1
|
Bian L, Niu Y, Yuan W, Du H, Yang Y. HBx promotes glomerular podocyte-induced immune cell responses. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2373276. [PMID: 38967134 PMCID: PMC11229751 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2373276] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podocytes, as intrinsic renal cells, can also express MHC-II and costimulatory molecules under inflammatory conditions, suggesting that they may act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to activate immune cell responses and then lead to immune-mediated renal injury. They are already recognized as main targets in the pathogenic mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN). Previous studies also have indicated that inflammatory cells infiltration and immune-mediated tissue injury are evident in the kidney samples of patients with HBV-GN. However, the role of podocytes immune disorder in the pathogenic mechanism of HBV-GN remains unclear. METHODS Renal function and inflammatory cells infiltration were measured in HBV transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice. In vitro, podocytes/CD4+ T cells or macrophages co-culture system was established. Then, the expression of HBx, CD4, and CD68 was determined by immunohistochemistry, while the expression of MHC-II, CD40, and CD40L was determined by immunofluorescence. Co-stimulatory molecules expression was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. RESULTS In vivo, renal function was obviously impaired in HBV-Tg mice. HBx was significantly upregulated and immune cells infiltrated in the glomerulus of HBV-Tg mice. Expression of MHC-II and costimulatory molecule CD40 increased in the podocytes of HBV-Tg mice; CD4+ T cells exhibited increased CD40L expression in glomerulus. In vitro, CD40 expression was markedly elevated in HBx-podocytes. In co-culture systems, HBx-podocytes stimulated CD4+ T cells activation and caused the imbalance between IFN-γ and IL-4. HBx-podocytes also enhanced the adhesion ability of macrophages and induced the release of proinflammatory mediators. CONCLUSION Taken together, these podocyte-related immune disorder may be involved in the pathogenic mechanism of HBV-GN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyan Bian
- Department of Nephrology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuchao Niu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Weijie Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School, Shanghai, China
| | - Huasheng Du
- Department of Nephrology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yitong Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ai L, Liu QQ, Li Y, Wang Y, Zhang HM. The Role of HBx Protein in Diseases Beyond the Liver. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3225-3232. [PMID: 37249958 PMCID: PMC10224689 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s405316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
HBX gene is essential for HBV replication, evading the surveillance of the immune system by integrating its sequence into the human genome. It also exists stably in human cells by inhibiting the expression and activity of mismatch repair-related pathway genes. Previous reviews have comprehensively summarized the role of HBx in liver-related diseases. Our article complements the summary of research on HBx in diseases other than liver disease. Through a comprehensive literature search and reading, we found that HBx is expressed in the kidney, placenta, lung and other organs of HBV-infected patients, and is closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases such as nephritis, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and gastric cancer. However, in the clinical treatment of these diseases, HBV infection and the role of HBx have not attracted sufficient attention, and there is no corresponding treatment strategy. Therefore, more research on HBx in diseases other than the liver is particularly necessary, and we hope that our article can provide some insight into the treatment of related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Ai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Nephrology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University / Second Provincial People’s Hospital of Gansu, Lanzhou, Gansu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xie J, Chen Y, Chen S, Long H, Zhang W, Liu G. The potential value of Notch1 and DLL1 in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with active TB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1134123. [PMID: 37063841 PMCID: PMC10090694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1134123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesThe Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of active tuberculosis (TB), and Th1-type cell-mediated immunity is essential for effective control of mycobacterial infection. However, it remains unclear whether Notch signaling molecules (Notch1, DLL1, and Hes1) and Th1-type factors (T-bet and IFN-γ) can serve as biomarkers for tracking the progression of active TB at different stages along with peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) parameters.MethodsA total of 60 participants were enrolled in the study, including 37 confirmed TB patients (mild (n=17), moderate/severe (n=20)) and 23 healthy controls. The mRNA expression of Notch1, DLL1, Hes1, T-bet and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the subjects was measured by RT-qPCR, then analyzed for differences. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) was used to assess the effectiveness of each factor as a biomarker in identifying lung injury.ResultsWe found that mRNA expression levels of Notch1, DLL1, and Hes1 were upregulated in active TB patients, with higher levels observed in those with moderate/severe TB than those with mild TB or without TB. In contrast, mRNA levels of T-bet and IFN-γ were downregulated and significantly lower in mild and moderate/severe cases. Furthermore, the combiROC analysis of IFN-γ and the percentage of lymphocytes (L%) among WBC parameters showed superior discriminatory ability compared to other factors for identifying individuals with active TB versus healthy individuals. Notably, Notch pathway molecules were more effective than Th1-type factors and WBC parameters in differentiating mild and moderate/severe cases of active TB, particularly in the combiROC model that included Notch1 and Hes1.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that Notch1, Hes1, IFN-γ, and L% can be used as biomarkers to identify different stages of active TB patients and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Collapse
|
4
|
Guan H, Zhu N, Tang G, Du Y, Wang L, Yuan W. DNA methyltransferase 1 knockdown reverses PTEN and VDR by mediating demethylation of promoter and protects against renal injuries in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:98. [PMID: 35765066 PMCID: PMC9238139 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00835-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Aberrant DNA methylation patterns, including hypermethylation of key genes that inhibit fibrosis and inflammation, have been described in human kidney diseases. However, the role of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) remains unclear.
Methods
We explored the underlying mechanism by establishing HBV X protein (HBx) overexpressing renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells and human podocytes with DNMT1 knockdown. Using RNA-sequencing to determine the downstream targets of DNMT1 and evaluate its levels of promoter methylation. HBV transgenic mice were used to examine the effects of DNMT1 inhibitor on renal in vivo.
Results
DNMT1 was significantly upregulated in the renal tissue of HBV-GN patients, accompanied by injuries of HK-2 cells and podocytes. HBx markedly upregulated DNMT1 and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation in HK-2 cells and human podocytes. This increased DNMT1 expression was attenuated after DNMT1 knockdown, accompanied by restored HK-2 cells and podocyte injuries resulting from the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Hypermethylation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) promoter and vitamin D receptor (VDR) was induced in HBx-overexpressing HK-2 cells and podocytes, respectively, whereas DNMT1 knockdown effectively corrected these alterations. Furthermore, PTEN and VDR ablation resulted in marked EMT and inflammation induction in HBx-overexpressing HK-2 cells and human podocytes even with DNMT1 knockdown. Downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related pathway attenuated HBx-induced EMT and inflammation in HK-2 cells. Luciferase reporter assay revealed VDR as a direct target of the Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) in HBx-overexpressing podocytes. DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine alleviated urinary protein and renal inflammation in HBV transgenic mice via PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling and VDR signaling axis.
Conclusions
Our study clarifies the potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying HBx-induced renal injuries in HBV-GN and the renoprotective effects of inhibiting DNMT1, which can provide important insights into the development of treatments for HBV-GN.
Collapse
|
5
|
da Mata GF, Fernandes DE, Luciano EDP, Sales GTM, Riguetti MTP, Kirsztajn GM. Inflammation and kidney involvement in human viral diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HCV and HBV. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200154. [PMID: 34381495 PMCID: PMC8323457 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is closely related to renal diseases. This is particularly true for renal diseases caused by infections as in viral diseases. In this review, we highlight the inflammatory mechanisms that underlie kidney dysfunction in SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) infections. The pathophysiology of renal involvement in COVID-19 is complex, but kidney damage is frequent, and the prognosis is worse when it happens. Virus-like particles were demonstrated mostly in renal tubular epithelial cells and podocytes, which suggest that SARS-CoV-2 directly affects the kidneys. SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is found in endothelial cells, to infect the human host cells. Critical patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) show an increase in inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α), known as cytokine storm that favors renal dysfunction by causing intrarenal inflammation, increased vascular permeability, volume depletion, thromboembolic events in microvasculature and persistent local inflammation. Besides AKI, SARS-CoV-2 can also cause glomerular disease, as other viral infections such as in HIV, HBV and HCV. HIV-infected patients present chronic inflammation that can lead to a number of renal diseases. Proinflammatory cytokines and TNF-induced apoptosis are some of the underlying mechanisms that may explain the virus-induced renal diseases that are here reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ferreira da Mata
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Danilo Euclides Fernandes
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo de Paiva Luciano
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
CD40/CD40L Signaling as a Promising Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Renal Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113653. [PMID: 33202988 PMCID: PMC7697100 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) is activated by the CD40 ligand (CD40L) in a variety of diverse cells types and regulates important processes associated with kidney disease. The CD40/CD40L signaling cascade has been comprehensively studied for its roles in immune functions, whereas the signaling axis involved in local kidney injury has only drawn attention in recent years. Clinical studies have revealed that circulating levels of soluble CD40L (sCD40L) are associated with renal function in the setting of kidney disease. Levels of the circulating CD40 receptor (sCD40), sCD40L, and local CD40 expression are tightly related to renal injury in different types of kidney disease. Additionally, various kidney cell types have been identified as non-professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that express CD40 on the cell membrane, which contributes to the interactions between immune cells and local kidney cells during the development of kidney injury. Although the potential for adverse CD40 signaling in kidney cells has been reported in several studies, a summary of those studies focusing on the role of CD40 signaling in the development of kidney disease is lacking. In this review, we describe the outcomes of recent studies and summarize the potential therapeutic methods for kidney disease which target CD40.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zuo T, Chen P, Jing S, Zhang T, Chang L, Xu F, Zhao C, Xu P. Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Development of HBV-Associated Glomerulonephritis Triggered by the Downregulation of SLC7A7. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:1556-1564. [PMID: 32155069 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As a hepadnavirus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause damage to extrahepatic organs. The kidney is one of the organs that is more susceptible to damage. Research studies on HBV-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) have been going on for decades. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains obscure. Here, we applied a tandem mass tag (TMT) isobaric labeling-based method to quantitatively profile the kidney proteome of HBV transgenic mice to illustrate the pathological mechanisms of HBV-GN. Weighted correlation network analysis, a clustering method for gene expression, is used to cluster proteins. Totally, we identified 127 proteins that were highly associated with HBV expression out of a total of 5169 quantified proteins. Among them, the downregulated solute carrier (SLC) family proteins are involved in the process of HBV-GN. We also found that IL1B was upregulated in the kidney tissue of HBV transgenic mice. These findings suggest that HBV disrupts the small molecule transport network of the kidney, which contributes to the occurrence of HBV-GN. The transporter, particularly SLC family 7 member 7 (SLC7A7), is involved in this process, which might serve as an intervention target for HBV-GN. All MS data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the iProX partner repository with the data set identifier PXD016450.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Peiru Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Sha Jing
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital & MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Lei Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital & MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, P. R. China.,Second Clinical Medicine Collage, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.,Guizhou University School of Medicine, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The histone demethylase LSD1 promotes renal inflammation by mediating TLR4 signaling in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:278. [PMID: 30894511 PMCID: PMC6427019 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Renal inflammation significantly contributes to the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN), but the mechanisms that control its precise regulation remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) was significantly upregulated in renal tissue of HBV-GN patients, and its expression was positively correlated with inflammation. Functionally, LSD1 could promote HBV-induced release of proinflammatory mediators in HK-2 cells, a human renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cell line. Mechanistic investigations suggested that LSD1 directly promoted the transcription of the inflammatory-related gene Tlr4 by eliminating the mono- or di-methylation of H3K9 near its promoter. Knockdown of Lsd1 further inhibited TLR4-NF-κB/JNK signaling cascades, and subsequently decreased HBV-induced production of proinflammatory mediators in HK-2 cells. Co-transfection with Tlr4-expressing plasmids counteracted these effects. Meanwhile, downregulation of abovementioned TLR4-related pathways using small-molecule inhibitors attenuated inflammation. Importantly, LSD1 inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP) could inhibit TLR4-NF-κB/JNK signaling axis and alleviate renal inflammation in HBV transgenic mice. Taken together, our data identify LSD1 as a novel regulator of renal inflammation and as a potential therapeutic target in HBV-GN.
Collapse
|
9
|
Notch1 promotes the pericyte-myofibroblast transition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through the PDGFR/ROCK1 signal pathway. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-11. [PMID: 30902967 PMCID: PMC6430797 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0228-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The goals of this study were to investigate the role of the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and to explore the possibility of treating fibrosis by targeting Notch1. Lung tissues from patients with pulmonary fibrosis were examined for the expression of Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 using RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunostaining. Cultured mouse lung pericytes were transfected with Notch1-overexpressed vectors or shRNA targeting PDGFRβ/ROCK1 to examine cell behaviors, including proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and differentiation toward myofibroblasts. Finally, a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model was prepared, and a Notch1 inhibitor was administered to observe tissue morphology and pericyte cell behaviors. Human pulmonary fibrotic tissues presented with overexpression of Notch1, PDGFRβ, and ROCK1, in addition to a prominent transition of pericytes into myofibroblasts. In cultured mouse lung pericytes, overexpression of Notch1 led to the accelerated proliferation and differentiation of cells, and it also increased the expression of the PDGFRβ and ROCK1 proteins. The knockdown of PDGFRβ/ROCK1 in pericytes remarkably suppressed pericyte proliferation and differentiation. As further substantiation, the administration of a Notch1 inhibitor in a mouse model of lung fibrosis inhibited the PDGFRβ/ROCK1 pathway, suppressed pericyte proliferation and differentiation, and alleviated the severity of fibrosis. Our results showed that the Notch1 signaling pathway was aberrantly activated in pulmonary fibrosis, and this pathway may facilitate disease progression via mediating pericyte proliferation and differentiation. The inhibition of the Notch1 pathway may provide one promising treatment strategy for pulmonary fibrosis. A cell membrane protein called Notch1, which binds to signaling molecules outside cells and then alters the activity of genes inside the cells, might be a promising target for drugs to treat the lung damage of pulmonary fibrosis. This condition, generally of unknown cause, involves thickening, stiffening and scarring of lung tissue. It can lead to serious breathing difficulties and eventually death, especially in people aged over 70. Hui Wang and colleagues at Central South University, Changsha, investigated the significance of the Notch1 signaling pathway by examining lung tissue from patients and manipulating the activity of the pathway in mouse cells. They conclude that Notch1 signaling is activated in pulmonary fibrosis. Drugs that could inhibit the pathway, for example by binding to the Notch1 protein, might open a promising new avenue toward treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Yuan W. Hepatitis B virus X protein and proinflammatory cytokines synergize to enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis of renal tubular cells by upregulation of DR4. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 97:62-72. [PMID: 29432906 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Persistent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may lead to HBV-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN). Presence of HBV-DNA and -RNA in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) suggests direct virus-induced injury. Increase in proinflammatory cytokines is also observed under these conditions. Apoptosis by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HBV-infections. However, the effects of HBV X protein (HBx) on TRAIL-induced apoptosis of RTECs especially under certain inflammatory conditions remain obscure. Here, we show that HBx synergizes with proinflammatory cytokines to significantly increase TRAIL-induced apoptosis of RTECs. HBx markedly up-regulates death receptor-4 (DR4) expression by enhancing the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines. Dramatic increase in DR4 expression leads to the sensitization of RTECs to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, in patients with HBV-GN, DR4 expression in the kidneys is significantly elevated and is positively correlated with the HBx and proinflammatory cytokines expression. These findings provide a novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of renal tubule lesions induced by HBx in HBV-GN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yueyue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Weijie Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jin Y, Wu D, Yang W, Weng M, Li Y, Wang X, Zhang X, Jin X, Wang T. Hepatitis B virus x protein induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating long non-coding RNA. Virol J 2017; 14:238. [PMID: 29258558 PMCID: PMC5735895 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been widely accepted that hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to explore the function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by HBx. METHODS The association between HBx and EMT markers was detected using immunohistochemistry in HCC tissues. The effect of HBx on HCC EMT was assessed through morphological analysis, transwell assay, metastatic in vivo study and detection of EMT markers. LncRNA microarray was used to screen the differently expressed lncRNAs. Small interfering RNA and Western blot were used to analyse the function and mechanism of the locked lncRNA. RESULTS HBx was negatively correlated with the epithelial marker E-cadherin but positively correlated with the mesenchymal marker vimentin in HCC tissues. HBx induced the mesenchymal phenotype and improved the metastatic ability of HCC cells. Meanwhile, HBx down-regulated E-cadherin, whereas it up-regulated vimentin. In HCC cells, HBx altered the expression of 2002 lncRNAs by more than 2-fold. One of them was ZEB2-AS1. Inhibition of ZEB2-AS1 can compensate for the EMT phenotype and reverse the expression of EMT markers regulated by HBx. Additionally, HBx affected the Wnt signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS HBx promotes HCC cell metastasis by inducing EMT, which is at least partly mediated by lncRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinji Jin
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Mingjiao Weng
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yafei Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xuefei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Tianzhen Wang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li M, Hu L, Zhu F, Zhou Z, Tian J, Ai J. Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells through the activation of NF-κB. Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:513-20. [PMID: 27314843 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated glomerulo-nephritis is the most common extra-hepatic disorder occurring with hepatitis B virus infection. In the present study, we hypothesized that HBV X protein (HBx) may play a critical role in renal interstitial fibrosis, as HBx has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal cells. For this purpose, we successfully transfected HBx plasmid into human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). We found that transfection with HBx plasmid significantly downregulated E-cadherin expression and upregulated α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I and fibronectin expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (at the lower concentrations and earlier time points). HBx also increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) phosphorylation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (again at the lower concentrations and earlier time points); however, it did not alter the phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, p38, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Thus, the findings of this study demonstrate that HBx promotes EMT in renal HK-2 cells, and the potential underlying mechanisms may involve the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Liping Hu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Fengxin Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Zhangmei Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jianwei Tian
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ai
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|