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Lu X, Yu L, Zheng J, Li A, Li J, Lou H, Zhang W, Guo H, Wang Y, Li X, Gao Y, Fan X, Borlak J. miR-106b-5p protects against drug-induced liver injury by targeting vimentin to stimulate liver regeneration. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e692. [PMID: 39170945 PMCID: PMC11337467 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the endogenous mechanism of adaptive response to drug-induced liver injury (arDILI) may discover innovative strategies to manage DILI. To gain mechanistic insight into arDILI, we investigated exosomal miRNAs in the adaptive response to toosendanin-induced liver injury (TILI) of mice. Exosomal miR-106b-5p was identified as a specific regulator of arDILI by comprehensive miRNA profiling. Outstandingly, miR-106b-5p agomir treatment alleviated TILI and other DILI by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Conversely, antagomir treatments had opposite effects, indicating that miR-106b-5p protects mice from liver injury. Injured hepatocytes released miR-106b-5p-enriched exosomes taken up by surrounding hepatocytes. Vim (encodes vimentin) was identified as an important target of miR-106b-5p by dual luciferase reporter and siRNA assays. Furthermore, single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of toosendanin-injured mouse liver revealed a cluster of Vim + hepatocytes; nonetheless declined following miR-106b-5p cotreatment. More importantly, Vim knockout protected mice from acetaminophen poisoning and TILI. In the clinic, serum miR-106b-5p expression levels correlated with the severity of DILI. Indeed, liver biopsies of clinical cases exposed to different DILI causing drugs revealed marked vimentin expression among harmed hepatocytes, confirming clinical relevance. Together, we report mechanisms of arDILI whereby miR-106b-5p safeguards restorative tissue repair by targeting vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine ModernizationInnovation Center of Yangtze River DeltaZhejiang UniversityJiaxingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Component‐Based Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Lingqi Yu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine ModernizationInnovation Center of Yangtze River DeltaZhejiang UniversityJiaxingChina
| | - Jie Zheng
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Anyao Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Junying Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - He Lou
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliarythe First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliarythe First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of PharmacySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Xuemei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component‐Based Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Component‐Based Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics InstituteCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine ModernizationInnovation Center of Yangtze River DeltaZhejiang UniversityJiaxingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Component‐Based Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- The Joint‐Laboratory of Clinical Multi‐Omics Research Between Zhejiang University and Ningbo Municipal Hospital of TCMNingbo Municipal Hospital of TCMNingboChina
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and ToxicologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
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Youssef KK, Nieto MA. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tissue repair and degeneration. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:720-739. [PMID: 38684869 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00733-z] [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: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are the epitome of cell plasticity in embryonic development and cancer; during EMT, epithelial cells undergo dramatic phenotypic changes and become able to migrate to form different tissues or give rise to metastases, respectively. The importance of EMTs in other contexts, such as tissue repair and fibrosis in the adult, has become increasingly recognized and studied. In this Review, we discuss the function of EMT in the adult after tissue damage and compare features of embryonic and adult EMT. Whereas sustained EMT leads to adult tissue degeneration, fibrosis and organ failure, its transient activation, which confers phenotypic and functional plasticity on somatic cells, promotes tissue repair after damage. Understanding the mechanisms and temporal regulation of different EMTs provides insight into how some tissues heal and has the potential to open new therapeutic avenues to promote repair or regeneration of tissue damage that is currently irreversible. We also discuss therapeutic strategies that modulate EMT that hold clinical promise in ameliorating fibrosis, and how precise EMT activation could be harnessed to enhance tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Angela Nieto
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
- CIBERER, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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Banerjee S, Onwunyi VRC, Hong J, Martineau S, Fishbein GA, Bonnet SB, Provencher S, Bonnet S, Umar S. RV-specific Targeting of Snai1 Rescues Pulmonary Hypertension-induced Right Ventricular Failure by Inhibiting EndMT and Fibrosis via LOXL2 Mediated Mechanism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.30.591766. [PMID: 38746200 PMCID: PMC11092652 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.30.591766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH)-induced right ventricular (RV) failure (PH-RVF) is a significant prognostic determinant of mortality and is characterized by RV hypertrophy, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), fibrosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-remodeling. Despite the importance of RV function in PH, the mechanistic details of PH-RVF, especially the regulatory control of RV EndMT, FMT, and fibrosis, remain unclear. The action of transcription factor Snai1 is shown to be mediated through LOXL2 recruitment, and their co-translocation to the nucleus, during EndMT progression. We hypothesize that RV EndMT and fibrosis in PH-RVF are governed by the TGFβ1-Snai1-LOXL2 axis. Furthermore, targeting Snai1 could serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for PH-RVF. Methods Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (250-300g) received either a single subcutaneous injection of Monocrotaline (MCT, 60mg/kg, n=9; followed for 30-days) or Sugen (SU5416 20mg/kg, n=9; 10% O 2 hypoxia for 3-weeks followed by normoxia for 2-weeks) or PBS (CTRL, n=9). We performed secondary bioinformatics analysis on the RV bulk RNA-Seq data from MCT, SuHx, and PAB rats and human PH-PVF. We validated EndMT and FMT and their association with Snai1 and LOXL2 in the RVs of MCT and SuHx rat models and human PH-RVF using immunofluorescence, qPCR, and Western blots. For in vivo Snai1 knockdown (Snai1-KD), MCT-rats either received Snai1-siRNA (n=7; 5nM/injection every 3-4 days; 4-injections) or scramble (SCRM-KD; n=7) through tail vein from day 14-30 after MCT. Echocardiography and catheterization were performed terminally. Bulk RNASeq and differential expression analysis were performed on Snai1- and SCRM-KD rat RVs. In vitro Snai1-KD was performed on human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) under hypoxia+TGFβ1 for 72-hrs. Results PH-RVF had increased RVSP and Fulton index and decreased RV fractional area change (RVFAC %). RV RNASeq demonstrated EndMT as the common top-upregulated pathway between rat (MCT, SuHx, and PAB) and human PH-RVF. Immunofluorescence using EndMT- and FMT-specific markers demonstrated increased EndMT and FMT in RV of MCT and SuHx rats and PH-RVF patients. Further, RV expression of TGFβ1, Snai1, and LOXL2 was increased in MCT and SuHx. Nuclear co-localization and increased immunoreactivity, transcript, and protein levels of Snai1 and LOXL2 were observed in MCT and SuHx rats and human RVs. MCT rats treated with Snai1-siRNA demonstrated decreased Snai1 expression, RVSP, Fulton index, and increased RVFAC. Snai1-KD resulted in decreased RV-EndMT, FMT, and fibrosis via a LOXL2-dependent manner. Further, Snai1-KD inhibited hypoxia+TGFβ1-induced EndMT in HCAECs and FMT in HCFs in vitro by decreasing perinuclear/nuclear Snai1+LOXL2 expression and co-localization. Conclusions RV-specific targeting of Snai1 rescues PH-RVF by inhibiting EndMT and Fibrosis via a LOXL2-mediated mechanism.
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Zhou HY, Wang BQ, Chen MX, Wang YF, Jiang YF, Ma J. KDM4C represses liver fibrosis by regulating H3K9me3 methylation of ALKBH5 and m6A methylation of snail1 mRNA. J Dig Dis 2024; 25:298-309. [PMID: 38938016 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to disclose the molecular mechanism of snail1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce a liver fibrosis model in mice whereby serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were evaluated, and liver pathological alternations were assessed. Rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) were irritated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, followed by assessment of cell viability and migration. The levels of snail1, ALKBH5, and lysine specific demethylase 4C (KDM4C) were quantified by immunohistochemistry, western blot, or reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in addition to α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), anti-collagen type I α1 (COL1A1), vimentin, and E-cadherin. Photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation and RNA stability were evaluated to determine the relationship between ALKBH5 and snail1. Changes in KDM4C-bound ALKBH5 promoter and enrichment of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) at the ALKBH5 promoter were determined using chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS In fibrosis mice, snail1 was upregulated while ALKBH5 and KDM4C were downregulated. KDM4C overexpression reduced serum ALT and AST levels, liver injury, and α-SMA, COL1A1 and VIMENTIN expressions but increased E-cadherin expression. However, the aforementioned trends were reversed by concurrent overexpression of snail1. In HSC-T6 cells exposed to TGF-β1, ALKBH5 overexpression weakened cell viability and migration, downregulated α-SMA, COL1A1 and VIMENTIN, upregulated E-CADHERIN, and decreased m6A modification of snail1 and its mRNA stability. KDM4C increased ALKBH5 expression by lowering H3K9me3 level, but inhibited HSC-T6 cell activation by regulating the ALKBH5/snail1 axis. CONCLUSION KDM4C decreases H3K9me3 methylation to upregulate ALKBH5 and subsequently inhibits snail1, ultimately impeding liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Ying Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bing Qing Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Meng Xuan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi Fan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yong Fang Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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5
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Li Y, Zuo C, Wu X, Ding Y, Wei Y, Chen S, Lu X, Xu J, Liu S, Zhou G, Cai L. FBXL8 inhibits post-myocardial infarction cardiac fibrosis by targeting Snail1 for ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:263. [PMID: 38615011 PMCID: PMC11016067 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal cardiac fibrosis is the main pathological change of post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure. Although the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXL8 is a key regulator in the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and inflammation, its role in post-MI ventricular fibrosis and heart failure remains unknown. FBXL8 was primarily expressed in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and remarkably decreased in CFs treated by TGFβ and heart subjected to MI. The echocardiography and histology data suggested that adeno-associated viruses (AAV9)-mediated FBXL8 overexpression had improved cardiac function and ameliorated post-MI cardiac fibrosis. In vitro, FBXL8 overexpression prevented TGFβ-induced proliferation, migration, contraction, and collagen secretion in CFs, while knockdown of FBXL8 demonstrated opposite effects. Mechanistically, FBXL8 interacted with Snail1 to promote Snail1 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system and decreased the activation of RhoA. Moreover, the FBXL8ΔC3 binding domain was indispensable for Snail1 interaction and degradation. Ectopic Snail1 expression partly abolished the effects mediated by FBXL8 overexpression in CFs treated by TGFβ. These results characterized the role of FBXL8 in regulating the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Snail1 and revealed the underlying molecular mechanism of how MI up-regulated the myofibroblasts differentiation-inducer Snail1 and suggested that FBXL8 may be a potential curative target for improving post-MI cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caojian Zuo
- Department of Key Laboratory, Lianshui County People's Hospital, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Songwen Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaowen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Genqing Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lidong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Epigenetic Regulation of EMP/EMT-Dependent Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2775. [PMID: 38474021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis represents a process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It often represents the evolution of pathological conditions, causes organ failure, and can, in extreme cases, compromise the functionality of organs to the point of causing death. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic evolution and to identify possible therapeutic strategies. Great interest has been aroused by the discovery of a molecular association between epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), in particular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrogenesis, which has led to the identification of complex molecular mechanisms closely interconnected with each other, which could explain EMT-dependent fibrosis. However, the result remains unsatisfactory from a therapeutic point of view. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, based on chromatin remodeling through various histone modifications or through the intervention of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have provided more information on the fibrotic process, and this could represent a promising path forward for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize current research on epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis, with a focus on epigenetic regulation of EMP/EMT-dependent fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
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7
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Rana I, Kataria S, Tan TL, Hajam EY, Kashyap DK, Saha D, Ajnabi J, Paul S, Jayappa S, Ananthan ASHP, Kumar P, Zaarour RF, Haarshaadri J, Kansagara G, Rizvi A, Zirmire RK, Badarinath K, Khedkar SU, Chandra Y, Samuel R, George R, Danda D, Jacob PM, Dey R, Dhandapany PS, He YW, Varga J, Varghese S, Jamora C. Mindin (SPON2) Is Essential for Cutaneous Fibrogenesis in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 143:699-710.e10. [PMID: 36528128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a fibrotic disease that initiates in the skin and progresses to internal organs, leading to a poor prognosis. Unraveling the etiology of a chronic, multifactorial disease such as systemic sclerosis has been aided by various animal models that recapitulate certain aspects of the human pathology. We found that the transcription factor SNAI1 is overexpressed in the epidermis of patients with systemic sclerosis, and a transgenic mouse recapitulating this expression pattern is sufficient to induce many clinical features of the human disease. Using this mouse model as a discovery platform, we have uncovered a critical role for the matricellular protein Mindin (SPON2) in fibrogenesis. Mindin is produced by SNAI1 transgenic skin keratinocytes and aids fibrogenesis by inducing early inflammatory cytokine production and collagen secretion in resident dermal fibroblasts. Given the dispensability of Mindin in normal tissue physiology, targeting this protein holds promise as an effective therapy for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Rana
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Sunny Kataria
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Tuan Lin Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edries Yousaf Hajam
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Kashyap
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Dyuti Saha
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Johan Ajnabi
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Sayan Paul
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Shashank Jayappa
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Akhil S H P Ananthan
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Rania F Zaarour
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM), Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - J Haarshaadri
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Gaurav Kansagara
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; Animal Care and Resource Centre (ACRC), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bangalore, India
| | - Abrar Rizvi
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Ravindra K Zirmire
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; School of Chemical and Biotechnology, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Krithika Badarinath
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India; National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Sneha Uday Khedkar
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Yogesh Chandra
- Animal Care and Resource Centre (ACRC), Bangalore Life Science Cluster, Bangalore, India
| | - Rekha Samuel
- Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India; Department of Pathology, Manipal - Tata Medical College Jamshedpur, Jamshedpur, India
| | - Renu George
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India
| | - Debashish Danda
- Department of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, India
| | | | - Rakesh Dey
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | | | - You-Wen He
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Varga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Shyni Varghese
- Department of Bioengineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.
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8
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Widjaja AA, Viswanathan S, Shekeran SG, Adami E, Lim WW, Chothani S, Tan J, Goh JWT, Chen HM, Lim SY, Boustany-Kari CM, Hawkins J, Petretto E, Hübner N, Schafer S, Coffman TM, Cook SA. Targeting endogenous kidney regeneration using anti-IL11 therapy in acute and chronic models of kidney disease. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7497. [PMID: 36470928 PMCID: PMC9723120 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidney has large regenerative capacity, but this is compromised when kidney damage is excessive and renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) undergo SNAI1-driven growth arrest. Here we investigate the role of IL11 in TECs, kidney injury and renal repair. IL11 stimulation of TECs induces ERK- and p90RSK-mediated GSK3β inactivation, SNAI1 upregulation and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Mice with acute kidney injury upregulate IL11 in TECs leading to SNAI1 expression and kidney dysfunction, which is not seen in Il11 deleted mice or in mice administered a neutralizing IL11 antibody in either preemptive or treatment modes. In acute kidney injury, anti-TGFβ reduces renal fibrosis but exacerbates inflammation and tubule damage whereas anti-IL11 reduces all pathologies. Mice with TEC-specific deletion of Il11ra1 have reduced pathogenic signaling and are protected from renal injury-induced inflammation, fibrosis, and failure. In a model of chronic kidney disease, anti-IL11 therapy promotes TEC proliferation and parenchymal regeneration, reverses fibroinflammation and restores renal mass and function. These data highlight IL11-induced mesenchymal transition of injured TECs as an important renal pathology and suggest IL11 as a therapeutic target for restoring stalled endogenous regeneration in the diseased kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa A Widjaja
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Sivakumar Viswanathan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shamini G Shekeran
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eleonora Adami
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wei-Wen Lim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sonia Chothani
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jessie Tan
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joyce Wei Ting Goh
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Mei Chen
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sze Yun Lim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Julie Hawkins
- Boehringer Ingelheim, CardioMetabolic Disease Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Norbert Hübner
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, 13347, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schafer
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thomas M Coffman
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stuart A Cook
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore. .,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
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MiR-302d inhibits TGFB-induced EMT and promotes MET in primary human RPE cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278158. [PMID: 36441751 PMCID: PMC9704570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB)-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of retinal fibrosis, which is one of the leading causes of impaired vision. Current approaches to treating retinal fibrosis focus, among other things, on inhibiting the TGFB signaling pathway. Transient expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is one way to inhibit the TGFB pathway post-transcriptionally. Our previous study identified the miRNA miR-302d as a regulator of multiple TGFB-related genes in ARPE-19 cells. To further explore its effect on primary cells, the effect of miR-302d on TGFB-induced EMT in primary human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) was investigated in vitro. METHODS hRPE cells were extracted from patients receiving enucleation. Transfection of hRPE cells with miR-302d was performed before or after TGFB1 stimulation. Live-cell imaging, immunocytochemistry staining, Western blot, and ELISA assays were utilized to identify the alterations of cellular morphology and EMT-related factors expressions in hRPE cells. RESULTS hRPE cells underwent EMT by TGFB1 exposure. The transfection of miR-302d inhibited the transition with decreased production of mesenchymal markers and increased epithelial factors. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of SMAD2 activated by TGFB1 was suppressed. Moreover, miR-302d expression promoted TGFB1-induced fibroblast-like hRPE cells to revert towards an epithelial stage. As confirmed by ELISA, miR-302d reduced TGFB receptor 2 (TGFBR2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels 48 hours after transfection. CONCLUSIONS The protective effect of miR-302d might be a promising approach for ameliorating retinal fibrosis and neovascularization. MiR-302d suppresses TGFB-induced EMT in hRPE cells via downregulation of TGFBR2, even reversing the process. Furthermore, miR-302d reduces the constitutive secretion of VEGFA from hRPE cells.
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Widjaja AA, Viswanathan S, Wei Ting JG, Tan J, Shekeran SG, Carling D, Lim WW, Cook SA. IL11 stimulates ERK/P90RSK to inhibit LKB1/AMPK and activate mTOR initiating a mesenchymal program in stromal, epithelial, and cancer cells. iScience 2022; 25:104806. [PMID: 35992082 PMCID: PMC9386112 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IL11 initiates fibroblast activation but also causes epithelial cell dysfunction. The mechanisms underlying these processes are not known. We report that IL11-stimulated ERK/P90RSK activity causes the phosphorylation of LKB1 at S325 and S428, leading to its inactivation. This inhibits AMPK and activates mTOR across cell types. In stromal cells, IL11-stimulated ERK activity inhibits LKB1/AMPK which is associated with mTOR activation, ⍺SMA expression, and myofibroblast transformation. In hepatocytes and epithelial cells, IL11/ERK activity inhibits LKB1/AMPK leading to mTOR activation, SNAI1 expression, and cell dysfunction. Across cells, IL11-induced phenotypes were inhibited by metformin stimulated AMPK activation. In mice, genetic or pharmacologic manipulation of IL11 activity revealed a critical role of IL11/ERK signaling for LKB1/AMPK inhibition and mTOR activation in fatty liver disease. These data identify the IL11/mTOR axis as a signaling commonality in stromal, epithelial, and cancer cells and reveal a shared IL11-driven mesenchymal program across cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa A Widjaja
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Sivakumar Viswanathan
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Joyce Goh Wei Ting
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jessie Tan
- National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore
| | - Shamini G Shekeran
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - David Carling
- MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Wei-Wen Lim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore
| | - Stuart A Cook
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 169609, Singapore.,MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
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11
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Liu L, Sun Q, Davis F, Mao J, Zhao H, Ma D. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in organ fibrosis development: current understanding and treatment strategies. BURNS & TRAUMA 2022; 10:tkac011. [PMID: 35402628 PMCID: PMC8990740 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is a process in which cellular homeostasis is disrupted and extracellular matrix is excessively deposited. Fibrosis can lead to vital organ failure and there are no effective treatments yet. Although epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be one of the key cellular mechanisms, the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis remain largely unknown. EMT is a cell phenotypic process in which epithelial cells lose their cell-to-cell adhesion and polarization, after which they acquire mesenchymal features such as infiltration and migration ability. Upon injurious stimulation in different organs, EMT can be triggered by multiple signaling pathways and is also regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of EMT in fibrogenesis and discusses potential strategies for attenuating EMT to prevent and/or inhibit fibrosis. Despite better understanding the role of EMT in fibrosis development, targeting EMT and beyond in developing therapeutics to tackle fibrosis is challenging but likely feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexin Liu
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK.,Department of Nephrology and Urology, Pediatric Urolith Center, The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, China
| | - Qizhe Sun
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Frank Davis
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Jianhua Mao
- Department of Nephrology, The Children Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, China
| | - Hailin Zhao
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
| | - Daqing Ma
- Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, SW10 9NH, UK
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12
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Wang C, He Q, Yin Y, Wu Y, Li X. Clonorchis sinensis Granulin Promotes Malignant Transformation of Hepatocyte Through EGFR-Mediated RAS/MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:734750. [PMID: 34858869 PMCID: PMC8631275 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.734750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological functions of growth factor, such as granulins, have been explored in parasites, and we elucidated that Clonorchis sinensis granulin (CsGRN) promoted the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in our previous study. However, it is still unclear for the malignant transformation role of CsGRN in normal human hepatocytes. In this study, by transfecting pEGFP-C1-CsGRN eukaryotic expression plasmid, a cell line with stable overexpression of CsGRN in normal hepatocyte (LO2-GRN cells) was constructed. The effects on cell proliferation were detected by carrying out cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and colony formation assay. Additionally, we conducted flow cytometry analysis to determine whether the proliferation of CsGRN was due to cell cycle arrest. Subsequently, the migration ability and the invasion ability of LO2-GRN cells were evaluated through wound-healing assay and transwell assay. Meanwhile, the levels of the markers of RAS/MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways activation in LO2-GRN cells were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Our results indicated that CsGRN promoted the proliferation of LO2 cells by regulating the expression of cell-cycle-related genes. Moreover, the overexpression of CsGRN regulates malignant metastasis of liver cells by inducing the upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins. Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression levels of p-EGFR, RAS, p-ERK, p-AKT, p-PI3K, and p-braf have been enhanced by CsGRN. These results showed that CsGRN promoted the malignant transformation of hepatocytes by regulating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated RAS/MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which suggested that CsGRN could serve as a novel oncoprotein during Clonorchis sinensis-associated malignant transformation of hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiqin Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China.,China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China.,China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxuan Yin
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China.,China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yinjuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China.,China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xuerong Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China.,China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Beijing, China
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13
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Lovisa S. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Fibrosis: Concepts and Targeting Strategies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:737570. [PMID: 34557100 PMCID: PMC8454779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.737570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an embryonic program relaunched during wound healing and in pathological conditions such as fibrosis and cancer, continues to gain the attention of the research community, as testified by the exponential trend of publications since its discovery in the seventies. From the first description as a mesenchymal transformation, the concept of EMT has been substantially refined as an in-depth comprehension of its functional role has recently emerged thanks to the implementation of novel mouse models as well as the use of sophisticated mathematical modeling and bioinformatic analysis. Nevertheless, attempts to targeting EMT in fibrotic diseases are at their infancy and continue to pose several challenges. The aim of this mini review is to recapitulate the most recent concepts in the EMT field and to summarize the different strategies which have been exploited to target EMT in fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lovisa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (MI), Italy
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14
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Durant F, Whited JL. Finding Solutions for Fibrosis: Understanding the Innate Mechanisms Used by Super-Regenerator Vertebrates to Combat Scarring. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100407. [PMID: 34032013 PMCID: PMC8336523 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Soft tissue fibrosis and cutaneous scarring represent massive clinical burdens to millions of patients per year and the therapeutic options available are currently quite limited. Despite what is known about the process of fibrosis in mammals, novel approaches for combating fibrosis and scarring are necessary. It is hypothesized that scarring has evolved as a solution to maximize healing speed to reduce fluid loss and infection. This hypothesis, however, is complicated by regenerative animals, which have arguably the most remarkable healing abilities and are capable of scar-free healing. This review explores the differences observed between adult mammalian healing that typically results in fibrosis versus healing in regenerative animals that heal scarlessly. Each stage of wound healing is surveyed in depth from the perspective of many regenerative and fibrotic healers so as to identify the most important molecular and physiological variances along the way to disparate injury repair outcomes. Understanding how these powerful model systems accomplish the feat of scar-free healing may provide critical therapeutic approaches to the treatment or prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fallon Durant
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
| | - Jessica L. Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
- The Harvard Stem Cell InstituteCambridgeMA02138USA
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15
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Kim SM, Hur WH, Kang BY, Lee SW, Roh PR, Park DJ, Sung PS, Yoon SK. Death-Associated Protein 6 (Daxx) Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Modulating Smad2 Acetylation. Cells 2021; 10:1742. [PMID: 34359912 PMCID: PMC8305094 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as an inducer of hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which triggers liver fibrosis. Death-associated protein 6 (Daxx) is known to be associated with the TGF-β-induced apoptotic pathway, but the function of Daxx in liver fibrosis remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Daxx in liver fibrosis. We used liver fibrosis tissues from humans and mice to assess Daxx expression. EMT properties and TGF-β signaling pathway activation were investigated in the Daxx-overexpressing FL83B cell line. The therapeutic effect of Daxx was investigated in a mouse model of liver fibrosis by the hydrodynamic injection of plasmids. The expression of Daxx was markedly decreased in hepatocytes from fibrotic human and mouse livers, as well as in hepatocytes treated with TGF-β in vitro. The overexpression of Daxx inhibited the EMT process by interfering with the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that Daxx reduced the transcriptional activity of Smad2 by binding to its MH1 domain and interfering with Smad2 acetylation. In addition, the therapeutic delivery of Daxx alleviated liver fibrosis in a thioacetamide-induced fibrosis mouse model. Overall, our results indicate that Daxx could be a potential therapeutic target to modulate fibrogenesis, as well as a useful biomarker for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
| | - Won-Hee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
| | - Byung-Yoon Kang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
| | - Sung-Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Pu-Reun Roh
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
| | - Dong-Jun Park
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
| | - Pil-Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seung-Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Centre, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, POSTECH-Catholic Biomedical Engineering Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-M.K.); (W.-H.H.); (B.-Y.K.); (S.-W.L.); (P.-R.R.); (D.-J.P.); (P.-S.S.)
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
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16
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Hepatic COX-2 expression protects mice from an alcohol-high fat diet-induced metabolic disorder by involving protein acetylation related energy metabolism. Alcohol 2021; 92:41-52. [PMID: 33662521 PMCID: PMC8095085 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A diet high in fat and ethanol often results in chronic metabolic disorder, hepatic steatosis, and liver inflammation. Constitutive hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression could protect from high fat-induced metabolism disturbance in a murine model. In this study, we explored the influence of hCOX-2 transgenic [TG] to high fat with ethanol-induced metabolic disorder and liver injury using a mouse animal model. METHODS 12-week-old male hepatic hCOX-2 transgenic (TG) or wild type mice (WT) were fed either a high fat and ethanol liquid diet (HF+Eth) or a regular control diet (RCD) for 5 weeks (four groups: RCD/WT, RCD/TG; HF+Eth/TG, HF+Eth/WT). We assessed metabolic biomarkers, cytokine profiles, histomorphology, and gene expression to study the impact of persistent hepatic COX-2 expression on diet-induced liver injury. RESULTS In the HF+Eth diet, constitutively hepatic human COX-2 expression protects mice from body weight gain and white adipose tissue accumulation, accompanied by improved IPGTT response, serum triglyceride/cholesterol levels, and lower levels of serum and liver inflammatory cytokines. Histologically, hCOX-2 mice showed decreased hepatic lipid droplets accumulation, decreased hepatocyte ballooning, and improved steatosis scores. Hepatic hCOX-2 overexpression enhanced AKT insulin signaling and increased fatty acid synthesis in both RCD and HF+Eth diet groups. The anti-lipogenic effect of hCOX-2 TG in the HF+Eth diet animals was mediated by increasing lipid disposal through enhanced β-oxidation via elevations in the expression of PPARα and PPARγ, and increased hepatic autophagy as assessed by the ratio of autophagy markers LC3 II/I in hepatic tissue. Various protein acetylation pathway components, including HAT, HDAC1, SIRT1, and SNAIL1, were modulated in hCOX-2 TG mice in either RCD or HF+Eth diet. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic human COX-2 expression protected mice from the metabolic disorder and liver injury induced by a high fat and ethanol diet by enhancing hepatic lipid expenditure. Epigenetic reprogramming of diverse metabolic genes might be involved in the anti-lipogenic effect of COX-2.
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17
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Sisto M, Ribatti D, Lisi S. Organ Fibrosis and Autoimmunity: The Role of Inflammation in TGFβ-Dependent EMT. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020310. [PMID: 33670735 PMCID: PMC7922523 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular pathways that control the link of inflammation with organ fibrosis and autoimmune diseases point to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) as the common association in the progression of these diseases characterized by an intense inflammatory response. EMT, a process in which epithelial cells are gradually transformed to mesenchymal cells, is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Importantly, the chronic inflammatory microenvironment has emerged as a decisive factor in the induction of pathological EMT. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a multifunctional cytokine, plays a crucial role in the induction of fibrosis, often associated with chronic phases of inflammatory diseases, contributing to marked fibrotic changes that severely impair normal tissue architecture and function. The understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying EMT-dependent fibrosis has both a basic and a translational relevance, since it may be useful to design therapies aimed at counteracting organ deterioration and failure. To this end, we reviewed the recent literature to better elucidate the molecular response to inflammatory/fibrogenic signals in autoimmune diseases in order to further the specific regulation of EMT-dependent fibrosis in more targeted therapies.
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18
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Cook SA, Schafer S. Hiding in Plain Sight: Interleukin-11 Emerges as a Master Regulator of Fibrosis, Tissue Integrity, and Stromal Inflammation. Annu Rev Med 2020; 71:263-276. [PMID: 31986085 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-041818-011649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-11 is upregulated in a wide variety of fibro-inflammatory diseases such as systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, drug-induced liver injury, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. IL-11 is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family and has several distinct properties that define its unique and nonredundant roles in disease. The IL-11 receptor is highly expressed on stromal, epithelial and polarized cells, where noncanonical IL-11 signaling drives the three pathologies common to all fibro-inflammatory diseases-myofibroblast activation, parenchymal cell dysfunction, and inflammation-while also inhibiting tissue regeneration. This cytokine has been little studied, and publications on IL-11 peaked in the early 1990s, when it was largely misunderstood. Here we describe recent advances in our understanding of IL-11 biology, outline how misconceptions as to its function came about, and highlight the large potential of therapies targeting IL-11 signaling for treating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A Cook
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 169857 Singapore, Singapore; , .,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, 169609 Singapore, Singapore.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, United Kingdom.,MRC-London Institute of Medical Sciences, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Schafer
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 169857 Singapore, Singapore; , .,National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre Singapore, 169609 Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Leslie J, Macia MG, Luli S, Worrell JC, Reilly WJ, Paish HL, Knox A, Barksby BS, Gee LM, Zaki MYW, Collins AL, Burgoyne RA, Cameron R, Bragg C, Xu X, Chung GW, Brown CDA, Blanchard AD, Nanthakumar CB, Karsdal M, Robinson SM, Manas DM, Sen G, French J, White SA, Murphy S, Trost M, Zakrzewski JL, Klein U, Schwabe RF, Mederacke I, Nixon C, Bird T, Teuwen LA, Schoonjans L, Carmeliet P, Mann J, Fisher AJ, Sheerin NS, Borthwick LA, Mann DA, Oakley F. c-Rel orchestrates energy-dependent epithelial and macrophage reprogramming in fibrosis. Nat Metab 2020; 2:1350-1367. [PMID: 33168981 PMCID: PMC7116435 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-00306-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic disease. Deletion of the NF-κB subunit c-Rel limits fibrosis in multiple organs, although the mechanistic nature of this protection is unresolved. Using cell-specific gene-targeting manipulations in mice undergoing liver damage, we elucidate a critical role for c-Rel in controlling metabolic changes required for inflammatory and fibrogenic activities of hepatocytes and macrophages and identify Pfkfb3 as the key downstream metabolic mediator of this response. Independent deletions of Rel in hepatocytes or macrophages suppressed liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride, while combined deletion had an additive anti-fibrogenic effect. In transforming growth factor-β1-induced hepatocytes, c-Rel regulates expression of a pro-fibrogenic secretome comprising inflammatory molecules and connective tissue growth factor, the latter promoting collagen secretion from HMs. Macrophages lacking c-Rel fail to polarize to M1 or M2 states, explaining reduced fibrosis in RelΔLysM mice. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Rel attenuated multi-organ fibrosis in both murine and human fibrosis. In conclusion, activation of c-Rel/Pfkfb3 in damaged tissue instigates a paracrine signalling network among epithelial, myeloid and mesenchymal cells to stimulate fibrogenesis. Targeting the c-Rel-Pfkfb3 axis has potential for therapeutic applications in fibrotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Marina García Macia
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julie C Worrell
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - William J Reilly
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hannah L Paish
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amber Knox
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ben S Barksby
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lucy M Gee
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marco Y W Zaki
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Amy L Collins
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rachel A Burgoyne
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rainie Cameron
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charlotte Bragg
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xin Xu
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Git W Chung
- Newcells Biotech, The Biosphere, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Colin D A Brown
- Newcells Biotech, The Biosphere, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew D Blanchard
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Carmel B Nanthakumar
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Morten Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Biomarkers & Research, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stuart M Robinson
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek M Manas
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gourab Sen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy French
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven A White
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sandra Murphy
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthias Trost
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Johannes L Zakrzewski
- Center for Discovery and Innovation and John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Ulf Klein
- Division of Haematology & Immunology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Ingmar Mederacke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tom Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laure-Anne Teuwen
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Schoonjans
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jelena Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew J Fisher
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Transplantation, The Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Neil S Sheerin
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lee A Borthwick
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek A Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Fibrofind, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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20
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Kim DH, Beckett JD, Nagpal V, Seman-Senderos MA, Gould RA, Creamer TJ, MacFarlane EG, Chen Y, Bedja D, Butcher JT, Mitzner W, Rouf R, Hata S, Warren DS, Dietz HC. Calpain 9 as a therapeutic target in TGFβ-induced mesenchymal transition and fibrosis. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/501/eaau2814. [PMID: 31316008 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathologic outcome of chronic disease resulting in the replacement of normal tissue parenchyma with a collagen-rich extracellular matrix produced by myofibroblasts. Although the progenitor cell types and cellular programs giving rise to myofibroblasts through mesenchymal transition can vary between tissues and diseases, their contribution to fibrosis initiation, maintenance, and progression is thought to be pervasive. Here, we showed that the ability of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) to efficiently induce myofibroblast differentiation of cultured epithelial cells, endothelial cells, or quiescent fibroblasts is dependent on the induced expression and activity of dimeric calpains, a family of non-lysosomal cysteine proteases that regulate a variety of cellular events through posttranslational modification of diverse substrates. siRNA-based gene silencing demonstrated that TGFβ-induced mesenchymal transition of a murine breast epithelial cell line was dependent on induction of expression of calpain 9 (CAPN9), an isoform previously thought to be restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. Mice lacking functional CAPN9 owing to biallelic targeting of Capn9 were viable and fertile but showed overt protection from bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis, and angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. A predicted loss-of-function allele of CAPN9 is common in Southeast Asia, with the frequency of homozygosity matching the prediction of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Together with the highly spatially restricted pattern of CAPN9 expression under physiologic circumstances and the heartiness of the murine knockout, these data provide a strong signature for tolerance of therapeutic strategies for fibrosis aimed at CAPN9 antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Kim
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - James D Beckett
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Varun Nagpal
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Manuel A Seman-Senderos
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Russell A Gould
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tyler J Creamer
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yichun Chen
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Djahida Bedja
- Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Wayne Mitzner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rosanne Rouf
- Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shoji Hata
- Department of Advanced Science for Biomolecules, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Daniel S Warren
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Harry C Dietz
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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21
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El-Kehdy H, Najar M, De Kock J, Agha DM, Rogiers V, Merimi M, Lagneaux L, Sokal EM, Najimi M. Inflammation Differentially Modulates the Biological Features of Adult Derived Human Liver Stem/Progenitor Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071640. [PMID: 32650454 PMCID: PMC7408415 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy from concept to cure closely depends on the optimization of conditions that allow a better survival and favor the cells to achieve efficient liver regeneration. We have previously demonstrated that adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSC) display significant features that support their clinical development. The current work aims at studying the impact of a sustained pro-inflammatory environment on the principal biological features of ADHLSC in vitro. METHODS: ADHLSC from passages 4–7 were exposed to a cocktail of inflammatory cytokines for 24 h and 9 days and subsequently analyzed for their viability, expression, and secretion profiles by using flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and antibody array assay. The impact of inflammation on the hepatocytic differentiation potential of ADHLSC was also evaluated. RESULTS: ADHLSC treated with a pro-inflammatory cocktail displayed significant decrease of cell yield at both times of treatment while cell mortality was observed at 9 days post-priming. After 24 h, no significant changes in the immuno-phenotype of ADHLSC expression profile could be noticed while after 9 days, the expression profile of relevant markers has changed both in the basal conditions and after inflammation treatment. Inflammation cocktail enhanced the release of IL-6, IL-8, CCL5, monocyte-chemo-attractant protein-2 and 3, CXCL1/GRO, and CXCL5/ENA78. Furthermore, while IP-10 secretion was increased after 24 h priming, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhanced secretion was noticed after 9 days treatment. Finally, priming of ADHLSC did not affect their potential to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that ADHLSCs are highly sensitive to inflammation and respond to such signals by adjusting their gene and protein expression. Accordingly, monitoring the inflammatory status of patients at the time of cell transplantation, will certainly help in enhancing ADHLSC safety and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda El-Kehdy
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (H.E.-K.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Mehdi Najar
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada;
| | - Joery De Kock
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.K.); (V.R.)
| | - Douaa Moussa Agha
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (HEMEXP), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Vera Rogiers
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.D.K.); (V.R.)
| | - Makram Merimi
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (HEMEXP), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.M.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Laurence Lagneaux
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy (LCCT), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Etienne M. Sokal
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (H.E.-K.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (H.E.-K.); (E.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Miura S, Suzuki A. Induction of Steatohepatitis and Liver Tumorigenesis by Enforced Snail Expression in Hepatocytes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1271-1283. [PMID: 32188584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Snail is a transcription factor that regulates many cellular events involved in development, homeostasis, and disease. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Snail induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition that confers invasive properties on tumor cells during HCC progression and malignancy. Snail activation observed in HCC mouse models suggests its involvement not only in progression, but also onset of HCC. However, it remains unclear whether Snail directly contributes to HCC initiation or whether it supports HCC initiation promoted by other oncogenes. In this study, we generated mouse models for liver-specific and hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Snail to show the independent roles of Snail in liver homeostasis and disease. Enforced Snail expression resulted in liver and hepatocyte enlargement, inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, substantial increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and bile acids, yellow discoloration of tissues caused by bilirubin accumulation, and liver tumorigenesis. Snail overexpression suppressed mRNA expression of the tight junction components claudins and occludin and that of proteins associated with bile acid metabolism, leading to disruption of the biliary canaliculus formed among hepatocytes and excretion of abnormal amounts of unusual bile acids from hepatocytes. In conclusion, enforced Snail expression in hepatocytes is sufficient for induction of steatohepatitis and liver tumorigenesis through disruption of the biliary canaliculus and bile acid homeostasis in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizuka Miura
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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23
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LeBleu VS, Neilson EG. Origin and functional heterogeneity of fibroblasts. FASEB J 2020; 34:3519-3536. [PMID: 32037627 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903188r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The inherent plasticity and resiliency of fibroblasts make this cell type a conventional tool for basic research. But where do they come from, are all fibroblasts the same, and how do they function in disease? The first fibroblast lineages in mammalian development emerge from the ooze of primary mesenchyme during gastrulation. They are cells that efficiently create and negotiate the extracellular matrix of the mesoderm in order to migrate and meet their developmental fate. Mature fibroblasts in epithelial tissues live in the interstitial spaces between basement membranes that spatially delimit complex organ structures. While the function of resident fibroblasts in healthy tissues is largely conjecture, the accumulation of fibroblasts in pathologic lesions offers insight into biologic mechanisms that control their function; fibroblasts are poised to coordinate fibrogenesis in tissue injury, neoplasia, and aging. Here, we examine the developmental origin and plasticity of fibroblasts, their molecular and functional definitions, the epigenetic control underlying their identity and activation, and the evolution of their immune regulatory functions. These topics are reviewed through the lens of fate mapping using genetically engineered mouse models and from the perspective of single-cell RNA sequencing. Recent observations suggest dynamic and heterogeneous functions for fibroblasts that underscore their complex molecular signatures and utility in injured tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie S LeBleu
- Departments of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric G Neilson
- Departments of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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24
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Fu Q, Lu Z, Fu X, Ma S, Lu X. MicroRNA 27b promotes cardiac fibrosis by targeting the FBW7/Snail pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:11865-11879. [PMID: 31881012 PMCID: PMC6949061 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Our study aspires to understand the impact of miR-27b on myocardial fibrosis as well as its functional mechanism. 12 days post the ligation of coronary artery in rats, the expression of miR-27b in the peri-infarction region was elevated. Treating cultivated rat neonatal cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) with angiotensin II (AngII) also enhanced the miR-27b expression. Forced expression of miR-27b promoted the proliferation and collagen production in rat neonatal CFs, as revealed by cell counting, MTT assay, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. FBW7 was found to be the miR-27b's target since the overexpression of miR-27b reduced the transcriptional level of FBW7. The enhanced expression of FBW7 protein abrogated the effects of miR-27b in cultured CFs, while the siRNA silence of FBW7 promoted the pro-fibrosis activity of AngII. As to the mechanism, we found that the expression of FBW7 led to the degradation of Snail, which is an important regulator of cardiac epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. Importantly, inhibition of miR-27b abrogated the coronary artery ligation (CAL) induced cardiac fibrosis in vivo, suggesting that it might be a potential target for the treatment of fibrosis associated cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihong Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shitang Ma
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaochun Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Medical Centre, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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25
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Xu CG, Zhu XL, Wang W, Zhou XJ. Ursolic acid inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2019; 57:169-175. [PMID: 30905239 PMCID: PMC6442106 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1577464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ursolic acid (UA; 3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid), one of the pentacyclic triterpenoids found in various plants and herbs, possesses some beneficial effects under pathological conditions, including combating hepatic fibrosis. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effects of UA on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo, 24 male C57BL6 mice were divided into four groups. Eighteen mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and the remaining six sham-operated mice served as control. UUO mice received either vehicle or UA (50 or 100 mg/kg) by gastric gavage for 6 days. In vitro, HK-2 cells were treated with 10 or 50 μM UA and 10 ng/mL recombinant human transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The molecular mechanisms of fibrosis were investigated. RESULTS UUO induced marked interstitial collagen I and fibronectin deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and decreased E-cadherin. However, UA treatment significantly reduced collagen I and fibronectin accumulation in the fibrotic kidney. UA treatment also decreased α-SMA and preserved E-cadherin in vivo. In vitro, TGF-β1-treated HK-2 cells demonstrated elevated α-SMA, snail1, slug, TGF-β1, and p-smad3, as well as diminished E-cadherin. UA pretreatment prevented E-cadherin loss and diminished α-SMA expression in HK-2 cells. UA downregulated mRNA expression of snail1 and slug. UA also lowered TGF-β1 protein expression and p-Smad3 in HK-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS UA attenuated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting EMT, and such inhibition may be achieved by decreasing profibrotic factors. UA may be a novel therapeutic agent for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Geng Xu
- Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia-Lian Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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26
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Liu Y, Bao H, Wang W, Lim HY. Cardiac Snail family of transcription factors directs systemic lipid metabolism in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008487. [PMID: 31725726 PMCID: PMC6879157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of normal lipid homeostasis is crucial to heart function. On the other hand, the heart is now recognized to serve an important role in regulating systemic lipid metabolism; however, the molecular basis remains unclear. In this study, we identify the Drosophila Snail family of transcription factors (herein termed Sna TFs) as new mediators of the heart control of systemic lipid metabolism. Overexpression of Sna TF genes specifically in the heart promotes whole-body leanness whereas their knockdown in the heart promotes obesity. In addition, flies that are heterozygous for a snail deficiency chromosome also exhibit systemic obesity, and that cardiac-specific overexpression of Sna substantially reverses systemic obesity in these flies. We further show that genetically manipulating Sna TF levels in the fat body and intestine do not affect systemic lipid levels. Mechanistically, we find that flies bearing the overexpression or inhibition of Sna TFs in the postnatal heart only exhibit systemic lipid metabolic defects but not heart abnormalities. Cardiac-specific alterations of Sna TF levels also do not perturb cardiac morphology, viability, lipid metabolism or fly food intake. On the other hand, cardiac-specific manipulations of Sna TF levels alter lipogenesis and lipolysis gene expression, mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration, and lipid storage droplet 1 and 2 (Lsd-1 and Lsd-2) levels in the fat body. Together, our results reveal a novel and specific role of Sna TFs in the heart on systemic lipid homeostasis maintenance that is independent of cardiac development and function and involves the governance of triglyceride synthesis and breakdown, energy utilization, and lipid droplet dynamics in the fat body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Hong Bao
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Weidong Wang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WW); (H-YL)
| | - Hui-Ying Lim
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WW); (H-YL)
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27
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Li J, Mao R, Kurada S, Wang J, Lin S, Chandra J, Rieder F. Pathogenesis of fibrostenosing Crohn's disease. Transl Res 2019; 209:39-54. [PMID: 30981697 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease, which could affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. A severe complication of CD is fibrosis-associated strictures, which can cause bowel obstruction. Unfortunately, there is no specific antifibrotic therapy available. More than 80% of the patients with CD will have to undergo at least 1 surgery in their life and recurrence of strictures after surgery is common. Investigations on the mechanism of fibrostenosing CD have revealed that fibrosis is mainly driven by expansion of mesenchymal cells including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. Being exposed to a pro-fibrotic milieu, these cells increase the secretion of extracellular matrix, as well as crosslinking enzymes, which drive tissue stiffness and remodeling. Fibrogenesis can become independent of inflammation in later stages of disease, which offers unique therapeutic potential. Exciting new evidence suggests smooth muscle cell hyperplasia as a strong contributor to luminal narrowing in fibrostenotic CD. Approval of new drugs in other fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as new targets associated with fibrosis found in CD, such as cadherins or specific integrins, shed light on the development of novel antifibrotic approaches in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Satya Kurada
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Sinan Lin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jyotsna Chandra
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Liver Zonation in Health and Disease: Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Transcription Factors as Concert Masters. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092347. [PMID: 31083568 PMCID: PMC6540308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver and its zonation contribute to whole body homeostasis. Acute and chronic, not always liver, diseases impair proper metabolic zonation. Various underlying pathways, such as β-catenin, hedgehog signaling, and the Hippo pathway, along with the physiologically occurring oxygen gradient, appear to be contributors. Interestingly, hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible transcription factors can orchestrate those pathways. In the current review, we connect novel findings of liver zonation in health and disease and provide a view about the dynamic interplay between these different pathways and cell-types to drive liver zonation and systemic homeostasis.
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Song L, Chen TY, Zhao XJ, Xu Q, Jiao RQ, Li JM, Kong LD. Pterostilbene prevents hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition in fructose-induced liver fibrosis through suppressing miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 and TGF-β1/Smads signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1619-1634. [PMID: 30632134 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Excessive fructose consumption is a risk factor for liver fibrosis. Pterostilbene protects against liver fibrosis. Here, we investigated the potential role and the mechanisms underlying the hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fructose-induced liver fibrosis and protection by pterostilbene. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Characteristic features of liver fibrosis in 10% fructose-fed rats and EMT in 5 mM fructose-exposed BRL-3A cells with or without pterostilbene and the change of miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signalling were examined. MiR-34a inhibitor, miR-34a minic, or p53 siRNA were used to explore the role of miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling in fructose-induced EMT and the action of pterostilbene. KEY RESULTS Pterostilbene prevented fructose-induced liver injury with fibrosis in rats. Fructose caused hepatocyte undergoing EMT, gaining fibroblast-specific protein 1 and vimentin, and losing E-cadherin, effects attenuated by pterostilbene. Moreover, fructose induced miR-34a overexpression in hepatocytes with down-regulated Sirt1, increased p53 and ac-p53, and activated TGF-β1/Smads signalling, whereas these disturbances were suppressed by miR-34a inhibitor. Additionally, miR-34a inhibitor and p53 siRNA prevented TGF-β1-driven hepatocyte EMT under fructose exposure. Pterostilbene down-regulated miR-34a, up-regulated Sirt1, and suppressed p53 activation and TGF-β1/Smads signalling in fructose-stimulated animals and cells but showed no additional effects with miR-34a inhibitor on miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling in fructose-exposed hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results strongly suggest that activation of miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling is required for fructose-induced hepatocyte EMT mediated by TGF-β1/Smads signalling, contributing to liver fibrosis in rats. Pterostilbene exhibits a protective effect against liver fibrosis at least partly through inhibiting miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian-Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui-Qing Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling-Dong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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30
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Fintha A, Gasparics Á, Rosivall L, Sebe A. Therapeutic Targeting of Fibrotic Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-An Outstanding Challenge. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:388. [PMID: 31057405 PMCID: PMC6482168 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Back in 1995, a landmark paper was published, which shaped the fibrosis literature for many years to come. During the characterization of a fibroblast-specific marker (FSP1) in the kidneys, an observation was made, which gave rise to the hypothesis that “fibroblasts in some cases arise from the local conversion of epithelium.” In the following years, epithelial-mesenchymal transition was in the spotlight of fibrosis research, especially in the kidney. However, the hypothesis came under scrutiny following some discouraging findings from lineage tracing experiments and clinical observations. In this review, we provide a timely overview of the current position of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition hypothesis in the context of fibrosis (with a certain focus on renal fibrosis) and highlight some of the potential hurdles and pitfalls preventing therapeutic breakthroughs targeting fibrotic epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Fintha
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Gasparics
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Rosivall
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Nephrology Research and Training Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Sebe
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Nephrology Research and Training Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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31
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Hill C, Jones MG, Davies DE, Wang Y. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition contributes to pulmonary fibrosis via aberrant epithelial/fibroblastic cross-talk. JOURNAL OF LUNG HEALTH AND DISEASES 2019; 3:31-35. [PMID: 31032489 PMCID: PMC6485666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the prototypic progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Median survival is only 3 years, and treatment options are limited. IPF is thought to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors with repetitive micro-injuries to alveolar epithelial cells playing a central role. IPF is characterised by aberrant extra cellular matrix (ECM) deposition by activated myofibroblasts. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process where polarised epithelial cells undergo molecular changes allowing them to gain a mesenchymal phenotype, with a subsequent enhanced ability to produce ECM components and increased migration and/or invasion. The source of myofibroblasts in IPF has been debated for many years, and EMT has been proposed as a source of these cells. However, lineage tracing in transgenic mice suggests the contribution of epithelial cells, which have undergone EMT, to the fibroblast population may be negligible. Instead, recent findings suggest that alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells undergoing EMT promote a pro-fibrotic microenvironment through paracrine signalling activating local fibroblasts. This review paper explores the contribution of ATII cells, which have undergone EMT, in the context of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hill
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Mark G Jones
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Donna E Davies
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Yihua Wang
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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32
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl 4-Hydroxylases and Metabolism. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:1021-1035. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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33
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Tan S, Lu Y, Xu M, Huang X, Liu H, Jiang J, Wu B. β‐Arrestin1 enhances liver fibrosis through autophagy‐mediated Snail signaling. FASEB J 2018; 33:2000-2016. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800828rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Tan
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouChina
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouChina
| | - Minyi Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huiling Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease ResearchGuangzhouChina
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Abstract
Background: MicroRNAs are a class of small RNA molecules that inhibit protein expression through either degradation of messenger RNA or interference with protein translation. Our previous work suggested an involvement of miR-30e in myocardial fibrosis; however, the exact role of miR-30e in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms are not known. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with isoproterenol (ISO) to induce cardiac remodeling and fibrosis and treated with either miR-30e agomir (AG) or antagomir and respective controls. The expression of miR-30e was evaluated by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Myocardial fibrosis was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining, and the level of oxidative stress and the expression of Snai1 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were detected using Western blots. Results: A significant downregulation of miR-30e was found in the hearts of ISO-treated rats with cardiac fibrosis compared with nontreated controls. In vivo administration of miR-30e AG increased the survival of ISO-treated rats compared with AG-negative control administration, which was associated with reduced oxidative stress. We further identified Snai1 as a novel miR-30e target. Snai1 expression was significantly increased in hearts from ISO-treated rats, which coincided with decreased miR-30e expression and increased TGF-β expression. An miR-30e putative target sequence was identified in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) Snai1. In a reporter assay, miR-30e greatly suppressed the activity of wild-type 3′-UTR–fused luciferase reporter, but showed no significant effect with the mutated 3′-UTR–fused reporter. Conclusion: MiR-30e attenuated ISO-induced cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis in a rat cardiac remodeling model. Mechanistically, miR-30e suppressed Snai1/TGF-β pathway which was involved in ISO-induced cardiac remodeling.
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35
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Insulin/Snail1 axis ameliorates fatty liver disease by epigenetically suppressing lipogenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2751. [PMID: 30013137 PMCID: PMC6048127 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin stimulates lipogenesis but insulin resistance is also associated with increased hepatic lipogenesis in obesity. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly characterized. Here, we show a noncanonical insulin-Snail1 pathway that suppresses lipogenesis. Insulin robustly upregulates zinc-finger protein Snail1 in a PI 3-kinase-dependent manner. In obesity, the hepatic insulin-Snail1 cascade is impaired due to insulin resistance. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Snail1 enhances insulin-stimulated lipogenesis in hepatocytes, exacerbates dietary NAFLD in mice, and attenuates NAFLD-associated insulin resistance. Liver-specific overexpression of Snail1 has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, Snail1 binds to the fatty acid synthase promoter and recruits HDAC1/2 to induce deacetylation of H3K9 and H3K27, thereby repressing fatty acid synthase promoter activity. Our data suggest that insulin pathways bifurcate into canonical (lipogenic) and noncanonical (anti-lipogenesis by Snail1) two arms. The noncanonical arm counterbalances the canonical arm through Snail1-elicited epigenetic suppression of lipogenic genes. Impairment in the insulin-Snail1 arm may contribute to NAFLD in obesity.
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36
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Kim J, Hyun J, Wang S, Lee C, Jung Y. MicroRNA-378 is involved in hedgehog-driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes of regenerating liver. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:721. [PMID: 29915286 PMCID: PMC6006434 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0762-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Healthy livers have a remarkable regenerative capacity for reconstructing functional hepatic parenchyma after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Hepatocytes, usually quiescent in normal healthy livers, proliferate to compensate for hepatic loss after PH. However, the mechanism of hepatocyte involvement in liver regeneration remains unclear. Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays an important role in tissue reconstitution by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in liver disease. MicroRNA (miRNA) is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation during embryonic development and carcinogenesis. It was recently reported that miR-378 inhibits transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblasts by suppressing Gli-Krüppel family member 3 (Gli3), the Hh-target gene. We hypothesized that miR-378 influences EMT in hepatocytes by interfering with Hh signaling during liver regeneration. As hepatocytes were highly proliferative after PH in mice, miR-378 and epithelial marker, Ppar-g or E-cadherin were downregulated, whereas both Hh activators, Smoothened (Smo) and Gli3, and the EMT-inducing genes, Tgfb, Snail and Vimentin, were upregulated in the regenerating livers and in hepatocytes isolated from them. Compared to cells with or without scramble miRNA, primary hepatocytes transfected with miR-378 inhibitor contained higher levels of Gli3 with increased expression of the EMT-promoting genes, Tgfb, Snail, Col1a1, and Vimentin, suggesting that miR-378 influenced EMT in hepatocytes. Smo-depleted hepatocytes isolated from PH livers of Smo-flox mice showed downregulation of EMT-promoting genes and Gli3, with upregulation of miR-378 and E-cadherin compared to Smo-expressing hepatocytes from PH liver. In addition, delivery hepatocyte-specific AAV8 viral vector bearing Cre recombinase into Smo-flox mice impeded EMT in Smo-suppressed hepatocytes of PH liver, indicating that Smo is critical for regulating hepatocyte EMT. Furthermore, the application of miR-378 mimic into mice with PH delayed liver regeneration by interrupting hepatocyte EMT. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that miR-378 is involved in hepatocyte EMT by regulating Hh signaling during liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, 46241, Korea
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, 46241, Korea
| | - Sihyung Wang
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, 46241, Korea
| | - Chanbin Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, 46241, Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, 46241, Korea. .,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, 46241, Korea.
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37
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Caja L, Dituri F, Mancarella S, Caballero-Diaz D, Moustakas A, Giannelli G, Fabregat I. TGF-β and the Tissue Microenvironment: Relevance in Fibrosis and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018. [PMID: 29701666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051294.pmid:29701666;pmcid:pmc5983604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine essential for the induction of the fibrotic response and for the activation of the cancer stroma. Strong evidence suggests that a strong cross-talk exists among TGF-β and the tissue extracellular matrix components. TGF-β is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex bound to the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) and matrix binding of latent TGF-β complexes, which is required for an adequate TGF-β function. Once TGF-β is activated, it regulates extracellular matrix remodelling and promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, which is essential in fibrotic processes. This cytokine also acts on other cell types present in the fibrotic and tumour microenvironment, such as epithelial, endothelial cells or macrophages and it contributes to the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. Furthermore, TGF-β exerts anti-tumour activity by inhibiting the host tumour immunosurveillance. Aim of this review is to update how TGF-β and the tissue microenvironment cooperate to promote the pleiotropic actions that regulate cell responses of different cell types, essential for the development of fibrosis and tumour progression. We discuss recent evidences suggesting the use of TGF-β chemical inhibitors as a new line of defence against fibrotic disorders or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Caja
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniel Caballero-Diaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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38
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Caja L, Dituri F, Mancarella S, Caballero-Diaz D, Moustakas A, Giannelli G, Fabregat I. TGF-β and the Tissue Microenvironment: Relevance in Fibrosis and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051294. [PMID: 29701666 PMCID: PMC5983604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine essential for the induction of the fibrotic response and for the activation of the cancer stroma. Strong evidence suggests that a strong cross-talk exists among TGF-β and the tissue extracellular matrix components. TGF-β is stored in the matrix as part of a large latent complex bound to the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) and matrix binding of latent TGF-β complexes, which is required for an adequate TGF-β function. Once TGF-β is activated, it regulates extracellular matrix remodelling and promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, which is essential in fibrotic processes. This cytokine also acts on other cell types present in the fibrotic and tumour microenvironment, such as epithelial, endothelial cells or macrophages and it contributes to the cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. Furthermore, TGF-β exerts anti-tumour activity by inhibiting the host tumour immunosurveillance. Aim of this review is to update how TGF-β and the tissue microenvironment cooperate to promote the pleiotropic actions that regulate cell responses of different cell types, essential for the development of fibrosis and tumour progression. We discuss recent evidences suggesting the use of TGF-β chemical inhibitors as a new line of defence against fibrotic disorders or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Caja
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniel Caballero-Diaz
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, "S. de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Gran Via de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 Barcelona, Spain.
- Oncology Program, CIBEREHD, National Biomedical Research Institute on Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
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39
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Abstract
Activation of TGF-β1 initiates a program of temporary collagen accumulation important to wound repair in many organs. However, the outcome of temporary extracellular matrix strengthening all too frequently morphs into progressive fibrosis, contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide. To avoid this maladaptive outcome, TGF-β1 signaling is regulated at numerous levels and intimately connected to feedback signals that limit accumulation. Here, we examine the current understanding of the core functions of TGF-β1 in promoting collagen accumulation, parallel pathways that promote physiological repair, and pathological triggers that tip the balance toward progressive fibrosis. Implicit in better understanding of these processes is the identification of therapeutic opportunities that will need to be further advanced to limit or reverse organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Harold A Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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40
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Yang HW, Lu MY, Chiu YW, Liao YW, Huang YF, Ju Chueh P, Hsieh PL, Yu CC. Hinokitiol ablates myofibroblast activation in precancerous oral submucous fibrosis by targeting Snail. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2018; 33:454-462. [PMID: 29328529 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition with symptoms of limited mouth opening and areca nut chewing habit has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Hinokitiol, a natural tropolone derived from Chamacyparis taiwanensis, has been reported to improve oral lichen planus and inhibit various cancer cells. Here, we showed that hinokitiol reduced the myofibroblast activities in fBMFs and prevented the arecoline-induced transdifferentiation. Treatment of hinokitiol dose-dependently downregulated the myofibroblast markers as well as various EMT transcriptional factors. In particular, we identified that Snail was able to bind to the E-box in the α-SMA promoter. Our data suggested that exposure of fBMFs to hinokitiol mitigated the hallmarks of myofibroblasts, while overexpression of Snail eliminated the effect of hinokitiol. These findings revealed that the inhibitory effect of hinokitiol on myofibroblasts was mediated by repression of α-SMA via regulation of Snail and showed the anti-fibrotic potential of hinokitiol in the treatment of OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Wen Yang
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yi Lu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Chiu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Liao
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Huang
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pin Ju Chueh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Hsieh
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chia Yu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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41
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Pincha N, Hajam EY, Badarinath K, Batta SPR, Masudi T, Dey R, Andreasen P, Kawakami T, Samuel R, George R, Danda D, Jacob PM, Jamora C. PAI1 mediates fibroblast-mast cell interactions in skin fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1807-1819. [PMID: 29584619 DOI: 10.1172/jci99088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a prevalent pathological condition arising from the chronic activation of fibroblasts. This activation results from the extensive intercellular crosstalk mediated by both soluble factors and direct cell-cell connections. Prominent among these are the interactions of fibroblasts with immune cells, in which the fibroblast-mast cell connection, although acknowledged, is relatively unexplored. We have used a Tg mouse model of skin fibrosis, based on expression of the transcription factor Snail in the epidermis, to probe the mechanisms regulating mast cell activity and the contribution of these cells to this pathology. We have discovered that Snail-expressing keratinocytes secrete plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI1), which functions as a chemotactic factor to increase mast cell infiltration into the skin. Moreover, we have determined that PAI1 upregulates intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM1) expression on dermal fibroblasts, rendering them competent to bind to mast cells. This heterotypic cell-cell adhesion, also observed in the skin fibrotic disorder scleroderma, culminates in the reciprocal activation of both mast cells and fibroblasts, leading to the cascade of events that promote fibrogenesis. Thus, we have identified roles for PAI1 in the multifactorial program of fibrogenesis that expand its functional repertoire beyond its canonical role in plasmin-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Pincha
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Edries Yousaf Hajam
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krithika Badarinath
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), GKVK post, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Surya Prakash Rao Batta
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Tafheem Masudi
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Rakesh Dey
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Peter Andreasen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Toshiaki Kawakami
- Division of Cell Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA.,Laboratory for Allergic Disease, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Research Center for Allergy and Immunology (IMS-RCAI), Yokohama, Japan
| | - Rekha Samuel
- Department of Pathology, Center for Stem Cell Research
| | - Renu George
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy
| | | | | | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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42
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Lee JG, Jung E, Heur M. Fibroblast growth factor 2 induces proliferation and fibrosis via SNAI1-mediated activation of CDK2 and ZEB1 in corneal endothelium. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:3758-3769. [PMID: 29363574 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating stimulation of endogenous wound healing in corneal endothelial cells (CECs) may help address the global shortage of donor corneas by decreasing the number of transplants performed for blindness because of endothelial dysfunction. We previously reported that IL-1β stimulation leads to fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) expression, enhancing migration and proliferation of mammalian CECs. However, FGF2 also promotes the endothelial-mesenchymal transition, which can lead to retrocorneal membrane formation and blindness. This prompted us to investigate downstream FGF2 signaling targets that could be manipulated to prevent retrocorneal membrane formation. FGF2 stimulation altered cell morphology and induced expression of mesenchymal transition marker genes such as snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1), SNAI2, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and ZEB2 This, in turn, induced expression of fibronectin, vimentin, and type I collagen, and suppressed E-cadherin in CECs in vitro and ex vivo siRNA-mediated SNAI1 knockdown revealed that SNAI1 induces ZEB1 expression, in turn inducing expression of type I collagen, the major component of retrocorneal membranes, and of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and cyclin E1, promoting cell proliferation. siRNA-mediated knockdown of SNAI1 or ZEB1, but not of CDK2, inhibited FGF2-dependent expression of fibronectin, vimentin, and type I collagen and of suppression of E-cadherin expression. We conclude that SNAI1 is a key regulator of FGF2-dependent mesenchymal transition in human ex vivo corneal endothelium, with ZEB1 regulating type I collagen expression and CDK2 regulating cell proliferation. These results suggest that SNAI1 promotes fibrosis and cell proliferation in human corneal endothelium through ZEB1 and CDK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Goo Lee
- From the USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Eric Jung
- From the USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Martin Heur
- From the USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
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43
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Yao J, Dai Q, Liu Z, Zhou L, Xu J. Circular RNAs in Organ Fibrosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1087:259-273. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1426-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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44
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Marí M, Morales A. Bone morphogenetic protein-9/activin-like kinase 1 axis a new target for hepatic regeneration and fibrosis treatment in liver injury. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2017; 6:414-416. [PMID: 29312979 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2017.11.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
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45
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Guo F, Yi X, Li M, Fu J, Li S. Snail1 is positively correlated with atrial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation and rheumatic heart disease. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:4231-4237. [PMID: 29104639 PMCID: PMC5658748 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the association between Snail1 and atrial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and to determine the possible mechanism underlying this interrelation. A total of 19 patients were included in the current study and were divided into two groups: A sinus rhythm (SR) group (n=9) and an AF group (n=10). All patients underwent heart valve replacement surgery, during which ~200 mg right atrium tissue was obtained. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome-stained sections were used to evaluate the morphological changes of cardiomyocytes and the level of fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry was applied to observe the location and expression of Snail1. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure Snail1 mRNA levels. Western blotting was used to determine changes in the expression of Snail1, as well as in the expression of proteins involved in the Wnt pathway, including Wnt1, Wnt 3a, Wnt8a, Wnt5a and Wnt11. Compared with the SR group, expanded cardiomyocytes and higher collagen deposition was detected in the atrial tissue of the AF group. The expression of Snail1 mRNA and protein was significantly higher in the AF group than in the SR group (P<0.05). Additionally, the expression of Wnt1, 3a and 8a in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, and Wnt5a and 11 in the noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway were significantly increased in the AF group. Furthermore, the phosphorylation level of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and the levels of β-catenin and GSK3β were significantly increased in the AF group compared with the SR group (P<0.05). Snail1 may be involved in the development and maintenance of atrial fibrosis in patients with atrial fibrillation and rheumatic heart disease and may be developed as a novel biomarker to evaluate myocardial fibrosis in the future. Additionally, the current study suggests that the Wnt signaling pathway may participate in the process of increased Snail1 expression and atrial fibrosis in patients with AF and RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xin Yi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Mingjiang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jinrong Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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46
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Abstract
The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a fundamental cellular mechanism that occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions and includes the fibrotic stages of numerous organs, namely, the skin, kidneys, heart, lungs and liver. Endothelial cells that undergo EndMT are one of the main source of (myo)fibroblasts in fibrotic tissues. A critical step in cellular transdifferentiation is morphological change, which is engineered by the reorganization of cytoskeletal elements such as microtubules. These dynamic structures consist of αβ-tubulin heterodimers that are also involved in cellular movement and intracellular trafficking, processes modulated during EndMT. One fundamental mechanism that underlies microtubule stabilization is the regulation of the levels of α and β-tubulin. However, little is known about the roles of specific tubulin isotypes in the development of EndMT-based diseases. This study provides the first evidence that the upregulation of TUBB3 and TUBB4 is coupled with increased cell migration in EndMT-induced HMEC-1 cells. Immunochemical analysis reveals that these tubulins are upregulated in the early stages of EndMT, and siRNA analysis indicates that they are engaged in the generation of mesenchymal behavior via the enhancement of cell migration. This modulation seems to be especially important in wound healing. Finally, cell surface analysis reveals that TUBB3 and TUBB4 are necessary for the transport and proper localization of N-cadherin within the plasma membrane. We believe that our results will be valuable for the development of effective new anti-fibrotic therapies.
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47
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Horejs CM, St-Pierre JP, Ojala JRM, Steele JAM, da Silva PB, Rynne-Vidal A, Maynard SA, Hansel CS, Rodríguez-Fernández C, Mazo MM, You AYF, Wang AJ, von Erlach T, Tryggvason K, López-Cabrera M, Stevens MM. Preventing tissue fibrosis by local biomaterials interfacing of specific cryptic extracellular matrix information. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15509. [PMID: 28593951 PMCID: PMC5472175 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to the breakdown of tissue structures such as the basement membrane, promoting tissue fibrosis. Here we developed an electrospun membrane biofunctionalized with a fragment of the laminin β1-chain to modulate the expression of MMP2 in this context. We demonstrate that interfacing of the β1-fragment with the mesothelium of the peritoneal membrane via a biomaterial abrogates the release of active MMP2 in response to transforming growth factor β1 and rescues tissue integrity ex vivo and in vivo in a mouse model of peritoneal fibrosis. Importantly, our data demonstrate that the membrane inhibits MMP2 expression. Changes in the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules further point towards a contribution of the modulation of EMT. Biomaterial-based presentation of regulatory basement membrane signals directly addresses limitations of current therapeutic approaches by enabling a localized and specific method to counteract MMP2 release applicable to a broad range of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine-Maria Horejs
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Jean-Philippe St-Pierre
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Juha R M Ojala
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Joseph A M Steele
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Patricia Barros da Silva
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Angela Rynne-Vidal
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephanie A Maynard
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Catherine S Hansel
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Clara Rodríguez-Fernández
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Manuel M Mazo
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Amanda Y F You
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Alex J Wang
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Thomas von Erlach
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Karl Tryggvason
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Manuel López-Cabrera
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Molly M Stevens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles väg 2, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
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48
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Kim SM, Choi JE, Hur W, Kim JH, Hong SW, Lee EB, Lee JH, Li TZ, Sung PS, Yoon SK. RAR-Related Orphan Receptor Gamma (ROR-γ) Mediates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Of Hepatocytes During Hepatic Fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2026-2036. [PMID: 27791279 PMCID: PMC5488206 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in many different types of cellular behavior, including liver fibrosis. In this report, we studied a novel function of RAR‐related orphan receptor gamma (ROR‐γ) in hepatocyte EMT during liver fibrosis. To induce EMT in vitro, primary hepatocytes and FL83B cells were treated with TGF‐β1. Expression of ROR‐γ was analyzed by Western blot in the fibrotic mouse livers and human livers with cirrhosis. To verify the role of ROR‐γ in hepatocyte EMT, we silenced ROR‐γ in FL83B cells using a lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vector. The therapeutic effect of ROR‐γ silencing was investigated in a mouse model of TAA‐induced fibrosis by hydrodynamic injection of plasmids. ROR‐γ expression was elevated in hepatocyte cells treated with TGF‐β1, and ROR‐γ protein levels were elevated in the fibrotic mouse livers and human livers with cirrhosis. Knockdown of ROR‐γ resulted in the attenuation of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in hepatocytes. Strikingly, ROR‐γ bound to ROR‐specific DNA response elements (ROREs) in the promoter region of TGF‐β type I receptor (Tgfbr1) and Smad2, resulting in the downregulation of Tgfbr1 and Smad2 after silencing of ROR‐γ. Therapeutic delivery of shRNA against ROR‐γ attenuated hepatocyte EMT and ameliorated liver fibrosis in a mouse model of TAA‐induced liver fibrosis. Overall, our results suggest that ROR‐γ regulates TGF‐β‐induced EMT in hepatocytes during liver fibrosis. We suggest that ROR‐γ may become a potential therapeutic target in treating liver fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2026–2036, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Hur
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Hong
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Ho Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Tian Zhu Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, School of Medical Science, Chifeng University, Chifeng, 024000, China
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, #505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center of Viral Hepatitis, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, #505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-gu, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
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49
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Mihalko EP, Brown AC. Material Strategies for Modulating Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transitions. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2017; 4:1149-1161. [PMID: 33418653 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) involve the phenotypic change of epithelial cells into fibroblast-like cells. This process is accompanied by the loss of cell-cell contacts, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) production, stress fiber alignment, and an increase in cell mobility. While essential for development and wound repair, EMT has also been recognized as a contributing factor to fibrotic diseases and cancer. Both chemical and mechanical cues, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, NF-κB, Wnt, Notch, interleukin-8, metalloproteinase-3, ECM proteins, and ECM stiffness can determine the degree and duration of EMT events. Additionally, transforming growth factor beta is a primary driver of EMT and, interestingly, can be activated through cell-mediated mechanoactivation. In this review, we highlight recent findings demonstrating the contribution of mechanical stimuli, such as tissue and material stiffness, in driving EMT. We then highlight material strategies for controlling EMT events. Finally, we discuss drivers of the similar process of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and corresponding material strategies for controlling EndoMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Mihalko
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Ashley C Brown
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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50
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Huleihel L, Scarritt ME, Badylak SF. The Influence of Extracellular RNA on Cell Behavior in Health, Disease and Regeneration. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 5:13-22. [PMID: 28944104 PMCID: PMC5604481 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-017-0121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An overview of the role of extracellular RNAs (exRNA) in the regulation of homeostasis, disease progression, and regeneration is provided herein. Several exRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for disease and disease progression. In addition, the potential of exRNAs as a therapeutic modality is discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver, and heart, among other organs share a number of identical exRNAs which play key roles in disease pathogenesis. Though regeneration is limited to only a few tissues in humans, small RNAs (e.g. microRNA) have been shown to be involved in the regenerative process of tissues such as liver and bone. The regulation of healing versus disease appears to be balanced by small RNAs. Because small RNAs are critical to health, they are being investigated as drug targets in multiple ongoing clinical trials. Preclinical studies suggest that promoting or blocking specific small RNAs can provide a novel therapeutic approach. SUMMARY exRNA can be utilized for both detection and treatment of disease. Natural and synthetic RNA carriers are being investigated as delivery methods for small RNA molecules. Current and future investigations are likely to lead to expanded applications for exRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luai Huleihel
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Michelle E. Scarritt
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Stephen F. Badylak
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
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