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Abraham D, Lescoat A, Stratton R. Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101252. [PMID: 38325132 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (also called scleroderma, SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to skin fibrosis and various internal organ manifestations. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for scleroderma focus on early detection and targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Diagnostics for SSc have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in serological markers and imaging techniques. Autoantibody profiling, especially antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific scleroderma-associated autoantibodies, aids in identifying subsets of scleroderma and predicting disease progression. Furthermore, novel imaging modalities, such as high-frequency ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography, enable early detection of skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement, enhancing the diagnostic precision and allowing for tailored management. Therapeutic strategies for SSc are multifaceted, targeting immune dysregulation, vascular abnormalities, and fibrotic processes. Emerging biologic agents have shown promise in clinical trials, including monoclonal antibodies directed against key cytokines involved in fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt fibrotic pathways, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have exhibited potential in limiting collagen deposition and preventing disease progression. Stem cell therapy, cell ablation and gene editing techniques hold great potential in regenerating damaged tissue and halting fibrotic processes. Early intervention remains crucial in managing SSc, as irreversible tissue damage often occurs in advanced stages. Novel diagnostic methods, such as biomarkers and gene expression profiling, are being explored to identify individuals at high risk for developing progressive severe disease and intervene proactively. Furthermore, patient-tailored therapeutic approaches, employing a combination of immunosuppressive agents and targeted anti-fibrotic therapies, are being investigated to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in scleroderma are transforming the management of this challenging disease. Nevertheless, ongoing research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the efficacy and safety of these novel approaches in the complex and diverse spectrum of SSc manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Abraham
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Richard Stratton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK.
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2
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Zhang L, Chai R, Tai Z, Miao F, Shi X, Chen Z, Zhu Q. Noval advance of histone modification in inflammatory skin diseases and related treatment methods. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1286776. [PMID: 38235133 PMCID: PMC10792063 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory skin diseases are a group of diseases caused by the disruption of skin tissue due to immune system disorders. Histone modification plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, encompassing a wide range of conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lupus, systemic sclerosis, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, and alopecia areata. Analyzing histone modification as a significant epigenetic regulatory approach holds great promise for advancing our understanding and managing these complex disorders. Additionally, therapeutic interventions targeting histone modifications have emerged as promising strategies for effectively managing inflammatory skin disorders. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the diverse types of histone modification. We discuss the intricate association between histone modification and prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We also review current and potential therapeutic approaches that revolve around modulating histone modifications. Finally, we investigated the prospects of research on histone modifications in the context of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichen Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Chai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwei Shi
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of External Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Zhang Y, Maskan Bermudez N, Sa B, Maderal AD, Jimenez JJ. Epigenetic mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14986. [PMID: 38059632 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (SSc) and dermatomyositis (DM), often manifest with debilitating cutaneous lesions and can result in systemic organ damage that may be life-threatening. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, many patients still experience low rates of sustained remission and significant treatment toxicity. While genetic predisposition plays a role in these connective tissue disorders, the relatively low concordance rates among monozygotic twins (ranging from approximately 4% for SSc to about 11%-50% for SLE) have prompted increased scrutiny of the epigenetic factors contributing to these diseases. In this review, we explore some seminal studies and key findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of how dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms can contribute to the development of SLE, SSc and DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Zhang
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Narges Maskan Bermudez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brianna Sa
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea D Maderal
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Joaquin J Jimenez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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4
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Sylvestre M, Barbier N, Sibut V, Nayar S, Monvoisin C, Leonard S, Saint-Vanne J, Martin A, Guirriec M, Latour M, Jouan F, Baulande S, Bohec M, Verdière L, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Mourcin F, Bertheuil N, Barone F, Tarte K, Roulois D. KDM6B drives epigenetic reprogramming associated with lymphoid stromal cell early commitment and immune properties. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2708. [PMID: 38019914 PMCID: PMC10686565 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Mature lymphoid stromal cells (LSCs) are key organizers of immune responses within secondary lymphoid organs. Similarly, inflammation-driven tertiary lymphoid structures depend on immunofibroblasts producing lymphoid cytokines and chemokines. Recent studies have explored the origin and heterogeneity of LSC/immunofibroblasts, yet the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms involved in their commitment are still unknown. This study explored the transcriptomic and epigenetic reprogramming underlying LSC/immunofibroblast commitment. We identified the induction of lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) as the primary epigenetic driver of early immunofibroblast differentiation. In addition, we observed an enrichment for KDM6B gene signature in murine inflammatory fibroblasts and pathogenic stroma of patients with autoimmune diseases. Last, KDM6B was required for the acquisition of LSC/immunofibroblast functional properties, including the up-regulation of CCL2 and the resulting recruitment of monocytes. Overall, our results reveal epigenetic mechanisms that participate in the early commitment and immune properties of immunofibroblasts and support the use of epigenetic modifiers as fibroblast-targeting strategies in chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Sylvestre
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Barbier
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Vonick Sibut
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Saba Nayar
- Centre for Translational inflammation Research, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham Research Laboratories, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Céline Monvoisin
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Simon Leonard
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- LabEx IGO “Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology”, F-35043 Nantes, France
| | - Julien Saint-Vanne
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- SITI, Pôle Biologie, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - Ansie Martin
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Marion Guirriec
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Maëlle Latour
- SITI, Pôle Biologie, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - Florence Jouan
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence (ICGex) Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Mylène Bohec
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence (ICGex) Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Léa Verdière
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Stress and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, INSERM, U830, PSL Research University, 26, rue d’Ulm, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Mourcin
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Bertheuil
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- Department of Plastic Surgery, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | | | - Karin Tarte
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
- SITI, Pôle Biologie, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - David Roulois
- Honeycomb team, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Univ Rennes, INSERM, EFS, UMR S1236, Rennes, France
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5
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López-López S, Romero de Ávila MJ, González-Gómez MJ, Nueda ML, Baladrón V, Monsalve EM, García-Ramírez JJ, Díaz-Guerra MJM. NOTCH4 potentiates the IL-13 induced genetic program in M2 alternative macrophages through the AP1 and IRF4-JMJD3 axis. Int Immunol 2023; 35:497-509. [PMID: 37478314 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-13 signaling polarizes macrophages to an M2 alternatively activated phenotype, which regulates tissue repair and anti-inflammatory responses. However, an excessive activation of this pathway leads to severe pathologies, such as allergic airway inflammation and asthma. In this work, we identified NOTCH4 receptor as an important modulator of M2 macrophage activation. We show that the expression of NOTCH4 is induced by IL-13, mediated by Janus kinases and AP1 activity, probably mediated by the IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, we demonstrate an important role for NOTCH4 signaling in the IL-13 induced gene expression program in macrophages, including various genes that contribute to pathogenesis of the airways in asthma, such as ARG1, YM1, CCL24, IL-10, or CD-163. We also demonstrate that NOTCH4 signaling modulates IL-13-induced gene expression by increasing IRF4 activity, mediated, at least in part, by the expression of the histone H3K27me3 demethylase JMJD3, and by increasing AP1-dependent transcription. In summary, our results provide evidence for an important role of NOTCH4 signaling in alternative activation of macrophages by IL-13 and suggest that NOTCH4 may contribute to the increased severity of lesions in M2 inflammatory responses, such as allergic asthma, which points to NOTCH4 as a potential new target for the treatment of these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana López-López
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Research Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, C/Laurel, s/n, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - María José Romero de Ávila
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - María Julia González-Gómez
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - María Luisa Nueda
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Branch, School of Pharmacy/CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, Albacete, Spain
| | - Victoriano Baladrón
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Eva M Monsalve
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - José Javier García-Ramírez
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - María José M Díaz-Guerra
- CRIB/Biomedicine Unit, Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha/CSIC, C/Almansa 14, 02008 Albacete, Spain
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6
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Gao Y, Yu W, Song J, Nie J, Cui Z, Wen S, Liu B, Liang H. JMJD3 ablation in myeloid cells confers renoprotection in mice with DOCA/salt-induced hypertension. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:1934-1948. [PMID: 37248323 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01312-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension-induced renal injury is characterized by robust inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Jumonji domain containing-3 (JMJD3) is closely linked with inflammatory response and fibrogenesis. Here we examined the effect of myeloid JMJD3 ablation on kidney inflammation and fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)/salt hypertension. Our results showed that JMJD3 is notably induced in the kidneys with hypertensive injury. DOCA/salt stress causes an elevation in blood pressure that was no difference between myeloid specific JMJD3-deficient mice and wild-type control mice. Compared with wild-type control mice, myeloid JMJD3 ablation ameliorated kidney function and injury of mice in response to DOCA/salt challenge. Myeloid JMJD3 ablation attenuated collagen deposition, extracellular matrix proteins expression, and fibroblasts activation in injured kidneys following DOCA/salt treatment. Furthermore, myeloid JMJD3 ablation blunts inflammatory response in injured kidneys after DOCA/salt stress. Finally, myeloid JMJD3 ablation precluded myeloid myofibroblasts activation and protected against macrophages to myofibroblasts transition in injured kidneys. These beneficial effects were accompanied by reduced expression of interferon regulator factor 4. In summary, JMJD3 ablation in myeloid cells reduces kidney inflammation and fibrosis in DOCA salt-induced hypertension. Inhibition of myeloid JMJD3 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for hypertensive nephropathy. Myeloid JMJD3 deficiency reduces inflammatory response, myeloid fibroblasts activation, macrophages to myofibroblasts transition, and delays kidney fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Wenqiang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Jinfang Song
- Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, China
| | - Jiayi Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Zichan Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Shihong Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Benquan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, China.
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, 528000, China.
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7
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Feng L, Chen X, Huang Y, Zhang X, Zheng S, Xie N. Immunometabolism changes in fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1243675. [PMID: 37576819 PMCID: PMC10412938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1243675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for initiating and developing the fibrotic process by releasing cytokines and growth factors that activate fibroblasts and promote extracellular matrix deposition. Immunometabolism describes how metabolic alterations affect the function of immune cells and how inflammation and immune responses regulate systemic metabolism. The disturbed immune cell function and their interactions with other cells in the tissue microenvironment lead to the origin and advancement of fibrosis. Understanding the dysregulated metabolic alterations and interactions between fibroblasts and the immune cells is critical for providing new therapeutic targets for fibrosis. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from the immunometabolism aspect, highlighting the altered metabolic pathways in critical immune cell populations and the impact of inflammation on fibroblast metabolism during the development of fibrosis. We also discuss how this knowledge could be leveraged to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujing Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodian Zhang
- Hainan Cancer Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Pathology, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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8
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Basta MD, Petruk S, Mazo A, Walker JL. Fibrosis-the tale of H3K27 histone methyltransferases and demethylases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193344. [PMID: 37476157 PMCID: PMC10354294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193344] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, or excessive scarring, is characterized by the emergence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment options for fibrosis, highlighting an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets. The acquisition of a fibrotic phenotype is associated with changes in chromatin structure, a key determinant of gene transcription activation and repression. The major repressive histone mark, H3K27me3, has been linked to dynamic changes in gene expression in fibrosis through alterations in chromatin structure. H3K27-specific homologous histone methylase (HMT) enzymes, Enhancer of zeste 1 and 2 (EZH1, EZH2), which are the alternative subunits of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and demethylase (KDM) enzymes, Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome (UTX), and Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B), are responsible for regulating methylation status of H3K27me3. In this review, we explore how these key enzymes regulate chromatin structure to alter gene expression in fibrosis, highlighting them as attractive targets for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D. Basta
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Svetlana Petruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Mazo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Janice L. Walker
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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9
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Chen A, Sun Z, Sun D, Huang M, Fang H, Zhang J, Qian G. Integrative bioinformatics and validation studies reveal KDM6B and its associated molecules as crucial modulators in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183871. [PMID: 37275887 PMCID: PMC10235501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183871] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) can be described as a debilitating lung disease that is characterized by the complex interactions between various immune cell types and signaling pathways. Chromatin-modifying enzymes are significantly involved in regulating gene expression during immune cell development, yet their role in IPF is not well understood. Methods In this study, differential gene expression analysis and chromatin-modifying enzyme-related gene data were conducted to identify hub genes, common pathways, immune cell infiltration, and potential drug targets for IPF. Additionally, a murine model was employed for investigating the expression levels of candidate hub genes and determining the infiltration of different immune cells in IPF. Results We identified 33 differentially expressed genes associated with chromatin-modifying enzymes. Enrichment analyses of these genes demonstrated a strong association with histone lysine demethylation, Sin3-type complexes, and protein demethylase activity. Protein-protein interaction network analysis further highlighted six hub genes, specifically KDM6B, KDM5A, SETD7, SUZ12, HDAC2, and CHD4. Notably, KDM6B expression was significantly increased in the lungs of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice, showing a positive correlation with fibronectin and α-SMA, two essential indicators of pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, we established a diagnostic model for IPF focusing on KDM6B and we also identified 10 potential therapeutic drugs targeting KDM6B for IPF treatment. Conclusion Our findings suggest that molecules related to chromatin-modifying enzymes, primarily KDM6B, play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anning Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhun Sun
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donglin Sun
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiying Huang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Department of Pain, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guojun Qian
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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11
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Pi Z, Qiu X, Liu J, Shi Y, Zeng Z, Xiao R. Activating Protein-1 (AP-1): A Promising Target for the Treatment of Fibrotic Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2023; 31:CMC-EPUB-129375. [PMID: 36757030 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230209100059] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The fibrosis of tissues and organs occurs via an aberrant tissue remodeling process characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which can lead to organ dysfunction, organ failure, and death. Because the pathogenesis of fibrosis remains unclear and elusive, there is currently no medication to reverse it; hence, this process deserves further study. Activating protein-1 (AP-1)-comprising Jun (c-Jun, JunB, JunD), Fos (c-fos, FosB, Fra1, and Fra2), and activating transcription factor-is a versatile dimeric transcription factor. Numerous studies have demonstrated that AP-1 plays a crucial role in advancing tissue and organ fibrosis via induction of the expression of fibrotic molecules and activating fibroblasts. This review focuses on the role of AP-1 in a range of fibrotic disorders as well as on the antifibrotic effects of AP-1 inhibitors. It also discusses the potential of AP-1 as a new therapeutic target in conditions involving tissue and organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixin Pi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xiangning Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Department of Dermatology Changsha China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
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12
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Chen L, Zhao J, Chao Y, Roy A, Guo W, Qian J, Xu W, Domsic RT, Lafyatis R, Lu B, Deng F, Wang QJ. Loss of Protein Kinase D2 Activity Protects Against Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis in Mice. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100018. [PMID: 37039152 PMCID: PMC10507682 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2022.100018] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase D (PKD) has been linked to inflammatory responses in various pathologic conditions; however, its role in inflammation-induced dermal fibrosis has not been evaluated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of protein kinase D2 (PKD2) in inflammation-induced dermal fibrosis and evaluate the therapeutic potential of PKD inhibitors in this disease. Using homozygous kinase-dead PKD2 knock-in (KI) mice, we examined whether genetic ablation or pharmacologic inhibition of PKD2 activity affected dermal inflammation and fibrosis in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis model. Our data showed that dermal thickness and collagen fibers were significantly reduced in BLM-treated PKD2 KI mice compared with that in wild-type mice, and so was the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagens and the mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and interleukin-6 in the KI mice. Corroboratively, pharmacologic inhibition of PKD by CRT0066101 also significantly blocked BLM-induced dermal fibrosis and reduced α-smooth muscle actin, collagen, and interleukin-6 expression. Further analyses indicated that loss of PKD2 activity significantly blocked BLM-induced infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils in the dermis. Moreover, using bone marrow-derived macrophages, we demonstrated that PKD activity was required for cytokine production and migration of macrophages. We have further identified Akt as a major downstream target of PKD2 in the early inflammatory phase of the fibrotic process. Taken together, our findings indicate that PKD2 promotes dermal fibrosis via regulating immune cell infiltration, cytokine production, and downstream activation of Akt in lesional skin, and targeted inhibition of PKD2 may benefit the treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinjun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yapeng Chao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adhiraj Roy
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Wenjing Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiabi Qian
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanfu Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Robyn T Domsic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fan Deng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Q Jane Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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13
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Hui L, Ziyue Z, Chao L, Bin Y, Aoyu L, Haijing W. Epigenetic Regulations in Autoimmunity and Cancer: from Basic Science to Translational Medicine. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2048980. [PMID: 36647268 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics, as a discipline that aims to explain the differential expression of phenotypes arising from the same gene sequence and the heritability of epigenetic expression, has received much attention in medicine. Epigenetic mechanisms are constantly being discovered, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs and m6A. The immune system mainly achieves an immune response through the differentiation and functional expression of immune cells, in which epigenetic modification will have an important impact. Because of immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy has become a research hotspot in tumor therapy. Epigenetics plays an important role in autoimmune diseases and cancers through immunology. An increasing number of drugs targeting epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and drug combinations, are being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers (including leukemia and osteosarcoma) and autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis). This review summarizes the progress of epigenetic regulation for cancers and autoimmune diseases to date, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Hui
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Ziyue
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Liu Chao
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Yu Bin
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Li Aoyu
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Wu Haijing
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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14
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Epigenetic Dysregulation in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2022; 63:447-471. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-022-08956-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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15
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Liang H, Liu B, Gao Y, Nie J, Feng S, Yu W, Wen S, Su X. Jmjd3/IRF4 axis aggravates myeloid fibroblast activation and m2 macrophage to myofibroblast transition in renal fibrosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:978262. [PMID: 36159833 PMCID: PMC9494509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis commonly occurs in the process of chronic kidney diseases. Here, we explored the role of Jumonji domain containing 3 (Jmjd3)/interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) axis in activation of myeloid fibroblasts and transition of M2 macrophages into myofibroblasts transition (M2MMT) in kidney fibrosis. In mice, Jmjd3 and IRF4 were highly induced in interstitial cells of kidneys with folic acid or obstructive injury. Jmjd3 deletion in myeloid cells or Jmjd3 inhibitor reduced the levels of IRF4 in injured kidneys. Myeloid Jmjd3 depletion impaired bone marrow-derived fibroblasts activation and M2MMT in folic acid or obstructive nephropathy, resulting in reduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins expression, myofibroblasts formation and renal fibrosis progression. Pharmacological inhibition of Jmjd3 also prevented myeloid fibroblasts activation, M2MMT, and kidney fibrosis development in folic acid nephropathy. Furthermore, IRF4 disruption inhibited myeloid myofibroblasts accumulation, M2MMT, ECM proteins accumulation, and showed milder fibrotic response in obstructed kidneys. Bone marrow transplantation experiment showed that wild-type mice received IRF4-/- bone marrow cells presented less myeloid fibroblasts activation in injured kidneys and exhibited much less kidney fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction. Myeloid Jmjd3 deletion or Jmjd3 inhibitor attenuated expressions of IRF4, α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin and impeded M2MMT in cultured monocytes exposed to IL-4. Conversely, overexpression IRF4 abrogated the effect of myeloid Jmjd3 deletion on M2MMT. Thus, Jmjd3/IRF4 signaling has a crucial role in myeloid fibroblasts activation, M2 macrophages to myofibroblasts transition, extracellular matrix protein deposition, and kidney fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Foshan Women and Children Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Benquan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jiayi Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Shuyun Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Wenqiang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Wenqiang Yu, ; Xi Su,
| | - Shihong Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Su
- Department of Paediatrics, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Wenqiang Yu, ; Xi Su,
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16
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TGF-β1-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) migration via histone demethylase KDM6B mediated inhibition of methylation marker H3K27me3. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:339. [PMID: 35902563 PMCID: PMC9334584 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in clinical research and therapy. Since the number of MSCs migration is extremely crucial at the lesion site, exploring the mechanisms to enhance the migration of MSCs is necessary. Therefore, this study focused on the epigenetic mechanisms in MSCs migration. TGF-β1 stimulated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to promote cell migration at lesion sites in vitro and in vivo. The mRNA and protein levels of several migration-related genes (N cadherin, CXCR4, FN1) were enhanced. The trimethylation marker H3K27me3 recruitment on the promoter of these genes were studied to dissect the epigenetic mechanisms. TGF-β1 elevated the levels of KDM6B leading to removal of repression marker H3K27me3 in the promoter region of N cadherins and FN1. Congruently, knockdown of demethylase KDM6B substantially affected the TGF-β1 induced BMSCs migration. This promoted the down-regulation of various migration-related genes. Collectively, epigenetic regulation played an important role in BMSCs migration, and H3K27me3 was at least partially involved in the migration of BMSCs induced by TGF-β1.
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17
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Abstract
Histone lysine methylation plays a key role in gene activation and repression. The trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine-27 (H3K27me3) is a critical epigenetic event that is controlled by Jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3). JMJD3 is a histone demethylase that specifically removes methyl groups. Previous studies have suggested that JMJD3 has a dual role in cancer cells. JMJD3 stimulates the expression of proliferative-related genes and increases tumor cell growth, propagation, and migration in various cancers, including neural, prostate, ovary, skin, esophagus, leukemia, hepatic, head and neck, renal, lymphoma, and lung. In contrast, JMJD3 can suppress the propagation of tumor cells, and enhance their apoptosis in colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers. In this review, we summarized the recent advances of JMJD3 function in cancer cells.
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18
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Vichaikul S, Gurrea-Rubio M, Amin MA, Campbell PL, Wu Q, Mattichak MN, Brodie WD, Palisoc PJ, Ali M, Muraoka S, Ruth JH, Model EN, Rohraff DM, Hervoso JL, Mao-Draayer Y, Fox DA, Khanna D, Sawalha AH, Tsou PS. Inhibition of histone readers bromodomain extra-terminal proteins alleviates skin fibrosis in experimental models of scleroderma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:150871. [PMID: 35349485 PMCID: PMC9090238 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain proteins (BETs) to acetylated histone residues is critical for gene transcription. We sought to determine the antifibrotic efficacy and potential mechanisms of BET inhibition in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Blockade of BETs was done using a pan-BET inhibitor, JQ1; BRD2 inhibitor, BIC1; or BRD4 inhibitors AZD5153 or ARV825. BET inhibition, specifically BRD4 blockade, showed antifibrotic effects in an animal model of SSc and in patient-derived diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) fibroblasts. Transcriptome analysis of JQ1-treated dcSSc fibroblasts revealed differentially expressed genes related to extracellular matrix, cell cycle, and calcium (Ca2+) signaling. The antifibrotic effect of BRD4 inhibition was mediated at least in part by downregulation of Ca2+/calmodulin–dependent protein kinase II α and reduction of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. On the basis of these results, we propose targeting Ca2+ pathways or BRD4 as potentially novel therapeutic approaches for progressive tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirapa Vichaikul
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Mikel Gurrea-Rubio
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - M. Asif Amin
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Phillip L. Campbell
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Qi Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan N. Mattichak
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - William D. Brodie
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Pamela J. Palisoc
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Mustafa Ali
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Sei Muraoka
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Jeffrey H. Ruth
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Ellen N. Model
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Dallas M. Rohraff
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Jonatan L. Hervoso
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Yang Mao-Draayer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David A. Fox
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amr H. Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology; Department of Medicine
- Lupus Center of Excellence; and
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to evaluate the recent evidence of the role of metabolism in systemic sclerosis (SSc), highlighting specific aberrations and to appraise the feasibility of targeting these therapeutically. RECENT FINDINGS SSc is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by three facets: vascular problems, inflammation, and fibrosis. The fibrosis primarily affects the skin and lungs and currently, no antifibrotic treatment has been found effective. In recent years a renaissance in metabolism research has begun with renewed vigour in the role of metabolism in disease, particularly in the immune system. Alterations in glycolysis and utilisation of specific metabolic pathways in specific cell types have been associated with specific diseases. Most recently alterations in glycolysis and glutaminolysis have been determined in SSc fibroblasts mediating fibrosis. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels have also been described in SSc. SUMMARY Specific metabolic aberrations have been described in SSc and this may lead to novel therapeutic targets in this disease.
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20
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Advances in epigenetics in systemic sclerosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:596-607. [PMID: 34480165 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypical inflammatory fibrotic disease involving inflammation, vascular abnormalities and fibrosis that primarily affect the skin and lungs. The aetiology of SSc is unknown and its pathogenesis is only partially understood. Of all the rheumatic diseases, SSc carries the highest all-cause mortality rate and represents an unmet medical need. A growing body of evidence implicates epigenetic aberrations in this intractable disease, including specific modifications affecting the three main cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis: immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss the latest insights into the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in SSc and how these epigenetic alterations affect disease features. In particular, histone modifications have a role in the regulation of gene expression pertinent to activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, governing their fate. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in disease pathogenesis by mediating methylation of DNA in specific promoters, regulating expression of specific pathways. We discuss targeting of these enzymes for therapeutic gain. Innovative epigenetic therapy could be targeted to treat the disease in a precision epigenetics approach.
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21
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Mouse Models of Skin Fibrosis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:371-383. [PMID: 34028755 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease associated with a high mortality. The first histopathological hallmarks are vasculopathy and inflammation, followed by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The molecular and cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Rodent models provide important insights into the pathogenesis of SSc and are a mainstay for the development of novel targeted therapies. Here we describe the mechanistic insights of inducible and genetic models, and also discuss in detail the limitations and pitfalls of the most frequently used SSc mouse models. We also describe protocols for running the established bleomycin-induced scleroderma skin fibrosis model.
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22
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Henderson J, O'Reilly S. The emerging role of metabolism in fibrosis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:639-653. [PMID: 34024695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The metabolic shift that cancer cells undergo towards aerobic glycolysis was identified as a defining feature in tumours almost 100 years ago; however, it has only recently become apparent that similar metabolic reprogramming is a key feature in other diseases - with fibrosis now entering the fray. In this perspective, an overview of the recent evidence implicating increased glycolysis and glutaminolysis as mediators of fibrosis is presented, with a particular emphasis on the novel therapeutic possibilities this introduces. Furthermore, the impact that metabolic reprogramming has on redox homeostasis is discussed, providing an insight into how this often-overlooked mechanism may drive the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. steven.o'
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23
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Zehender A, Li YN, Lin NY, Stefanica A, Nüchel J, Chen CW, Hsu HH, Zhu H, Ding X, Huang J, Shen L, Györfi AH, Soare A, Rauber S, Bergmann C, Ramming A, Plomann M, Eckes B, Schett G, Distler JHW. TGFβ promotes fibrosis by MYST1-dependent epigenetic regulation of autophagy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4404. [PMID: 34285225 PMCID: PMC8292318 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24601-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of fibroblasts is essential for physiological tissue repair. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts, however, may lead to tissue fibrosis with organ dysfunction. Although several pathways capable of promoting fibroblast activation and tissue repair have been identified, their interplay in the context of chronic fibrotic diseases remains incompletely understood. Here, we provide evidence that transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) activates autophagy by an epigenetic mechanism to amplify its profibrotic effects. TGFβ induces autophagy in fibrotic diseases by SMAD3-dependent downregulation of the H4K16 histone acetyltransferase MYST1, which regulates the expression of core components of the autophagy machinery such as ATG7 and BECLIN1. Activation of autophagy in fibroblasts promotes collagen release and is both, sufficient and required, to induce tissue fibrosis. Forced expression of MYST1 abrogates the stimulatory effects of TGFβ on autophagy and re-establishes the epigenetic control of autophagy in fibrotic conditions. Interference with the aberrant activation of autophagy inhibits TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation and ameliorates experimental dermal and pulmonary fibrosis. These findings link uncontrolled TGFβ signaling to aberrant autophagy and deregulated epigenetics in fibrotic diseases and may contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariella Zehender
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi-Nan Li
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Neng-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Adrian Stefanica
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julian Nüchel
- Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chih-Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hsiao-Han Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jingang Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lichong Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alina Soare
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simon Rauber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Plomann
- Center for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitaetsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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Ding Y, Yao Y, Gong X, Zhuo Q, Chen J, Tian M, Farzaneh M. JMJD3: a critical epigenetic regulator in stem cell fate. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:72. [PMID: 34217316 PMCID: PMC8254972 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3) is a histone demethylase that regulates the trimethylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3). H3K27me3 is an important epigenetic event associated with transcriptional silencing. JMJD3 has been studied extensively in immune diseases, cancer, and tumor development. There is a comprehensive epigenetic transformation during the transition of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into specialized cells or the reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Recent studies have illustrated that JMJD3 plays a major role in cell fate determination of pluripotent and multipotent stem cells (MSCs). JMJD3 has been found to enhance self-renewal ability and reduce the differentiation capacity of ESCs and MSCs. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances of JMJD3 function in stem cell fate. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Ding
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Forest Products and Chemical Industry Engineering, Jishou University, Zhangjiajie, 427000, China
| | - Yuanchun Yao
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China
| | - Xingmu Gong
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China
| | - Qi Zhuo
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China.
| | - Jinhua Chen
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China
| | - Miao Tian
- School of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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KDM6B is an androgen regulated gene and plays oncogenic roles by demethylating H3K27me3 at cyclin D1 promoter in prostate cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33414463 PMCID: PMC7791132 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B), a stress-inducible H3K27me3 demethylase, plays oncogenic or antitumoral roles in malignant tumors depending on the type of tumor cell. However, how this histone modifier affects the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) is still unknown. Here we analyzed sequenced gene expression data and tissue microarray to explore the expression features and prognostic value of KDM6B in PCa. Further, we performed in vitro cell biological experiments and in vivo nude mouse models to reveal the biological function, upstream and downstream regulation mechanism of KDM6B. In addition, we investigated the effects of a KDM6B inhibitor, GSK-J4, on PCa cells. We showed that KDM6B overexpression was observed in PCa, and elevated KDM6B expression was associated with high Gleason Score, low serum prostate-specific antigen level and shorted recurrence-free survival. Moreover, KDM6B prompted proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression and suppressed apoptosis in PCa cells. GSK-J4 administration could significantly suppress the biological function of KDM6B in PCa cells. KDM6B is involved in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and combination of MDV3100 plus GSK-J4 is effective for CRPC and MDV3100-resistant CRPC. Mechanism exploration revealed that androgen receptor can decrease the transcription of KDM6B and that KDM6B demethylates H3K27me3 at the cyclin D1 promoter and cooperates with smad2/3 to prompt the expression of cyclin D1. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that KDM6B is an androgen receptor regulated gene and plays oncogenic roles by promoting cyclin D1 transcription in PCa and GSK-J4 has the potential to be a promising agent for the treatment of PCa.
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Jiang Y, Xiang C, Zhong F, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zhao Y, Wang J, Ding C, Jin L, He F, Wang H. Histone H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2 and demethylase JMJD3 regulate hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:361-378. [PMID: 33391480 PMCID: PMC7681085 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: As the central hallmark of liver fibrosis, transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the predominant contributor to fibrogenic hepatic myofibroblast responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is characterized with transcriptional and epigenetic remodeling. We aimed to characterize the roles of H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2 and demethylase JMJD3 and identify their effective pathways and novel target genes in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. Methods: In primary HSCs, we analyzed effects of pharmacological inhibitions and genetic manipulations of EZH2 and JMJD3 on HSCs activation. In HSCs cell lines, we evaluated effects of EZH2 inhibition by DZNep on proliferation, cell cycling, senescence and apoptosis. In CCl4 and BDL murine models of liver fibrosis, we assessed in vivo effects of DZNep administration and Ezh2 silencing. We profiled rat primary HSCs transcriptomes with RNA-seq, screened the pathways and genes associated with DZNep treatment, analyzed EZH2 and JMJD3 regulation towards target genes by ChIP-qPCR. Results: EZH2 inhibition by DZNep resulted in retarded growth, lowered cell viability, cell cycle arrest in S and G2 phases, strengthened senescence, and enhanced apoptosis of HSCs, decreased hepatic collagen deposition and rescued the elevated serum ALT and AST activities of diseased mice, and downregulated cellular and hepatic expressions of H3K27me3, EZH2, α-SMA and COL1A. Ezh2 silencing by RNA interference in vitro and in vivo showed similar effects. JMJD3 inhibition by GSK-J4 and overexpression of wild-type but not mutant Jmjd3 enhanced or repressed HSCs activation respectively. EZH2 inhibition by DZNep transcriptionally inactivated TGF-β1 pathway, cell cycle pathways and vast ECM components in primary HSCs. EZH2 inhibition decreased H3K27me3 recruitment at target genes encoding TGF-β1 pseudoreceptor BAMBI, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 and cell cycle regulators CDKN1A, GADD45A and GADD45B, and increased their expressions, while Jmjd3 overexpression manifested alike effects. Conclusions: EZH2 and JMJD3 antagonistically modulate HSCs activation. The therapeutic effects of DZNep as epigenetic drug in liver fibrosis are associated with the regulation of EZH2 towards direct target genes encoding TGF-β1 pseudoreceptor BAMBI, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 and cell cycle regulators CDKN1A, GADD45A and GADD45B, which are also regulated by JMJD3. Our present study provides new mechanistic insight into the epigenetic modulation of EZH2 and JMJD3 in HSCs biology and hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Henderson J, Duffy L, Stratton R, Ford D, O'Reilly S. Metabolic reprogramming of glycolysis and glutamine metabolism are key events in myofibroblast transition in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:14026-14038. [PMID: 33140521 PMCID: PMC7754020 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare fibrotic autoimmune disorder for which no curative treatments currently exist. Metabolic remodelling has recently been implicated in other autoimmune diseases; however, its potential role in SSc has received little attention. Here, we aimed to determine whether changes to glycolysis and glutaminolysis are important features of skin fibrosis. TGF‐β1, the quintessential pro‐fibrotic stimulus, was used to activate fibrotic pathways in NHDFs in vitro. Dermal fibroblasts derived from lesions of SSc patients were also used for in vitro experiments. Parameters of glycolytic function were assessed using by measuring extracellular acidification in response to glycolytic activators/inhibitors, whilst markers of fibrosis were measured by Western blotting following the use of the glycolysis inhibitors 2‐dg and 3PO and the glutaminolysis inhibitor G968. Succinate was also measured after TGF‐β1 stimulation. Itaconate was added to SSc fibroblasts and collagen examined. TGF‐β1 up‐regulates glycolysis in dermal fibroblasts, and inhibition of glycolysis attenuates its pro‐fibrotic effects. Furthermore, inhibition of glutamine metabolism also reverses TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis, whilst glutaminase expression is up‐regulated in dermal fibroblasts derived from SSc patient skin lesions, suggesting that enhanced glutamine metabolism is another aspect of the pro‐fibrotic metabolic phenotype in skin fibrosis. TGF‐β1 was also able to enhance succinate production, with increased succinate shown to be associated with increased collagen expression. Incubation of SSc cells with itaconate, an important metabolite, reduced collagen expression. TGF‐β1 activation of glycolysis is a key feature of the fibrotic phenotype induced by TGF‐B1 in skin cells, whilst increased glutaminolysis is also evident in SSc fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Duffy
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Stratton
- Centre for Rheumatic and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dianne Ford
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
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Understanding Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Novel and Emerging Treatment Approaches. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:77. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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Doskaliuk B, Zaiats L, Yatsyshyn R, Gerych P, Cherniuk N, Zimba O. Pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis: exploring cellular, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1555-1569. [PMID: 32715342 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by immune inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. There are still numerous uncertainties in the understanding of disease initiation and progression. Pulmonary involvement in SSc, and particularly pulmonary fibrosis, is critical for all organ systems affections in this disease. This review is aimed to describe and analyze new findings in the pathophysiology of SSc-associated pulmonary involvement and to explore perspective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A myriad of cellular interactions is explored in the dynamics of progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SSc. The role of exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies is examined and the impact of micro and long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification in SSc is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Doskaliuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. .,Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine.
| | - Liubomyr Zaiats
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine
| | - Roman Yatsyshyn
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Petro Gerych
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Cherniuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Internal Medicine #2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
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31
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Zhang Y, Shen L, Zhu H, Dreissigacker K, Distler D, Zhou X, Györfi AH, Bergmann C, Meng X, Dees C, Trinh-Minh T, Ludolph I, Horch R, Ramming A, Schett G, Distler JHW. PGC-1α regulates autophagy to promote fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79:1227-1233. [PMID: 32482644 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-216963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Coactivators are a heterogeneous family of transcriptional regulators that are essential for modulation of transcriptional outcomes and fine-tune numerous cellular processes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS Expression of PGC-1α was analysed by real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. Modulation of autophagy was analysed by reporter studies by expression of autophagy-related genes. The effects of PGC-1α knockdown on collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation were analysed in cultured human fibroblasts and in two mouse models with fibroblast-specific knockout of PGC-1α. RESULTS The expression of PGC-1α was induced in dermal fibroblasts of patients with SSc and experimental murine fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), hypoxia and epigenetic mechanisms regulate the expression of PGC-1α in fibroblasts. Knockdown of PGC-1α prevented the activation of autophagy by TGFβ and this translated into reduced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and collagen release. Knockout of PGC-1α in fibroblasts prevented skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin and by overexpression of a constitutively active TGFβ receptor type I. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of PGC-1α by SR18292 induced regression of pre-established, bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. CONCLUSION PGC-1α is upregulated in SSc and promotes autophagy to foster TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation. Targeting of PGC-1α prevents aberrant autophagy, inhibits fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis and may over therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lichong Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Katja Dreissigacker
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hermina Györfi
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xianyi Meng
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thuong Trinh-Minh
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ingo Ludolph
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery and Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Romano E, Wang Y, Guiducci S, Zhang G, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. The contribution of epigenetics to the pathogenesis and gender dimorphism of systemic sclerosis: a comprehensive overview. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2020; 12:1759720X20918456. [PMID: 32523636 PMCID: PMC7236401 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x20918456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a life-threatening connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology characterized by widespread vascular injury and dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, immune dysregulation and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Over the past few years, a new trend of investigations is increasingly reporting aberrant epigenetic modifications in genes related to the pathogenesis of SSc, suggesting that, besides genetics, epigenetics may play a pivotal role in disease development and clinical manifestations. Like many other autoimmune diseases, SSc presents a striking female predominance, and even if the reason for this gender imbalance has yet to be completely understood, it appears that the X chromosome, which contains many gender and immune-related genes, could play a role in such gender-biased prevalence. Besides a short summary of the genetic background of SSc, in this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent insights into the epigenetic modifications which underlie the pathophysiology of SSc. A particular focus is given to genetic variations in genes located on the X chromosome as well as to the main X-linked epigenetic modifications that can influence SSc susceptibility and clinical phenotype. On the basis of the most recent advances, there is realistic hope that integrating epigenetic data with genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses may provide in the future a better picture of their functional implications in SSc, paving the right way for a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini
6, Florence, 50139, Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC),Florence, Italy
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and
Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Yukai Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology,
Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University
Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence,
Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence and Scleroderma
Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence,
Italy
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33
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Asano Y, Varga J. Rationally-based therapeutic disease modification in systemic sclerosis: Novel strategies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 101:146-160. [PMID: 31859147 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly challenging chronic condition that is dominated by the pathogenetic triad of vascular damage, immune dysregulation/autoimmunity and fibrosis in multiple organs. A hallmark of SSc is the remarkable degree of molecular and phenotypic disease heterogeneity, which surpasses that of other complex rheumatic diseases. Disease trajectories in SSc are unpredictable and variable from patient to patient. Disease-modifying therapies for SSc are lacking, long-term morbidity is considerable and mortality remains unacceptably high. Currently-used empirical approaches to disease modification have modest and variable clinical efficacy and impact on survival, are expensive and frequently associated with unfavorable side effects, and none can be considered curative. However, research during the past several years is yielding significant advances with therapeutic potential. In particular, the application of unbiased omics-based discovery technologies to large and well-characterized SSc patient cohorts, coupled with hypothesis-testing experimental research using a variety of model systems is revealing new insights into SSc that allow formulation of a more nuanced appreciation of disease heterogeneity, and a deepening understanding of pathogenesis. Indeed, we are now presented with numerous novel and rationally-based strategies for targeted SSc therapy, several of which are currently, or expected to be shortly, undergoing clinical evaluation. In this review, we discuss promising novel therapeutic targets and rationally-based approaches to disease modification that have the potential to improve long-term outcomes in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epigenetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, the involvement of the three epigenetic mechanisms in SSc development and progression-DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs-will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Alteration in epigenetics was observed in immune cells, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells derived from SSc patients. Genes that are affected include those involved in immune cell function and differentiation, TGFβ and Wnt pathways, extracellular matrix accumulation, transcription factors, and angiogenesis. All the studies remain in the pre-clinical stage. Extensive research provides evidence that epigenetic alterations are critical for SSc pathogenesis. Future epigenomic studies will undoubtedly continue to broaden our understanding of disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. They will also provide the scientific basis for repurposing epigenetic-modifying agents for SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl., 4025 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
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Ulukan B, Sila Ozkaya Y, Zeybel M. Advances in the epigenetics of fibroblast biology and fibrotic diseases. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 49:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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O'Reilly S. Epigenetic modulation as a therapy in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019; 58:191-196. [PMID: 29579252 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SSc is an autoimmune idiopathic disease in which there is an inflammatory component driving fibrosis. The chief cell involved is the myofibroblast, which when activated secretes copious amounts of extracellular matrix that forms deposits, leading to stiffness and fibrosis. The fibrosis is most prevalent in the skin and lungs. In recent years epigenetic modifications have been uncovered that positively and negatively regulate the genesis of the myofibroblasts and that can be activated and regulated by a variety of cytokines and hormones. The epigenetic contribution to these cells and to SSc is only now really coming to light, and this opens up a new therapeutic target for the disease for which many epigenetic drugs, such as miRNA replacements, are beginning to be developed. This review will examine the epigenetic regulators in the disease and possible targeting of these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon-Tyne, UK
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Zhang X, Liu L, Yuan X, Wei Y, Wei X. JMJD3 in the regulation of human diseases. Protein Cell 2019; 10:864-882. [PMID: 31701394 PMCID: PMC6881266 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-019-0653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many studies have shown that histone methylation plays an important role in maintaining the active and silent state of gene expression in human diseases. The Jumonji domain-containing protein D3 (JMJD3), specifically demethylate di- and trimethyl-lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me2/3), has been widely studied in immune diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, developmental diseases, and aging related diseases. We will focus on the recent advances of JMJD3 function in human diseases, and looks ahead to the future of JMJD3 gene research in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxian Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Insights into myofibroblasts and their activation in scleroderma: opportunities for therapy? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2019; 30:581-587. [PMID: 30074511 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The persistence of myofibroblasts is a key feature of fibrosis and in fibrotic diseases including scleroderma. This review evaluates the emerging concepts of the origins and cell populations that contribute to myofibroblasts and the molecular mechanisms that govern phenotypic conversion and that highlight opportunities for new interventional treatments in scleroderma. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have defined heterogeneity in fibroblast-like cells that can develop into myofibroblast in normal wound healing, scarring and fibrosis. Characterizing these distinct cell populations and their behaviour has been a key focus. In addition, the overarching impact of epigenetic regulation of genes associated with inflammatory responses, cell signalling and cell communication and the extracellular matrix (ECM) has provided important insights into the formation of myofibroblast and their function. Important new studies include investigations into the relationship between inflammation and myofibroblast production and further evidence has been gathered that reveal the importance of ECM microenvironment, biomechanical sensing and mechanotransduction. SUMMARY This review highlights our current understanding and outlines the increasing complexity of the biological processes that leads to the appearance of the myofibroblast in normal functions and in diseased tissues. We also focus on areas of special interest in particular, studies that have therapeutic potential in fibrosis and scleroderma.
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Ramos PS. Epigenetics of scleroderma: Integrating genetic, ethnic, age, and environmental effects. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2019; 4:238-250. [PMID: 35382507 PMCID: PMC8922566 DOI: 10.1177/2397198319855872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is thought to result from the interplay between environmental or non-genetic factors in a genetically susceptible individual. Epigenetic modifications are influenced by genetic variation and environmental exposures, and change with chronological age and between populations. Despite progress in identifying genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors, the underlying mechanism of systemic sclerosis remains unclear. Since epigenetics provides the regulatory mechanism linking genetic and non-genetic factors to gene expression, understanding the role of epigenetic regulation in systemic sclerosis will elucidate how these factors interact to cause systemic sclerosis. Among the cell types under tight epigenetic control and susceptible to epigenetic dysregulation, immune cells are critically involved in early pathogenic events in the progression of fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. This review starts by summarizing the changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs associated with systemic sclerosis. It then discusses the role of genetic, ethnic, age, and environmental effects on epigenetic regulation, with a focus on immune system dysregulation. Given the potential of epigenome editing technologies for cell reprogramming and as a therapeutic approach for durable gene regulation, this review concludes with a prospect on epigenetic editing. Although epigenomics in systemic sclerosis is in its infancy, future studies will help elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underpinning systemic sclerosis and inform the design of targeted epigenetic therapies to control its dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula S Ramos
- Paula S. Ramos, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine and Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 816, MSC 637, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Liu Q, Borcherding N, Shao P, Cao H, Zhang W, Qi HH. Identification of novel TGF-β regulated genes with pro-migratory roles. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:165537. [PMID: 31449970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays fundamental roles in the development and homeostasis of somatic cells. Dysregulated TGF-β signaling contributes to cancer progression and relapse to therapies by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enriching cancer stem cells, and promoting immunosuppression. Although many TGF-β-regulated genes have been identified, only a few datasets were obtained by next-generation sequencing. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of MCF10A cells and identified 1166 genes that were upregulated and 861 genes that were downregulated by TGF-β. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that focal adhesion and metabolic pathways were the top enriched pathways of the up- and downregulated genes, respectively. Genes in these pathways also possess significant predictive value for renal cancers. Moreover, we confirmed that TGF-β induced expression of MICAL1 and 2, and the histone demethylase, KDM7A, and revealed their regulatory roles on TGF-β-induced cell migration. We also show a critical effect of KDM7A in regulating the acetylation of H3K27 on TGF-β-induced genes. In sum, this study identified novel effectors that mediate the pro-migratory role of TGF-β signaling, paving the way for future studies that investigate the function of MICAL family members in cancer and the novel epigenetic mechanisms downstream TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peng Shao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Huojun Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; School of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Hank Heng Qi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular abnormalities, immunological alterations and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The results of genetic studies in patients with SSc have revealed statistically significant genetic associations with disease manifestations and progression. Nevertheless, genetic susceptibility to SSc is moderate, and the functional consequences of genetic associations remain only partially characterized. A current hypothesis is that, in genetically susceptible individuals, epigenetic modifications constitute the driving force for disease initiation. As epigenetic alterations can occur years before fibrosis appears, these changes could represent a potential link between inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Epigenetics is a fast-growing discipline, and a considerable number of important epigenetic studies in SSc have been published in the past few years that span histone post-translational modifications, DNA methylation, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. This Review describes the latest insights into genetic and epigenetic contributions to the pathogenesis of SSc and aims to provide an improved understanding of the molecular pathways that link inflammation and fibrosis. This knowledge will be of paramount importance for the development of medicines that are effective in treating or even reversing tissue fibrosis.
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Korman B. Evolving insights into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Transl Res 2019; 209:77-89. [PMID: 30876809 PMCID: PMC6545260 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex multisystem disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and most notably, fibrosis. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate a variety of emerging cellular and molecular pathways which are relevant to fibrosis in SSc. The myofibroblast remains the key effector cell in SSc. Understanding the development, differentiation, and function of the myofibroblast is therefore crucial to understanding the fibrotic phenotype of SSc. Studies now show that (1) multiple cell types give rise to myofibroblasts, (2) fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are heterogeneous, and (3) that a large number of (primarily immune) cells have important influences on the transition of fibroblasts to an activated myofibroblasts. In SSc, this differentiation process involves multiple pathways, including well known signaling cascades such as TGF-β and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling, as well as epigenetic reprogramming and a number of more recently defined cellular pathways. After reviewing the major and emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSc, this article looks to identify clinical applications where this new molecular knowledge may allow for targeted treatment and personalized medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Korman
- Division of Allergy/Immunology & Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
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Henderson J, Distler J, O'Reilly S. The Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Systemic Sclerosis: A Druggable Target. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:395-411. [PMID: 30858032 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by skin fibrosis that often also affects internal organs, eventually resulting in mortality. Although management of the symptoms has extended lifespan, patients still suffer from poor quality of life, hence the need for improved therapies. Development of efficacious treatments has been stymied by the unknown aetiology, although recent advancements suggest a potentially key role for epigenetics - the regulation of gene expression by noncoding RNAs and chemical modifications to DNA or DNA-associated proteins. Herein, the evidence implicating epigenetics in the pathogenesis of SSc is discussed with an emphasis on the therapeutic potential this introduces to the field - particularly the repurposing of epigenetic targeting cancer therapeutics and newly emerging miRNA-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Henderson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, UK
| | - Joerg Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Erlangen University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Building, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 8ST, UK.
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van Caam A, Vonk M, van den Hoogen F, van Lent P, van der Kraan P. Unraveling SSc Pathophysiology; The Myofibroblast. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2452. [PMID: 30483246 PMCID: PMC6242950 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe auto-immune disease, characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of connective tissues. SSc has a high morbidity and mortality and unfortunately no disease modifying therapy is currently available. A key cell in the pathophysiology of SSc is the myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are fibroblasts with contractile properties that produce a large amount of pro-fibrotic extracellular matrix molecules such as collagen type I. In this narrative review we will discuss the presence, formation, and role of myofibroblasts in SSc, and how these processes are stimulated and mediated by cells of the (innate) immune system such as mast cells and T helper 2 lymphocytes. Furthermore, current novel therapeutic approaches to target myofibroblasts will be highlighted for future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan van Caam
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Madelon Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter van Lent
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Yue X, Yu X, Petersen F, Riemekasten G. Recent advances in mouse models for systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:1225-1234. [PMID: 30316997 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SSc is a complex rheumatoid disease characterized by autoimmunity, fibrosis and vasculopathy. Mouse models provide powerful research tools for exploring the pathogenesis of the human diseases. Each mouse model can represent a specific way leading to the development of disease. Moreover, mouse models can be used to investigate the role of candidate molecule in the pathogenesis of disease. So far, more than twenty mouse models for SSc have been established and provide new insights in the understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc. In this review, we provide an overview on recent advances in the field of experimental SSc. We introduce novel mouse models generated in the recent years and discuss their relevance to the SSc pathogenesis. Moreover, we summarize and discuss recent findings in the pathogenesis of classical SSc mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Yue
- Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Priority Area Asthma & Allergy, Research Center Borstel, 23845 Borstel, Germany; Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Members of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany; Department of Rheumatology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
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