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Wei Q, Gan C, Sun M, Xie Y, Liu H, Xue T, Deng C, Mo C, Ye T. BRD4: an effective target for organ fibrosis. Biomark Res 2024; 12:92. [PMID: 39215370 PMCID: PMC11365212 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an excessive wound-healing response induced by repeated or chronic external stimuli to tissues, significantly impacting quality of life and primarily contributing to organ failure. Organ fibrosis is reported to cause 45% of all-cause mortality worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to develop new antifibrotic drugs, drug discovery has not kept pace with the clinical demand. Currently, only pirfenidone and nintedanib are approved by the FDA to treat pulmonary fibrotic illness, whereas there are currently no available antifibrotic drugs for hepatic, cardiac or renal fibrosis. The development of fibrosis is closely related to epigenetic alterations. The field of epigenetics primarily studies biological processes, including chromatin modifications, epigenetic readers, DNA transcription and RNA translation. The bromodomain and extra-terminal structural domain (BET) family, a class of epigenetic readers, specifically recognizes acetylated histone lysine residues and promotes the formation of transcriptional complexes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is one of the most well-researched proteins in the BET family. BRD4 is implicated in the expression of genes related to inflammation and pro-fibrosis during fibrosis. Inhibition of BRD4 has shown promising anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical studies; however, no BRD4 inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. This review introduces the structure and function of BET proteins, the research progress on BRD4 in organ fibrosis, and the inhibitors of BRD4 utilized in fibrosis. We emphasize the feasibility of targeting BRD4 as an anti-fibrotic strategy and discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with BRD4 inhibitors in treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wei
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Conghui Deng
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Ningxia Medical University, Yin Chuan, 640100, China.
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Jamshidi V, Nobakht BF, Bagheri H, Saeedi P, Ghanei M, Halabian R. Metabolomics to investigate the effect of preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells with crocin on pulmonary epithelial cells exposed to 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. J Proteomics 2024; 308:105280. [PMID: 39147238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Metabolomics significantly impacts drug discovery and precise disease management. This study meticulously assesses the metabolite profiles of cells treated with Crocin, Dexamethasone, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under oxidative stress induced by 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis unequivocally identified substantial changes in 37 metabolites across the treated groups. Notably, pronounced alterations were observed in pathways associated with aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and the metabolism of aspartate, serine, proline, and glutamate. These findings demonstrate the potent capacity of the analyzed treatments to effectively reduce inflammation, mitigate reactive oxygen species production, and enhance cell survival rates. SIGNIFICANCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Jamshidi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Fatemeh Nobakht
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hasan Bagheri
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Pardis Saeedi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Xing X, Zhao C, Cai S, Wang J, Zhang J, Sun F, Huang M, Zhang L. Deciphering the mediating role of CXCL10 in hypothyroidism-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in European ancestry: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379480. [PMID: 39185418 PMCID: PMC11341476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal lung disease characterized by progressive fibrosis, leading to impaired gas exchange and high mortality. The etiology of IPF is complex, with potential links to autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism. This study explores the relationship between hypothyroidism and IPF, focusing on the mediating role of plasma proteins. Methods A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was employed to determine the impact of hypothyroidism on IPF and the mediating role of 4,907 plasma proteins, all in individuals of European ancestry. Sensitivity analyses, external validation, and reverse causality tests were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. Additionally, the function of causal SNPs was evaluated through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Conclusion The findings suggest that hypothyroidism, through altered plasma protein expression, particularly CXCL10, may contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF. This novel insight highlights the potential of CXCL10 as a therapeutic target in IPF, especially in patients with hypothyroidism. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the complex interplay between autoimmune disorders and IPF, with a view towards developing targeted interventions for IPF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Xing
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Song Cai
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Department of respiration, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao Huang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lishan Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Cai G, Liu J, Cai M, Shao L. Exploring the causal effect between lipid-modifying drugs and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a drug-target Mendelian randomization study. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:237. [PMID: 39090671 PMCID: PMC11293199 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02218-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a respiratory disorder of obscure etiology and limited treatment options, possibly linked to dysregulation in lipid metabolism. While several observational studies suggest that lipid-lowering agents may decrease the risk of IPF, the evidence is inconsistent. The present Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to determine the association between circulating lipid traits and IPF and to assess the potential influence of lipid-modifying medications for IPF. METHODS Summary statistics of 5 lipid traits (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B) and IPF were sourced from the UK Biobank and FinnGen Project Round 10. The study's focus on lipid-regulatory genes encompassed PCSK9, NPC1L1, ABCG5, ABCG8, HMGCR, APOB, LDLR, CETP, ANGPTL3, APOC3, LPL, and PPARA. The primary effect estimates were determined using the inverse-variance-weighted method, with additional analyses employing the contamination mixture method, robust adjusted profile score, the weighted median, weighted mode methods, and MR-Egger. Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) was used to confirm significant lipid-modifying drug targets, leveraging data on expressed quantitative trait loci in relevant tissues. Sensitivity analyses included assessments of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out methods. RESULTS There was no significant effect of blood lipid traits on IPF risk (all P>0.05). Drug-target MR analysis indicated that genetic mimicry for inhibitor of NPC1L1, PCSK9, ABCG5, ABCG8, and APOC3 were associated with increased IPF risks, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as follows: 2.74 (1.05-7.12, P = 0.039), 1.36 (1.02-1.82, P = 0.037), 1.66 (1.12-2.45, P = 0.011), 1.68 (1.14-2.48, P = 0.009), and 1.42 (1.20-1.67, P = 3.17×10-5), respectively. The SMR method identified a significant association between PCSK9 gene expression in whole blood and reduced IPF risk (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-0.99, P = 0.043). Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of bias. CONCLUSIONS Serum lipid traits did not significantly affect the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Drug targets MR studies examining 12 lipid-modifying drugs indicated that PCSK9 inhibitors could dramatically increase IPF risk, a mechanism that may differ from their lipid-lowering actions and thus warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gexiang Cai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengsi Cai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lianyou Shao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Reese-Petersen AL, Holm Nielsen S, Bülow Sand JM, Schattenberg JM, Bugianesi E, Karsdal MA. The sclerotic component of metabolic syndrome: Fibroblast activities may be the central common denominator driving organ function loss and death. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:2554-2566. [PMID: 38699780 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common feature of more than 50 different diseases and the cause of more than 35% of deaths worldwide, of which liver, kidney, skin, heart and, recently, lungs are receiving the most attention. Tissue changes, resulting in loss of organ function, are both a cause and consequence of disease and outcome. Fibrosis is caused by an excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, which over time results in impaired organ function and organ failure, and the pathways leading to increased fibroblast activation are many. This narrative review investigated the common denominator of fibrosis, fibroblasts, and the activation of fibroblasts, in response to excess energy consumption in liver, kidney, heart, skin and lung fibrosis. Fibroblasts are the main drivers of organ function loss in lung, liver, skin, heart and kidney disease. Fibroblast activation in response to excess energy consumption results in the overproduction of a range of collagens, of which types I, III and VI seem to be the essential drivers of disease progression. Fibroblast activation may be quantified in serum, enabling profiling and selection of patients. Activation of fibroblasts results in the overproduction of collagens, which deteriorates organ function. Patient profiling of fibroblast activities in serum, quantified as collagen production, may identify an organ death trajectory, better enabling identification of the right treatment for use in different metabolic interventions. As metabolically activated patients have highly elevated risk of kidney, liver and heart failure, it is essential to identify which organ to treat first and monitor organ status to correct treatment regimes. In direct alignment with this, it is essential to identify the right patients with the right organ deterioration trajectory for enrolment in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
- University of the Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
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Shin KWD, Atalay MV, Cetin-Atalay R, O'Leary EM, Glass ME, Szafran JCH, Woods PS, Meliton AY, Shamaa OR, Tian Y, Mutlu GM, Hamanaka RB. ATF4 and mTOR regulate metabolic reprogramming in TGF-β-treated lung fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598694. [PMID: 38915485 PMCID: PMC11195155 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal disease characterized by the TGF-β-dependent activation of lung fibroblasts, leading to excessive deposition of collagen proteins and progressive replacement of healthy lung with scar tissue. We and others have shown that fibroblast activation is supported by metabolic reprogramming, including the upregulation of the de novo synthesis of glycine, the most abundant amino acid found in collagen protein. How fibroblast metabolic reprogramming is regulated downstream of TGF-β is incompletely understood. We and others have shown that TGF-β-mediated activation of the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) and downstream upregulation of Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) promote increased expression of the enzymes required for de novo glycine synthesis; however, whether mTOR and ATF4 regulate other metabolic pathways in lung fibroblasts has not been explored. Here, we used RNA sequencing to determine how both ATF4 and mTOR regulate gene expression in human lung fibroblasts following TGF-β. We found that ATF4 primarily regulates enzymes and transporters involved in amino acid homeostasis as well as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. mTOR inhibition resulted not only in the loss of ATF4 target gene expression, but also in the reduced expression of glycolytic enzymes and mitochondrial electron transport chain subunits. Analysis of TGF-β-induced changes in cellular metabolite levels confirmed that ATF4 regulates amino acid homeostasis in lung fibroblasts while mTOR also regulates glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolites. We further analyzed publicly available single cell RNAseq data sets and found increased expression of ATF4 and mTOR metabolic targets in pathologic fibroblast populations from the lungs of IPF patients. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in lung fibroblasts and highlight novel ATF4 and mTOR-dependent pathways that may be targeted to inhibit fibrotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Woo D Shin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | | | - Rengul Cetin-Atalay
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Erin M O'Leary
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Mariel E Glass
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Jennifer C Houpy Szafran
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Parker S Woods
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Angelo Y Meliton
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Obada R Shamaa
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Yufeng Tian
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Gökhan M Mutlu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Robert B Hamanaka
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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Xie D, Wang P, Chen W, Lin J, Wu M, Wang Y, Xia H, Cheng C, Ye F, Syed BM, Liu Q. Urea cycle promotion via ammonia-upregulated CPS1 is involved in arsenite-induced pulmonary fibrosis through enhancing collagen synthesis. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111029. [PMID: 38703806 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure is connected with lung toxicity and is related to lung fibrotic changes. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Various genetic mechanisms and environmental factors induce or exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis. Collagen synthesis induced by sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is closely associated with IPF. Fibroblasts tend to fine-tune their metabolic networks to support their synthetic requirements in response to environmental stimuli. Alterations in metabolism have an influential role in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, it is unclear how arsenic affects the metabolism in IPF. The urea cycle (UC) is needed for collagen formation, which provides adequate levels of proline (Pro) for biosynthesis of collagen. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) converts the ammonia to carbamoyl phosphate, which controls the first reaction of the UC. We show that, in arsenite-exposed mice, high amounts of ammonia in the lung microenvironment promotes the expression levels of CPS1 and the Pro metabolism. Reduction of ammonia and CPS1 ablation inhibit collagen synthesis and ameliorate IPF phenotypes induced by arsenite. This work takes advantage of multi-omics data to enhance understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, the key molecules and the complicated cellular responses to this pollutant, which provide a target for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis caused by arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxiao Xie
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiwen Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyong Chen
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaheng Lin
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuping Ye
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Binafsha Manzoor Syed
- Medical Research Centre, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, 76090, Sindh, Pakistan.
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Wang X, Du C, Wang Z, Wang J, Zhou N, Wang B, Tan K, Fan Y, Cao P. Glycolysis and beyond in glucose metabolism: exploring pulmonary fibrosis at the metabolic crossroads. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1379521. [PMID: 38854692 PMCID: PMC11157045 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1379521] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a prevalent and irreversible lung disease with limited treatment options, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of its most common forms. Recent research has highlighted PF as a metabolic-related disease, including dysregulated iron, mitochondria, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. Systematic reports on the regulatory roles of glucose metabolism in PF are rare. This study explores the intricate relationships and signaling pathways between glucose metabolic processes and PF, delving into how key factors involved in glucose metabolism regulate PF progression, and the interplay between them. Specifically, we examined various enzymes, such as hexokinase (HK), 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), pyruvate kinase (PK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), illustrating their regulatory roles in PF. It highlights the significance of lactate, alongside the role of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and glucose transporters (GLUTs) in modulating pulmonary fibrosis and glucose metabolism. Additionally, critical regulatory factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) were discussed, demonstrating their impact on both PF and glucose metabolic pathways. It underscores the pivotal role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in this interplay, drawing connections between diabetes mellitus, insulin, insulin-like growth factors, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) with PF. This study emphasizes the role of key enzymes, regulators, and glucose transporters in fibrogenesis, suggesting the potential of targeting glucose metabolism for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PF, and proposing new promising avenues for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejiao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chaoqi Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zeming Wang
- Department of Laboratory, Hebei Provincial People’s Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Xingtai People’s Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, China
| | - Baohua Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ke Tan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Pengxiu Cao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Vang S, Helton ES, Guo Y, Burpee B, Rose E, Easter M, Bollenbecker S, Hirsch MJ, Matthews EL, Jones LI, Howze PH, Rajasekaran V, Denson R, Cochran P, Attah IK, Olson H, Clair G, Melkani G, Krick S, Barnes JW. O-GlcNAc transferase regulates collagen deposition and fibrosis resolution in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1387197. [PMID: 38665916 PMCID: PMC11043510 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1387197] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic pulmonary disease that is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g. collagens) in the parenchyma, which ultimately leads to respiratory failure and death. While current therapies exist to slow the progression, no therapies are available to resolve fibrosis. Methods We characterized the O-linked N-Acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT)/O-GlcNAc axis in IPF using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and human lung sections and isolated fibroblasts from IPF and non-IPF donors. The underlying mechanism(s) of IPF were further investigated using multiple experimental models to modulate collagen expression and accumulation by genetically and pharmacologically targeting OGT. Furthermore, we hone in on the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) effector molecule, Smad3, by co-expressing it with OGT to determine if it is modified and its subsequent effect on Smad3 activation. Results We found that OGT and O-GlcNAc levels are upregulated in patients with IPF compared to non-IPF. We report that the OGT regulates collagen deposition and fibrosis resolution, which is an evolutionarily conserved process demonstrated across multiple species. Co-expression of OGT and Smad3 showed that Smad3 is O-GlcNAc modified. Blocking OGT activity resulted in decreased phosphorylation at Ser-423/425 of Smad3 attenuating the effects of TGF-β1 induced collagen expression/deposition. Conclusion OGT inhibition or knockdown successfully blocked and reversed collagen expression and accumulation, respectively. Smad3 is discovered to be a substrate of OGT and its O-GlcNAc modification(s) directly affects its phosphorylation state. These data identify OGT as a potential target in pulmonary fibrosis resolution, as well as other diseases that might have aberrant ECM/collagen accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shia Vang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Eric Scott Helton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yiming Guo
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Bailey Burpee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Elex Rose
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Molly Easter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Seth Bollenbecker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Meghan June Hirsch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Emma Lea Matthews
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Luke Isaac Jones
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Patrick Henry Howze
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Vasanthi Rajasekaran
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rebecca Denson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Phillip Cochran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Isaac Kwame Attah
- Biological Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Heather Olson
- Biological Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Geremy Clair
- Biological Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Girish Melkani
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Stefanie Krick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jarrod Wesley Barnes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Meliton AY, Cetin-Atalay R, Tian Y, Szafran JCH, Shin KWD, Cho T, Sun KA, Woods PS, Shamaa OR, Chen B, Muir A, Mutlu GM, Hamanaka RB. Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism is Required for TGF-β-Induced Glycine Synthesis and Collagen Protein Production. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.07.566074. [PMID: 37986788 PMCID: PMC10659399 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is the TGF-β-dependent activation of lung fibroblasts, leading to excessive deposition of collagen proteins and progressive scarring. We have previously shown that synthesis of collagen by lung fibroblasts requires de novo synthesis of glycine, the most abundant amino acid in collagen protein. TGF-β upregulates the expression of the enzymes of the de novo serine/glycine synthesis pathway in lung fibroblasts through mTORC1 and ATF4-dependent transcriptional programs. SHMT2, the final enzyme of the de novo serine/glycine synthesis pathway, transfers a one-carbon unit from serine to tetrahydrofolate (THF), producing glycine and 5,10-methylene-THF (meTHF). meTHF is converted back to THF in the mitochondrial one-carbon (1C) pathway through the sequential actions of MTHFD2 (which converts meTHF to 10-formyl-THF), and either MTHFD1L, which produces formate, or ALDH1L2, which produces CO2. It is unknown how the mitochondrial 1C pathway contributes to glycine biosynthesis or collagen protein production in fibroblasts, or fibrosis in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that TGF-β induces the expression of MTHFD2, MTHFD1L, and ALDH1L2 in human lung fibroblasts. MTHFD2 expression was required for TGF-β-induced cellular glycine accumulation and collagen protein production. Combined knockdown of both MTHFD1L and ALDH1L2 also inhibited glycine accumulation and collagen protein production downstream of TGF-β; however knockdown of either protein alone had no inhibitory effect, suggesting that lung fibroblasts can utilize either enzyme to regenerate THF. Pharmacologic inhibition of MTHFD2 recapitulated the effects of MTHFD2 knockdown in lung fibroblasts and ameliorated fibrotic responses after intratracheal bleomycin instillation in vivo. Our results provide insight into the metabolic requirements of lung fibroblasts and provide support for continued development of MTHFD2 inhibitors for the treatment of IPF and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Y Meliton
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Rengül Cetin-Atalay
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Yufeng Tian
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Jennifer C Houpy Szafran
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Kun Woo D Shin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Takugo Cho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Kaitlyn A Sun
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Parker S Woods
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Obada R Shamaa
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Bohao Chen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Gökhan M Mutlu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Robert B Hamanaka
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
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11
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Zhu L, Chen M, Wang W, Zhu J, Wu H. microRNA-141-3p mediates epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and alleviates pulmonary fibrosis in mice via Spred2. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1269-1282. [PMID: 36704943 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study probed the mechanism of microRNA (miR)-141-3p in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). METHODS Mice were intratracheally administered with bleomycin (BLM) to establish a PF mouse model. To investigate the effects of miR-141-3p/Spred2 on PF in mice, PF mice received tail vein injections with agomir-141-3p and/or adenovirus vectors overexpressing Spred2 one week after BLM treatment. Then, the pathological changes of lung tissues were analyzed with H&E and Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline contents in lung tissues were measured. For cell experiments, after loss- and gain-of-function assays, the role of miR-141-3p/Spred2 in the apoptosis and viability of TGF-β1-stimulated MLE-12 cells was examined by flow cytometry and CCK-8 assay. miR-141-3p, Spred2, COl 1, and α-SMA expression was determined in cells and mice. Then, the binding of miR-141-3p to Spred2 was tested with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS There were abnormally upregulated Spred2 and downregulated miR-141-3p in lung tissues of PF mice. TGF-β1 decelerated viability and augmented apoptosis and COl 1 and α-SMA expression in MLE-12 cells. Spred2 knockdown diminished apoptosis and α-SMA and COl 1 expression while enhancing proliferation in TGF-β1-treated MLE-12 cells. Mechanistically, Spred2 was a target gene of miR-141-3p. miR-141-3p upregulation accelerated proliferation and repressed apoptosis and α-SMA and COl 1 expression in TGF-β1-treated MLE-12 cells, which was nullified by further overexpressing Spred2. miR-141-3p alleviated PF in mice by targeting Spred2. CONCLUSION miR-141-3p negatively modulates Spred2 to promote proliferation and repress epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis of epithelial cells, as well as ameliorating PF in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jianing Zhu
- Department of Ultrasonic, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Huaxiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
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12
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Ravassa S, López B, Treibel TA, San José G, Losada-Fuentenebro B, Tapia L, Bayés-Genís A, Díez J, González A. Cardiac Fibrosis in heart failure: Focus on non-invasive diagnosis and emerging therapeutic strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 93:101194. [PMID: 37384998 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality and hospitalization worldwide. Cardiac fibrosis, resulting from the excessive deposition of collagen fibers, is a common feature across the spectrum of conditions converging in heart failure. Eventually, either reparative or reactive in nature, in the long-term cardiac fibrosis contributes to heart failure development and progression and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Despite this, specific cardiac antifibrotic therapies are lacking, making cardiac fibrosis an urgent unmet medical need. In this context, a better patient phenotyping is needed to characterize the heterogenous features of cardiac fibrosis to advance toward its personalized management. In this review, we will describe the different phenotypes associated with cardiac fibrosis in heart failure and we will focus on the potential usefulness of imaging techniques and circulating biomarkers for the non-invasive characterization and phenotyping of this condition and for tracking its clinical impact. We will also recapitulate the cardiac antifibrotic effects of existing heart failure and non-heart failure drugs and we will discuss potential strategies under preclinical development targeting the activation of cardiac fibroblasts at different levels, as well as targeting additional extracardiac processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Ravassa
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña López
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas A Treibel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, UK; Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gorka San José
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Losada-Fuentenebro
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leire Tapia
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Bayés-Genís
- CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Servei de Cardiologia i Unitat d'Insuficiència Cardíaca, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; ICREC Research Program, Germans Trias i Pujol Health Science Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Javier Díez
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Arantxa González
- Program of Cardiovascular Diseases, CIMA Universidad de Navarra and IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; CIBERCV, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Hayton C, Ahmed W, Cunningham P, Piper-Hanley K, Pearmain L, Chaudhuri N, Leonard C, Blaikley JF, Fowler SJ. Changes in lung epithelial cell volatile metabolite profile induced by pro-fibrotic stimulation with TGF- β1. J Breath Res 2023; 17:046012. [PMID: 37619557 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/acf391] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown promise as potential biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Measuring VOCs in the headspace ofin vitromodels of lung fibrosis may offer a method of determining the origin of those detected in exhaled breath. The aim of this study was to determine the VOCs associated with two lung cell lines (A549 and MRC-5 cells) and changes associated with stimulation of cells with the pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. A dynamic headspace sampling method was used to sample the headspace of A549 cells and MRC-5 cells. These were compared to media control samples and to each other to identify VOCs which discriminated between cell lines. Cells were then stimulated with the TGF-β1 and samples were compared between stimulated and unstimulated cells. Samples were analysed using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and supervised analysis was performed using sparse partial least squares-discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA). Supervised analysis revealed differential VOC profiles unique to each of the cell lines and from the media control samples. Significant changes in VOC profiles were induced by stimulation of cell lines with TGF-β1. In particular, several terpenoids (isopinocarveol, sativene and 3-carene) were increased in stimulated cells compared to unstimulated cells. VOC profiles differ between lung cell lines and alter in response to pro-fibrotic stimulation. Increased abundance of terpenoids in the headspace of stimulated cells may reflect TGF-β1 cell signalling activity and metabolic reprogramming. This may offer a potential biomarker target in exhaled breath in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conal Hayton
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR-Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Waqar Ahmed
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Cunningham
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Piper-Hanley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Pearmain
- NIHR-Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nazia Chaudhuri
- School of Medicine, The University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Colm Leonard
- NIHR-Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - John F Blaikley
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR-Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Fowler
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR-Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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14
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Pokhreal D, Crestani B, Helou DG. Macrophage Implication in IPF: Updates on Immune, Epigenetic, and Metabolic Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:2193. [PMID: 37681924 PMCID: PMC10486697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology with a poor prognosis. It is a chronic and progressive disease that has a distinct radiological and pathological pattern from common interstitial pneumonia. The use of immunosuppressive medication was shown to be completely ineffective in clinical trials, resulting in years of neglect of the immune component. However, recent developments in fundamental and translational science demonstrate that immune cells play a significant regulatory role in IPF, and macrophages appear to be among the most crucial. These highly plastic cells generate multiple growth factors and mediators that highly affect the initiation and progression of IPF. In this review, we will provide an update on the role of macrophages in IPF through a systemic discussion of various regulatory mechanisms involving immune receptors, cytokines, metabolism, and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Pokhreal
- Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Inserm U1152, UFR de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Crestani
- Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Inserm U1152, UFR de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
- FHU APOLLO, Service de Pneumologie A, Hôpital Bichat, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, 75877 Paris, France
| | - Doumet Georges Helou
- Physiopathologie et Epidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, Inserm U1152, UFR de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
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15
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Lee HY, You DJ, Taylor-Just A, Tisch LJ, Bartone RD, Atkins HM, Ralph LM, Antoniak S, Bonner JC. Role of the protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) in the exacerbation of house dust mite-induced murine allergic lung disease by multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Part Fibre Toxicol 2023; 20:32. [PMID: 37580758 PMCID: PMC10424461 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-023-00538-6] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been reported to exert strong pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic adjuvant effects in mouse models of allergic lung disease. However, the molecular mechanisms through which MWCNTs exacerbate allergen-induced lung disease remain to be elucidated. We hypothesized that protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a G-protein coupled receptor previously implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases including pulmonary fibrosis and asthma, may play an important role in the exacerbation of house dust mite (HDM) allergen-induced lung disease by MWCNTs. METHODS Wildtype (WT) male C57BL6 mice and Par2 KO mice were exposed to vehicle, MWCNTs, HDM extract, or both via oropharyngeal aspiration 6 times over a period of 3 weeks and were sacrificed 3-days after the final exposure (day 22). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was harvested to measure changes in inflammatory cells, total protein, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Lung protein and RNA were assayed for pro-inflammatory or profibrotic mediators, and formalin-fixed lung sections were evaluated for histopathology. RESULTS In both WT and Par2 KO mice, co-exposure to MWCNTs synergistically increased lung inflammation assessed by histopathology, and increased BALF cellularity, primarily eosinophils, as well as BALF total protein and LDH in the presence of relatively low doses of HDM extract that alone produced little, if any, lung inflammation. In addition, both WT and par2 KO mice displayed a similar increase in lung Cc1-11 mRNA, which encodes the eosinophil chemokine CCL-11, after co-exposure to MWCNTs and HDM extract. However, Par2 KO mice displayed significantly less airway fibrosis as determined by quantitative morphometry compared to WT mice after co-exposure to MWCNTs and HDM extract. Accordingly, at both protein and mRNA levels, the pro-fibrotic mediator arginase 1 (ARG-1), was downregulated in Par2 KO mice exposed to MWCNTs and HDM. In contrast, phosphorylation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB and the pro-inflammatory cytokine CXCL-1 was increased in Par2 KO mice exposed to MWCNTs and HDM. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that PAR2 mediates airway fibrosis but not eosinophilic lung inflammation induced by co-exposure to MWCNTs and HDM allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Young Lee
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dorothy J You
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Alexia Taylor-Just
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Logan J Tisch
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ryan D Bartone
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hannah M Atkins
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren M Ralph
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Silvio Antoniak
- UNC Blood Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James C Bonner
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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16
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Li J, Yin Y, Zou J, Zhang E, Li Q, Chen L, Li J. The adipose-derived stem cell peptide ADSCP2 alleviates hypertrophic scar fibrosis via binding with pyruvate carboxylase and remodeling the metabolic landscape. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 238:e14010. [PMID: 37366253 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate the function and mechanism of a novel peptide derived from adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM). METHODS Mass spectrometry was applied to identify expressed peptides in ADSC-CM obtained at different time points. The cell counting kit-8 assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions were performed to screen the functional peptides contained within ADSC-CM. RNA-seq, western blot, a back skin excisional model of BALB/c mice, the peptide pull-down assay, rescue experiments, untargeted metabolomics, and mixOmics analysis were performed to thoroughly understand the functional mechanism of selected peptide. RESULTS A total of 93, 827, 1108, and 631 peptides were identified in ADSC-CM at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of conditioning, respectively. A peptide named ADSCP2 (DENREKVNDQAKL) derived from ADSC-CM inhibited collagen and ACTA2 mRNAs in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Moreover, ADSCP2 facilitated wound healing and attenuated collagen deposition in a mouse model. ADSCP2 bound with the pyruvate carboxylase (PC) protein and inhibited PC protein expression. Overexpressing PC rescued the reduction in collagen and ACTA2 mRNAs caused by ADSCP2. Untargeted metabolomics identified 258 and 447 differential metabolites in the negative and positive mode, respectively, in the ADSCP2-treated group. The mixOmics analysis, which integrated RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics data, provided a more holistic view of the functions of ADSCP2. CONCLUSION Overall, a novel peptide derived from ADSC-CM, named ADSCP2, attenuated hypertrophic scar fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, and the novel peptide ADSCP2 might be a promising drug candidate for clinical scar therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Li
- Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Medical Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Yiliang Yin
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Jijun Zou
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Enyuan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, China
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Huang X, Gao L, Deng R, Peng Y, Wu S, Lu J, Liu X. Huangqi-Danshen decoction reshapes renal glucose metabolism profiles that delays chronic kidney disease progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114989. [PMID: 37315436 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Huangqi-Danshen decoction (HDD), a Chinese herbal preparation, is effective in clinical treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of HDD in the regulation of renal glucose metabolism in a CKD mouse model. The 0.2% adenine-induced CKD mouse model was administered HDD extract at a dose of 6.8 g/kg/day for 4 weeks. Detection of renal glucose metabolites was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The expression of renal fibrosis and glucose metabolism-related proteins was tested by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The results showed that HDD treatment could significantly reduce serum creatinine (0.36 ± 0.10 mg/dL vs. 0.51 ± 0.07 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and blood urea nitrogen (40.02 ± 3.73 mg/dL vs. 62.91 ± 10 mg/dL, P < 0.001) levels, and improve renal pathological injury and fibrosis. Aberrant glucose metabolism was found in the kidneys of CKD mice, manifested by enhanced glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, and tricarboxylic acid cycle inhibition, which could be partially restored by HDD treatment. Furthermore, HDD regulated the expression of hexokinase 2, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase M2, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in CKD mice. In conclusion, HDD protected against adenine-induced CKD, reshaped glucose metabolism profiles, and restored the expression of key enzymes of glucose metabolism in the kidneys of CKD mice. This study sheds light on targeting glucose metabolism for the treatment of CKD and screening small molecule compounds from herbal medicine to slow CKD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Liwen Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Ruyu Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China; The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Jiandong Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China.
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18
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Rajesh R, Atallah R, Bärnthaler T. Dysregulation of metabolic pathways in pulmonary fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 246:108436. [PMID: 37150402 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108436] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disorder of unknown origin and the most common interstitial lung disease. It progresses with the recruitment of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that contribute to the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, leading to the loss of compliance and alveolar integrity, compromising the gas exchange capacity of the lung. Moreover, while there are therapeutics available, they do not offer a cure. Thus, there is a pressing need to identify better therapeutic targets. With the advent of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, the cellular mechanisms underlying disease progression are better understood. Metabolic homeostasis is one such factor and its dysregulation has been shown to impact the outcome of IPF. Several metabolic pathways involved in the metabolism of lipids, protein and carbohydrates have been implicated in IPF. While metabolites are crucial for the generation of energy, it is now appreciated that metabolites have several non-metabolic roles in regulating cellular processes such as proliferation, signaling, and death among several other functions. Through this review, we succinctly elucidate the role of several metabolic pathways in IPF. Moreover, we also discuss potential therapeutics which target metabolism or metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Rajesh
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Reham Atallah
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Bärnthaler
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Wu X, Zhang D, Qiao X, Zhang L, Cai X, Ji J, Ma JA, Zhao Y, Belperio JA, Boström KI, Yao Y. Regulating the cell shift of endothelial cell-like myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:2201799. [PMID: 36758986 PMCID: PMC10249020 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01799-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a common and severe fibrotic lung disease with high morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have reported a large number of unwanted myofibroblasts appearing in pulmonary fibrosis, and shown that the sustained activation of myofibroblasts is essential for unremitting interstitial fibrogenesis. However, the origin of these myofibroblasts remains poorly understood. Here, we create new mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis and identify a previously unknown population of endothelial cell (EC)-like myofibroblasts in normal lung tissue. We show that these EC-like myofibroblasts significantly contribute myofibroblasts to pulmonary fibrosis, which is confirmed by single-cell RNA sequencing of human pulmonary fibrosis. Using the transcriptional profiles, we identified a small molecule that redirects the differentiation of EC-like myofibroblasts and reduces pulmonary fibrosis in our mouse models. Our study reveals the mechanistic underpinnings of the differentiation of EC-like myofibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis and may provide new strategies for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuju Wu
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Daoqin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Xiaojing Qiao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xinjiang Cai
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaden Ji
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Ma
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John A Belperio
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Clinical Immunology, and Allergy, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Molecular Biology Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yucheng Yao
- Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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20
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Zhu Z, Gao S, Zhu H, Chen Y, Wu D, Chen Z, Huang Y, Wu X, Hu N, Chen D, Huang W, Chen H. Metformin improves fibroblast metabolism and ameliorates arthrofibrosis in rats. J Orthop Translat 2023; 40:92-103. [PMID: 37457314 PMCID: PMC10338908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging studies have suggested an essential role of fibroblast metabolic reprogramming in the pathogenesis of arthrofibrosis. The metabolic modulator metformin appears to be a therapeutic candidate for fibrotic disorders. However, whether metformin could alleviate arthrofibrosis has not been defined. In this study we have determined if treatment with metformin has beneficial effect on arthrofibrosis and its underlying mechanism. Methods Articular capsule samples were collected from patients with/without arthrofibrosis to perform gene and protein expression analysis. Arthrofibrosis animal model was established to examine the anti-fibrotic effect of metformin. Cell culture experiments were conducted to determine the mechanism by which metformin inhibits fibroblast activation. Results We found that glycolysis was upregulated in human fibrotic articular capsules. In an arthrofibrosis animal model, intra-articular injection of metformin mitigated inflammatory reactions, downregulated expression of both fibrotic and glycolytic markers, improved range of motion (ROM) of the joint, and reduced capsular fibrosis and thickening. At the cellular level, metformin inhibited the activation of fibroblasts and mitigated the abundant influx of glucose into activated fibroblasts. Interestingly, metformin prompted a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis in activated fibroblasts, resulting in the anti-fibrotic effect of metformin. Conclusion Metformin decreased glycolysis, causing a metabolic shift toward aerobic glycolysis in activated fibroblasts and has beneficial effect on the treatment of arthrofibrosis.The translational potential of this article: The findings of this study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of metformin on arthrofibrosis and defined novel targets for the treatment of articular fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglin Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengqiang Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dandong Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanran Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangdong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine/Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institue of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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21
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Leiby KL, Yuan Y, Ng R, Raredon MSB, Adams TS, Baevova P, Greaney AM, Hirschi KK, Campbell SG, Kaminski N, Herzog EL, Niklason LE. Rational engineering of lung alveolar epithelium. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:22. [PMID: 37117221 PMCID: PMC10147714 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered whole lungs may one day expand therapeutic options for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, the feasibility of ex vivo lung regeneration remains limited by the inability to recapitulate mature, functional alveolar epithelium. Here, we modulate multimodal components of the alveolar epithelial type 2 cell (AEC2) niche in decellularized lung scaffolds in order to guide AEC2 behavior for epithelial regeneration. First, endothelial cells coordinate with fibroblasts, in the presence of soluble growth and maturation factors, to promote alveolar scaffold population with surfactant-secreting AEC2s. Subsequent withdrawal of Wnt and FGF agonism synergizes with tidal-magnitude mechanical strain to induce the differentiation of AEC2s to squamous type 1 AECs (AEC1s) in cultured alveoli, in situ. These results outline a rational strategy to engineer an epithelium of AEC2s and AEC1s contained within epithelial-mesenchymal-endothelial alveolar-like units, and highlight the critical interplay amongst cellular, biochemical, and mechanical niche cues within the reconstituting alveolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Leiby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yifan Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ronald Ng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Micha Sam Brickman Raredon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor S Adams
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pavlina Baevova
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Allison M Greaney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karen K Hirschi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Stuart G Campbell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erica L Herzog
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Laura E Niklason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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22
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Qiaolongbatu X, Zhao W, Huang X, Qian F, Yang X, Wu J, Ma C, Qu H, Wang L, Fan G, Wu Z. The Therapeutic Mechanism of Schisandrol A and Its Metabolites on Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Plasma Metabonomics and Network Analysis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:477-496. [PMID: 36814892 PMCID: PMC9939797 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s391503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schisandrol A (Sch A) is the main active ingredient of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Our previous study showed that Sch A has anti-pulmonary fibrosis (PF) activity, but its metabolic-related mechanisms of action are not clear. Methods Here, we explored the therapeutic mechanisms of Sch A on PF by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) metabolomics approach and network analysis. The metabolites of Sch A in mice (bleomycin + Sch A high-dose group) plasma were identified based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Results 32 metabolites were detected reversed to normal level after treating bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF mice with Sch A. The 32 biomarkers were enriched in energy metabolism and several amino acid metabolisms, which was the first report on the therapeutic effects of Sch A on PF through rescuing the disordered energy metabolism. The UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis identified 17 possible metabolites (including isomers) of Sch A in mice plasma. Network analysis revealed that Sch A and 17 metabolites were related to 269 genes, and 1109 disease genes were related to PF. The construction of the Sch A/metabolites-target-PF network identified a total of 79 intersection genes and the TGF-β signaling pathway was determined to be the main signaling pathway related to the treatment of PF by Sch A. The integrated approach involving metabolomics and network analysis revealed that the TGF-β1-ID3-creatine pathway, TGF-β1-VIM-carnosine pathway were two of the possible pathways Sch A regulated to modulate metabolic disorders, especially energy metabolism, and the metabolite of Sch A M5 was identified as a most likely active metabolite. Conclusion The results suggested the feasibility of combining metabolomics and network analysis to reflect the effects of Sch A on the biological network and the metabolic state of PF and to evaluate the drug efficacy of Sch A and its related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijier Qiaolongbatu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xucong Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Qian
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cui Ma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Qu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guorong Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Zhenghua Wu; Guorong Fan, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-133-0177-7863; +86-21-36123711, Email ;
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23
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Renaud L, Waldrep KM, da Silveira WA, Pilewski JM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. First Characterization of the Transcriptome of Lung Fibroblasts of SSc Patients and Healthy Donors of African Ancestry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3645. [PMID: 36835058 PMCID: PMC9966000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043645] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder that results in fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death amongst SSc patients. Racial disparity is noted in SSc as African Americans (AA) have a higher frequency and severity of disease than European Americans (EA). Using RNAseq, we determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs; q < 0.1, log2FC > |0.6|) in primary pulmonary fibroblasts from SSc lungs (SScL) and normal lungs (NL) of AA and EA patients to characterize the unique transcriptomic signatures of AA-NL and AA-SScL fibroblasts using systems-level analysis. We identified 69 DEGs in "AA-NL vs. EA-NL" and 384 DEGs in "AA-SScL vs. EA-SScL" analyses, and a comparison of disease mechanisms revealed that only 7.5% of DEGs were commonly deregulated in AA and EA patients. Surprisingly, we also identified an SSc-like signature in AA-NL fibroblasts. Our data highlight differences in disease mechanisms between AA and EA SScL fibroblasts and suggest that AA-NL fibroblasts are in a "pre-fibrosis" state, poised to respond to potential fibrotic triggers. The DEGs and pathways identified in our study provide a wealth of novel targets to better understand disease mechanisms leading to racial disparity in SSc-PF and develop more effective and personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kristy M. Waldrep
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Joseph M. Pilewski
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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24
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Moita MR, Silva MM, Diniz C, Serra M, Hoet RM, Barbas A, Simão D. Transcriptome and proteome profiling of activated cardiac fibroblasts supports target prioritization in cardiac fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1015473. [PMID: 36531712 PMCID: PMC9751336 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1015473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activated cardiac fibroblasts (CF) play a central role in cardiac fibrosis, a condition associated with most cardiovascular diseases. Conversion of quiescent into activated CF sustains heart integrity upon injury. However, permanence of CF in active state inflicts deleterious heart function effects. Mechanisms underlying this cell state conversion are still not fully disclosed, contributing to a limited target space and lack of effective anti-fibrotic therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS To prioritize targets for drug development, we studied CF remodeling upon activation at transcriptomic and proteomic levels, using three different cell sources: primary adult CF (aHCF), primary fetal CF (fHCF), and induced pluripotent stem cells derived CF (hiPSC-CF). RESULTS All cell sources showed a convergent response upon activation, with clear morphological and molecular remodeling associated with cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified known cardiac fibrosis markers, such as FN1, CCN2, and Serpine1, but also revealed targets not previously associated with this condition, including MRC2, IGFBP7, and NT5DC2. CONCLUSION Exploring such targets to modulate CF phenotype represents a valuable opportunity for development of anti-fibrotic therapies. Also, we demonstrate that hiPSC-CF is a suitable cell source for preclinical research, displaying significantly lower basal activation level relative to primary cells, while being able to elicit a convergent response upon stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Raquel Moita
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marta M. Silva
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Diniz
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida Serra
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - René M. Hoet
- Department of Pathology, CARIM - School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Simão
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
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25
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Fenbendazole Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice via Suppression of Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214088. [PMID: 36430565 PMCID: PMC9693227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal interstitial lung disease with unknown etiology. Despite substantial progress in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and drug development, there is still no cure for this devastating disease. Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a benzimidazole compound that is widely used as an anthelmintic agent and recent studies have expanded the scope of its pharmacological effects and application prospect. This study demonstrated that FBZ treatment blunted bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. In vitro studies showed that FBZ inhibited the proliferation and migration of human embryo lung fibroblasts. Further studies showed that FBZ significantly inhibited glucose consumption, moderated glycolytic metabolism in fibroblasts, thus activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and reduced the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, thereby inhibiting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1)-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis. In summary, our data suggested that FBZ has potential as a novel treatment for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Ma H, Liu S, Li S, Xia Y. Targeting Growth Factor and Cytokine Pathways to Treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:918771. [PMID: 35721111 PMCID: PMC9204157 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.918771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease of unknown origin that usually results in death from secondary respiratory failure within 2–5 years of diagnosis. Recent studies have identified key roles of cytokine and growth factor pathways in the pathogenesis of IPF. Although there have been numerous clinical trials of drugs investigating their efficacy in the treatment of IPF, only Pirfenidone and Nintedanib have been approved by the FDA. However, they have some major limitations, such as insufficient efficacy, undesired side effects and poor pharmacokinetic properties. To give more insights into the discovery of potential targets for the treatment of IPF, this review provides an overview of cytokines, growth factors and their signaling pathways in IPF, which have important implications for fully exploiting the therapeutic potential of targeting cytokine and growth factor pathways. Advances in the field of cytokine and growth factor pathways will help slow disease progression, prolong life, and improve the quality of life for IPF patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengming Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanrui Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, China
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Liang Y, Sun L, Rong F, Han X, Ma X, Deng X, Cheng M, Shan J, Li W, Fu T. Inhalation of tetrandrine liposomes for the treatment of bleomycin induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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28
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Research Progress of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Fibrotic Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5042762. [PMID: 35677107 PMCID: PMC9168133 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5042762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathological outcome of chronic injuries, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components in organs, as seen in most chronic inflammatory diseases. At present, there is an increasing tendency of the morbidity and mortality of diseases caused by fibrosis, but the treatment measures for fibrosis are still limited. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) belongs to the FGF19 subfamily, which also has the name endocrine FGFs because of their endocrine manner. In recent years, it has been found that plasma FGF21 level is significantly correlated with fibrosis progression. Furthermore, there is evidence that FGF21 has a pronounced antifibrotic effect in a variety of fibrotic diseases. This review summarizes the biological effects of FGF21 and discusses what is currently known about this factor and fibrosis disease, highlighting emerging insights that warrant further research.
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29
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Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Breaking the Bridge. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116064. [PMID: 35682743 PMCID: PMC9181498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CTGF is upregulated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by the deposition of a pathological extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, many omics studies confirmed that aberrant cellular senescence-associated mitochondria dysfunction and metabolic reprogramming had been identified in different IPF lung cells (alveolar epithelial cells, alveolar endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages). Here, we reviewed the role of the CTGF in IPF lung cells to mediate anomalous senescence-related metabolic mechanisms that support the fibrotic environment in IPF.
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30
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Jeon KI, Kumar A, Wozniak KT, Nehrke K, Huxlin KR. Defining the Role of Mitochondrial Fission in Corneal Myofibroblast Differentiation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:2. [PMID: 35377925 PMCID: PMC8994166 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fibrosis caused by corneal wounding can lead to scar formation, impairing vision. Although preventing fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation has therapeutic potential, effective mechanisms for doing so remain elusive. Recent work shows that mitochondria contribute to differentiation in several tissues. Here, we tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial dynamics, and specifically fission, are key for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced corneal myofibroblast differentiation. Methods Mitochondrial fission was inhibited pharmacologically in cultured primary cat corneal fibroblasts. We measured its impact on molecular markers of myofibroblast differentiation and assessed changes in mitochondrial morphology through fluorescence imaging. The phosphorylation status of established regulatory proteins, both of myofibroblast differentiation and mitochondrial fission, was assessed by Western analysis. Results Pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial fission suppressed TGF-β1-induced increases in alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen 1, and fibronectin expression, and prevented phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not small mothers against decapentaplegic 3, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1), or protein kinase B (AKT). TGF-β1 increased phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a mitochondrial fission regulator, and caused fragmentation of the mitochondrial network. Although inhibition of JNK, ERK1, or AKT prevented phosphorylation of DRP1, none sufficed to independently suppress TGF-β1-induced fragmentation. Conclusions Mitochondrial dynamics play a key role in early corneal fibrogenesis, acting together with profibrotic signaling. This is consistent with mitochondria's role as signaling hubs that coordinate metabolic decision-making. This suggests a feed-forward cascade through which mitochondria, at least in part through fission, reinforce noncanonical TGF-β1 signaling to attain corneal myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kye-Im Jeon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Ankita Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kaitlin T Wozniak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Keith Nehrke
- Department of Medicine - Nephrology Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Krystel R Huxlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States.,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
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Trivlidis J, Aloufi N, Al-Habeeb F, Nair P, Azuelos I, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. HuR drives lung fibroblast differentiation but not metabolic reprogramming in response to TGF-β and hypoxia. Respir Res 2021; 22:323. [PMID: 34963461 PMCID: PMC8715577 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis is thought to be driven by recurrent alveolar epithelial injury which leads to the differentiation of fibroblasts into α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and subsequent deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) plays a key role in fibroblast differentiation, which we have recently shown involves human antigen R (HuR). HuR is an RNA binding protein that also increases the translation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) mRNA, a transcription factor critical for inducing a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis. This metabolic shift may cause fibroblast differentiation. We hypothesized that under hypoxic conditions, HuR controls myofibroblast differentiation and glycolytic reprogramming in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Methods Primary HLFs were cultured in the presence (or absence) of TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml) under hypoxic (1% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Evaluation included mRNA and protein expression of glycolytic and myofibroblast/ECM markers by qRT-PCR and western blot. Metabolic profiling was done by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- NMR). Separate experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of HuR on metabolic reprogramming using siRNA-mediated knock-down. Results Hypoxia alone had no significant effect on fibroblast differentiation or metabolic reprogramming. While hypoxia- together with TGFβ1- increased mRNA levels of differentiation and glycolysis genes, such as ACTA2, LDHA, and HK2, protein levels of α-SMA and collagen 1 were significantly reduced. Hypoxia induced cytoplasmic translocation of HuR. Knockdown of HuR reduced features of fibroblast differentiation in response to TGF-β1 with and without hypoxia, including α-SMA and the ECM marker collagen I, but had no effect on lactate secretion. Conclusions Hypoxia reduced myofibroblasts differentiation and lactate secretion in conjunction with TGF-β. HuR is an important protein in the regulation of myofibroblast differentiation but does not control glycolysis in HLFs in response to hypoxia. More research is needed to understand the functional implications of HuR in IPF pathogenesis.
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Staab-Weijnitz CA. Fighting the Fiber: Targeting Collagen in Lung Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 66:363-381. [PMID: 34861139 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0342tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is characterized by epithelial injury and aberrant tissue repair, where activated effector cells, mostly fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, excessively deposit collagen into the extracellular matrix. Fibrosis frequently results in organ failure and has been estimated to contribute to at least one third of all global deaths. Also lung fibrosis, in particular idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is a fatal disease with rising incidence worldwide. As current treatment options targeting fibrogenesis are insufficient, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. During the last decade, several studies have proposed to target intra- and extracellular components of the collagen biosynthesis, maturation, and degradation machinery. This includes intra- and extracellular targets directly acting on collagen gene products, but also such that anabolize essential building blocks of collagen, in particular glycine and proline biosynthetic enzymes. Collagen, however, is a ubiquitous molecule in the body and fulfils essential functions as a macromolecular scaffold, growth factor reservoir, and receptor binding site in virtually every tissue. This review summarizes recent advances and future directions in this field. Evidence for the proposed therapeutic targets and where they currently stand in terms of clinical drug development for treatment of fibrotic disease is provided. The drug targets are furthermore discussed in light of (1) specificity for collagen biosynthesis, maturation and degradation, and (2) specificity for disease-associated collagen. As therapeutic success and safety of these drugs may largely depend on targeted delivery, different strategies for specific delivery to the main effector cells and to the extracellular matrix are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Staab-Weijnitz
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum fur Gesundheit und Umwelt, 9150, Comprehensive Pneumology Center/Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), München, Germany;
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33
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Schwörer S, Pavlova NN, Cimino FV, King B, Cai X, Sizemore GM, Thompson CB. Fibroblast pyruvate carboxylase is required for collagen production in the tumour microenvironment. Nat Metab 2021; 3:1484-1499. [PMID: 34764457 PMCID: PMC8606002 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant production of collagen by fibroblasts is a hallmark of many solid tumours and can influence cancer progression. How the mesenchymal cells in the tumour microenvironment maintain their production of extracellular matrix proteins as the vascular delivery of glutamine and glucose becomes compromised remains unclear. Here we show that pyruvate carboxylase (PC)-mediated anaplerosis in tumour-associated fibroblasts contributes to tumour fibrosis and growth. Using cultured mesenchymal and cancer cells, as well as mouse allograft models, we provide evidence that extracellular lactate can be utilized by fibroblasts to maintain tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle anaplerosis and non-essential amino acid biosynthesis through PC activity. Furthermore, we show that fibroblast PC is required for collagen production in the tumour microenvironment. These results establish TCA cycle anaplerosis as a determinant of extracellular matrix collagen production, and identify PC as a potential target to inhibit tumour desmoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schwörer
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalya N Pavlova
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francesco V Cimino
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bryan King
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xin Cai
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig B Thompson
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Hwang S, Chung KW. Targeting fatty acid metabolism for fibrotic disorders. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:839-856. [PMID: 34664210 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is defined by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix, which can affect virtually every organ system under diseased conditions. Fibrotic tissue remodeling often leads to organ dysfunction and is highly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The disease burden caused by fibrosis is substantial, and the medical need for effective antifibrotic therapies is essential. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism and pathobiology of fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated signaling pathways. However, owing to the complex and dynamic properties of fibrotic disorders, there are currently no therapeutic options that can prevent or reverse fibrosis. Recent studies have revealed that alterations in fatty acid metabolic processes are common mechanisms and core pathways that play a central role in different fibrotic disorders. Excessive lipid accumulation or defective fatty acid oxidation is associated with increased lipotoxicity, which directly contributes to the development of fibrosis. Genetic alterations or pharmacologic targeting of fatty acid metabolic processes have great potential for the inhibition of fibrosis development. Furthermore, mechanistic studies have revealed active interactions between altered metabolic processes and fibrosis development. Several well-known fibrotic factors change the lipid metabolic processes, while altered metabolic processes actively participate in fibrosis development. This review summarizes the recent evidence linking fatty acid metabolism and fibrosis, and provides new insights into the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases for the development of drugs for fibrosis prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonghwan Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46214, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Wung Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46214, Republic of Korea.
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