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Ogata FT, Verma S, Coulson-Thomas VJ, Gesteira TF. TGF-β-Based Therapies for Treating Ocular Surface Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:1105. [PMID: 38994958 PMCID: PMC11240592 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The cornea is continuously exposed to injuries, ranging from minor scratches to deep traumas. An effective healing mechanism is crucial for the cornea to restore its structure and function following major and minor insults. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), a versatile signaling molecule that coordinates various cell responses, has a central role in corneal wound healing. Upon corneal injury, TGF-β is rapidly released into the extracellular environment, triggering cell migration and proliferation, the differentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts, and the initiation of the repair process. TGF-β-mediated processes are essential for wound closure; however, excessive levels of TGF-β can lead to fibrosis and scarring, causing impaired vision. Three primary isoforms of TGF-β exist-TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. Although TGF-β isoforms share many structural and functional similarities, they present distinct roles in corneal regeneration, which adds an additional layer of complexity to understand the role of TGF-β in corneal wound healing. Further, aberrant TGF-β activity has been linked to various corneal pathologies, such as scarring and Peter's Anomaly. Thus, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which TGF-β1-3 regulate corneal wound healing will enable the development of potential therapeutic interventions targeting the key molecule in this process. Herein, we summarize the multifaceted roles of TGF-β in corneal wound healing, dissecting its mechanisms of action and interactions with other molecules, and outline its role in corneal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando T Ogata
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | | | - Tarsis F Gesteira
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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Tarvestad-Laise KE, Ceresa BP. Modulating Growth Factor Receptor Signaling to Promote Corneal Epithelial Homeostasis. Cells 2023; 12:2730. [PMID: 38067157 PMCID: PMC10706396 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is the first anatomical barrier between the environment and the cornea; it is critical for proper light refraction onto the retina and prevents pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) from entering the immune-privileged eye. Trauma to the highly innervated corneal epithelium is extremely painful and if not resolved quickly or properly, can lead to infection and ultimately blindness. The healthy eye produces its own growth factors and is continuously bathed in tear fluid that contains these proteins and other nutrients to maintain the rapid turnover and homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this article, we review the roles of growth factors in corneal epithelial homeostasis and regeneration and some of the limitations to their use therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Tarvestad-Laise
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Brian P. Ceresa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Niu H, Guan Y, Zhong T, Ma L, Zayed M, Guan J. Thermosensitive and antioxidant wound dressings capable of adaptively regulating TGFβ pathways promote diabetic wound healing. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:32. [PMID: 37422462 PMCID: PMC10329719 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Various therapies have been utilized for treating diabetic wounds, yet current regiments do not simultaneously address the key intrinsic causes of slow wound healing, i.e., abnormal skin cell functions (particularly migration), delayed angiogenesis, and chronic inflammation. To address this clinical gap, we develop a wound dressing that contains a peptide-based TGFβ receptor II inhibitor (PTβR2I), and a thermosensitive and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging hydrogel. The wound dressing can quickly solidify on the diabetic wounds following administration. The released PTβR2I inhibits the TGFβ1/p38 pathway, leading to improved cell migration and angiogenesis, and decreased inflammation. Meanwhile, the PTβR2I does not interfere with the TGFβ1/Smad2/3 pathway that is required to regulate myofibroblasts, a critical cell type for wound healing. The hydrogel's ability to scavenge ROS in diabetic wounds further decreases inflammation. Single-dose application of the wound dressing significantly accelerates wound healing with complete wound closure after 14 days. Overall, using wound dressings capable of adaptively modulating TGFβ pathways provides a new strategy for diabetic wound treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Niu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ya Guan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ting Zhong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mohamed Zayed
- Department of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jianjun Guan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Fuest M, Jhanji V, Yam GHF. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Corneal Scarring and Advances in Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097777. [PMID: 37175482 PMCID: PMC10178104 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
On the basis of WHO global blindness data, it may be stated that 23 million people globally suffer from unilateral corneal blindness, while 4 [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Talpan D, Salla S, Seidelmann N, Walter P, Fuest M. Antifibrotic Effects of Caffeine, Curcumin and Pirfenidone in Primary Human Keratocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021461. [PMID: 36674976 PMCID: PMC9862324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the small molecules (AFM) caffeine, curcumin and pirfenidone to find non-toxic concentrations reducing the transformation of activated human corneal stromal keratocytes (aCSK) to scar-inducing myofibroblasts (MYO-SF). CSK were isolated from 16 human corneas unsuitable for transplantation and expanded for three passages in control medium (0.5% FBS). Then, aCSK were exposed to concentrations of caffeine of 0−500 μM, curcumin of 0−200 μM, pirfenidone of 0−2.2 nM and the profibrotic cytokine TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) for 48 h. Alterations in viability and gene expression were evaluated by cell viability staining (FDA/PI), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. We found that all AFMs reduced cell counts at high concentrations. The highest concentrations with no toxic effect were 100 µM of caffeine, 20 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone. The addition of TGF-β1 to the control medium effectively transformed aCSK into myofibroblasts (MYO-SF), indicated by a 10-fold increase in α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, a 39% decrease in lumican (LUM) expression and a 98% decrease in ALDH3A1 expression (p < 0.001). The concentrations of 100 µM of caffeine, 20/50 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone each significantly reduced SMA expression under TGF-β1 stimulation (p ≤ 0.024). LUM and ALDH3A1 expression remained low under TGF-β1 stimulation, independently of AFM supplementation. Immunocytochemistry showed that 100 µM of caffeine, 20 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone reduce the conversion rate of aCSK to SMA+ MYO-SF. In conclusion, in aCSK, 100 µM of caffeine, 20 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone significantly reduced SMA expression and MYO-SF conversion under TGF-β1 stimulation, with no influence on cell counts. However, the AFMs were unable to protect aCSK from characteristic marker loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Talpan
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Salla
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nina Seidelmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Fuchs AA, Balne PK, Giuliano EA, Sinha NR, Mohan RR. Evaluation of a novel combination of TRAM-34 and ascorbic acid for the treatment of corneal fibrosis in vivo. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262046. [PMID: 35007294 PMCID: PMC8746773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal injury and aberrant wound healing commonly result in corneal fibrosis and subsequent vision loss. Intermediate-conductance calmodulin/calcium-activated K+ channels (KCa3.1) have been shown to promote fibrosis in non-ocular and ocular tissues via upregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). TRAM-34 is a selective inhibitor of KCa3.1 and reduces fibrosis by downregulation of TGFβ-induced transdifferentiation of stromal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Ascorbic acid has been demonstrated to be effective in promoting corneal re-epithelialization and reduction of neovascularization via anti-VEGF and anti-MMP mechanisms. This study evaluates tolerability and efficacy of a novel combination of TRAM-34 (25μM) and ascorbic acid (10%) topical treatment for corneal fibrosis using an established in vivo rabbit model and conducting clinical eye examinations. Markers of corneal fibrosis were evaluated in all corneas at study endpoint via histopathology, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR. The eyedrop treated eyes showed significantly improved clinical outcomes based on modified McDonald Shadduck scores, reduction of clinical haze on Fantes scores, and reduction of central corneal thickness (CCT). At cellular and molecular levels, eyedrop treatment also significantly reduced expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA and protein, collagen III mRNA, and fibronectin mRNA compared to non-treated eyes. Our study suggests that a tested new bimodal eyedrop is well tolerated and effectively reduces corneal fibrosis/haze in rabbits in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A. Fuchs
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Praveen K. Balne
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Giuliano
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nishant R. Sinha
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Rajiv R. Mohan
- Departments of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
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Kamil S, Mohan RR. Corneal stromal wound healing: Major regulators and therapeutic targets. Ocul Surf 2020; 19:290-306. [PMID: 33127599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Corneal stromal wound healing is a complex event that occurs to restore the transparency of an injured cornea. It involves immediate apoptosis of keratocytes followed by their activation, proliferation, migration, and trans-differentiation to myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts contract to close the wound and secrete extracellular matrix and proteinases to remodel it. Released proteinases may degenerate the basement membrane allowing an influx of cytokines from overlying epithelium. Immune cells infiltrate the wound to clear cellular debris and prevent infections. Gradually basement membrane regenerates, myofibroblasts and immune cells disappear, abnormal matrix is resorbed, and transparency of the cornea is restored. Often this cascade deregulates and corneal opacity results. Factors that prevent corneal opacity after an injury have always intrigued the researchers. They hold clinical relevance as they can guide the outcomes of corneal surgeries. Studies in the past have shed light on the role of various factors in stromal healing. TGFβ (transforming growth factor-beta) signaling is the central player guiding stromal responses. Other major regulators include myofibroblasts, basement membrane, collagen fibrils, small leucine-rich proteoglycans, biophysical cues, proteins derived from extracellular matrix, and membrane channels. The knowledge about their roles helped to develop novel therapies to prevent corneal opacity. This article reviews the role of major regulators that determine the outcome of stromal healing. It also discusses emerging therapies that modulate the role of these regulators to prevent stromal opacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeeh Kamil
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; One-Health Vision Research Program, Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rajiv R Mohan
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA; One-Health Vision Research Program, Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA; Mason Eye Institute, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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Taylor KR, Panday VA, Caldwell MC, Petroll WM, Apsey DA, Reilly CD. Immunomodulatory therapy with anti-interleukin-1 after photorefractive keratectomy in the New Zealand white rabbit. J Cataract Refract Surg 2016; 42:913-9. [PMID: 27373399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2016.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the safety and efficacy of topical anti-interleukin-1 (anti-IL-1) following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in rabbit eyes. SETTING Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, USA. DESIGN Experimental study. METHODS After standard PRK, 48 eyes of 24 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 treatment arms and 1 control arm. Eyes in the treatment arms were randomized to receive fluorometholone 0.1% or an anti-IL-1 suspension (2.50 mg, 1.25 mg, or 0.25 mg doses) plus standard moxifloxacin, balanced salt solution (BSS), and an ocular lubricant (Systane) 4 times a day. Control eyes received only moxifloxacin, balanced salt solution, and ocular lubricant. RESULTS No adverse events were observed with anti-IL-1. The safety of anti-IL-1 was affirmed because there was no statistically significant difference in time to epithelial closure, foam-layer histology and thickness, or final stromal thickness measurements between the anti-IL-1 and the steroid or control groups. No increase in haze was observed with anti-IL-1. There was a trend toward decreased haze with anti-IL-1 at several data points compared with the control and steroid groups. Finally, there was a trend toward less haze in all metrics at almost every timepoint for the 2.50 mg anti-IL-1 group compared with lesser concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Anti-IL-1 therapy might be a safe, effective alternative to steroids for haze prevention after PRK. Of the doses studied, 2.50 mg of anti-IL-1 4 times a day appeared to be most effective. Further studies in human eyes are needed. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Dr. Reilly has been a consultant to Alcon Laboratories, Inc., and Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Taylor
- From the Department of Flight Medicine (Taylor), 14th Medical Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Panday, Caldwell, Apsey, Reilly), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Petroll), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vasudha A Panday
- From the Department of Flight Medicine (Taylor), 14th Medical Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Panday, Caldwell, Apsey, Reilly), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Petroll), Dallas, Texas, USA.
| | - Matthew C Caldwell
- From the Department of Flight Medicine (Taylor), 14th Medical Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Panday, Caldwell, Apsey, Reilly), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Petroll), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - W Matthew Petroll
- From the Department of Flight Medicine (Taylor), 14th Medical Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Panday, Caldwell, Apsey, Reilly), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Petroll), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Douglas A Apsey
- From the Department of Flight Medicine (Taylor), 14th Medical Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Panday, Caldwell, Apsey, Reilly), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Petroll), Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Charles D Reilly
- From the Department of Flight Medicine (Taylor), 14th Medical Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center (Panday, Caldwell, Apsey, Reilly), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Petroll), Dallas, Texas, USA
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Angunawela RI, Marshall J. Inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta1 and its effects on human corneal fibroblasts by mannose-6-phosphate Potential for preventing haze after refractive surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg 2010; 36:121-6. [PMID: 20117715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2009.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the action of mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) as an inhibitor of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and its effects on human corneal fibroblasts. SETTING Department of Academic Ophthalmology, Rayne Institute, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom. METHOD Keratocytes were cultured in serum-containing medium with added TGF-beta1 and in serum-containing medium containing TGF-beta1 with M6P. Controls consisted of cells in serum-containing medium alone and cells cultured in serum-containing medium with M6P. Differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts was detected by immunohistochemistry for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Images were captured by laser confocal microscopy. RESULTS The differentiation of cells into myofibroblasts was significantly greater after culture in medium containing TGF-beta1 than in control cultures. Myofibroblast differentiation of cells was significantly reduced when cultured in medium containing TGF-beta1 with M6P (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Mannose-6-phosphate significantly reduced TGF-beta1-mediated transformation of human corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts; it is a potential modulator of corneal wound healing and may reduce haze after refractive surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romesh I Angunawela
- Department of Academic Ophthalmology, Rayne Institute, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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Greenberg RS, Bernstein AM, Benezra M, Gelman IH, Taliana L, Masur SK. FAK-dependent regulation of myofibroblast differentiation. FASEB J 2006; 20:1006-8. [PMID: 16585062 DOI: 10.1096/fj.05-4838fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts both participate in wound healing. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) induces fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts, whereas fibroblast growth factor and heparin (FGF/h) induce myofibroblasts to "de-differentiate" into fibroblasts. TGFbeta induces expression of smooth muscle alpha actin (SMalphaA) and incorporation into in stress fibers, a phenotype of differentiated myofibroblasts. Additionally, TGFbeta induces the expression of fibronectin and fibronectin integrins. Fibronectin-generated signals contribute to the TGFbeta-mediated myofibroblast differentiation. Because fibronectin signals are transmitted through focal adhesion kinase (FAK), it was predicted that FAK would be essential to TGFbeta-mediated myofibroblast differentiation. To determine whether the FAK signaling pathway is required for myofibroblast differentiation, we used two approaches to decrease FAK in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs): 1) FAK +/+ MEFs, in which FAK protein expression was greatly decreased by short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and 2) FAK -/- MEFs, which lack FAK. In both cases, the majority of cells were myofibroblasts, expressing SMalphaA in stress fibers even after treatment with FGF/h. Furthermore, both the surface expression of FGFRs and FGF signaling were greatly reduced in FAK -/- [corrected]MEFs. We conclude that FAK does not contribute to TGFbeta-dependent myofibroblast differentiation. Instead, FAK was necessary for FGF/h signaling in down-regulating expression of SMalphaA, which is synonymous with myofibroblast differentiation. FAK activation could contribute to regulating myofibroblast differentiation, thereby ameliorating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseanne S Greenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Box 1183, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave Levy Pl., New York, New York 10029-6574, USA.
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Chan YS, Li Y, Foster W, Horaguchi T, Somogyi G, Fu FH, Huard J. Antifibrotic effects of suramin in injured skeletal muscle after laceration. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2003; 95:771-80. [PMID: 12730151 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00915.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle injuries are very common in traumatology and sports medicine. Although muscle tissue can regenerate postinjury, the healing process is slow and often incomplete; complete recovery after skeletal muscle injury is hindered by fibrosis. Our studies have shown that decreased fibrosis could improve muscle healing. Suramin has been found to inhibit transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 expression by competitively binding to the growth factor receptor. We conducted a series of tests to determine the antifibrotic effects of suramin on muscle laceration injuries. Our results demonstrate that suramin (50 microg/ml) can effectively decrease fibroblast proliferation and fibrotic-protein expression (alpha-smooth muscle actin) in vitro. In vivo, direct injection of suramin (2.5 mg) into injured murine muscle resulted in effective inhibition of muscle fibrosis and enhanced muscle regeneration, which led to efficient functional muscle recovery. These results support our hypothesis that prevention of fibrosis could enhance muscle regeneration, thereby facilitating more efficient muscle healing. This study could significantly contribute to the development of strategies to promote efficient muscle healing and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Sheng Chan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2583, USA
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