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Younesi FS, Miller AE, Barker TH, Rossi FMV, Hinz B. Fibroblast and myofibroblast activation in normal tissue repair and fibrosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0. [PMID: 38589640 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The term 'fibroblast' often serves as a catch-all for a diverse array of mesenchymal cells, including perivascular cells, stromal progenitor cells and bona fide fibroblasts. Although phenotypically similar, these subpopulations are functionally distinct, maintaining tissue integrity and serving as local progenitor reservoirs. In response to tissue injury, these cells undergo a dynamic fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, marked by extracellular matrix secretion and contraction of actomyosin-based stress fibres. Importantly, whereas transient activation into myofibroblasts aids in tissue repair, persistent activation triggers pathological fibrosis. In this Review, we discuss the roles of mechanical cues, such as tissue stiffness and strain, alongside cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix ligands in modulating myofibroblast activation and survival. We also highlight the role of epigenetic modifications and myofibroblast memory in physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for therapeutically interfering with these factors and the associated signal transduction pathways to improve the outcome of dysregulated healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Sadat Younesi
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Naik A, Chitturi P, Nguyen J, Leask A. The yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1) inhibitor celastrol suppresses the ability of transforming growth factor β to activate human gingival fibroblasts. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 160:105910. [PMID: 38364717 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105910] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether celastrol, an inhibitor of the mechanosensitive transcriptional cofactor yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1), impairs the ability of TGFβ1 to stimulate fibrogenic activity in human gingival fibroblast cell line. DESIGN Human gingival fibroblasts were pre-treated with celastrol or DMSO followed by stimulation with or without TGFβ1 (4 ng/ml). We then utilized bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, cell proliferation assays to determine if celastrol impaired TGFβ1-induced responses in a human gingival fibroblast cell line. RESULTS Celastrol impaired the ability of TGFβ1 to induce expression of the profibrotic marker and mediator CCN2. Bulk RNAseq analysis of gingival fibroblasts treated with TGFβ1, in the presence or absence of celastrol, revealed that celastrol impaired the ability of TGFβ1 to induce mRNA expression of genes within extracellular matrix, wound healing, focal adhesion and cytokine/Wnt signaling clusters. RT-PCR analysis of extracted RNAs confirmed that celastrol antagonized the ability of TGFβ1 to induce expression of genes anticipated to contribute to fibrotic responses. Celastrol also reduced gingival fibroblast proliferation, and YAP1 nuclear localization in response to TGFβ1. CONCLUSION YAP1 inhibitors such as celastrol could be used to impair pro-fibrotic responses to TGFβ1 in human gingival fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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Chitturi P, Leask A. The role of positional information in determining dermal fibroblast diversity. Matrix Biol 2024; 128:31-38. [PMID: 38423396 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.02.009] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The largest mammalian organ, skin, consisting of a dermal connective tissue layer that underlies and supports the epidermis, acts as a protective barrier that excludes external pathogens and disseminates sensory signals emanating from the local microenvironment. Dermal connective tissue is comprised of a collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) that is produced by connective tissue fibroblasts resident within the dermis. When wounded, a tissue repair program is induced whereby fibroblasts, in response to alterations in the microenvironment, produce new ECM components, resulting in the formation of a scar. Failure to terminate the normal tissue repair program causes fibrotic conditions including: hypertrophic scars, keloids, and the systemic autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc). Histological and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) studies have revealed that fibroblasts are heterogeneous and highly plastic. Understanding how this diversity contributes to dermal homeostasis, wounding, fibrosis, and cancer may ultimately result in novel anti-fibrotic therapies and personalized medicine. This review summarizes studies supporting this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyusha Chitturi
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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Leask A, Fadl A, Naik A. A modest proposal: targeting αv integrin-mediated activation of latent TGFbeta as a novel therapeutic approach to treat scleroderma fibrosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:279-285. [PMID: 38393748 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2323528] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The potent profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been associated with the onset and progression of the fibrosis seen in the autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc). AREA COVERED This review explores the data supporting the notion that TGF-β contributes to SSc fibrosis and examines why initiating clinical trials in SSc aimed at targeting integrin-mediated latent TGF-β activation is timely. EXPERT OPINION Targeting TGF-β directly has not been proven to be clinically effective in this disease. Conversely, targeting matrix stiffness, which perpetuates fibrosis, may have more promise. Intriguingly, targeting integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-β, which bridges these concepts, may have therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Asmaa Fadl
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Leask A, Naik A, Stratton RJ. Back to the future: targeting the extracellular matrix to treat systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:713-723. [PMID: 37789119 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the excessive deposition of a stable extracellular matrix (ECM); fibrotic tissue is composed principally of highly crosslinked type I collagen and highly contractile myofibroblasts. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The fibrotic process has been recognized in SSc for >40 years, but drugs with demonstrable efficacy against SSc fibrosis in ameliorating the lung involvement have only recently been identified. Unfortunately, these treatments are ineffective at improving the skin score in patients with SSc. Previous clinical trials in SSc have largely focused on the cross-purposing of anti-inflammatory drugs and the use of immunosuppressive drugs from the transplantation field, which address inflammatory and/or autoimmune processes. Limited examination has taken place of specific anti-fibrotic agents developed through their ability to directly target the ECM in SSc by, for example, alleviating the persistent matrix stiffness and mechanotransduction that might be required for both the initiation and maintenance of fibrosis, including in SSc. However, because of the importance of the ECM in the SSc phenotype, attempts have now been made to identify drugs that specifically target the ECM, including some drugs that are currently under consideration for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London, UK
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Chitturi P, Xu S, Ahmed Abdi B, Nguyen J, Carter DE, Sinha S, Arora R, Biernaskie J, Stratton RJ, Leask A. Tripterygium wilfordii derivative celastrol, a YAP inhibitor, has antifibrotic effects in systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1191-1204. [PMID: 37328193 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-223859] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterised by extensive tissue fibrosis maintained by mechanotranductive/proadhesive signalling. Drugs targeting this pathway are therefore of likely therapeutic benefit. The mechanosensitive transcriptional co-activator, yes activated protein-1 (YAP1), is activated in SSc fibroblasts. The terpenoid celastrol is a YAP1 inhibitor; however, if celastrol can alleviate SSc fibrosis is unknown. Moreover, the cell niches required for skin fibrosis are unknown. METHODS Human dermal fibroblasts from healthy individuals and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc were treated with or without transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), with or without celastrol. Mice were subjected to the bleomycin-induced model of skin SSc, in the presence or absence of celastrol. Fibrosis was assessed using RNA Sequencing, real-time PCR, spatial transcriptomic analyses, Western blot, ELISA and histological analyses. RESULTS In dermal fibroblasts, celastrol impaired the ability of TGFβ1 to induce an SSc-like pattern of gene expression, including that of cellular communication network factor 2, collagen I and TGFβ1. Celastrol alleviated the persistent fibrotic phenotype of dermal fibroblasts cultured from lesions of SSc patients. In the bleomycin-induced model of skin SSc, increased expression of genes associated with reticular fibroblast and hippo/YAP clusters was observed; conversely, celastrol inhibited these bleomycin-induced changes and blocked nuclear localisation of YAP. CONCLUSIONS Our data clarify niches within the skin activated in fibrosis and suggest that compounds, such as celastrol, that antagonise the YAP pathway may be potential treatments for SSc skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyusha Chitturi
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Shiwen Xu
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Bahja Ahmed Abdi
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Sartak Sinha
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rohit Arora
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard J Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Schuster R, Younesi F, Ezzo M, Hinz B. The Role of Myofibroblasts in Physiological and Pathological Tissue Repair. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:cshperspect.a041231. [PMID: 36123034 PMCID: PMC9808581 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the construction workers of wound healing and repair damaged tissues by producing and organizing collagen/extracellular matrix (ECM) into scar tissue. Scar tissue effectively and quickly restores the mechanical integrity of lost tissue architecture but comes at the price of lost tissue functionality. Fibrotic diseases caused by excessive or persistent myofibroblast activity can lead to organ failure. This review defines myofibroblast terminology, phenotypic characteristics, and functions. We will focus on the central role of the cell, ECM, and tissue mechanics in regulating tissue repair by controlling myofibroblast action. Additionally, we will discuss how therapies based on mechanical intervention potentially ameliorate wound healing outcomes. Although myofibroblast physiology and pathology affect all organs, we will emphasize cutaneous wound healing and hypertrophic scarring as paradigms for normal tissue repair versus fibrosis. A central message of this review is that myofibroblasts can be activated from multiple cell sources, varying with local environment and type of injury, to either restore tissue integrity and organ function or create an inappropriate mechanical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Schuster
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Younesi
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 3E2 Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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Peidl A, Nguyen J, Chitturi P, Riser BL, Leask A. Using the Bleomycin-Induced Model of Fibrosis to Study the Contribution of CCN Proteins to Scleroderma Fibrosis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:309-321. [PMID: 36370359 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_21] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 45% of the deaths in the developed world result from conditions with a fibrotic component. Although no specific, focused anti-fibrotic therapies have been approved for clinical use, a long-standing concept is that targeting CCN proteins may be useful to treat fibrosis. Herein, we summarize current data supporting the concept that targeting CCN2 may be a viable anti-fibrotic approach to treat scleroderma. Testing this hypothesis has been made possible by using a mouse model of inflammation-driven skin and lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Peidl
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Bruce L Riser
- BLR Bio LLC, Kenosha, WI, USA
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and Department of Medicine Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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Cialdai F, Risaliti C, Monici M. Role of fibroblasts in wound healing and tissue remodeling on Earth and in space. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:958381. [PMID: 36267456 PMCID: PMC9578548 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.958381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing (WH) and the role fibroblasts play in the process, as well as healing impairment and fibroblast dysfunction, have been thoroughly reviewed by other authors. We treat these topics briefly, with the only aim of contextualizing the true focus of this review, namely, the microgravity-induced changes in fibroblast functions involved in WH. Microgravity is a condition typical of spaceflight. Studying its possible effects on fibroblasts and WH is useful not only for the safety of astronauts who will face future interplanetary space missions, but also to help improve the management of WH impairment on Earth. The interesting similarity between microgravity-induced alterations of fibroblast behavior and fibroblast dysfunction in WH impairment on Earth is highlighted. The possibility of using microgravity-exposed fibroblasts and WH in space as models of healing impairment on Earth is suggested. The gaps in knowledge on fibroblast functions in WH are analyzed. The contribution that studies on fibroblast behavior in weightlessness can make to fill these gaps and, consequently, improve therapeutic strategies is considered.
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Rokni M, Sadeghi Shaker M, Kavosi H, Shokoofi S, Mahmoudi M, Farhadi E. The role of endothelin and RAS/ERK signaling in immunopathogenesis-related fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis: an updated review with therapeutic implications. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:108. [PMID: 35562771 PMCID: PMC9102675 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease of connective tissue with high rate of morbidity and mortality highlighted by extreme fibrosis affecting various organs such as the dermis, lungs, and heart. Until now, there is no specific cure for the fibrosis occurred in SSc disease. The SSc pathogenesis is yet unknown, but transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and Ras-ERK1/2 cascade are the main factors contributing to the tissue fibrosis through extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Several studies have hallmarked the association of ET-1 with or without TGF-β and Ras-ERK1/2 signaling in the development of SSc disease, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the dermis, lungs, and several organs. Accordingly, different clinical and experimental studies have indicated the potential therapeutic role of ET-1 and Ras antagonists in these situations in SSc. In addition, ET-1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a cofactor of the TGF-β cascade play a substantial initiative role in inducing fibrosis. Once initiated, TGF-β alone or in combination with ET-1 and CTGF can activate several kinase proteins such as the Ras-ERK1/2 pathway that serve as the fundamental factor for developing fibrosis. Furthermore, Salirasib is a synthetic small molecule that is able to inhibit all Ras forms. Therefore, it can be used as a potent therapeutic factor for fibrotic disorders. So, this review discusses the role of TGF-β/ET-1/Ras signaling and their involvement in SSc pathogenesis, particularly in its fibrotic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rokni
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Sadeghi Shaker
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Kavosi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Shokoofi
- Rheumatology Department, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Gut Microbiome and Organ Fibrosis. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14020352. [PMID: 35057530 PMCID: PMC8781069 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process associated with most chronic inflammatory diseases. It is defined by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and can affect nearly every tissue and organ system in the body. Fibroproliferative diseases, such as intestinal fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, often lead to severe organ damage and are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, for which there are currently no effective therapies available. In the past decade, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the gut microbiome as a major player in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune system, with severe implications in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated disorders. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with the development and progression of fibrotic processes in various organs and is predicted to be a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis management. In this review we summarize the state of the art concerning the crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and organ fibrosis, address the relevance of diet in different fibrotic diseases and discuss gut microbiome-targeted therapeutic approaches that are current being explored.
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Seguro Paula F, Delgado Alves J. The role of the Notch pathway in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: clinical implications. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:1257-1267. [PMID: 34719325 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.2000391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by vascular insufficiency, widespread fibrosis and immune activation. Current understanding of its pathophysiology remains incomplete, which translates into inefficient therapies. Notch signaling is a central player in the development of physiological and pathological fibrosis not only in general but also in the context of SSc and is most likely involved in the vascular dysfunction that characterizes the disease. AREAS COVERED This review explores the role of the Notch pathway in the pathophysiology of SSc and the potential implications for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of this yet incurable disease. EXPERT OPINION Although major issues still exist about the comprehension of SSc and the design of effective treatments, the knowledge of the role of the Notch pathway in fibrogenesis and vascular biology has shed light and enthusiasm over the field. Drugs that target components of Notch signaling are currently in development including already some in clinical trials. As such, Notch may become a very important topic in the near future (considering both the pathophysiology and treatment perspectives), not only in the context of SSc but also in the vascular-dependent fibrotic processes present in a multitude of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Seguro Paula
- Immune Response and Vascular Disease, Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal.,Systemic Immune-mediated Diseases Unit, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal
| | - José Delgado Alves
- Immune Response and Vascular Disease, Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal.,Systemic Immune-mediated Diseases Unit, Fernando Fonseca Hospital, Amadora, Portugal
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13
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Sawant M, Hinz B, Schönborn K, Zeinert I, Eckes B, Krieg T, Schuster R. A story of fibers and stress: Matrix-embedded signals for fibroblast activation in the skin. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:515-530. [PMID: 34081361 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our skin is continuously exposed to mechanical challenge, including shear, stretch, and compression. The extracellular matrix of the dermis is perfectly suited to resist these challenges and maintain integrity of normal skin even upon large strains. Fibroblasts are the key cells that interpret mechanical and chemical cues in their environment to turnover matrix and maintain homeostasis in the skin of healthy adults. Upon tissue injury, fibroblasts and an exclusive selection of other cells become activated into myofibroblasts with the task to restore skin integrity by forming structurally imperfect but mechanically stable scar tissue. Failure of myofibroblasts to terminate their actions after successful repair or upon chronic inflammation results in dysregulated myofibroblast activities which can lead to hypertrophic scarring and/or skin fibrosis. After providing an overview on the major fibrillar matrix components in normal skin, we will interrogate the various origins of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the skin. We then examine the role of the matrix as signaling hub and how fibroblasts respond to mechanical matrix cues to restore order in the confusing environment of a healing wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha Sawant
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katrin Schönborn
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabel Zeinert
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ronen Schuster
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,PhenomicAI, MaRS Centre, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada
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14
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Blisters on your fingers. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:465-466. [PMID: 34014499 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00626-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal progenitor cells play a key role in fibrogenesis. An exciting paper was recently published showed that blister fluid from the skin patients with the autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc) preferentially activated mesenchymal progenitor cells (Taki et al. in Arthritis Rheumatol 72(8):1361-1374, 2020). These data provide new and invaluable insights into the complex interactions in the connective tissue microenvironment that ultimately result in persistent, pathological fibrosis.
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