classification of ICC tumors that detects potentially targetable ICC subtypes. APPROACH AND RESULTS We established the bulk gene expression profiles of 78 ICCs. Epithelial and stromal compartments of 23 ICCs were laser microdissected. We quantified 14 gene expression signatures of the TME and those of 3 functional indicators (liver activity, inflammation, immune resistance). The cell population abundances were quantified using the microenvironment cell population-counter package and compared with immunohistochemistry. We performed an unsupervised TME-based classification of 198 ICCs (training set) and 368 ICCs (validation set). We determined immune response and signaling features of the different immune subtypes by functional annotations. We showed that a set of 198 ICCs could be classified into 4 TME-based subtypes related to distinct immune escape mechanisms and patient outcomes. The validity of these immune subtypes was confirmed over an independent set of 368 ICCs and by immunohistochemical analysis of 64 ICC tissue samples. About 45% of ICCs displayed an immune desert phenotype. The other subtypes differed in nature (lymphoid, myeloid, mesenchymal) and abundance of tumor-infiltrating cells. The inflamed subtype (11%) presented a massive T lymphocyte infiltration, an activation of inflammatory and immune checkpoint pathways, and was associated with the longest patient survival. CONCLUSION We showed the existence of an inflamed ICC subtype, which is potentially treatable with checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Job
- Programme Cartes d’Identité des TumeursLigue Nationale Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Delphine Rapoud
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Alexandre Dos Santos
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Patrick Gonzalez
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Christophe Desterke
- Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Gérard Pascal
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Nabila Elarouci
- Programme Cartes d’Identité des TumeursLigue Nationale Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Mira Ayadi
- Programme Cartes d’Identité des TumeursLigue Nationale Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - René Adam
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Daniel Azoulay
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Denis Castaing
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Eric Vibert
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Daniel Cherqui
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Didier Samuel
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Antonio Sa Cuhna
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Agnès Marchio
- Unité ‘Organisation Nucléaire et Oncogenèse’, INSERM U993Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité ‘Organisation Nucléaire et Oncogenèse’, INSERM U993Institut PasteurParisFrance
| | - Catherine Guettier
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance,Pathology DepartmentAssistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de Paris (AP‐HP)Kremlin‐Bicêtre HospitalLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance
| | - Aurélien de Reyniès
- Programme Cartes d’Identité des TumeursLigue Nationale Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Jamila Faivre
- Hepatobiliary CentreINSERM, U1193, Paul‐Brousse University HospitalVillejuifFrance,Faculté de Médecine du Kremlin BicetreUniversity Paris‐Sud, Université Paris‐SaclayLe Kremlin‐BicêtreFrance,Pôle de Biologie MédicaleLaboratoire d’Onco‐HématologiePaul‐Brousse University HospitalAssistance Publique‐Hôpitaux de Paris (AP‐HP)VillejuifFrance
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14
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Cavalli M, Diamanti K, Pan G, Spalinskas R, Kumar C, Deshmukh AS, Mann M, Sahlén P, Komorowski J, Wadelius C. A Multi-Omics Approach to Liver Diseases: Integration of Single Nuclei Transcriptomics with Proteomics and HiCap Bulk Data in Human Liver. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 24:180-194. [PMID: 32181701 PMCID: PMC7185313 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2019.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the largest solid organ and a primary metabolic hub. In recent years, intact cell nuclei were used to perform single-nuclei RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) for tissues difficult to dissociate and for flash-frozen archived tissue samples to discover unknown and rare cell subpopulations. In this study, we performed snRNA-seq of a liver sample to identify subpopulations of cells based on nuclear transcriptomics. In 4282 single nuclei, we detected, on average, 1377 active genes and we identified seven major cell types. We integrated data from 94,286 distal interactions (p < 0.05) for 7682 promoters from a targeted chromosome conformation capture technique (HiCap) and mass spectrometry proteomics for the same liver sample. We observed a reasonable correlation between proteomics and in silico bulk snRNA-seq (r = 0.47) using tissue-independent gene-specific protein abundancy estimation factors. We specifically looked at genes of medical importance. The DPYD gene is involved in the pharmacogenetics of fluoropyrimidine toxicity and some of its variants are analyzed for clinical purposes. We identified a new putative polymorphic regulatory element, which may contribute to variation in toxicity. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and we investigated all known risk genes. We identified a complex regulatory landscape for the SLC2A2 gene with 16 candidate enhancers. Three of them harbor somatic motif breaking and other mutations in HCC in the Pan Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes dataset and are candidates to contribute to malignancy. Our results highlight the potential of a multi-omics approach in the study of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavalli
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Klev Diamanti
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gang Pan
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rapolas Spalinskas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chanchal Kumar
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated CardioMetabolic Center (KI/AZ ICMC), Department of Medicine, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Atul Shahaji Deshmukh
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Clinical Proteomics Group, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Matthias Mann
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Proteomics Program, Clinical Proteomics Group, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pelin Sahlén
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Komorowski
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Computer Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Claes Wadelius
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Liu X, Rosenthal SB, Meshgin N, Baglieri J, Musallam SG, Diggle K, Lam K, Wu R, Pan SQ, Chen Y, Dorko K, Presnell S, Benner C, Hosseini M, Tsukamoto H, Brenner D, Kisseleva T. Primary Alcohol-Activated Human and Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells Share Similarities in Gene-Expression Profiles. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:606-626. [PMID: 32258954 PMCID: PMC7109347 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States, which is characterized by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and formation of a fibrous scar. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of collagen type 1 producing myofibroblasts in ALD fibrosis. However, the mechanism of alcohol-induced activation of human and mouse HSCs is not fully understood. We compared the gene-expression profiles of primary cultured human HSCs (hHSCs) isolated from patients with ALD (n = 3) or without underlying liver disease (n = 4) using RNA-sequencing analysis. Furthermore, the gene-expression profile of ALD hHSCs was compared with that of alcohol-activated mHSCs (isolated from intragastric alcohol-fed mice) or CCl4-activated mouse HSCs (mHSCs). Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that ALD hHSCs, in addition to alcohol-activated and CCl4-activated mHSCs, share the expression of common HSC activation (Col1a1 [collagen type I alpha 1 chain], Acta1 [actin alpha 1, skeletal muscle], PAI1 [plasminogen activator inhibitor-1], TIMP1 [tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1], and LOXL2 [lysyl oxidase homolog 2]), indicating that a common mechanism underlies the activation of human and mouse HSCs. Furthermore, alcohol-activated mHSCs most closely recapitulate the gene-expression profile of ALD hHSCs. We identified the genes that are similarly and uniquely up-regulated in primary cultured alcohol-activated hHSCs and freshly isolated mHSCs, which include CSF1R (macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor), PLEK (pleckstrin), LAPTM5 (lysosmal-associated transmembrane protein 5), CD74 (class I transactivator, the invariant chain), CD53, MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), CD14, CTSS (cathepsin S), TYROBP (TYRO protein tyrosine kinase-binding protein), and ITGB2 (integrin beta-2), and other genes (compared with CCl4-activated mHSCs). Conclusion: We identified genes in alcohol-activated mHSCs from intragastric alcohol-fed mice that are largely consistent with the gene-expression profile of primary cultured hHSCs from patients with ALD. These genes are unique to alcohol-induced HSC activation in two species, and therefore may become targets or readout for antifibrotic therapy in experimental models of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Nairika Meshgin
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Sami G Musallam
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Karin Diggle
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Kevin Lam
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Raymond Wu
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Pathology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | - Stephanie Q Pan
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Pathology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | - Yibu Chen
- Bioinformatics Services Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | | | | | - Chris Benner
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Hidekazu Tsukamoto
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Pathology Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Great Los Angeles Healthcare System Los Angeles CA
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery University of California, San Diego La Jolla CA.,Southern California Research Center for ALPD & Cirrhosis Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Los Angeles CA
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16
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Rosique-Oramas D, Martínez-Castillo M, Raya A, Medina-Ávila Z, Aragón F, Limón-Castillo J, Hernández-Barragán A, Santoyo A, Montalvo-Javé E, Pérez-Hernández JL, Higuera-de la Tijera F, Torre A, Kershenobich D, Gutiérrez-Reyes G. Production of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins during the development of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis C. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO 2019; 85:390-398. [PMID: 31740166 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Insulin-like growth factor 1 is modulated by the insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that are synthesized in the liver. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentrations of IGFBPs 1-7 in patients with chronic hepatitis C and study their association with fibrosis stage. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted that included patients with chronic hepatitis C. The stages of fibrosis were determined through FibroTest and FibroScan and the patients were compared with a control group. Serum levels of IGFBPs 1-7 were quantified through multiple suspension arrays. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and ROC curves were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS Upon comparing the patients and controls, the highest concentrations were found in IGFBPs 1, 2, 4, and 7 (p=0.02, p=0.002, p=0.008, and p<0.001, respectively). IGFBP-3 levels had a tendency to be lower in the patients (p=0.066), whereas values were similar between patients and controls for IGFBP-5 and 6 (p=0.786 and p=0.244, respectively). Of the seven IGFBPs, IGFBP-3 concentrations were the highest. There were significant differences between fibrosis stages for IGFBP-5 and IGFBP-7. CONCLUSION IGFBPs play a relevant role in the fibrotic process in liver damage. IGFBP-7, in particular, differentiates fibrosis stages, making it a potential serum biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rosique-Oramas
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Martínez-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Raya
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Z Medina-Ávila
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - F Aragón
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Limón-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Hernández-Barragán
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Santoyo
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - E Montalvo-Javé
- Clínica Hepato-Pancreato-Biliar, Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J L Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Ciudad de México, México
| | - F Higuera-de la Tijera
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Torre
- Unidad de Hepatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - D Kershenobich
- Unidad de Hepatología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - G Gutiérrez-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Hígado, Páncreas y Motilidad (HIPAM), Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad de México, México.
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17
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Ren J, Smid M, Iaria J, Salvatori DCF, van Dam H, Zhu HJ, Martens JWM, Ten Dijke P. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived Gremlin 1 promotes breast cancer progression. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:109. [PMID: 31533776 PMCID: PMC6751614 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been reported to maintain epithelial integrity and to antagonize the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The expression of soluble BMP antagonists is dysregulated in cancers and interrupts proper BMP signaling in breast cancer. Methods In this study, we mined the prognostic role of BMP antagonists GREMLIN 1 (GREM1) in primary breast cancer tissues using in-house and publicly available datasets. We determined which cells express GREM1 RNA using in situ hybridization (ISH) on a breast cancer tissue microarray. The effects of Grem1 on the properties of breast cancer cells were assessed by measuring the mesenchymal/stem cell marker expression and functional cell-based assays for stemness and invasion. The role of Grem1 in breast cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) activation was measured by analyzing the expression of fibroblast markers, phalloidin staining, and collagen contraction assays. The role of Grem1 in CAF-induced breast cancer cell intravasation and extravasation was studied by utilizing xenograft zebrafish breast cancer (co-) injection models. Results Expression analysis of clinical breast cancer datasets revealed that high expression of GREM1 in breast cancer stroma is correlated with a poor prognosis regardless of the molecular subtype. The large majority of human breast cancer cell lines did not express GREM1 in vitro, but breast CAFs did express GREM1 both in vitro and in vivo. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) secreted by breast cancer cells, and also inflammatory cytokines, stimulated GREM1 expression in CAFs. Grem1 abrogated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD signaling in breast cancer cells and promoted their mesenchymal phenotype, stemness, and invasion. Moreover, Grem1 production by CAFs strongly promoted the fibrogenic activation of CAFs and promoted breast cancer cell intravasation and extravasation in co-injection xenograft zebrafish models. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that Grem1 is a pivotal factor in the reciprocal interplay between breast cancer cells and CAFs, which promotes cancer cell invasion. Targeting Grem1 could be beneficial in the treatment of breast cancer patients with high Grem1 expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1194-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Iaria
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Daniela C F Salvatori
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Dam
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hong Jian Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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18
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Kostallari E, Shah VH. Pericytes in the Liver. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1122:153-167. [PMID: 30937868 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-11093-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver pericytes, commonly named hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reside in the space between liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatocytes. They display important roles in health and disease. HSCs ensure the storage of the majority of vitamin A in a healthy body, and they represent the major source of fibrotic tissue in liver disease. Surrounding cells, such as LSECs, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells, present a significant role in modulating HSC behavior. Therapeutic strategies against liver disease are being currently developed, where HSCs represent an ideal target. In this chapter, we will discuss HSC quiescence and activation in the context of healthy liver and diseases, such as fibrosis, steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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19
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Hu M, Wang Y, Xu L, An S, Tang Y, Zhou X, Li J, Liu R, Huang L. Relaxin gene delivery mitigates liver metastasis and synergizes with check point therapy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2993. [PMID: 31278269 PMCID: PMC6611764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC)-mediated liver fibrosis is essential to the development of liver metastasis. Here, we discover intra-hepatic scale-up of relaxin (RLN, an anti-fibrotic peptide) in response to fibrosis along with the upregulation of its primary receptor (RXFP1) on aHSCs. The elevated expression of RLN serves as a natural regulator to deactivate aHSCs and resolve liver fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesize this endogenous liver fibrosis repair mechanism can be leveraged for liver metastasis treatment via enforced RLN expression. To validate the therapeutic potential, we utilize aminoethyl anisamide-conjugated lipid-calcium-phosphate nanoparticles to deliver plasmid DNA encoding RLN. The nanoparticles preferentially target metastatic tumor cells and aHSCs within the metastatic lesion and convert them as an in situ RLN depot. Expressed RLN reverses the stromal microenvironment, which makes it unfavorable for established liver metastasis to grow. In colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer liver metastasis models, we confirm the RLN gene therapy results in significant inhibition of metastatic progression and prolongs survival. In addition, enforced RLN expression reactivates intra-metastasis immune milieu. The combination of the RLN gene therapy with PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy further produces a synergistic anti-metastatic efficacy. Collectively, the targeted RLN gene therapy represents a highly efficient, safe, and versatile anti-metastatic modality, and is promising for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Hu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ligeng Xu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Sai An
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yu Tang
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jingjing Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rihe Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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20
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Baze A, Parmentier C, Hendriks DFG, Hurrell T, Heyd B, Bachellier P, Schuster C, Ingelman-Sundberg M, Richert L. Three-Dimensional Spheroid Primary Human Hepatocytes in Monoculture and Coculture with Nonparenchymal Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2019; 24:534-545. [PMID: 30101670 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2018.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the development of various culture platforms are promising for achieving more physiologically relevant in vitro hepatic models using primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Previous studies have shown the value of PHHs three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models, cultured in low cell number (1330-2000 cells/3D spheroid), to study long-term liver function as well as pharmacological drug effects and toxicity. In this study, we report that only plateable PHHs aggregate and form compact 3D spheroids with a success rate of 79%, and 96% reproducibility. Out of 3D spheroid forming PHH lots, 65% were considered stable (<50% ATP decrease) over the subsequent 14 days of culture, with reproducibility of a given PHH lot being 82%. We also report successful coculturing of PHHs with human liver nonparenchymal cells (NPCs). Crude P1c-NPC fractions were obtained by low centrifugation of the PHH supernatant fraction followed by a few days of culture before harvesting and cryopreservation. At aggregation of PHHs/P1c-NPCs (2:1 ratio 3D spheroids), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells were successfully integrated and remained present throughout the subsequent 14-day culture period as revealed by mRNA expression markers and immunostaining. Increased mRNA expression of albumin (ALB), apolipoprotein B (APOB), cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), and increased albumin secretion compared to PHH 3D spheroid monocultures highlighted that in a 3D spheroid coculture, configuration with NPCs, PHH functionality is increased. We thus achieved the development of a more integrated coculture model system requiring low cell numbers, of particular interest due to the scarcity of human liver NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Baze
- 1 KaLy-Cell, Plobsheim , France .,2 Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Delilah F G Hendriks
- 3 Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tracey Hurrell
- 3 Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruno Heyd
- 4 Hôpital Jean Minjoz , Besançon, France .,5 Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon, France
| | - Philippe Bachellier
- 2 Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France .,6 Hôpital de Hautepierre , Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- 2 Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg, France .,7 INSERM, UMR_S1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques , Strasbourg, France
| | - Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg
- 3 Section of Pharmacogenetics, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lysiane Richert
- 1 KaLy-Cell, Plobsheim , France .,5 Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon, France
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21
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Wang L, Ding Q, Zhao L, Pan Y, Song Z, Qin Y, Yan X. Decreased BMP-7 and p-Smad1/5/8 expression, and increased levels of gremlin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:2113-2118. [PMID: 30008908 PMCID: PMC6036485 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), gremlin, and p-Smad/1/5/8 in carcinomatous and para-carcinoma tissue specimens from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The association of serum BMP-7 levels with clinicopathological parameters was examined to assess its relevance as a clinical biomarker for HCC. A total of 27 patients with HCC and 7 healthy subjects were included. Gene expression levels of BMP-7 and p-Smad1/5/8 were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical and western blot analysis were performed to determine the protein expression of target genes. The serum levels of BMP-7 were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-7 and gremlin were significantly down- and upregulated in HCC tumor tissues, respectively, compared with para-carcinoma tissues (P<0.05). The association of BMP-7 and gremlin expression with the differentiation status of HCC was also analyzed. There was a relatively higher level of BMP-7 and a lower level of gremlin expression in tumor tissues from patients with highly differentiated HCC when compared with poorly or moderately differentiated HCC (BMP-7, F=42.29, P<0.01; gremlin, F=37.93, P<0.01). Furthermore, the level of BMP-7 and p-Smad1/5/8 was decreased in patients with advanced stages of HCC, when compared with stage I HCC. The findings from the present study suggest that the BMP-7/p-Smad signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of HCC. The serum levels of BMP-7 may serve as a potential biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Qin Ding
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Zhengxia Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Qin
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Xuebing Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
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Zeng XY, Zhang YQ, He XM, Wan LY, Wang H, Ni YR, Wang J, Wu JF, Liu CB. Suppression of hepatic stellate cell activation through downregulation of gremlin1 expression by the miR-23b/27b cluster. Oncotarget 2018; 7:86198-86210. [PMID: 27863390 PMCID: PMC5349907 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The imbalance between transforming growth factor β and bone morphogenetic protein 7 signaling pathways is a critical step in promoting hepatic stellate cell activation during hepatic fibrogenesis. Gremlin1 may impair the balance. Something remains unclear about the regulatory mechanisms of gremlin1 action on hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrosis. In the current study, gremlin1 overexpression promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells. Knockdown of gremlin1 with siRNAs suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation and attenuates hepatic fibrosis in rat model. Our results also show that miR-23b/27b cluster members bind to 3'-untranslated region of gremlin1 resulting in reduction of transforming growth factor β, α-smooth muscle actin and collagenI α1/2 gene expression. Our findings suggest that gremlin1 promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrogenesis through impairment of the balance between transforming growth factor β and bone morphogenetic protein 7 signaling pathways. The miR-23b/27b cluster suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells through binding gremlin1 to rectify the imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Yi Zeng
- The Institute of Cell Therapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.,Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Yan-Qiong Zhang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,Institute of Liver Diseases, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Xiao-Min He
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Lin-Yan Wan
- The Institute of Cell Therapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.,Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Hubei Yichang, 443000, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,Institute of Liver Diseases, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Hu Wang
- The Institute of Cell Therapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.,Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Hubei Yichang, 443000, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Yi-Ran Ni
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- The Institute of Cell Therapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.,Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Hubei Yichang, 443000, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,Institute of Liver Diseases, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
| | - Chang-Bai Liu
- The Institute of Cell Therapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.,Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,The First People's Hospital of Yichang, Hubei Yichang, 443000, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China.,Institute of Liver Diseases, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, China
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23
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Nguyen XX, Muhammad L, Nietert PJ, Feghali-Bostwick C. IGFBP-5 Promotes Fibrosis via Increasing Its Own Expression and That of Other Pro-fibrotic Mediators. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:601. [PMID: 30374330 PMCID: PMC6196226 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a hallmark of diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To date, the therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary fibrosis are limited, and organ transplantation remains the most effective option. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in SSc and IPF. In this study, we demonstrate that both exogenous and adenovirally expressed IGFBP-5 promote fibrosis by increasing the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and the expression of pro-fibrotic genes in primary human lung fibroblasts. IGFBP-5 increased expression of the pro-fibrotic growth factor CTGF and levels of the matrix crosslinking enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX). Silencing of IGFBP-5 had different effects in lung fibroblasts from normal donors and patients with SSc or IPF. Moreover, we show that IGFBP-5 increases expression of ECM genes, CTGF, and LOX in human lung tissues maintained in organ culture. Together, our data extend our previous findings and demonstrate that IGFBP-5 exerts its pro-fibrotic activity by directly inducing expression of ECM and pro-fibrotic genes. Further, IGFBP-5 promotes its own expression, generating a positive feedback loop. This suggests that IGFBP-5 likely acts in concert with other growth factors to drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinh-Xinh Nguyen
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Lutfiyya Muhammad
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Paul J. Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- *Correspondence: Carol Feghali-Bostwick
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24
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Li XQ, Zhang QQ, Zhang HY, Guo XH, Fan HQ, Liu LX. Interaction between insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2017; 16:395-404. [PMID: 28823370 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(17)60013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously showed that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) is a novel mediator in liver fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is known as the strongest effector of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the detailed interaction between IGFBPrP1 and TGFβ1 in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS We overexpressed TGFβ1 or IGFBPrP1 and inhibited TGFβ1 expression in primary HSCs for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to investigate their interaction and observe the accompanying expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, and phosphorylated-mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (p-Smad2/3). RESULTS We found that the adenovirus vector encoding the TGFβ1 gene (AdTGFβ1) induced IGFBPrP1 expression while that of α-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and TGFβ1 increased gradually. Concomitantly, AdIGFBPrP1 upregulated TGFβ1, α-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3 in a time-dependent manner while IGFBPrP1 expression was decreased at 96 hours. Inhibition of TGFβ1 expression reduced the IGFBPrP1-stimulated expression of α-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS These findings for the first time suggest the existence of a possible mutually regulation between IGFBPrP1 and TGFβ1, which likely accelerates liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, IGFBPrP1 likely participates in liver fibrosis in a TGFβ1-depedent manner, and may act as an upstream regulatory factor of TGFβ1 in the Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Qing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, Taiyuan 030001, China; The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University; and Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, Taiyuan 030001, China; The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University; and Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, Taiyuan 030001, China; The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University; and Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hui-Qin Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, Taiyuan 030001, China; The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University; and Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Li-Xin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taiyuan 030001, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, Taiyuan 030001, China; The First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University; and Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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25
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Zhang YQ, Wan LY, He XM, Ni YR, Wang C, Liu CB, Wu JF. Gremlin1 Accelerates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Through Upregulation of TGF-Beta Expression. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:603-610. [PMID: 28467108 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2017.3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin1, the antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein-7 and one of the target genes of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signal pathway, plays an important role in embryonic development and its expression decreases along with aging. To explore the expression of gremlin1 in liver fibrosis and the causal link between gremlin1 and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, we detected the expression of gremlin1 in mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by porcine serum using real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical staining. The hepatic fibrosis mice were evaluated by the external feature of the liver, histology, hepatic function, collagen deposition, and the expression of fibrosis-related genes (genes COLIα2 and COLIVα2) in the liver. In the HSC-T6, western blotting was used to analyze the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), COL1α, and TGF-β1 in conditions of overexpression of gremlin1 or gremlin1 being knocked down by specific siRNA, respectively. The results showed that the mRNA expression of the gremlin1 gene was significantly increased consistent with increased expression of COLIα2 and COLIVα2 in the liver tissue of the hepatic fibrosis mice. Increased expression of gremlin1 coincided with the same area of the collagen deposition. Furthermore, the results also showed that the expression of α-SMA, COLIα1, and TGF-β1 was consistent with the expression of gremlin1 not only in the HSC-T6 overexpressing gremlin1 but also in the HSC-T6 that gremlin1 is knocked down by specific siRNA. The findings suggest that gremlin1 might play an important role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis and that it modulates HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qiong Zhang
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
| | - Lin-Yan Wan
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
- 2 Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
- 3 Digestive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yichang , Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Min He
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
- 2 Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
| | - Yi-Ran Ni
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
| | - Chang Wang
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
- 2 Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
| | - Chang-Bai Liu
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
- 2 Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
- 2 Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University , Yichang, China
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26
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Stellate Cell Activation and Imbalanced Expression of TGF- β1/TGF- β3 in Acute Autoimmune Liver Lesions Induced by ConA in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:2540540. [PMID: 28246592 PMCID: PMC5303577 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2540540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To study the pathogenic feature of liver injury, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and dynamic expression of TGF-β1/TGF-β3 to reveal their role in liver injury induced by ConA. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into control group and ConA treatment group. ConA (20 mg/kg) was injected through vena caudalis in ConA treatment group; the controls received the same volume of saline injection. After injection for 2 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h, animals were terminated. Blood, liver, and spleen were harvested. Liver function and histopathology were studied. α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were detected. Results. After ConA injection, liver damage started to increase. Expression of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 was significantly enhanced; all above indicators reached peak at 8 h; but from 24 h after ConA injection, TGF-β3 expression began to decline, while the TGF-β1/TGF-β3 ratio at 48 h was significantly lower than control. Conclusion. (1) Autoimmune liver injury induced by ConA showed time-based features, in which the most serious liver lesions happened at 8 h after ConA injection. (2) Early activation of HSC and imbalance expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 existed in ConA-induced acute autoimmune liver injury, which may be associated with liver dysfunction and the mechanisms of progression to fibrosis.
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27
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Koli K, Sutinen E, Rönty M, Rantakari P, Fortino V, Pulkkinen V, Greco D, Sipilä P, Myllärniemi M. Gremlin-1 Overexpression in Mouse Lung Reduces Silica-Induced Lymphocyte Recruitment - A Link to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis through Negative Correlation with CXCL10 Chemokine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159010. [PMID: 27428020 PMCID: PMC4948891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by activation and injury of epithelial cells, the accumulation of connective tissue and changes in the inflammatory microenvironment. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitor protein gremlin-1 is associated with the progression of fibrosis both in human and mouse lung. We generated a transgenic mouse model expressing gremlin-1 in type II lung epithelial cells using the surfactant protein C (SPC) promoter and the Cre-LoxP system. Gremlin-1 protein expression was detected specifically in the lung after birth and did not result in any signs of respiratory insufficiency. Exposure to silicon dioxide resulted in reduced amounts of lymphocyte aggregates in transgenic lungs while no alteration in the fibrotic response was observed. Microarray gene expression profiling and analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytokines indicated a reduced lymphocytic response and a downregulation of interferon-induced gene program. Consistent with reduced Th1 response, there was a downregulation of the mRNA and protein expression of the anti-fibrotic chemokine CXCL10, which has been linked to IPF. In human IPF patient samples we also established a strong negative correlation in the mRNA expression levels of gremlin-1 and CXCL10. Our results suggest that in addition to regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk during tissue injury, gremlin-1 modulates inflammatory cell recruitment and anti-fibrotic chemokine production in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katri Koli
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Eva Sutinen
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Rönty
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Fimlab laboratories, Pathology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pia Rantakari
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Vittorio Fortino
- Unit of Systems Toxicology and Nanosafety Centre, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Pulkkinen
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dario Greco
- Unit of Systems Toxicology and Nanosafety Centre, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marjukka Myllärniemi
- Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
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Thai SF, Wallace KA, Jones CP, Ren H, Grulke E, Castellon BT, Crooks J, Kitchin KT. Differential Genomic Effects of Six Different TiO2Nanomaterials on Human Liver HepG2 Cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2016; 30:331-41. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheau-Fung Thai
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
| | - Kathleen A. Wallace
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
| | - Carlton P. Jones
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
| | - Hongzu Ren
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
| | - Eric Grulke
- Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY 40506 USA
| | - Benjamin T. Castellon
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
| | - James Crooks
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
| | - Kirk T. Kitchin
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park; NC 27711 USA
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Lei XF, Fu W, Kim-Kaneyama JR, Omoto T, Miyazaki T, Li B, Miyazaki A. Hic-5 deficiency attenuates the activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis through upregulation of Smad7 in mice. J Hepatol 2016; 64:110-7. [PMID: 26334580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone-5 (Hic-5), also named as transforming growth factor beta-1-induced transcript 1 protein (Tgfb1i1), was found to be induced by TGF-β. Previous studies have shown that TGF-β is a principal mediator of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in liver fibrosis. However, this process remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to define the role of Hic-5 in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. METHODS We examined the expression levels of Hic-5 during HSCs activation and in fibrotic liver tissues by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Hic-5 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection to induce liver fibrosis. RESULTS Hic-5 expression was strongly upregulated in activated HSCs of the human fibrotic liver tissue and BDL or CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis. Hic-5 deficiency significantly attenuated mouse liver fibrosis and HSC activation. Furthermore, Hic-5 knockdown by siRNA in vivo repressed CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, the absence of Hic-5 significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway, proved by increasing Smad7 expression, resulting in reduced collagen production and α-smooth muscle actin expression in the activated HSCs. CONCLUSION Hic-5 deficiency attenuates the activation of HSCs and liver fibrosis though reducing the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling by upregulation of Smad7. Thus, Hic-5 can be regarded as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Lei
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wenguang Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Joo-Ri Kim-Kaneyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomokatsu Omoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuro Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Akira Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Interacts With the Transforming Growth Factor-β/Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2/Gremlin Signaling Pathway to Regulate Proinflammatory and Profibrotic Mediators in Pancreatic Acinar and Stellate Cells. Pancreas 2016; 45:659-70. [PMID: 26495794 PMCID: PMC4833530 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) regulates immune and fibrotic responses of chronic pancreatitis. The bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) antagonist gremlin is regulated by TGF-β. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) levels are elevated in chronic pancreatitis. Here, we investigated the cross-talk between TGF-β/BMP-2/gremlin and PTHrP signaling. METHODS Reverse transcription/real-time polymerase chain reaction, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and transient transfection were used to investigate PTHrP regulation by TGF-β and BMP-2 and gremlin regulation by PTHrP. The PTHrP antagonist PTHrP (7-34) and acinar cells with conditional Pthrp gene deletion (PTHrP) were used to assess PTHrP's role in the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of TGF-β and gremlin. RESULTS Transforming growth factor β increased PTHrP levels in acinar cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) through a Smad3-dependent pathway. Transforming growth factor β's effects on levels of IL-6 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (acinar cells) and procollagen I and fibronectin (PSCs) were inhibited by PTHrP (7-34). PTHrP suppressed TGF-β's effects on IL-6 and ICAM-1. Parathyroid hormone-related hormone increased gremlin in acinar cells, and inhibiting gremlin action suppressed TGF-β's and PTHrP's effects on IL-6 and ICAM-1. Transforming growth factor β-mediated gremlin up-regulation was suppressed in PTHrP cells. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 suppressed PTHrP levels in PSCs. CONCLUSIONS Parathyroid hormone-related hormone functions as a novel mediator of the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of TGF-β. Transforming growth factor β and BMP-2 regulate PTHrP expression, and PTHrP regulates gremlin levels.
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Graham JR, Williams CMM, Yang Z. MicroRNA-27b targets gremlin 1 to modulate fibrotic responses in pulmonary cells. J Cell Biochem 2015; 115:1539-48. [PMID: 24633904 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by an excessive deposition of scar tissue in the affected organs. A central mediator of this process is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which stimulates the production of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagens. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in both fibrosis as well as in TGF-β signaling, but the extent of their regulation has not been fully defined. A functional screen was conducted using a library of miRNA inhibitors to identify miRNAs that affect TGF-β-induced type I collagen expression, a key event in the development of fibrosis. The inhibition of one miRNA in particular, miR-27b, caused a significant increase in type I collagen expression. We found that miR-27b directly targets Gremlin 1 by binding to its 3'-UTR, reducing its mRNA levels. TGF-β signaling decreased miR-27b expression and caused a corresponding increase in Gremlin 1 levels, suggesting that TGF-β regulates Gremlin 1 expression in part by modulating miR-27b expression. Reducing Gremlin 1 levels by either siRNA-mediated gene silencing or by using the miR-27b mimic inhibited the expression of several genes known to be involved in fibrosis, while increasing Gremlin 1 levels by the addition of either recombinant protein or the miR-27b inhibitor enhanced the expression of these genes. In summary, we have demonstrated that miR-27b targets Gremlin 1, and that this regulation likely represents an important control point in fibrotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Graham
- Inflammation and Remodeling Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02140
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El Taghdouini A, Sørensen AL, Reiner AH, Coll M, Verhulst S, Mannaerts I, Øie CI, Smedsrød B, Najimi M, Sokal E, Luttun A, Sancho-Bru P, Collas P, van Grunsven LA. Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in purified, uncultured human liver cells and activated hepatic stellate cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:26729-45. [PMID: 26353929 PMCID: PMC4694948 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrogenesis - scarring of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer - is characterized by hepatocyte impairment, capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. To date, the molecular determinants of a healthy human liver cell phenotype remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we assess the transcriptome and the genome-wide promoter methylome specific for purified, non-cultured human hepatocytes, LSECs and HSCs, and investigate the nature of epigenetic changes accompanying transcriptional changes associated with activation of HSCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gene expression profile and promoter methylome of purified, uncultured human liver cells and culture-activated HSCs were respectively determined using Affymetrix HG-U219 genechips and by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation coupled to promoter array hybridization. Histone modification patterns were assessed at the single-gene level by chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR. RESULTS We unveil a DNA-methylation-based epigenetic relationship between hepatocytes, LSECs and HSCs despite their distinct ontogeny. We show that liver cell type-specific DNA methylation targets early developmental and differentiation-associated functions. Integrative analysis of promoter methylome and transcriptome reveals partial concordance between DNA methylation and transcriptional changes associated with human HSC activation. Further, we identify concordant histone methylation and acetylation changes in the promoter and putative novel enhancer elements of genes involved in liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides the first epigenetic blueprint of three distinct freshly isolated, human hepatic cell types and of epigenetic changes elicited upon HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil El Taghdouini
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anita L. Sørensen
- Department of Molecular medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrew H. Reiner
- Department of Molecular medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mar Coll
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cristina I. Øie
- Department of Medical Biology, Vascular Biology Research Group, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bård Smedsrød
- Department of Medical Biology, Vascular Biology Research Group, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pau Sancho-Bru
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Collas
- Department of Molecular medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Marchant V, Droguett A, Valderrama G, Burgos ME, Carpio D, Kerr B, Ruiz-Ortega M, Egido J, Mezzano S. Tubular overexpression of Gremlin in transgenic mice aggravates renal damage in diabetic nephropathy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 309:F559-68. [PMID: 26155842 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00023.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is currently a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Gremlin was identified as a gene differentially expressed in mesangial cells exposed to high glucose and in experimental diabetic kidneys. We have described that Gremlin is highly expressed in biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy, predominantly in areas of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetes, Gremlin deletion using Grem1 heterozygous knockout mice or by gene silencing, ameliorates renal damage. To study the in vivo role of Gremlin in renal damage, we developed a diabetic model induced by STZ in transgenic (TG) mice expressing human Gremlin in proximal tubular epithelial cells. The albuminuria/creatinuria ratio, determined at week 20 after treatment, was significantly increased in diabetic mice but with no significant differences between transgenic (TG/STZ) and wild-type mice (WT/STZ). To assess the level of renal damage, kidney tissue was analyzed by light microscopy (periodic acid-Schiff and Masson staining), electron microscopy, and quantitative PCR. TG/STZ mice had significantly greater thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, increased mesangial matrix, and podocytopenia vs. WT/STZ. At the tubulointerstitial level, TG/STZ showed increased cell infiltration and mild interstitial fibrosis. In addition, we observed a decreased expression of podocin and overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fibrotic-related markers, including transforming growth factor-β1, Col1a1, and α-smooth muscle actin. Together, these results show that TG mice overexpressing Gremlin in renal tubules develop greater glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in response to diabetic-mediated damage and support the involvement of Gremlin in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Marchant
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alejandra Droguett
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Graciela Valderrama
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - M Eugenia Burgos
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Daniel Carpio
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS)-Fundación Jimenez Diaz, Madrid, Spain; and
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM/Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile;
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Gremlin is a key pro-fibrogenic factor in chronic pancreatitis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:1085-1093. [PMID: 26141517 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The current study aims to identify the pro-fibrogenic role of Gremlin, an endogenous antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in chronic pancreatitis (CP). CP is a highly debilitating disease characterized by progressive pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis that ultimately leads to exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. While transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a known key pro-fibrogenic factor in CP, the TGF-β superfamily member BMPs exert an anti-fibrogenic function in CP as reported by our group recently. To investigate how BMP signaling is regulated in CP by BMP antagonists, the mouse CP model induced by cerulein was used. During CP induction, TGF-β1 messenger RNA (mRNA) increased 156-fold in 2 weeks, a BMP antagonist Gremlin 1 (Grem1) mRNA levels increased 145-fold at 3 weeks, and increases in Grem1 protein levels correlated with increases in collagen deposition. Increased Grem1 was also observed in human CP pancreata compared to normal. Grem1 knockout in Grem1 (+/-) mice revealed a 33.2 % reduction in pancreatic fibrosis in CP compared to wild-type littermates. In vitro in isolated pancreatic stellate cells, TGF-β induced Grem1 expression. Addition of the recombinant mouse Grem1 protein blocked BMP2-induced Smad1/5 phosphorylation and abolished BMP2's suppression effects on TGF-β-induced collagen expression. Evidences presented herein demonstrate that Grem1, induced by TGF-β, is pro-fibrogenic by antagonizing BMP activity in CP. KEY MESSAGES • Gremlin is upregulated in human chronic pancreatitis and a mouse CP model in vivo. • Deficiency of Grem1 in mice attenuates pancreatic fibrosis under CP induction in vivo. • TGF-β induces Gremlin mRNA and protein expression in pancreatic stellate cells in vitro. • Gremlin blocks BMP2 signaling and function in pancreatic stellate cells in vitro. • This study discloses a pro-fibrogenic role of Gremlin by antagonizing BMP activity in chronic pancreatitis.
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Mapping the heparin-binding site of the BMP antagonist gremlin by site-directed mutagenesis based on predictive modelling. Biochem J 2015; 470:53-64. [PMID: 26251446 DOI: 10.1042/bj20150228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin is a member of the CAN (cerberus and DAN) family of secreted BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) antagonists and also an agonist of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) receptor-2. It is critical in limb skeleton and kidney development and is re-expressed during tissue fibrosis. Gremlin binds strongly to heparin and heparan sulfate and, in the present study, we sought to investigate its heparin-binding site. In order to explore a putative non-contiguous binding site predicted by computational molecular modelling, we substituted a total of 11 key arginines and lysines located in three basic residue sequence clusters with homologous sequences from cerberus and DAN (differential screening selected gene abberative in neuroblastoma), CAN proteins which lack basic residues in these positions. A panel of six Myc-tagged gremlin mutants, MGR-1-MGR-6 (MGR, mutant gremlin), each containing different combinations of targeted substitutions, all showed markedly reduced affinity for heparin as demonstrated by their NaCl elution on heparin affinity chromatography, thus verifying our predictions. Both MGR-5 and MGR-6 retained BMP-4-binding activity comparable to that of wild-type gremlin. Low-molecular-mass heparin neither promoted nor inhibited BMP-4 binding. Finally, glutaraldehyde cross-linking demonstrated that gremlin forms non-covalent dimers, similar behaviour to that of DAN and also PRDC (protein related to cerberus and DAN), another CAN protein. The resulting dimer would possess two heparin-binding sites, each running along an exposed surface on the second β-strand finger loop of one of the monomers.
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Lavoz C, Alique M, Rodrigues-Diez R, Pato J, Keri G, Mezzano S, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M. Gremlin regulates renal inflammation via the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 pathway. J Pathol 2015; 236:407-20. [PMID: 25810250 DOI: 10.1002/path.4537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a main feature of progressive kidney disease. Gremlin binds to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), acting as an antagonist and regulating nephrogenesis and fibrosis among other processes. Gremlin also binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial cells to induce angiogenesis. In renal cells, gremlin regulates proliferation and fibrosis, but there are no data about inflammatory-related events. We have investigated the direct effects of gremlin in the kidney, evaluating whether VEGFR2 is a functional gremlin receptor. Administration of recombinant gremlin to murine kidneys induced rapid and sustained activation of VEGFR2 signalling, located in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Gremlin bound to VEGFR2 in these cells in vitro, activating this signalling pathway independently of its action as an antagonist of BMPs. In vivo, gremlin caused early renal damage, characterized by activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway linked to up-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune inflammatory cells. VEGFR2 blockade diminished gremlin-induced renal inflammatory responses. The link between gremlin/VEGFR2 and NF-κB/inflammation was confirmed in vitro. Gremlin overexpression was associated with VEGFR2 activation in human renal disease and in the unilateral ureteral obstruction experimental model, where VEGFR2 kinase inhibition diminished renal inflammation. Our data show that a gremlin/VEGFR2 axis participates in renal inflammation and could be a novel target for kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lavoz
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
| | - Matilde Alique
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
| | | | - Gyorgy Keri
- VichemChemie Ltd, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Department of Medical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, CIBERDEM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, REDINREN, Spain
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Brazil DP, Church RH, Surae S, Godson C, Martin F. BMP signalling: agony and antagony in the family. Trends Cell Biol 2015; 25:249-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Decaris ML, Emson CL, Li K, Gatmaitan M, Luo F, Cattin J, Nakamura C, Holmes WE, Angel TE, Peters MG, Turner SM, Hellerstein MK. Turnover rates of hepatic collagen and circulating collagen-associated proteins in humans with chronic liver disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123311. [PMID: 25909381 PMCID: PMC4409311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation and degradation of scar tissue in fibrotic liver disease occur slowly, typically over many years. Direct measurement of fibrogenesis, the rate of scar tissue deposition, may provide valuable therapeutic and prognostic information. We describe here results from a pilot study utilizing in vivo metabolic labeling to measure the turnover rate of hepatic collagen and collagen-associated proteins in plasma for the first time in human subjects. Eight subjects with chronic liver disease were labeled with daily oral doses of 2H2O for up to 8 weeks prior to diagnostic liver biopsy and plasma collection. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the abundance and fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of proteins in liver and blood. Relative protein abundance and FSR data in liver revealed marked differences among subjects. FSRs of hepatic type I and III collagen ranged from 0.2–0.6% per day (half-lives of 4 months to a year) and correlated significantly with worsening histologic fibrosis. Analysis of plasma protein turnover revealed two collagen-associated proteins, lumican and transforming growth factor beta-induced-protein (TGFBI), exhibiting FSRs that correlated significantly with FSRs of hepatic collagen. In summary, this is the first direct measurement of liver collagen turnover in vivo in humans and suggests a high rate of collagen remodeling in advanced fibrosis. In addition, the FSRs of collagen-associated proteins in plasma are measurable and may provide a novel strategy for monitoring hepatic fibrogenesis rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L. Decaris
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ST); (MD)
| | - Claire L. Emson
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Kelvin Li
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle Gatmaitan
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Flora Luo
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Jerome Cattin
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Corelle Nakamura
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - William E. Holmes
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Angel
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Marion G. Peters
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Scott M. Turner
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ST); (MD)
| | - Marc K. Hellerstein
- Department of Fibrosis, KineMed Inc., Emeryville, California, United States of America
- Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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Novel prognostic tissue markers in congestive heart failure. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 24:65-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. Hepatol Int 2014; 9:130-41. [PMID: 25788387 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-014-9578-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Previously, we suggested that IGFBPrP1 played a major role in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, yet the molecular mechanism of IGFBPrP1 in hepatic fibrosis is unclear. The ERK pathway is involved in activation of HSCs. This study investigated the involvement of the ERK1/2 pathway in IGFBPrP1-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS An adenoviral vector encoding IGFBPrP1 (AdIGFBPrP1) was constructed. Rats received AdIGFBPrP1 or CAd (vector control) via their tail vein injection. One hour prior to adenoviral injections, rats were intraperitoneally administrated with 10 mg/kg U0126 (a specific MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor) or DMSO (vehicle control). At weeks 2 or 4 post-gene transduction, serum samples were obtained and the levels of liver enzymes and hydroxyproline were determined. Liver tissue were histologically evaluated for inflammation and fibrosis. The expression of α-SMA and ECM were evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS After transduction, IGFBPrP1 expression significantly increased in livers and transduced cells. MEK/ERK1/2 inhibition administration of AdIGFBPrP1-treated rats and cells significantly blocked AdIGFBPrP1-induced activation of ERK1/2. U0126 significantly down-regulated the number of F4/80-positive cells and CD3-positive cells (markers of liver inflammation), the expression of α-SMA and the concentration of ECM components in vivo. In addition, α-SMA and TGF-β1 levels in AdIGFBPrP1 HSCs were markedly inhibited by a MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor, indicating that HSC activation was inhibited. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that IGFBPrP1 acts as an initiator of liver fibrosis by inducing inflammation, HSC activation and ECM deposition through the ERK1/2 pathway.
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Zhang Y, Zhang QQ, Guo XH, Zhang HY, Liu LX. IGFBPrP1 induces liver fibrosis by inducing hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatocyte apoptosis via Smad2/3 signaling. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:6523-6533. [PMID: 24914373 PMCID: PMC4047337 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i21.6523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) in the development of liver fibrosis.
METHODS: An in vitro model using hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 cells and an in vivo model of rat liver overexpressing IGFBPrP1 were established using an IGFBPrP1-expressing recombinant adenovirus. The expression of IGFBPrP1 was examined by immunofluorescence, and the expression of collagen I and fibronectin was measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The expression of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A shSmad3-expressing recombinant adenovirus (AdshSmad3) was designed and used to knockdown the Smad3 gene in HSC-T6 cells and rat liver fibrosis transfected with IGFBPrP1. The expression of collagen I, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Hepatocyte apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assay.
RESULTS: IGFBPrP1 overexpression induced collagen deposition and up-regulated the expression of α-SMA and p-Smad2/3, and AdshSmad3 inhibited IGFBPrP1-stimulated p-Smad2/3 activation and the expression of α-SMA, collagen I and fibronectin in HSC-T6 cells. Similarly, increased hepatocyte apoptosis (38.56% ± 3.42% vs 0.24% ± 0.03%, P < 0.05), α-SMA positive stained cells (29.84% ± 1.36% vs 5.83% ± 1.47%, P < 0.05), and increased numbers of Smad3 (35.88% ± 2.15% vs 10.24% ± 1.31%, P < 0.05) and p-Smad2/3 positive cells (28.87% ± 2.73% vs 8.23% ± 0.98%, P < 0.05) were detected in the livers of IGFBPrP1-overexpressing rats compared with the control group. Moreover, AdshSmad3 reduced IGFBPrP1-stimulated Smad3 expression and attenuated α-SMA expression (29.84% ± 1.36% vs 8.23% ± 1.28%, P < 0.05), hepatocyte apoptosis (38.56% ± 3.42% vs 6.75% ± 0.52%, P < 0.05), and both collagen I and fibronectin deposition in the livers of AdIGFBPrP1-treated rats.
CONCLUSION: IGFBPrP1 induces liver fibrosis by mediating the activation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatocyte apoptosis in a Smad3-dependent mechanism.
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Mueller KAL, Tavlaki E, Schneider M, Jorbenadze R, Geisler T, Kandolf R, Gawaz M, Mueller II, Zuern CS. Gremlin-1 identifies fibrosis and predicts adverse outcome in patients with heart failure undergoing endomyocardial biopsy. J Card Fail 2014; 19:678-84. [PMID: 24125106 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gremlin-1 (Grem1), an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins, is involved in fibrotic tissue formation in kidney and lung. The impact of myocardial Grem1 expression is unknown. We investigated the prognostic value of Grem1 expression in 214 consecutive patients with nonischemic heart failure (HF) undergoing endomyocardial biopsy. METHODS In all patients, the following risk factors were assessed: Grem1 expression (semiquantitative score scheme ranging from 1 to 4), presence of inflammatory markers, detection of viral genome, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA), troponin I, and B-type natriuretic peptide. Degree of myocardial fibrosis was defined as an index. Study end point was a combination of all-cause death and HF-related rehospitalization within 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS Grem1 expression significantly correlated with the degree of myocardial fibrosis (correlation coefficient r = 0.619; P < .0001). Patients with the highest Grem1 expression (score 4) showed the most severely impaired LVEF and highest LVEDD (P < .0001 and P = .030, respectively, for comparison of semiquantitative scores). During follow-up, 33 patients (15.4%) reached the study end point. Grem1 expression and NYHA ≥II were independent predictors of the end point (Grem1: hazard ratio [HR] 7.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-32.2; P = .006; NYHA ≥II: HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.1; P = .048). CONCLUSIONS Grem1 correlates with the degree of myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular dysfunction and is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in patients with nonischemic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin A L Mueller
- Medizinische Klinik III, Kardiologie und Kreislauferkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Gremlin activates the Smad pathway linked to epithelial mesenchymal transdifferentiation in cultured tubular epithelial cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:802841. [PMID: 24949470 PMCID: PMC4052161 DOI: 10.1155/2014/802841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gremlin is a developmental gene upregulated in human chronic kidney disease and in renal cells in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one process involved in renal fibrosis. In tubular epithelial cells we have recently described that Gremlin induces EMT and acts as a downstream TGF-β mediator. Our aim was to investigate whether Gremlin participates in EMT by the regulation of the Smad pathway. Stimulation of human tubular epithelial cells (HK2) with Gremlin caused an early activation of the Smad signaling pathway (Smad 2/3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and Smad-dependent gene transcription). The blockade of TGF-β, by a neutralizing antibody against active TGF-β, did not modify Gremlin-induced early Smad activation. These data show that Gremlin directly, by a TGF-β independent process, activates the Smad pathway. In tubular epithelial cells long-term incubation with Gremlin increased TGF-β production and caused a sustained Smad activation and a phenotype conversion into myofibroblasts-like cells. Smad 7 overexpression, which blocks Smad 2/3 activation, diminished EMT changes observed in Gremlin-transfected tubuloepithelial cells. TGF-β neutralization also diminished Gremlin-induced EMT changes. In conclusion, we propose that Gremlin could participate in renal fibrosis by inducing EMT in tubular epithelial cells through activation of Smad pathway and induction of TGF-β.
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Guo XH, Liu LX, Zhang HY, Zhang QQ, Li Y, Tian XX, Qiu ZH. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis. J Dig Dis 2014; 15:202-10. [PMID: 24373620 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1) in the development of hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental disease models and human liver samples. METHODS Cellular distribution patterns of IGFBP-rP1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens. Gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 was performed on cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the silencing effect was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. We also determined the effects of siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components by Western blot. The expression of ECM components and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in C57BL/6 wild-type mice treated with recombinant IGFBP-rP1 (rIGFBP-rP1). RESULTS Expression of IGFBP-rP1 was significantly elevated in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens, and this increase was positively correlated with the number of collagen fibers observed. siRNA-mediated gene silencing of IGFBP-rP1 resulted in significantly decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin in HSCs. Moreover, IGFBP-rP1 overexpression significantly increased the production of collagen, fibronectin and TGF-β1 in rIGFBP-rP1-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS IGFBP-rP1 contributes to the development of liver fibrosis and may be a novel molecule involved in the progression of hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Experimental Center of Science and Research, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Provincial Department of the Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Akiel M, Rajasekaran D, Gredler R, Siddiq A, Srivastava J, Robertson C, Jariwala NH, Fisher PB, Sarkar D. Emerging role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2014; 1:9-19. [PMID: 27508172 PMCID: PMC4918263 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s44460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a vicious and highly vascular cancer with a dismal prognosis. It is a life-threatening illness worldwide that ranks fifth in terms of cancer prevalence and third in cancer deaths. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage by which time conventional therapies are no longer effective. Targeted molecular therapies, such as the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, provide a modest increase in survival for advanced HCC patients and display significant toxicity. Thus, there is an immense need to identify novel regulators of HCC that might be targeted effectively. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is commonly abnormal in HCC. Upon activation, the IGF axis controls metabolism, tissue homeostasis, and survival. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is a secreted protein of a family of low-affinity IGF-binding proteins termed “IGFBP-related proteins” that have been identified as a potential tumor suppressor in HCC. IGFBP7 has been implicated in regulating cellular proliferation, senescence, and angiogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the role of IGFBP7 in HCC and the potential use of IGFBP7 as a novel biomarker for drug resistance and as an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaged Akiel
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Devaraja Rajasekaran
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Rachel Gredler
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ayesha Siddiq
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jyoti Srivastava
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Chadia Robertson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nidhi Himanshu Jariwala
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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O'Reilly S, Ciechomska M, Cant R, van Laar JM. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) trans signaling drives a STAT3-dependent pathway that leads to hyperactive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling promoting SMAD3 activation and fibrosis via Gremlin protein. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:9952-60. [PMID: 24550394 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.545822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common and intractable condition associated with various pathologies. It is characterized by accumulation of an excessive amount of extracellular matrix molecules that primarily include collagen type I. IL-6 is a profibrotic cytokine that is elevated in the prototypic fibrotic autoimmune condition systemic sclerosis and is known to induce collagen I expression, but the mechanism(s) behind this induction are currently unknown. Using healthy dermal fibroblasts in vitro, we analyzed the signaling pathways that underscore the IL-6-mediated induction of collagen. We show that IL-6 trans signaling is important and that the effect is dependent on STAT3; however, the effect is indirect and mediated through enhanced TGF-β signaling and the classic downstream cellular mediator Smad3. This is due to induction of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin-1, and we show that Gremlin-1 is profibrotic and is mediated through canonical TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- From the Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, 4th Floor Cookson Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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Zhu S, Xu F, Zhang J, Ruan W, Lai M. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 and cancer. Clin Chim Acta 2014; 431:23-32. [PMID: 24513543 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2014.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1) belongs to the IGFBP family whose members have a conserved structural homology. It has a low affinity for IGFs and a high affinity for insulin, suggesting that IGFBP-rP1 may have a biological function distinct from other members of the family. IGFBP-rP1 is ubiquitously expressed in normal human tissues and has diverse biological functions, regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and senescence; it may also have a key role in vascular biology. Increasing evidence suggests that IGFBP-rP1 acts as a tumor suppressor. It elicits its biological effects by both insulin/IGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. This paper provides a brief overview of the structure and regulation of IGFBP-rP1 and its various biological functions in cancer, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 Zhejiang, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Fangying Xu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wenjing Ruan
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 Qingchundong Road, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| | - Maode Lai
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 Zhejiang, China.
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Kong XY, Nesset CK, Damme M, Løberg EM, Lübke T, Mæhlen J, Andersson KB, Lorenzo PI, Roos N, Thoresen GH, Rustan AC, Kase ET, Eskild W. Loss of lysosomal membrane protein NCU-G1 in mice results in spontaneous liver fibrosis with accumulation of lipofuscin and iron in Kupffer cells. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:351-62. [PMID: 24487409 PMCID: PMC3944495 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human kidney predominant protein, NCU-G1, is a highly conserved protein with an unknown biological function. Initially described as a nuclear protein, it was later shown to be a bona fide lysosomal integral membrane protein. To gain insight into the physiological function of NCU-G1, mice with no detectable expression of this gene were created using a gene-trap strategy, and Ncu-g1gt/gt mice were successfully characterized. Lysosomal disorders are mainly caused by lack of or malfunctioning of proteins in the endosomal-lysosomal pathway. The clinical symptoms vary, but often include liver dysfunction. Persistent liver damage activates fibrogenesis and, if unremedied, eventually leads to liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and death. We demonstrate that the disruption of Ncu-g1 results in spontaneous liver fibrosis in mice as the predominant phenotype. Evidence for an increased rate of hepatic cell death, oxidative stress and active fibrogenesis were detected in Ncu-g1gt/gt liver. In addition to collagen deposition, microscopic examination of liver sections revealed accumulation of autofluorescent lipofuscin and iron in Ncu-g1gt/gt Kupffer cells. Because only a few transgenic mouse models have been identified with chronic liver injury and spontaneous liver fibrosis development, we propose that the Ncu-g1gt/gt mouse could be a valuable new tool in the development of novel treatments for the attenuation of fibrosis due to chronic liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Y Kong
- Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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Mannaerts I, Schroyen B, Verhulst S, Van Lommel L, Schuit F, Nyssen M, van Grunsven LA. Gene expression profiling of early hepatic stellate cell activation reveals a role for Igfbp3 in cell migration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84071. [PMID: 24358328 PMCID: PMC3866247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Scarring of the liver is the result of prolonged exposure to exogenous or endogenous stimuli. At the onset of fibrosis, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activate and transdifferentiate into matrix producing, myofibroblast-like cells. Aim and methods To identify key players during early HSC activation, gene expression profiling was performed on primary mouse HSCs cultured for 4, 16 and 64 hours. Since valproic acid (VPA) can partly inhibit HSC activation, we included VPA-treated cells in the profiling experiments to facilitate this search. Results Gene expression profiling confirmed early changes for known genes related to HSC activation such as alphasmoothmuscleactin (Acta2), lysyloxidase (Lox) and collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1a1). In addition we noticed that, although genes which are related to fibrosis change between 4 and 16 hours in culture, most gene expression changes occur between 16 and 64 hours. Insulin-likegrowthfactorbinding protein 3 (Igfbp3) was identified as a gene strongly affected by VPA treatment. During normal HSC activation Igfbp3 is up regulated and this can thus be prevented by VPA treatment invitro and invivo. siRNA-mediated silencing of Igfbp3 in primary mouse HSCs induced matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp) 9 mRNA expression and strongly reduced cell migration. The reduced cell migration after Igfbp3 knock-down could be overcome by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 treatment. Conclusion Igfbp3 is a marker for culture-activated HSCs and plays a role in HSC migration. VPA treatment prevents Igfbp3 transcription during activation of HSCs invitro and invivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ben Schroyen
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Frans Schuit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Nyssen
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Leo A. van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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