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Fritzler MJ, Choi MY. Editorial: Are Autoantibodies Involved in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis? Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 68:2067-70. [PMID: 27111351 DOI: 10.1002/art.39727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin J Fritzler
- University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - May Y Choi
- University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Sng MK, Chan JSK, Teo Z, Phua T, Tan EHP, Wee JWK, Koh NJN, Tan CK, Chen JP, Pal M, Tong BMK, Tnay YL, Ng XR, Zhu P, Chiba S, Wang X, Wahli W, Tan NS. Selective deletion of PPARβ/δ in fibroblasts causes dermal fibrosis by attenuated LRG1 expression. Cell Discov 2018; 4:15. [PMID: 29619245 PMCID: PMC5880809 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue diseases of the skin are characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the skin and internal organs. Fibroblasts play a pivotal role in the clinical presentation of these conditions. Nuclear receptor peroxisome-proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are therapeutic targets for dermal fibrosis, but the contribution of the different PPAR subtypes are poorly understood. Particularly, the role of fibroblast PPARβ/δ in dermal fibrosis has not been elucidated. Thus, we generated a mouse strain with selective deletion of PPARβ/δ in the fibroblast (FSPCre-Pparb/d-/-) and interrogated its epidermal and dermal transcriptome profiles. We uncovered a downregulated gene, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 (Lrg1), of previously unknown function in skin development and architecture. Our findings suggest that the regulation of Lrg1 by PPARβ/δ in fibroblasts is an important signaling conduit integrating PPARβ/δ and TGFβ1-signaling networks in skin health and disease. Thus, the FSPCre-Pparb/d-/- mouse model could serve as a novel tool in the current gunnery of animal models to better understand dermal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Keat Sng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
| | - Jeremy Soon Kiat Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Ziqiang Teo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Terri Phua
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 16, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eddie Han Pin Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Jonathan Wei Kiat Wee
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Nikki Jun Ning Koh
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Chek Kun Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
| | - Jia Peng Chen
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
| | - Mintu Pal
- Biological Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam 785006 India
| | - Benny Meng Kiat Tong
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371 Singapore
| | - Ya Lin Tnay
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371 Singapore
| | - Xuan Rui Ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
| | - Pengcheng Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
| | - Shunsuke Chiba
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371 Singapore
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856 Singapore
| | - Walter Wahli
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
- INRA ToxAlim, Chemin de Tournefeuille, Toulouse Cedex 3, UMR1331 France
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Le Genopode, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551 Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232 Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology & Research, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673 Singapore
- KK Research Centre, KK Women’s and Children Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899 Singapore
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Targeting of cadherin-11 decreases skin fibrosis in the tight skin-1 mouse model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187109. [PMID: 29112946 PMCID: PMC5675431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease clinically manifesting as progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Cadherin-11 (CDH11) expression is increased in fibrotic skin and lung tissue. Targeting CDH11 may be an effective approach to treating fibrosis. We hypothesize that targeting CDH11 will decrease fibrosis in the tight skin-1 (Tsk-1) mouse model. Methods CDH11 expression was determined in the Tsk-1 mouse model using quantitative real time PCR and immunofluorescence (IF). Inhibitory anti- CDH11 monoclonal antibodies were tested in Tsk-1 mice for their ability to decrease hypodermal fibrosis. Results Expression of CDH11 was increased in fibrotic skin from Tsk-1 mice compared to pallid controls. IF staining demonstrated that CDH11 expression localized to fibroblasts within the hypodermis of fibrotic skin. Treatment with inhibitory anti-CDH11 monoclonal antibodies decreased hypodermal thickness and fibrotic mediators in Tsk-1 mice compared to control antibodies. Conclusions These data demonstrate an important role for CDH11 in the development of skin fibrosis in Tsk-1 mice. These data add to the growing evidence for the important role of CDH11 in tissue fibrosis and fibrotic disease such as systemic sclerosis.
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Miguel V, Busnadiego O, Fierro-Fernández M, Lamas S. Protective role for miR-9-5p in the fibrogenic transformation of human dermal fibroblasts. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2016; 9:7. [PMID: 27274768 PMCID: PMC4891847 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-016-0044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is the hallmark of fibrotic diseases, including skin fibrosis. This response relies on the activation of dermal fibroblasts that evolve into a pro-fibrogenic phenotype. One of the major players in this process is the cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression affecting a wide range of pathophysiological events including fibrogenesis. MicroRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) has been shown to exert a protective role in lung and peritoneal fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of miR-9-5p in skin fibrosis. Results miR-9-5p is up-regulated in TGF-β1-treated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). In silico identification of miR-9-5p targets spotted the type II TGF-β receptor (TGFBR2) as a potential TGF-β signaling-related effector for this miRNA. Consistently, over-expression of miR-9-5p in HDFs down-regulated TGFBR2 at both the mRNA and protein levels and reduced the phosphorylation of Smad2 and the translocation of Smad2/3 to the nucleus. In keeping, over-expression of miR-9-5p significantly delayed TGF-β1-dependent transformation of dermal fibroblasts, decreasing the expression of ECM protein collagen, type I, alpha 1 (Col1α1), and fibronectin (FN), the amount of secreted collagen proteins, and the expression of the archetypal myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). By contrast, specific inhibition of miR-9-5p resulted in enhanced presence of fibrosis markers. The expression of miR-9-5p was also detected in the skin and plasma in the mouse model of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. Using lentiviral constructs, we demonstrated that miR-9-5p over-expression was also capable of deterring fibrogenesis in this same model. Conclusions miR-9-5p significantly prevents fibrogenesis in skin fibrosis. This is mediated by an abrogation of TGF-β-mediated signaling through the down-regulation of TGFBR2 expression in HDFs. These results may pave the way for future diagnostic or therapeutic developments for skin fibrosis based on miR-9-5p. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13069-016-0044-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Miguel
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Busnadiego
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Fierro-Fernández
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Lamas
- Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Amedei A, Pimpinelli N, Grassi A, Bella CD, Niccolai E, Brancati S, Benagiano M, D'Elios S, Bosi A, D'Elios MM. Skin CD30(+) T cells and circulating levels of soluble CD30 are increased in patients with graft versus host disease. AUTOIMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 2015; 5:21-6. [PMID: 26000151 PMCID: PMC4389013 DOI: 10.1007/s13317-013-0054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine serum soluble CD30 (sCD30) levels in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD). Methods Serum soluble CD30 levels and IgE levels were assayed by a sensitive ELISA in 57 patients with bone marrow transplantation, and in 44 healthy controls. We analyzed the type of effector T cells in patients with GVHD. Results Serum levels of sCD30 and serum IgE levels were significantly higher (p values <0.05) in patients with acute and chronic GVHD than in healthy controls. We found that CD30+ T-cells are present in the skin of patients with GVHD. Conclusion These results suggest that serum sCD30 levels may be helpful for the management of patients with bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Amedei
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Grassi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Della Bella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Brancati
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marisa Benagiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sofia D'Elios
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Bosi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario M D'Elios
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Parapuram SK, Thompson K, Tsang M, Hutchenreuther J, Bekking C, Liu S, Leask A. Loss of PTEN expression by mouse fibroblasts results in lung fibrosis through a CCN2-dependent mechanism. Matrix Biol 2015; 43:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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The Tsk2/+ mouse fibrotic phenotype is due to a gain-of-function mutation in the PIIINP segment of the Col3a1 gene. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 135:718-27. [PMID: 25330296 PMCID: PMC4324084 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a polygenic, autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, vascular alterations, and autoantibodies. The tight skin (Tsk)2/+ mouse model of SSc demonstrates signs similar to SSc including tight skin and excessive deposition of dermal ECM proteins. By linkage analysis, we mapped the Tsk2 gene mutation to <3 megabases on chromosome 1. We performed both RNA sequencing of skin transcripts and genome capture DNA sequencing of the region spanning this interval in Tsk2/+ and wild-type littermates. A missense point mutation in the procollagen III amino terminal propeptide segment (PIIINP) of collagen, type III, alpha 1 (Col3a1) was found to be the best candidate for Tsk2; hence, both in vivo and in vitro genetic complementation tests were used to prove that this Col3a1 mutation is the Tsk2 gene. All previously documented mutations in the human Col3a1 gene are associated with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that leads to a defect in type III collagen synthesis. To our knowledge, the Tsk2 point mutation is the first documented gain-of-function mutation associated with Col3a1, which leads instead to fibrosis. This discovery provides insight into the mechanism of skin fibrosis manifested by Tsk2/+ mice.
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Long KB, Burgwin CM, Huneke R, Artlett CM, Blankenhorn EP. Tight Skin 2 Mice Exhibit Delayed Wound Healing Caused by Increased Elastic Fibers in Fibrotic Skin. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2014; 3:573-581. [PMID: 25207200 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2014.0529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The Tight Skin 2 (Tsk2) mouse model of systemic sclerosis (SSc) has many features of human disease, including tight skin, excessive collagen deposition, alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM), increased elastic fibers, and occurrence of antinuclear antibodies with age. A tight skin phenotype is observed by 2 weeks of age, but measurable skin fibrosis is only apparent at 10 weeks. We completed a series of wound healing experiments to determine how fibrosis affects wound healing in Tsk2/+ mice compared with their wild-type (WT) littermates. Method: We performed these experiments by introducing four 4 mm biopsy punched wounds on the back of each mouse, ventral of the midline, and observed wound healing over 10 days. Tsk2/+ mice showed significantly delayed wound healing and increased wound size compared with the WT littermates at both 5 and 10 weeks of age. We explored the potential sources of this response by wounding Tsk2/+ mice that were genetically deficient either for the NLRP3 inflammasome (a known fibrosis mediator), or for elastic fibers in the skin, using a fibulin-5 knockout. Conclusion: We found that the loss of elastic fibers restores normal wound healing in the Tsk2/+ mouse and that the loss of the NLRP3 inflammasome had no effect. We conclude that elastic fiber dysregulation is the primary cause of delayed wound healing in the Tsk2/+ mouse and therapies that promote collagen deposition in the tissue matrix in the absence of elastin deposition might be beneficial in promoting wound healing in SSc and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen B. Long
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chelsea M. Burgwin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard Huneke
- University Laboratory Animal Resources, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carol M. Artlett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth P. Blankenhorn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Tight skin 2 mice exhibit a novel time line of events leading to increased extracellular matrix deposition and dermal fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2014; 38:91-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Dumoitier N, Lofek S, Mouthon L. Pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis: state of the art in 2014. Presse Med 2014; 43:e267-78. [PMID: 25179277 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major work has been done in order to improve the understanding of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. A number of new experimental models have been set up, that should help to understand the disease pathogenesis and test new therapeutic targets. Reactive oxygen species represent a hallmark of the pathogenesis of SSc, both at the fibroblast and at the endothelial cell levels. Although a large number of genetic studies have been conducted, it is still difficult to identify a genetic background specific to SSc, and the major progress in this setting is probably the identification of an interferon signature. Besides endothelial cells and fibroblasts, major development has been made in the understanding of the role of B cells and autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of SSc. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of SSc through the secretion of CXCL4, although these data will need to be confirmed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dumoitier
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, 8, rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Lofek
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, 8, rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, 8, rue Méchain, 75014 Paris, France; Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), hôpital Cochin, centre de référence pour les vascularites nécrosantes et la sclérodermie systémique, service de médecine interne, Université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France.
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Findlay VJ, LaRue AC, Turner DP, Watson PM, Watson DK. Understanding the role of ETS-mediated gene regulation in complex biological processes. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 119:1-61. [PMID: 23870508 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407190-2.00001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ets factors are members of one of the largest families of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors, regulating critical functions in normal cell homeostasis, which when perturbed contribute to tumor progression. The well-documented alterations in ETS factor expression and function during cancer progression result in pleiotropic effects manifested by the downstream effect on their target genes. Multiple ETS factors bind to the same regulatory sites present on target genes, suggesting redundant or competitive functions. The anti- and prometastatic signatures obtained by examining specific ETS regulatory networks will significantly improve our ability to accurately predict tumor progression and advance our understanding of gene regulation in cancer. Coordination of multiple ETS gene functions also mediates interactions between tumor and stromal cells and thus contributes to the cancer phenotype. As such, these new insights may provide a novel view of the ETS gene family as well as a focal point for studying the complex biological control involved in tumor progression. One of the goals of molecular biology is to elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Such an understanding of the molecular basis of cancer will provide new possibilities for: (1) earlier detection, as well as better diagnosis and staging of disease; (2) detection of minimal residual disease recurrences and evaluation of response to therapy; (3) prevention; and (4) novel treatment strategies. Increased understanding of ETS-regulated biological pathways will directly impact these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J Findlay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Liu S, Parapuram SK, Leask A. Fibrosis caused by loss of PTEN expression in mouse fibroblasts is crucially dependent on CCN2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 65:2940-4. [PMID: 23983074 DOI: 10.1002/art.38121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Protein phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression is reduced in dermal fibroblasts isolated from patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, a fibrotic autoimmune disease. In support of this finding, deletion of the PTEN gene in the dermal fibroblasts of mice has been shown to result in skin fibrosis and in vivo overexpression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; CCN2), a proadhesive matricellular protein; however, whether CCN2 is required for the fibrosis caused by loss of PTEN is unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of CCN2 in fibrosis caused by reduced PTEN expression. METHODS We generated conditional knockout mice in which PTEN was deleted in fibroblasts, either alone or in combination with CCN2. Skin samples were collected for histologic examination, immunohistochemical analysis, and collagen assay. RESULTS Loss of CCN2 resulted in resistance to the increases in collagen production and myofibroblast recruitment that are caused by loss of PTEN. CCN2 deficiency did not impair Akt phosphorylation or the increases in the intensity of proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining that were caused by loss of PTEN. CONCLUSION These data are consistent with the notion that CCN2 is required for particular aspects of the fibroproliferative response; therapeutic strategies blocking CCN2 may be of clinical benefit in combating fibrotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangxi Liu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
The fundamental mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) remain elusive, despite over 50 years of investigation. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of SSc. In particular, we consider interleukin-13 (IL13), and its upstream and downstream pathways, as an example of an immune system-derived mediator involved in fibrotic and vascular pathology. Emerging results linking pattern-recognition receptors and interferon pathways to SSc are also stressed. We discuss genetic data linking the immune system to SSc risk and efforts to apply animal models to subsets of patients recently resolved by gene expression profiling. These developments will help build a context for better understanding of previous observations and design of the next generation of studies that may eventually lead to effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B. Greenblatt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonios O. Aliprantis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Stawski L, Han R, Bujor AM, Trojanowska M. Angiotensin II induces skin fibrosis: a novel mouse model of dermal fibrosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14:R194. [PMID: 22913887 PMCID: PMC3580592 DOI: 10.1186/ar4028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Ang II (angiotensin II), a vasoconstrictive peptide, is a well-known inducer of kidney, heart, and liver fibrosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the profibrotic potential of Ang II in the mouse skin. Methods Ang II was administered by subcutaneous osmotic mini pumps to C57BL/6 male mice. Collagen-content measurements were performed with Gomori Trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. The mRNA expression level of collagens, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, CTGF, αSMA, CD3, Emr1, CD45/B220, MCP1, and FSP1 were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunostaining was performed for markers of inflammation and fibrosis, including, phospho-Smad2, αSMA, CD3, Mac3, CD45/B220, and CD163B. Fibrocytes were identified by double staining with CD45/FSP1 and CD45/PH4. Endothelial cells undergoing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) were identified by double staining with VE-cadherin/FSP1. Results Ang II-infused mice develop prominent dermal fibrosis in the area proximal to the pump, as shown by increased collagen and CTGF mRNA levels, increased hydroxyproline content, and more tightly packed collagen fibers. In addition, elevated mRNA levels of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 along with increased expression of pSmad2 were observed in the skin of Ang II-treated mice. Dermal fibrosis was accompanied by an increased number of infiltrating fibrocytes, and an increased number of αSMA-positive cells, as well as CD163B+ macrophages in the upper dermis. This correlated with significantly increased mRNA levels of αSMA, Emr1, and MCP1. Infiltration of CD3-, CD45/B220-, and Mac3-positive cells was observed mainly in the hypodermis. Furthermore, an increased number of double-positive VE-cadherin/FSP1 cells were detected in the hypodermis only. Conclusions This work demonstrates that Ang II induces both inflammation and fibrosis in the skin via MCP1 upregulation and accumulation of activated fibroblasts. Additionally, our data suggest that populations of these fibroblasts originate from circulating blood cells. Ang II infusion via osmotic minipumps could serve as a useful mouse model of skin fibrosis to gain new insights into pathogenic mechanisms and to test new antifibrotic therapies.
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Sticherling M. Systemic sclerosis-dermatological aspects. Part 1: Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical findings. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2012; 10:705-18; quiz 716. [PMID: 22913330 DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2012.07999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory multiorgan disease belonging to the group of collagen-vascular disorders. With a prevalence of 10/100,000 inhabitants it may be regarded a rather rare disease. Its etiology and pathogenesis have still not been elucidated in detail, especially with regard to the differential involvement of skin and the cause of the clinically heterogeneous disease courses. Various components of the vasculature, connective tissue as well as the immune system are involved in a yet unknown sequence and significance. Patients need to be cared for in an interdisciplinary fashion depending on the individual organ involvement. Apart from the skin, the heart, kidneys and lungs are mainly affected in addition to frequent gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms. Clinically two distinct subsets may be separated, acral (also termed limited) and diffuse scleroderma, which are characterized by anti-centromere and anti-Scl-70/topoisomerase-1 antibodies, respectively. Recent data demonstrate a poor prognosis even in limited disease when pulmonary arterial hypertension develops at an early stage. In diffuse disease sudden and rapid onset will result in a sclerosis of major internal organs and early death in many cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sticherling
- Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, Erlangen, Germany.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2011; 23:620-5. [PMID: 21960037 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e32834ccef6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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