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Han J, Zhang Y, Peng H. Fucoxanthin inhibits cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation by alleviating oxidative stress through downregulation of BRD4. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291469. [PMID: 37699016 PMCID: PMC10497131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis can lead to ischemic damage of the myocardium, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. Cardiac fibroblast (CF) transdifferentiation is an important process in myocardial fibrosis. Fucoxanthin (FX) plays a key role in ameliorating myocardial fibrosis; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. This study investigated the role of FX in the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced transdifferentiation of CFs and its potential mechanisms of action. We found that FX inhibited Ang II-induced transdifferentiation of CFs. Simultaneously, FX downregulated bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) expression in CFs and increased nuclear expression of nuclear factorerythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). FX reverses AngII-induced inhibition of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and elevates the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). FX failed to reverse Ang II-induced changes in fibrosis-associated proteins and ROS levels after Nrf2 silencing. BRD4 silencing reversed the inhibitory effect of Ang II on the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signalling pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that FX inhibited Ang II-induced transdifferentiation of CFs and that this effect may be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by reducing BRD4 expression and, ultimately, oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Han
- Shaoxing Seventh People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | | | - Haisheng Peng
- Department of pharmacology, Medical college, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
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2
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Wang W, Jia W, Zhang C. The Role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP Axis in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13282. [PMID: 36362069 PMCID: PMC9655242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process in which parenchymal cells are necrotic and excess extracellular matrix (ECM) is accumulated due to dysregulation of tissue injury repair. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a 43 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide that is involved in wound healing. Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is the main enzyme that hydrolyzes Tβ4 to produce its derivative N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) which is found to play a role in the regulation of fibrosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis widely exists in various tissues and organs including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and participates in the process of fibrogenesis. Herein, we aim to elucidate the role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis in hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Based on this, we attempted to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the regulation of tissue damage repair and anti-fibrosis therapy. The Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis exerts protective effects against organ fibrosis. It is promising that appropriate dosing regimens that rely on this axis could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating organ fibrosis in the early and late stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wenning Jia
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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3
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Rajasinghe LD, Bates MA, Benninghoff AD, Wierenga KA, Harkema JR, Pestka JJ. Silica Induction of Diverse Inflammatory Proteome in Lungs of Lupus-Prone Mice Quelled by Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:781446. [PMID: 35126352 PMCID: PMC8813772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.781446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated short-term intranasal instillation of lupus-prone mice with crystalline silica (cSiO2) induces inflammatory gene expression and ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in the lung, leading to early onset of systemic autoimmunity and rapid progression to glomerulonephritis. These responses are suppressed by dietary supplementation with the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Here, we tested the hypothesis that dietary DHA supplementation suppresses cSiO2-induced inflammatory proteins in bronchoalveolar alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma of lupus-prone mice. Archived tissue fluid samples were used from a prior investigation in which 6 wk-old lupus-prone female NZBWF1 mice were fed isocaloric diets containing 0 or 10 g/kg DHA for 2 wks and then intranasally instilled with 1 mg cSiO2 or vehicle once weekly for 4 wks. Cohorts were terminated at 1, 5, 9 or 13 wk post-instillation (PI). BALF and plasma from each cohort were analyzed by high density multiplex array profiling of 200 inflammatory proteins. cSiO2 time-dependently induced increases in the BALF protein signatures that were highly reflective of unresolved lung inflammation, although responses in the plasma were much less robust. Induced proteins in BALF included chemokines (e.g., MIP-2, MCP-5), enzymes (e.g., MMP-10, granzyme B), adhesion molecules (e.g., sE-selectin, sVCAM-1), co-stimulatory molecules (e.g., sCD40L, sCD48), TNF superfamily proteins (e.g., sTNFRI, sBAFF-R), growth factors (e.g., IGF-1, IGFBP-3), and signal transduction proteins (e.g., MFG-E8, FcgRIIB), many of which were blocked or delayed by DHA supplementation. The BALF inflammatory proteome correlated positively with prior measurements of gene expression, pulmonary ectopic lymphoid tissue neogenesis, and induction of autoantibodies in the lungs of the control and treatment groups. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were among the top upstream regulators of the cSiO2-induced protein response. Furthermore, DHA's effects were associated with downregulation of cSiO2-induced pathways involving i) inhibition of ARE-mediated mRNA decay, ii) bacterial and viral pattern recognition receptor activation, or iii) TREM1, STAT3, NF-κB, and VEGF signaling and with upregulation of PPAR, LXR/RXR and PPARα/RXRα signaling. Altogether, these preclinical findings further support the contention that dietary DHA supplementation could be applicable as an intervention against inflammation-driven autoimmune triggering by cSiO2 or potentially other environmental agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichchavi D. Rajasinghe
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Melissa A. Bates
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Abby D. Benninghoff
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Wierenga
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jack R. Harkema
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - James J. Pestka
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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4
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Ramasamy V, Ntsekhe M, Sturrock E. Investigating the antifibrotic potential of N-acetyl seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline sequence peptides. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1558-1565. [PMID: 34347311 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13565] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a physiological antifibrotic peptide that is hydrolysed by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). The beneficial antifibrotic effects of ACE inhibitors have been attributed, in part, to its inhibition of Ac-SDKP cleavage. There is indirect evidence that the SDK fragment of Ac-SDKP is the main component required for its antiproliferative action. However, the exact component of the physiological peptide that is responsible for its antifibrotic effect has yet to be determined. Ac-SDKP-derived analogues that are resistant to ACE degradation may provide a new avenue for fibrosis therapy. We tested the antifibrotic potential of various Ac-SDKP peptide sequences and an analogue resistant to ACE degradation in lung fibroblasts. We investigated the contribution and molecular mechanism of action of the amino acid residues in the Ac-SDKP sequence to its antifibrotic effects, and the effects of Ac-SDKP peptides in the prevention of collagen deposition in cells. The Ac-DKP fragment moderately inhibited endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediated transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) expression, and could be slowly cleaved by ACE, revealing a different sequence requirement for the antifibrotic action of Ac-SDKP. The Ac-SDψKP analogue (where the peptide bond between the aspartate and lysine is reduced) inhibited TGF-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad)-3 signalling and collagen deposition. The Ac-SDKP peptide, in combination with ACEi, demonstrated a greater inhibition of hydroxyproline as compared to Ac-SDKP alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinasha Ramasamy
- Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mpiko Ntsekhe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Sturrock
- Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mao N, Yang H, Yin J, Li Y, Jin F, Li T, Yang X, Sun Y, Liu H, Xu H, Yang F. Glycolytic Reprogramming in Silica-Induced Lung Macrophages and Silicosis Reversed by Ac-SDKP Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810063. [PMID: 34576239 PMCID: PMC8465686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycolytic reprogramming is an important metabolic feature in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the specific mechanism of glycolysis in silicosis is still not clear. In this study, silicotic models and silica-induced macrophage were used to elucidate the mechanism of glycolysis induced by silica. Expression levels of the key enzymes in glycolysis and macrophage activation indicators were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, IHC, and IF analyses, and by using a lactate assay kit. We found that silica promotes the expression of the key glycolysis enzymes HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and macrophage activation factors iNOS, TNF-α, Arg-1, IL-10, and MCP1 in silicotic rats and silica-induced NR8383 macrophages. The enhancement of glycolysis and macrophage activation induced by silica was reduced by Ac-SDKP or siRNA-Ldha treatment. This study suggests that Ac-SDKP treatment can inhibit glycolytic reprogramming in silica-induced lung macrophages and silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Mao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Honghao Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Jie Yin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Tian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Ying Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Heliang Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-15133967479 (H.X.); +86-18832571018 (F.Y.); Fax: +86-315-8805522 (F.Y.)
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-15133967479 (H.X.); +86-18832571018 (F.Y.); Fax: +86-315-8805522 (F.Y.)
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6
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Ning S, Yu B, Wang Y, Wang F. SARS-CoV-2: Origin, Evolution, and Targeting Inhibition. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:676451. [PMID: 34222046 PMCID: PMC8248807 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.676451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused an outbreak in Wuhan city, China and quickly spread worldwide. Currently, there are no specific drugs or antibodies that claim to cure severe acute respiratory diseases. For SARS-CoV-2, the spike (S) protein recognizes and binds to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, allowing viral RNA to enter the host cell. The main protease (Mpro) is involved in the proteolytic process for mature non-structural proteins, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is responsible for the viral genome replication and transcription processes. Owing to the pivotal physiological roles in viral invasion and replication, S protein, Mpro, RdRp are regarded as the main therapeutic targets for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this review, we carried out an evolutionary analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in comparison with other mammal-infecting coronaviruses that have sprung up in the past few decades and described the pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. We displayed the structural details of S protein, Mpro, and RdRp, as well as their complex structures with different chemical inhibitors or antibodies. Structural comparisons showed that some neutralizing antibodies and small molecule inhibitors could inhibit S protein, Mpro, or RdRp. Moreover, we analyzed the structural differences between SARS-CoV-2 ancestral S protein and D614G mutant, which led to a second wave of infection during the recent pandemic. In this context, we outline the methods that might potentially help cure COVID-19 and provide a summary of effective chemical molecules and neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Ning
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Beiming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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Cai W, Zhang B, Li T, Jin F, Li Y, Xu H, Yang F. Transcriptomic analysis identifies upregulation of secreted phosphoprotein 1 in silicotic rats. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:579. [PMID: 33850551 PMCID: PMC8027763 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is caused by exposure to crystalline silica and the molecular mechanism of silicotic fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the mRNA profiles of rats exposed to crystalline silica. RNA-sequencing techniques were used to observe differential expression of mRNAs in silicotic rats induced by chronic inhalation of crystalline silica particulates. Prediction of mRNA functions and signaling pathways was conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Certain differentially expressed mRNAs were verified in lung tissue of silicotic rats by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was measured in serum from silicosis patients, lungs of silicotic rats and NR8383 macrophages treated with silica. A total of 1,338 mRNAs were revealed to be differentially expressed in silicotic rat lungs, including 912 upregulated and 426 downregulated mRNAs. In GO analysis of significant changes in mRNAs, the most affected processes were the defense response, extracellular space and chemokine activity in terms of biological process, cellular component and molecular function. In KEGG pathway analysis, dysregulated mRNAs were involved in systemic lupus erythematosus, staphylococcus aureus infection, complement and coagulation cascades, alcoholism and pertussis. qPCR demonstrated that expression of Spp1, Mmp12, Ccl7, Defb5, Fabp4 and Slc26a4 was increased in silicotic rats, while Lpo, Itln1, Lcn2 and Dlk1 expression was decreased. It was also found that SPP1 was increased in serum from silicosis patients, silicotic rats and silica-treated NR8383 macrophages. The expression of mRNAs was altered significantly in silicotic rats, which suggested that certain genes are novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Tian Li
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
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8
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Xiao D, Li X, Su X, Mu D, Qu Y. Could SARS-CoV-2-induced lung injury be attenuated by vitamin D? Int J Infect Dis 2021; 102:196-202. [PMID: 33129966 PMCID: PMC7591873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) has been confirmed as having the capacity to transmit from humans to humans, causing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury. Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is known to be expressed on type II pneumocytes. As a counter-regulatory arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), ACE2 plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of ARDS and acute lung injury. The affinity of the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 for human ACE2 (hACE2) largely determines the degree of clinical symptoms after infection by SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies have shown that regulating the ACE2/RAS system is effective in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-induced ARDS and acute lung injury. Since ACE2 is the host cell receptor for both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, regulating the ACE2/RAS system may alleviate ARDS and acute lung injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 as well as SARS-CoV. Vitamin D was found to affect ACE2, the target of SARS-CoV-2; therefore, we propose that vitamin D might alleviate ARDS and acute lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 by modulating ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiong Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xihong Li
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics/Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Ministry of Education), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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9
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Qiu Y, Wang Z, Zhang X, Huang P, Zhang W, Zhang K, Wang S, He L, Guo Y, Xiang A, Zhang C, Hao Q, Li M, Li W, Zhang Y. A long-acting isomer of Ac-SDKP attenuates pulmonary fibrosis through SRPK1-mediated PI3K/AKT and Smad2 pathway inhibition. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:2611-2626. [PMID: 33135306 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease with a poor prognosis. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development. However, it's extremely short half-life greatly limits its applications. Previously, we reported an Ac-SDKP analog peptide in which Asp and Lys residues were replaced with D-amino acids (Ac-SDD KD P). Ac-SDD KD P exhibits better resistance to angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE)-mediated degradation and a longer half-life than Ac-SDKP in rat and human sera. The objective of this study was to explore the potential application of Ac-SDD KD P for the treatment of IPF and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. We found that Ac-SDD KD P exerted similar antifibrotic effects as Ac-SDKP on human fetal lung fibroblast-1 (HFL-1) proliferation, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad-2 phosphorylation in vitro. In vivo, Ac-SDD KD P exhibited significantly greater protective effects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis than Ac-SDKP in mice. α-SMA, CD45, collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad-2 phosphorylation were significantly decreased in the lungs of Ac-SDD KD P-treated but not Ac-SDKP-treated mice. Furthermore, a pull-down experiment was used to screen for molecules that interact with Ac-SDKP. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and computer-based molecular docking experiments demonstrated an interaction between Ac-SDKP or Ac-SDD KD P (Ac-SDKP/Ac-SDD KD P) and serine/arginine-rich protein-specific kinase 1 (SRPK1) that caused inhibition SRPK1-mediated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/ serine/threonine kinase (PIK3/AKT) signaling pathway activation and Smad2 phosphorylation and thereby attenuated lung fibrosis. Our data suggest that long-acting Ac-SDD KD P may potentially be an effective drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The interacting molecule and antifibrotic mechanism of Ac-SDKP/Ac-SDD KD P were also identified, providing an experimental and theoretical foundation for the clinical application of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhaowei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xutao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Huang
- The Brigade of Undergraduates, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wangqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei He
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanhai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - An Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weina Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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10
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Li S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang M, Jin F, Wei Z, Yang Y, Gao X, Mao N, Ge X, Xu H, Yang F. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Asparyl-Lysyl-Proline regulates lung renin angiotensin system to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition in silicotic mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 408:115255. [PMID: 33007385 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115255] [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] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Silicosis is a major public health concern with various contributing factors. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS)is a critical regulator in the pathogenesis of this disease. We focused on two key RAS enzymes, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to elucidate the activation of the ACE-angiotensin II (Ang II)-angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1) axis and the inhibition of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]-Mas receptor axis in C57BL/6mice following SiO2 treatment. Silica exposure caused nodule formation, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, and impaired lung function in mice. These effects were attenuated by the inhibition of ACE (captopril), blockade of the AT1(losartan), or systemic knockdown of the Ace gene. These effects were exacerbated by the inhibition of ACE2 (MLN-4760), blockade of the Mas (A779), or knockdown of the Ace2 gene. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Asparyl-Lysyl-Proline (Ac-SDKP), an anti-fibrotic peptide, ameliorated the silica-exposure-induced pathological changes by targeting the RAS system by activating the protective ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis and inhibiting the deleterious ACE-Ang II-AT1 axis, thereby exerting a protective effect. This was confirmed in mouse lung type II epithelial cells (MLE-12) pretreated with Ang II and/or gene silencing separately targeting Ace and Ace2.The effects of Ac-SDKP were similar to those produced by Ace gene silencing and were partly attenuated by Ace2 deficiency. These findings suggested that RAS plays critical roles in the pathomechanism of silicosis fibrosis and that Ac-SDKP regulates lung RAS to inhibit EMT in silicotic mice and MLE-12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xingchen Ge
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China.
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11
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Chen B, Tian EK, He B, Tian L, Han R, Wang S, Xiang Q, Zhang S, El Arnaout T, Cheng W. Overview of lethal human coronaviruses. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:89. [PMID: 32533062 PMCID: PMC7289715 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus infections of multiple origins have spread to date worldwide, causing severe respiratory diseases. Seven coronaviruses that infect humans have been identified: HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Among them, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV caused outbreaks in 2002 and 2012, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is the most recently discovered. It has created a severe worldwide outbreak beginning in late 2019, leading to date to over 4 million cases globally. Viruses are genetically simple, yet highly diverse. However, the recent outbreaks of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and the ongoing outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, indicate that there remains a long way to go to identify and develop specific therapeutic treatments. Only after gaining a better understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms can we minimize viral pandemics. This paper mainly focuses on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Here, recent studies are summarized and reviewed, with a focus on virus-host interactions, vaccine-based and drug-targeted therapies, and the development of new approaches for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chen
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Er-Kang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lejin Tian
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruiying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shuangwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianrong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | | | - Wei Cheng
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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12
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Li S, Li Y, Xu H, Wei Z, Yang Y, Jin F, Zhang M, Wang C, Song W, Huo J, Zhao J, Yang X, Yang F. ACE2 Attenuates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in MLE-12 Cells Induced by Silica. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:1547-1559. [PMID: 32368013 PMCID: PMC7183338 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s252351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in silicosis remains unknown, although previous studies have suggested that ACE2 may be beneficial. We, therefore, investigated the effect of ACE2 on silicosis, particularly with regard to its role in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by silica, with the aim to uncover a new potential target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and Methods We employed wild-type mice treated with diminazene aceturate (DIZE, an ACE2 activator, 15 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks), hACE2-transgenic mice (overexpress the ACE2 gene), and the mouse lung type II epithelial cell line treated with DIZE (10-7 M for 48 h) or angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] (10-4 M for 48 h), following induced fibrotic responses to determine the protective potential of ACE2. Silicosis models were established by orotracheal instillation of SiO2 (2.5 mg/mouse). Immunostaining was used to determine α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. The activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 and the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of ACE and ACE2, and protein expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components and EMT indicators were studied by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results DIZE treatment and overexpression of ACE2 markedly inhibited the formation of silica-induced lung fibrosis and increased the level of E-cadherin, with concomitant downregulation of pro-collagen, vimentin, and α-SMA via RAS signaling. Furthermore, DIZE and Ang-(1-7) attenuated the EMT and collagen deposition induced by silica in MLE-12 cells. Moreover, these effects were abrogated by MLN-4760 (a specific ACE2 inhibitor) and A779 (a specific Mas receptor blocker). Conclusion The overexpression of ACE2 and treatment with DIZE can ameliorate EMT in silicotic mice via activation of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis, and these changes are accompanied by suppression of the ACE-Ang II-AT1 receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- Academic Affairs Office, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingchen Huo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuhong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
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