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Glinton K, DeBerge M, Fisher E, Schroth S, Sinha A, Wang JJ, Wasserstrom JA, Ansari MJ, Zhang ZJ, Feinstein M, Leventhal JR, Forbess JM, Lomasney J, Luo X, Thorp EB. Bone marrow-derived AXL tyrosine kinase promotes mitogenic crosstalk and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 40:435-446. [PMID: 33846079 PMCID: PMC8169599 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading contributor to late transplant rejection. Although implicated, the mechanisms by which bone marrow-derived cells promote CAV remain unclear. Emerging evidence implicates the cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase AXL to be elevated in rejecting human allografts. AXL protein is found on multiple cell types, including bone marrow-derived myeloid cells. The causal role of AXL from this compartment and during transplant is largely unknown. This is important because AXL is a key regulator of myeloid inflammation. Utilizing experimental chimeras deficient in the bone marrow-derived Axl gene, we report that Axl antagonizes cardiac allograft survival and promotes CAV. Flow cytometric and histologic analyses of Axl-deficient transplant recipients revealed reductions in both allograft immune cell accumulation and vascular intimal thickness. Co-culture experiments designed to identify cell-intrinsic functions of Axl uncovered complementary cell-proliferative pathways by which Axl promotes CAV-associated inflammation. Specifically, Axl-deficient myeloid cells were less efficient at increasing the replication of both antigen-specific T cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the latter a key hallmark of CAV. For the latter, we discovered that Axl-was required to amass the VSMC mitogen Platelet-Derived Growth Factor. Taken together, our studies reveal a new role for myeloid Axl in the progression of CAV and mitogenic crosstalk. Inhibition of AXL-protein, in combination with current standards of care, is a candidate strategy to prolong cardiac allograft survival.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism
- Bone Marrow Cells/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Echocardiography
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Graft Rejection/diagnosis
- Graft Rejection/genetics
- Graft Rejection/metabolism
- Graft Survival
- Heart Transplantation/adverse effects
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/biosynthesis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- RNA/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Transplantation, Homologous
- Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofor Glinton
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew DeBerge
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emily Fisher
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Samantha Schroth
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Arjun Sinha
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jiao-Jing Wang
- The Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - J Andrew Wasserstrom
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mohammed Javeed Ansari
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zheng Jenny Zhang
- The Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew Feinstein
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joseph R Leventhal
- The Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Jon Lomasney
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Xunrong Luo
- The Department of Nephrology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Thorp
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; The Heart Center, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
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Lee CH, Su SC, Hsu YJ, Lu CH, Hsieh CH, Hung YJ, Liu JS, Li PF, Shen PH. Plasma growth arrest-specific protein 6 expression in uremic patients with type 2 diabetes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/jmedsci.jmedsci_21_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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3
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Protective Effects of Growth Arrest-Specific Protein 6 (Gas6) on Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury. Inflammation 2017; 39:575-82. [PMID: 26552404 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-015-0282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of sepsis, which has a high mortality rate. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), the protein product of the growth arrest specific gene 6, has been shown to have an anti-apoptotic effect as well as pro-survival capability. Here, we investigated the effects of Gas6 on sepsis-associated AKI in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We found that the administration of rmGas6 significantly reduced serum urea nitrogen and creatinine and improved the survival of septic mice. Furthermore, the renal pathological damage induced by CLP was attenuated by rmGas6 treatment. Finally, rmGas6 reduced the renal tissue apoptotic index and the expression of Bax, while it upregulated the expression of Bcl-2. The data suggest that rmGas6 might be used as a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced AKI.
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Batchu SN, Xia J, Ko KA, Doyley MM, Abe JI, Morrell CN, Korshunov VA. Axl modulates immune activation of smooth muscle cells in vein graft remodeling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 309:H1048-58. [PMID: 26276821 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00495.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms of the immune activation of smooth muscle cells are not well understood. Increased expression of Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, was recently found in arteries from patients after coronary bypass grafts. In the present study, we hypothesized that Axl-dependent immune activation of smooth muscle cells regulates vein graft remodeling. We observed a twofold decrease in intimal thickening after vascular and systemic depletion of Axl in vein grafts. Local depletion of Axl had the greatest effect on immune activation, whereas systemic deletion of Axl reduced intima due to an increase in apoptosis in vein grafts. Primary smooth muscle cells isolated from Axl knockout mice had reduced proinflammatory responses by prevention of the STAT1 pathway. The absence of Axl increased suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 expression in smooth muscle cells, a major inhibitory protein for STAT1. Ultrasound imaging suggested that vascular depletion of Axl reduced vein graft stiffness. Axl expression determined the STAT1-SOCS1 balance in vein graft intima and progression of the remodeling. The results of this investigation demonstrate that Axl promotes STAT1 signaling via inhibition of SOCS1 in activated smooth muscle cells in vein graft remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri N Batchu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Jixiang Xia
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Kyung Ae Ko
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Marvin M Doyley
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Rochester and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Jun-Ichi Abe
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Craig N Morrell
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and
| | - Vyacheslav A Korshunov
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York;
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Ji R, Meng L, Li Q, Lu Q. TAM receptor deficiency affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Metab Brain Dis 2015; 30:633-44. [PMID: 25487541 PMCID: PMC4414696 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-014-9636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The Tyro3, Axl and Mertk (TAM) subfamily of receptor protein tyrosine kinases functions in cell growth, differentiation, survival, and most recently found, in the regulation of immune responses and phagocytosis. All three receptors and their ligands, Gas6 (growth arrest-specific gene 6) and protein S, are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). TAM receptors play pivotal roles in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Loss of these receptors causes a comprised neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of adult hippocampus. TAM receptors have a negative regulatory effect on microglia and peripheral antigen-presenting cells, and play a critical role in preventing overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines detrimental to the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of adult neuronal stem cells (NSCs). Besides, these receptors also play an intrinsic trophic function in supporting NSC survival, proliferation, and differentiation into immature neurons. All these events collectively ensure a sustained neurogenesis in adult hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Qiutang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Qingxian Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Hyde GD, Taylor RF, Ashton N, Borland SJ, Wu HSG, Gilmore AP, Canfield AE. Axl tyrosine kinase protects against tubulo-interstitial apoptosis and progression of renal failure in a murine model of chronic kidney disease and hyperphosphataemia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102096. [PMID: 25019319 PMCID: PMC4096921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as the progressive loss of renal function often involving glomerular, tubulo-interstitial and vascular pathology. CKD is associated with vascular calcification; the extent of which predicts morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular regulation of these events and the progression of chronic kidney disease are not fully elucidated. To investigate the function of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase in CKD we performed a sub-total nephrectomy and fed high phosphate (1%) diet to Axl+/+ and Axl−/− mice. Plasma Gas6 (Axl' ligand), renal Axl expression and downstream Akt signalling were all significantly up-regulated in Axl+/+ mice following renal mass reduction and high phosphate diet, compared to age-matched controls. Axl−/− mice had significantly enhanced uraemia, reduced bodyweight and significantly reduced survival following sub-total nephrectomy and high phosphate diet compared to Axl+/+ mice; only 45% of Axl−/− mice survived to 14 weeks post-surgery compared to 87% of Axl+/+ mice. Histological analysis of kidney remnants revealed no effect of loss of Axl on glomerular hypertrophy, calcification or renal sclerosis but identified significantly increased tubulo-interstitial apoptosis in Axl−/− mice. Vascular calcification was not induced in Axl+/+ or Axl−/− mice in the time frame we were able to examine. In conclusion, we identify the up-regulation of Gas6/Axl signalling as a protective mechanism which reduces tubulo-interstitial apoptosis and slows progression to end-stage renal failure in the murine nephrectomy and high phosphate diet model of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth D. Hyde
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca F. Taylor
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Ashton
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha J. Borland
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew P. Gilmore
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ann E. Canfield
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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7
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Erek-Toprak A, Bingol-Ozakpinar O, Karaca Z, Cikrikcioglu MA, Hursitoglu M, Uras AR, Adeli K, Uras F. Association of plasma growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) concentrations with albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Ren Fail 2014; 36:737-42. [PMID: 24512357 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2014.883997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aybala Erek-Toprak
- Department of Biochemistry Istanbul, Istanbul Medeniyet University School of Medicine , Istanbul , Turkey
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8
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Ko HT, Yin JL, Wyburn K, Wu H, Eris JM, Hambly BD, Chadban SJ. Sirolimus reduces vasculopathy but exacerbates proteinuria in association with inhibition of VEGF and VEGFR in a rat kidney model of chronic allograft dysfunction. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2012; 28:327-36. [PMID: 23229928 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfs453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of the mTOR inhibitor (mTORi) sirolimus to replace calcineurin inhibitors in kidney transplantation has been associated with improved renal function but, in a proportion of cases, also with de novo or exacerbated proteinuria. Experimental deficiency of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces proteinuria and mTOR is required for VEGF production and signalling. We therefore explored the impact of sirolimus on the development of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) in the rat, with a focus on VEGF biology. METHODS Lewis rats received F344 kidney allografts and were treated with 24 weeks of cyclosporine or sirolimus. Controls included allografts treated with cyclosporine for 10 days only and isografts treated with cyclosporine or sirolimus for 24 weeks. Kidney injury (proteinuria and histology) and expression of VEGF and VEGF-receptor (VEGFR; immunohistochemistry, laser capture micro-dissection and quantitative RT-PCR) were assessed. RESULTS Allograft controls developed proteinuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, vasculopathy and leucocyte accumulation. Proteinuria was significantly reduced in both treatment groups but significantly more in cyclosporine treated animals. Tubulointerstitial damage, glomerulosclerosis and leucocyte accumulation were significantly attenuated in both treatment groups; however, vasculopathy was reduced only by sirolimus. Significantly diminished expression of VEGF and VEGFR mRNA and protein was evident in the sirolimus group. In vitro, sirolimus reduced VEGF production by podocytes (P < 0.05) and inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation of podocytes, endothelial and mesangial cells. CONCLUSIONS Cyclosporine and sirolimus retard development of CAD in this rat model. Sirolimus exhibits greater protection against vasculopathy but induces proteinuria; effects are likely to be related to inhibition of VEGF signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung T Ko
- Collaborative transplantation laboratory, Sydney Medical School and Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Schmidt T, Ben-Batalla I, Schultze A, Loges S. Macrophage-tumor crosstalk: role of TAMR tyrosine kinase receptors and of their ligands. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:1391-414. [PMID: 22076650 PMCID: PMC11115155 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ample clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that macrophages interact with tumor cells as well as with virtually all populations of host cells present in the tumor microenvironment. This crosstalk can strongly promote malignancy, but also has in principle the potential to inhibit tumor growth. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving the pro- and antimalignant behavior of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in order to develop better anticancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the biological consequences of reciprocal interactions between TAMs, cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and other leukocyte subfractions within tumors. It was recently elucidated that tumors specifically educate macrophages to secrete growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6), the common ligand of the Tyro3, Axl, Mer receptor (TAMR) family. In turn, Gas6 fosters tumor growth by promoting cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the Gas6-TAMR axis might represent a novel target for disrupting tumor-macrophage crosstalk. We summarize here what is known about TAMR and their ligands in (human) cancer biology. In order to shed more light on the role of macrophages in human cancer, we additionally provide an overview of what is currently known about the prognostic impact of TAMs in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabel Ben-Batalla
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Sections BMT and Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Schultze
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Sections BMT and Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Loges
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Sections BMT and Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Eng PC, Chua WCN, Suk Peng Chew V, Wong PTH, Yin JL, Hambly B, McLachlan CS. Chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition up-regulates mouse kidney growth arrest specific-6 protein and the AXL subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2009; 9:238-41. [PMID: 19126665 DOI: 10.1177/1470320308098342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growth arrest specific-6 (GAS-6), a vitamin K-dependent protein, is a potential mediator in progressive and chronic renal disease, specifically as a mediator of abnormal mesangial cell proliferation. Nitric oxide and angiotensin II affect mesangial cell proliferation. However, an association between nitric oxide synthase or angiotensin II on GAS-6 expression in the kidney has not previously been examined. Thus, our aim was to examine the effects of antihypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition on the kidney expression of GAS-6 and its receptors AXL, MER and RSE. METHODS Four groups of adult male C57BL/6J mice were studied: group 1, untreated controls (tap water for six weeks); group 2, treated orally with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.325 mg/ml for six weeks); group 3, treated orally with captopril (0.6875 mg/ml for six weeks); group 4, co-treated orally with L-NAME and captopril (same doses for six weeks). At the end of the study, kidneys were placed in fixative and processed to paraffin for immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS GAS-6 and its receptors were not present in control and L-NAME-treated mice. Positive GAS-6 staining was detectable only in those mice receiving some form of chronic dosing with captopril, whether they were treated with captopril only or with captopril and L-NAME. Immunohistochemical detection across cases for MER and RSE was rare, whereas AXL-positive staining in the kidney mirrored GAS-6 staining/expression. The staining of GAS6 and AXL was predominantly localised to the renal tubular cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that GAS-6 may not be a final common pathway for nitric oxide synthase inhibition-induced renal disease. Renal tubular GAS-6 expression following captopril treatment was unexpected and could be beneficial in preventing tubular atrophy following the onset of persistent systemic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chia Eng
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Impact of VKORC1 Haplotypes on Long-Term Graft Function in Kidney Transplantation. Transplantation 2008; 86:779-83. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e31818376c7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Gas6 promotes inflammation by enhancing interactions between endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes. Blood 2008; 111:4096-105. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2007-05-089565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe role of Gas6 in endothelial cell (EC) function remains incompletely characterized. Here we report that Gas6 amplifies EC activation in response to inflammatory stimuli in vitro. In vivo, Gas6 promotes and accelerates the sequestration of circulating platelets and leukocytes on activated endothelium as well as the formation and endothelial sequestration of circulating platelet-leukocyte conjugates. In addition, Gas6 promotes leukocyte extravasation, inflammation, and thrombosis in mouse models of inflammation (endotoxinemia, vasculitis, heart transplantation). Thus, Gas6 amplifies EC activation, thereby playing a key role in enhancing the interactions between ECs, platelets, and leukocytes during inflammation.
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Gibot S, Massin F, Cravoisy A, Dupays R, Barraud D, Nace L, Bollaert PE. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 plasma concentrations during septic shock. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2007; 11:R8. [PMID: 17241453 PMCID: PMC2151874 DOI: 10.1186/cc5158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Revised: 01/01/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The product of growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is a vitamin K dependent protein that is secreted by leucocytes and endothelial cells in response to injury and participates in cell survival, proliferation, migration and adhesion. Our purpose was to investigate plasma Gas6 concentration and its relation to organ dysfunction in patients with septic shock. METHODS Forty-five patients with septic shock admitted to a medical adult intensive care unit were enrolled. Plasma Gas6 concentration was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at days 1, 3, 7 and 14. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) Gas6 concentration was 51 (5 to 95) pg/ml at admission. A positive correlation (Spearman rank-order coefficient [rs] = 0.37, P = 0.01) was found between Gas6 level and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score. Patients requiring renal support had higher Gas6 concentration that those without need for haemofiltration (76.5 [52 to 164] pg/ml versus 10.5 [1.5 to 80.5] pg/ml; P = 0.04). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between Gas6 and aspartate transaminase (rs = 0.42, P = 0.006) and between Gas6 and prothrombin time (rs = 0.45, P = 0.02). Although there was a progressive decline in Gas6 concentration in survivors (analysis of variance, P = 0.01), nonsurvivors exhibited persistently elevated Gas6. However, the two populations diverged only after day 7 (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Plasma concentrations of Gas6 correlate with disease severity, especially with renal and hepatic dysfunction, in septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Gibot
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Hôpital Central, Nancy, 54000, France
- Projet Avenir INSERM, Coordination Circulation
| | - Frédéric Massin
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Avenue de la Foret de Haye, Faculté de Médecine, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Aurélie Cravoisy
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Hôpital Central, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Rachel Dupays
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Hôpital Central, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Damien Barraud
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Hôpital Central, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Lionel Nace
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Hôpital Central, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Bollaert
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, Hôpital Central, Nancy, 54000, France
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Hafizi S, Dahlbäck B. Gas6 and protein S. Vitamin K-dependent ligands for the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily. FEBS J 2006; 273:5231-44. [PMID: 17064312 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05529.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gas6 and protein S are two homologous secreted proteins that depend on vitamin K for their execution of a range of biological functions. A discrete subset of these functions is mediated through their binding to and activation of the receptor tyrosine kinases Axl, Sky and Mer. Furthermore, a hallmark of the Gas6-Axl system is the unique ability of Gas6 and protein S to tether their non receptor-binding regions to the negatively charged membranes of apoptotic cells. Numerous studies have shown the Gas6-Axl system to regulate cell survival, proliferation, migration, adhesion and phagocytosis. Consequently, altered activity/expression of its components has been detected in a variety of pathologies such as cancer and vascular, autoimmune and kidney disorders. Moreover, Axl overactivation can equally occur without ligand binding, which has implications for tumorigenesis. Further knowledge of this exquisite ligand-receptor system and the circumstances of its activation should provide the basis for development of novel therapies for the above diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sassan Hafizi
- Lund University, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section for Clinical Chemistry, Wallenberg Laboratory, University Hospital Malmö, Sweden.
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15
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Hasanbasic I, Rajotte I, Blostein M. The role of gamma-carboxylation in the anti-apoptotic function of gas6. J Thromb Haemost 2005; 3:2790-7. [PMID: 16359517 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gas6 is a novel member of the vitamin K-dependent family of gamma-carboxylated proteins and is a ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl. Gas6-Axl interactions have been shown to mediate cell survival in vascular endothelium. Although the receptor-binding portion of gas6 lies in the C-terminus, the significance of the N-terminal gamma-carboxylated residues (Gla domain) is not clear. To address this question, this study examines the role of the Gla domain in phospholipid binding as well as in the promotion of cell survival, especially in endothelial cells. The results show that carboxylated gas6 binds to phosphatidylserine-containing phospholipid membranes in an analogous manner to other gamma-carboxylated proteins whereas decarboxylated gas6 does not. The gamma-carboxylation inhibitor warfarin abrogates gas6-mediated protection of NIH3T3 fibroblasts from serum starvation-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the role of gamma-carboxylation in gas6's survival effect on endothelium is demonstrated directly in that only carboxylated, but not decarboxylated, gas6 protects endothelial cells from serum starvation-induced apoptosis. gamma-carboxylation is also required for both Axl phosphorylation and PI3 kinase activation. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that gamma-carboxylation is necessary not only for gas6 binding to phospholipid membranes, but also for gas6-mediated endothelial cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Hasanbasic
- The Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Valverde P. Effects of Gas6 and hydrogen peroxide in Axl ubiquitination and downregulation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 333:180-5. [PMID: 15958209 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.05.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2005] [Accepted: 05/18/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl has been shown to be activated by its ligand Gas6 and by oxidative stress in the form of hydrogen peroxide. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling the levels of Axl upon Gas6 binding or oxidative stress have not been elucidated. This report demonstrates that Gas6-induced downregulation of Axl is blocked by inhibitors of endocytosis and lysosomal degradation, but not by inhibitors of proteosomal activity. Furthermore, it is shown that binding of Axl to Gas6 induces the phosphorylation and ubiquitination of Axl and the interaction of Axl with the ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl. Importantly, hydrogen peroxide induces Axl tyrosine phosphorylation but not its ubiquitination, determining the inhibition of Axl downregulation. These results suggest that as shown for other receptor tyrosine kinases, ubiquitination of Axl is needed to ensure its proper degradation in the lysosome, and that oxidative stress may inhibit Axl ubiquitination and downregulation.
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Konishi A, Aizawa T, Mohan A, Korshunov VA, Berk BC. Hydrogen Peroxide Activates the Gas6-Axl Pathway in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:28766-70. [PMID: 15123721 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m401977200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in cell survival, proliferation, and migration. We have shown that Axl expression increases in the neointima of balloon-injured rat carotids. Because oxidative stress is known to play a major role in remodeling of injured vessels, we hypothesized that H(2)O(2) might activate Axl by promoting autophosphorylation. H(2)O(2) rapidly stimulated Axl tyrosine phosphorylation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells within 1 min that was maximal at 5 min (6-fold). The response to H(2)O(2) was concentration-dependent with EC(50) of approximately 500 microm. Axl phosphorylation was partly dependent on production of its endogenous ligand, growth arrest gene 6 (Gas6), because Axl-Fc, a fragment of Axl extracellular domain that neutralizes Gas6, inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced Axl phosphorylation by 50%. Axl phosphorylation by H(2)O(2) was also attenuated by warfarin, which inhibits Gas6 activity by preventing post-translational modification. In intact vessels Axl was phosphorylated by H(2)O(2), and Axl phosphorylation was inhibited by warfarin treatment in balloon-injured carotids. Akt, a downstream target of Axl, was phosphorylated by H(2)O(2)in Axl(+/+) mouse aorta but significantly inhibited in Axl(-/-) aorta. Intimal proliferation was decreased significantly in a cuff injury model in Axl(-/-) mice compared with Axl(+/+) mice. In summary, Axl is an important signaling mediator for oxidative stress in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and intact vessels and may represent an important therapeutic target for vascular remodeling and response to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Konishi
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Yanagita M. The role of the vitamin K-dependent growth factor Gas6 in glomerular pathophysiology. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2004; 13:465-70. [PMID: 15199298 DOI: 10.1097/01.mnh.0000133981.63053.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The product of growth arrest-specific gene 6 (gas6) is a unique vitamin K-dependent growth-potentiating factor for vascular smooth muscle cells, and anticoagulant warfarin inhibits the activation process of the protein. It has been reported that Gas6 is also a mitogen for mesangial cells, and that warfarin inhibits mesangial cell proliferation by blocking the activation of Gas6. A recent series of studies has revealed the in-vivo roles of Gas6 and its receptor Axl in the progression of various kidney diseases. This review summarizes these studies and discusses the possible interventions targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway to prevent the progression of kidney diseases. RECENT FINDINGS The expression of Gas6 and Axl is upregulated in an acute model of glomerulonephritis in rats, and the interference of the Gas6/Axl pathway by warfarin or the extracellular domain of Axl inhibits the progression of diseases. Induction of chronic glomerulonephritis in Gas6 mice results in less mortality, proteinuria, and histological changes of kidneys compared to wild-type mice. Administration of recombinant Gas6 reverses these phenotypes. Expression of Gas6 is also upregulated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy, and administration of low-dose warfarin decreases albuminuria and hypertrophy of glomeruli. Possible roles of Gas6 are also reported in renal allograft dysfunction of rats and humans. SUMMARY The importance of the Gas6/Axl pathway has been implicated in many types of kidney disease. Further investigations on the role of the Gas6/Axl pathway in human kidney diseases and the development of specific antagonists targeting the pathway are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Yanagita
- Yanagisawa Orphan Receptor Project, Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo, Japan.
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Fiebeler A, Park JK, Muller DN, Lindschau C, Mengel M, Merkel S, Banas B, Luft FC, Haller H. Growth arrest specific protein 6/Axl signaling in human inflammatory renal diseases. Am J Kidney Dis 2004; 43:286-95. [PMID: 14750094 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2003.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) and its binding partner, the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl, are important mediators in experimental nephritis. The authors tested whether the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway participates in human renal diseases. METHODS The authors compared 26 human renal specimens from patients with IgA nephritis, acute diffuse immune complex glomerulonephritis, acute lupus nephritis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody--associated glomerulonephritis, acute transplant rejection, and normal renal tissue. Because reactive oxygen species are pivotal in inflammation, the authors tested whether the Axl/Gas6 expression is influenced by NADPH oxidase in vitro. RESULTS Gas6 and Axl immunofluorescence was barely detectable in normal kidney. However, in disease Axl was copiously expressed in the small vessel media, glomeruli, distal tubules, and collecting ducts. Similarly, Gas6 was upregulated in the small vessel intima and media, all segments of the renal tubules, the brush border, and glomeruli. Gas6 and Axl upregulation was a prominent but nonspecific finding in these renal diseases. Cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells and immortalized human mesangial cells were stimulated with angiotensin (Ang) II (1 x 10(-7) mol/L) for 6 or 18 hours. Confocal microscopy and Western blot showed Ang II-dependent Gas6 and Axl expression. An antisense probe against the p22 phox unit of NADPH-oxidase suppressed Ang II-induced Gas6 and Axl expression. In addition, in p47 phox knockout cells Ang II-induced Gas6 and Axl expression were blocked. CONCLUSION GAS6/Axl signaling is involved in human renal disease. The Ang II-induced Gas6 and Axl expression may be dependent on NADPH-oxidase. Gas6 and Axl are important signaling molecules in human renal disease and may be potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Fiebeler
- Helios Klinikum-Berlin, Franz Volhard Clinic at the Max Delbrück Center, Medical Faculty of the Charité, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Yin JL, Hambly BD, Bao SS, Painter D, Bishop GA, Eris JM. Expression of growth arrest-specific gene 6 and its receptors in dysfunctional human renal allografts. Transpl Int 2003. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2003.tb00370.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ermolli M, Schumacher M, Lods N, Hammoud M, Marti HP. Differential expression of MMP-2/MMP-9 and potential benefit of an MMP inhibitor in experimental acute kidney allograft rejection. Transpl Immunol 2003; 11:137-45. [PMID: 12799196 DOI: 10.1016/s0966-3274(02)00150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Acute cellular allograft rejection is characterized by leukocyte invasion and tissue destruction, associated with qualitative and quantitative alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) compartment. Metabolism of ECM proteins is mainly regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), that are zinc depended endoproteinases. MMP, especially basement membrane degrading MMP-2 and MMP-9, also facilitate tissue invasion of leukocytes. In addition, MMP-2 exerts a direct pro-inflammatory effect upon glomerular mesangial cells. Therefore, the investigation of the role of MMP in transplant rejection may lead to novel approaches in the therapy of rejection processes. To our knowledge, this is the first study of acute allograft rejection, formally addressing expression and activity of MMP, including the effect of a MMP inhibiting agent. For our studies, we used the orthotopic kidney allograft model in the stringent Dark Agouti-to-Lewis rat strain combination. Animals were divided into four groups: group A, healthy untreated Lewis rats (n=3); group B, sham operated Lewis rats (n=3); group C, transplanted Lewis rats treated with vehicle solution only (n=12); group D, transplanted Lewis rats treated with MMP inhibitor BB-94 (n=12). Respective animals were treated once daily intraperitonealy with BB-94 (30 mg/kg) or vehicle solution only. Treatment lasted from the third preoperative day until the end of the experiment, the time of severe rejection at day +7. Acute kidney allograft rejection led to alterations in the expression and activity of MMP. Overall MMP activity slightly increased despite severe destruction of kidney histology. The MMP inhibitor BB-94 successfully inhibited MMP activity to a high extent. MMP expression did not show uniform findings, since acute rejection led to differential expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. During the rejection process, MMP-9 showed a small but significant increase, whereas MMP-2 production decreased substantially. Interestingly, BB-94 was able to keep proteinuria at a low level in transplanted animals. In conclusion, MMP-especially MMP-9-appear to represent new mediators involved in acute kidney transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ermolli
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital Bern, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
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