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Huang CW, Lee SY, Du CX, Wu ST, Kuo YH, Ku HC. Caffeic acid ethanolamide induces antifibrosis, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116298. [PMID: 38394850 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease; its cause is unknown, and it leads to notable health problems. Currently, only two drugs are recommended for IPF treatment. Although these drugs can mitigate lung function decline, neither can improve nor stabilize IPF or the symptoms perceived by patients. Therefore, the development of novel treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis is required. The present study investigated the effects of a novel compound, caffeic acid ethanolamide (CAEA), on human pulmonary fibroblasts and evaluated its potential to mitigate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. CAEA inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA and collagen expression in human pulmonary fibroblasts, indicating that CAEA prevents fibroblasts from differentiating into myofibroblasts following TGF-β exposure. In animal studies, CAEA treatment efficiently suppressed immune cell infiltration and the elevation of TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, CAEA exerted antioxidant effects by recovering the enzymatic activities of oxidant scavengers. CAEA directly inhibited activation of TGF-β receptors and protected against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through inhibition of the TGF-β/SMAD/CTGF signaling pathway. The protective effect of CAEA was comparable to that of pirfenidone, a clinically available drug. Our findings support the potential of CAEA as a viable method for preventing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Wei Huang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Xuan Du
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Tung Wu
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chun Ku
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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2
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Yoshida H, Yokota S, Satoh K, Ishisaki A, Chosa N. Connective tissue growth factor enhances TGF-β1-induced osteogenic differentiation via activation of p38 MAPK in mesenchymal stem cells. J Oral Biosci 2024; 66:68-75. [PMID: 38266705 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cellular differentiation is based on the effects of various growth factors. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a pivotal role in inducing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we investigated the influence of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), known to function synergistically with TGF-β1, on osteogenic differentiation in MSCs. METHODS UE7T-13 cells were treated with TGF-β1 and/or CTGF. Subsequently, protein levels of intracellular signaling pathway molecules were determined through western blot analysis. The mRNA expression levels of osteogenic differentiation markers were investigated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bone matrix mineralization was evaluated through alizarin red staining. RESULTS Co-treatment with TGF-β1 and CTGF resulted in the suppression of TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, an intracellular signaling pathway molecule in MSCs, while significantly enhancing the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In MSCs, co-treatment with CTGF and TGF-β1 led to increased expression levels of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen, markers of osteogenic differentiation induced by TGF-β1. Osteopontin expression was observed only after TGF-β1 and CTGF co-treatment. Notably, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin were significantly upregulated by treatment with CTGF alone. Furthermore, CTGF enhanced the TGF-β1-induced mineralization in MSCs, with complete suppression observed after treatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS CTGF enhances TGF-β1-induced osteogenic differentiation and subsequent mineralization in MSCs by predominantly activating the p38 MAPK-dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Yoshida
- Division of Cellular Biosignal Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan; Division of Orthodontics, Department of Developmental Oral Health Science, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8505, Japan
| | - Seiji Yokota
- Division of Cellular Biosignal Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
| | - Kazuro Satoh
- Division of Orthodontics, Department of Developmental Oral Health Science, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8505, Japan
| | - Akira Ishisaki
- Division of Cellular Biosignal Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Chosa
- Division of Cellular Biosignal Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan.
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3
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Brisson BK, Stewart DC, Burgwin C, Chenoweth D, Wells RG, Adams SL, Volk SW. CYSTEINE-RICH DOMAIN OF TYPE III COLLAGEN N-PROPEPTIDE INHIBITS FIBROBLAST ACTIVATION BY ATTENUATING TGFβ SIGNALING. Matrix Biol 2022; 109:19-33. [PMID: 35339637 PMCID: PMC9086147 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ is a key regulator of the dynamic reciprocity between cells and the extracellular matrix that drives physiologic and pathologic responses in both tissue repair and tumor microenvironments. Our studies define type III Collagen (Col3) as a suppressor of scar formation and desmoplasia through its effects, in part, on myofibroblasts. TGFβ stimulates activation of myofibroblasts, and here, we demonstrate that cultured Col3-deficient fibroblasts have increased TGFβ signaling compared to wild-type fibroblasts. Moreover, kinetic binding studies show that a synthetic peptide containing a Col3 cysteine-rich (CR) domain found within its N-propeptide binds in a dose-dependent manner to TGFβ1, while a CR control peptide with mutated cysteines does not, suggesting that Col3 attenuates TGFβ signaling in part through the N-propeptide CR domain. Consistent with this hypothesis, the CR peptide attenuates TGFβ signaling in fibroblasts and 4T1 breast cancer cells and suppresses fibroblast activation and contraction, as assessed by α-smooth-muscle actin staining, cell wrinkling of deformable silicone, and stressed-fibroblast populated collagen lattice contraction assays. Finally, CR peptide treatment of orthotopically injected breast cancer cells (4T1) suppresses intratumoral fibroblast activation and inhibits primary tumor growth compared to CR control. Treatment with the CR peptide decreases both intratumoral canonical and non-canonical downstream TGFβ signaling targets, consistent with its extracellular binding to TGFβ. Taken together, our results suggest that the Col3 N-propeptide CR domain binds TGFβ1 and attenuates (but importantly does not eliminate) TGFβ signaling in fibroblasts and cancer cells. Expanding on our previous work, this study demonstrates an additional mechanism by which Col3 regulates cell behaviors in post-injury and tumor microenvironments and suggests that novel Col3-targeted strategies could effectively control biologic responses in vivo and improve anti-scarring/fibrosis and oncologic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky K Brisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Daniel C Stewart
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chelsea Burgwin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - David Chenoweth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sherrill L Adams
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Susan W Volk
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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4
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Concurrent YAP/TAZ and SMAD signaling mediate vocal fold fibrosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13484. [PMID: 34188130 PMCID: PMC8241934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92871-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vocal fold (VF) fibrosis is a major cause of intractable voice-related disability and reduced quality of life. Excision of fibrotic regions is suboptimal and associated with scar recurrence and/or further iatrogenic damage. Non-surgical interventions are limited, putatively related to limited insight regarding biochemical events underlying fibrosis, and downstream, the lack of therapeutic targets. YAP/TAZ integrates diverse cell signaling events and interacts with signaling pathways related to fibrosis, including the TGF-β/SMAD pathway. We investigated the expression of YAP/TAZ following vocal fold injury in vivo as well as the effects of TGF-β1 on YAP/TAZ activity in human vocal fold fibroblasts, fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, and TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Iatrogenic injury increased nuclear localization of YAP and TAZ in fibrotic rat vocal folds. In vitro, TGF-β1 activated YAP and TAZ in human VF fibroblasts, and inhibition of YAP/TAZ reversed TGF-β1-stimulated fibroplastic gene upregulation. Additionally, TGF-β1 induced localization of YAP and TAZ in close proximity to SMAD2/3, and nuclear accumulation of SMAD2/3 was inhibited by a YAP/TAZ inhibitor. Collectively, YAP and TAZ were synergistically activated with the TGF-β/SMAD pathway, and likely essential for the fibroplastic phenotypic shift in VF fibroblasts. Based on these data, YAP/TAZ may evolve as an attractive therapeutic target for VF fibrosis.
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Chakraborty D, Zhu H, Jüngel A, Summa L, Li YN, Matei AE, Zhou X, Huang J, Trinh-Minh T, Chen CW, Lafyatis R, Dees C, Bergmann C, Soare A, Luo H, Ramming A, Schett G, Distler O, Distler JHW. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 activates a network of profibrotic signaling pathways to promote fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/563/eaaz5506. [PMID: 32998972 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz5506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of fibroblasts with progressive deposition of extracellular matrix is a key feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a prototypical idiopathic fibrotic disease. Here, we demonstrate that the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor β selectively up-regulates fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and its ligand FGF9 to promote fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis, leading to a prominent FGFR3 signature in the SSc skin. Transcriptome profiling, in silico analysis and functional experiments revealed that FGFR3 induces multiple profibrotic pathways including endothelin, interleukin-4, and connective tissue growth factor signaling mediated by transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein). Inhibition of FGFR3 signaling by fibroblast-specific knockout of FGFR3 or FGF9 or pharmacological inhibition of FGFR3 blocked fibroblast activation and attenuated experimental skin fibrosis in mice. These findings characterize FGFR3 as an upstream regulator of a network of profibrotic mediators in SSc and as a potential target for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debomita Chakraborty
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Astrid Jüngel
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology and Zurich Center of Integrative Human Physiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lena Summa
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yi-Nan Li
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandru-Emil Matei
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jingang Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thuong Trinh-Minh
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chih-Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alina Soare
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology and Zurich Center of Integrative Human Physiology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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6
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Geng H, Lan R, Liu Y, Chen W, Wu M, Saikumar P, Weinberg JM, Venkatachalam MA. Proximal tubule LPA1 and LPA2 receptors use divergent signaling pathways to additively increase profibrotic cytokine secretion. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F359-F374. [PMID: 33427061 PMCID: PMC7988817 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00494.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) increases platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGFB) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) production and secretion by proximal tubule (PT) cells through LPA2 receptor-Gqα-αvβ6-integrin-mediated activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1). LPA2, β6-integrin, PDGFB, and CTGF increase in kidneys after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), coinciding with fibrosis. The TGFB1 receptor antagonist SD-208 prevents increases of β6-integrin, TGFB1-SMAD signaling, and PDGFB/CTGF expression after IRI and ameliorates fibrosis (Geng H, Lan R, Singha PK, Gilchrist A, Weinreb PH, Violette SM, Weinberg JM, Saikumar P, Venkatachalam MA. Am J Pathol 181: 1236-1249, 2012; Geng H, Lan R, Wang G, Siddiqi AR, Naski MC, Brooks AI, Barnes JL, Saikumar P, Weinberg JM, Venkatachalam MA. Am J Pathol 174: 1291-1308, 2009). We report now that LPA1 receptor signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-ERK1/2-activator protein-1 cooperates with LPA2-dependent TGFB1 signaling to additively increase PDGFB/CTGF production and secretion by PT cells. Conversely, inhibition of both pathways results in greater suppression of PDGFB/CTGF production and secretion and promotes greater PT cellular differentiation than inhibiting one pathway alone. Antagonism of the LPA-generating enzyme autotaxin suppressed signaling through both pathways. After IRI, kidneys showed not only more LPA2, nuclear SMAD2/3, and PDGFB/CTGF but also increased LPA1 and autotaxin proteins, together with enhanced EGFR/ERK1/2 activation. Remarkably, the TGFB1 receptor antagonist SD-208 prevented all of these abnormalities excepting increased LPA2. SD-208 inhibits only one arm of LPA signaling: LPA2-Gqα-αvβ6-integrin-dependent production of active TGFB1 and its receptor-bound downstream effects. Consequently, far-reaching protection by SD-208 against IRI-induced signaling alterations and tubule-interstitial pathology is not fully explained by our data. TGFB1-dependent feedforward modulation of LPA1 signaling is one possibility. SD-208 effects may also involve mitigation of injury caused by IRI-induced TGFB1 signaling in endothelial cells and monocytes. Our results have translational implications for using TGFB1 receptor antagonists, LPA1 and LPA2 inhibitors concurrently, and autotaxin inhibitors in acute kidney injury to prevent the development of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Geng
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Rongpei Lan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yaguang Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Pothana Saikumar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Joel M Weinberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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7
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Shah AM, Jain K, Desai RS, Bansal S, Shirsat P, Prasad P, Bodhankar K. The Role of Increased Connective Tissue Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis and its Malignant Transformation-An Immunohistochemical Study. Head Neck Pathol 2021; 15:817-830. [PMID: 33544386 PMCID: PMC8384978 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-020-01270-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a matricellular protein of the CCN family of extracellular matrix-associated heparin-binding proteins, is highly expressed in various organ fibrosis and several malignant tumors. Although a few studies have been conducted using CTGF in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma, no study has demonstrated its relation with various stages of OSF and its malignant transformation. The present study investigated the possible role of CTGF in the pathogenesis of OSF and its malignant transformation by using immunohistochemistry. Ten formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, each of Stage 1 OSF, Stage 2 OSF, Stage 3 OSF, Stage 4 OSF, well- differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC) with OSF and WDSCC without OSF were stained for CTGF by immunohistochemistry. Ten cases of healthy buccal mucosa (NOM) were included as controls. The present study demonstrated a statistically significant expression of CTGF in the epithelium and connective tissue of OSF and WDSCC with and without OSF cases against its complete absence in NOM. We observed an upregulation of CTGF expression from NOM to various stages of OSF to WDSCC with or without OSF. A gradual upregulation of the CTGF expression in various stages of OSF to WDSCC (with and without OSF) against its complete absence in NOM suggests that CTGF plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OSF and its malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kejal Jain
- Department of Oral Pathology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400008 India
| | - Rajiv S. Desai
- Department of Oral Pathology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400008 India
| | - Shivani Bansal
- Department of Oral Pathology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400008 India
| | - Pankaj Shirsat
- Department of Oral Pathology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400008 India
| | - Pooja Prasad
- Department of Oral Pathology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400008 India
| | - Kshitija Bodhankar
- Department of Oral Pathology, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, 400008 India
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8
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Dillinger AE, Kuespert S, Froemel F, Tamm ER, Fuchshofer R. CCN2/CTGF promotor activity in the developing and adult mouse eye. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:625-641. [PMID: 33512643 PMCID: PMC8211604 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03332-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CCN2/CTGF is a matricellular protein that is known to enhance transforming growth factor-β signaling and to induce a myofibroblast-like phenotype in a variety of cell types. Here, we investigated Ccn2/Ctgf promotor activity during development and in the adult mouse eye, using CTGFLacZ/+ mice in which the β-galactosidase reporter gene LacZ had been inserted into the open reading frame of Ccn2/Ctgf. Promotor activity was assessed by staining for β-galactosidase activity and by immunolabeling using antibodies against β-galactosidase. Co-immunostaining using antibodies against glutamine synthetase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, choline acetyltransferase, and CD31 was applied to identify specific cell types. Ccn2/Ctgf promotor activity was intense in neural crest-derived cells differentiating to corneal stroma and endothelium, and to the stroma of choroid, iris, ciliary body, and the trabecular meshwork during development. In the adult eye, a persistent and very strong promotor activity was present in the trabecular meshwork outflow pathways. In addition, endothelial cells of Schlemm’s canal, and of retinal and choroidal vessels, retinal astrocytes, Müller glia, and starburst amacrine cells were stained. Very strong promoter activity was seen in the astrocytes of the glial lamina at the optic nerve head. We conclude that CCN2/CTGF signaling is involved in the processes that govern neural crest morphogenesis during ocular development. In the adult eye, CCN2/CTGF likely plays an important role for the trabecular meshwork outflow pathways and the glial lamina of the optic nerve head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Dillinger
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kuespert
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Froemel
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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9
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Leask A. The hard problem: Mechanotransduction perpetuates the myofibroblast phenotype in scleroderma fibrosis. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:582-587. [DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
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10
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Fearing BV, Speer JE, Jing L, Kalathil A, P. Kelly M, M. Buchowski J, P. Zebala L, Luhmann S, C. Gupta M, A. Setton L. Verteporfin treatment controls morphology, phenotype, and global gene expression for cells of the human nucleus pulposus. JOR Spine 2020; 3:e1111. [PMID: 33392449 PMCID: PMC7770208 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells of the nucleus pulposus (NP) are essential contributors to extracellular matrix synthesis and function of the intervertebral disc. With age and degeneration, the NP becomes stiffer and more dehydrated, which is associated with a loss of phenotype and biosynthetic function for its resident NP cells. Also, with aging, the NP cell undergoes substantial morphological changes from a rounded shape with pronounced vacuoles in the neonate and juvenile, to one that is more flattened and spread with a loss of vacuoles. Here, we make use of the clinically relevant pharmacological treatment verteporfin (VP), previously identified as a disruptor of yes-associated protein-TEA domain family member-binding domain (TEAD) signaling, to promote morphological changes in adult human NP cells in order to study variations in gene expression related to differences in cell shape. Treatment of adult, degenerative human NP cells with VP caused a shift in morphology from a spread, fibroblastic-like shape to a rounded, clustered morphology with decreased transcriptional activity of TEAD and serum-response factor. These changes were accompanied by an increased expression of vacuoles, NP-specific gene markers, and biosynthetic activity. The contemporaneous observation of VP-induced changes in cell shape and prominent, time-dependent changes within the transcriptome of NP cells occurred over all timepoints in culture. Enriched gene sets with the transition to VP-induced cell rounding suggest a major role for cell adhesion, cytoskeletal remodeling, vacuolar lumen, and MAPK activity in the NP phenotypic and functional response to changes in cell shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey V. Fearing
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryAtrium Health Musculoskeletal InstituteCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Julie E. Speer
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Liufang Jing
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Aravind Kalathil
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Michael P. Kelly
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Jacob M. Buchowski
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Lukas P. Zebala
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Scott Luhmann
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Munish C. Gupta
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Lori A. Setton
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
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11
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Leask A. Conjunction junction, what's the function? CCN proteins as targets in fibrosis and cancers. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1046-C1054. [PMID: 32130070 PMCID: PMC7311738 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00028.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication network (CCN) proteins are matricellular proteins that coordinate signaling among extracellular matrix, secreted proteins, and cell surface receptors. Their specific in vivo function is context-dependent, but they play profound roles in pathological conditions, such as fibrosis and cancers. Anti-CCN therapies are in clinical consideration. Only recently, however, has the function of these complex molecules begun to emerge. This review summarizes and interprets our current knowledge regarding these fascinating molecules and provides experimental evidence for their utility as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- School of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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12
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Zhou J, Sun X, Yang L, Wang L, Ran G, Wang J, Cao Q, Wu L, Bryant A, Ling C, Pi L. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α negatively regulates connective tissue growth factor during liver regeneration. FASEB J 2020; 34:4970-4983. [PMID: 32057145 PMCID: PMC7722640 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902382r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Liver regeneration after injury requires fine-tune regulation of connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf). It also involves dynamic expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor (Hnf)4α, Yes-associated protein (Yap), and transforming growth factor (Tgf)-β. The upstream inducers of Ctgf, such as Yap, etc, are well-known. However, the negative regulator of Ctgf remains unclear. Here, we investigated the Hnf4α regulation of Ctgf post-various types of liver injury. Both wild-type animals and animals contained siRNA-mediated Hnf4α knockdown and Cre-mediated Ctgf conditional deletion were used. We observed that Ctgf induction was associated with Hnf4α decline, nuclear Yap accumulation, and Tgf-β upregulation during early stage of liver regeneration. The Ctgf promoter contained an Hnf4α binding sequence that overlapped with the cis-regulatory element for Yap and Tgf-β. Ctgf loss attenuated inflammation, hepatocyte proliferation, and collagen synthesis, whereas Hnf4α knockdown enhanced Ctgf induction and liver fibrogenesis. These findings provided a new mechanism about fine-tuned regulation of Ctgf through Hnf4α antagonism of Yap and Tgf-β activities to balance regenerative and fibrotic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Zhou
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Institute of Cardiovascular DiseaseKey Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan ProvinceUniversity of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Institute of PathologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Lu Yang
- Integrative Genomics CoreBeckman Research Institute of the City of HopeDuarteCAUSA
| | - Liqun Wang
- Department of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Gai Ran
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Integrative Genomics CoreBeckman Research Institute of the City of HopeDuarteCAUSA
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Lizi Wu
- Department of Microbiology& Molecular GeneticsCollege of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Andrew Bryant
- Department of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Chen Ling
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Liya Pi
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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13
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Valle-Tenney R, Rebolledo D, Acuña MJ, Brandan E. HIF-hypoxia signaling in skeletal muscle physiology and fibrosis. J Cell Commun Signal 2020; 14:147-158. [PMID: 32088838 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia refers to the decrease in oxygen tension in the tissues, and the central effector of the hypoxic response is the transcription factor Hypoxia-Inducible Factor α (HIF1-α). Transient hypoxia in acute events, such as exercising or regeneration after damage, play an important role in skeletal muscle physiology and homeostasis. However, sustained activation of hypoxic signaling is a feature of skeletal muscle injury and disease, which can be a consequence of chronic damage but can also increase the severity of the pathology and worsen its outcome. Here, we review evidence that supports the idea that hypoxia and HIF-1α can contribute to the establishment of fibrosis in skeletal muscle through its crosstalk with other profibrotic factors, such as Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), the induction of profibrotic cytokines expression, as is the case of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2), or being the target of the Renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Valle-Tenney
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Rebolledo
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.,Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José Acuña
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile.,Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, CARE Chile UC, Santiago, Chile. .,Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile. .,Department Cell and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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14
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Quantitative relationships between SMAD dynamics and target gene activation kinetics in single live cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5372. [PMID: 30926874 PMCID: PMC6440972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41870-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transduction of extracellular signals through signaling pathways that culminate in a transcriptional response is central to many biological processes. However, quantitative relationships between activities of signaling pathway components and transcriptional output of target genes remain poorly explored. Here we developed a dual bioluminescence imaging strategy allowing simultaneous monitoring of nuclear translocation of the SMAD4 and SMAD2 transcriptional activators upon TGF-β stimulation, and the transcriptional response of the endogenous connective tissue growth factor (ctgf) gene. Using cell lines allowing to vary exogenous SMAD4/2 expression levels, we performed quantitative measurements of the temporal profiles of SMAD4/2 translocation and ctgf transcription kinetics in hundreds of individual cells at high temporal resolution. We found that while nuclear translocation efficiency had little impact on initial ctgf transcriptional activation, high total cellular SMAD4 but not SMAD2 levels increased the probability of cells to exhibit a sustained ctgf transcriptional response. The approach we present here allows time-resolved single cell quantification of transcription factor dynamics and transcriptional responses and thereby sheds light on the quantitative relationship between SMADs and target gene responses.
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15
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Shieh JM, Tsai YJ, Chi JCY, Wu WB. TGFβ mediates collagen production in human CRSsNP nasal mucosa-derived fibroblasts through Smad2/3-dependent pathway and CTGF induction and secretion. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:10489-10499. [PMID: 30426494 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyp (CRSsNP) is characterized by tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is considered a master switch in the induction of the profibrotic program which can induce fibroblasts to synthesize and contract extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. A previous study has shown TGF-β1 signaling and collagen overproduction in the CRSsNP, but the responsible cells and mechanism of action remain unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the relationship between TGF-β1 stimulation and collagen expression and to explore the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) during the remodeling process using human CRSsNP nasal mucosa tissues and mucosa-derived fibroblasts as main materials. We found that TGF-β1 and its isoforms could promote collagen protein expression. Concomitantly, TGF-β1 caused CTGF expression and secretion. An addition of exogenous CTGF to fibroblasts also caused collagen expression. In accordance with these observations, TGF-β1, CTGF, and collagen were highly expressed in the subepithelial stroma region of CRSsNP nasal mucosa, as determined by immunohistochemistry. The TGF-β1-mediated collagen expression could be blocked by actinomycin D and SIS3, suggesting that the induction was through transcriptional regulation and Smad2/3-dependent pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that CTGF small interfering RNA knockdown led to a substantial decrease in TGF-β1-mediated collagen expression. Collectively, our results provide first and further evidence that TGF-β1 mediates collagen expression-production through a canonical Smad2/3-dependent pathway and CTGF induction and secretion in human nasal fibroblasts. Moreover, TGF-β1, CTGF, and collagen are highly expressed in human CRSsNP nasal mucosa specimens, suggesting their roles in tissue remodeling during CRSsNP progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiunn-Min Shieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Recreation and Healthcare Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Jeng Tsai
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jessie Chao-Yun Chi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Bin Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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16
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Tarr JT, Lambi AG, Bradley JP, Barbe MF, Popoff SN. Development of Normal and Cleft Palate: A Central Role for Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF)/CCN2. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:jdb6030018. [PMID: 30029495 PMCID: PMC6162467 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the palate is the result of an organized series of events that require exquisite spatial and temporal regulation at the cellular level. There are a myriad of growth factors, receptors and signaling pathways that have been shown to play an important role in growth, elevation and/or fusion of the palatal shelves. Altered expression or activation of a number of these factors, receptors and signaling pathways have been shown to cause cleft palate in humans or mice with varying degrees of penetrance. This review will focus on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) or CCN2, which was recently shown to play an essential role in formation of the secondary palate. Specifically, the absence of CCN2 in KO mice results in defective cellular processes that contribute to failure of palatal shelf growth, elevation and/or fusion. CCN2 is unique in that it has been shown to interact with a number of other factors important for palate development, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), epidermal growth factor (EGF), Wnt proteins and transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs), thereby influencing their ability to bind to their receptors and mediate intracellular signaling. The role that these factors play in palate development and their specific interactions with CCN2 will also be reviewed. Future studies to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action for CCN2 and its interactions with other regulatory proteins during palatogenesis are expected to provide novel information with the potential for development of new pharmacologic or genetic treatment strategies for clinical intervention of cleft palate during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Tarr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
| | - Alex G Lambi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - James P Bradley
- Northwell Health Surgical Service Line, Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine, Lake Success, NY 11042, USA.
| | - Mary F Barbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
| | - Steven N Popoff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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17
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Wermuth PJ, Jimenez SA. Abrogation of transforming growth factor-β-induced tissue fibrosis in TBRIcaCol1a2Cre transgenic mice by the second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor SKI-606 (Bosutinib). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196559. [PMID: 29718973 PMCID: PMC5931634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and other fibrotic disorders. TGF-β-mediated c-Abl and Src kinase activation induces strong profibrotic cascade signaling. The purpose of this study was to test in vivo the antifibrotic activity of Bosutinib (SKI-606), a second generation c-Abl and Src kinase inhibitor, on TGF-β induced cutaneous and pulmonary fibrosis. For this purpose, we employed the TBRIcaCol1a2Cre transgenic mice expressing an inducible constitutively active TGF-β receptor 1 constitutively activated by Col1a promoter-mediated Cre recombinase. The mice were treated parenterally with 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg/day of Bosutinib for 42 days. Skin and lungs from control and Bosutinib-treated mice (n = 6 per group) were assessed by histopathology, measurement of tissue hydroxyproline content, PCR analysis of tissue fibrosis associated gene expression, and evidence of myofibroblast activation. Mice with constitutive TGF-β-1 signaling displayed severe cutaneous and pulmonary fibrosis. Bosutinib administration decreased collagen deposition and hydroxyproline content in the dermis and lungs in a dose-dependent manner. Bosutinib also reversed the marked increase in profibrotic and myofibroblast activation-associated gene expression. These results demonstrate that constitutive TGF-β-1-signaling-induced cutaneous and pulmonary fibrosis were abrogated in a dose-related manner following parenteral administration of the c-Abl and Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Bosutinib. These results indicate that Bosutinib may be a potential therapeutic agent for tissue fibrosis in SSc and other fibroproliferative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Wermuth
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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18
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Lin CH, Shih CH, Lin YC, Yang YL, Chen BC. MEKK1, JNK, and SMAD3 mediate CXCL12-stimulated connective tissue growth factor expression in human lung fibroblasts. J Biomed Sci 2018; 25:19. [PMID: 29499695 PMCID: PMC5833071 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the interaction of CXCL12 and CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays a critical role in lung fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) overexpression underlies the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Our previous report showed that the Rac1-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein (AP)-1 pathways are involved in CXCL12-generated CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts (WI-38). In present study, we additionally inspected the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1)/JNK-dependent SMAD3 in CXCL12-triggered CTGF expression in WI-38 cells. Methods WI-38 cells were stimulated with CXCL12 in the absence or presence of specific inhibitors or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). CTGF expression and signaling transduction molecules were assessed by Western blot, luciferase activity assay, or ChIP assay. Results CXCL-12-induced CTGF expression was attenuated by SIS3 (a SMAD3 inhibitor) and SMAD3 siRNA, but not by SB431542 (an activin receptor-like kinase 5, ALK5, inhibitor). CXCL12-stimulated CTGF expression was also attenuated by MEKK1 siRNA. Treatment of cells with CXCL12 caused an increase in SMAD3 phosphorylation at Ser208, translocation to nuclei, SMAD3-luciferase activity, and recruitment of SMAD3 to the CTGF promoter. Stimulation of cells with CXCL12 resulted in increase in JNK phosphorylation at Thr183/Tyr185 and MEKK1 phosphorylation at Thr261. Moreover, CXCL12-mediated SMAD3 phosphorylation or SMAD3-luciferase activity was inhibited by MEKK1 siRNA or SP600125. Finally, CXCL12-mediated JNK phosphorylation was attenuated by MEKK1 siRNA. Conclusion In conclusion, results of this study suggest that CXCL12 activates the MEKK1/JNK signaling pathway, which in turn initiates SMAD3 phosphorylation, its translocation to nuclei, and recruitment of SMAD3 to the CTGF promoter, which ultimately induces CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Huang Shih
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Lan Yang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Antioxidants and NOX1/NOX4 inhibition blocks TGFβ1-induced CCN2 and α-SMA expression in dermal and gingival fibroblasts. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186740. [PMID: 29049376 PMCID: PMC5648211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
TGFbeta induces fibrogenic responses in fibroblasts. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) may contribute to fibrogenic responses. Here, we examine if the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the NOX inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and the selective NOX1/NOX4 inhibitor GKT-137831 impairs the ability of TGFbeta to induce profibrotic gene expression in human gingival (HGF) and dermal (HDF) fibroblasts. We also assess if GKT-137831 can block the persistent fibrotic phenotype of lesional scleroderma (SSc) fibroblasts. We use real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis to evaluate whether NAC and DPI impair the ability of TGFbeta1 to induce expression of fibrogenic genes in fibroblasts. The effects of GKT-137831 on TGFbeta-induced protein expression and the persistent fibrotic phenotype of lesional scleroderma (SSc) fibroblasts were tested using Western blot and collagen gel contraction analyses. In HDF and HGF, TGFbeta1 induces CCN2, CCN1, endothelin-1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in a fashion sensitive to NAC. Induction of COL1A1 mRNA was unaffected. Similar results were seen with DPI. NAC and DPI impaired the ability of TGFbeta1 to induce protein expression of CCN2 and alpha-SMA in HDF and HGF. GKT-137831 impaired TGFbeta-induced CCN2 and alpha-SMA protein expression in HGF and HDF. In lesional SSc dermal fibroblasts, GKT-137831 reduced alpha-SMA and CCN2 protein overexpression and collagen gel contraction. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that antioxidants or NOX1/4 inhibition may be useful in blocking profibrotic effects of TGFbeta on dermal and gingival fibroblasts and warrant consideration for further development as potential antifibrotic agents.
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20
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Kiwanuka E, Junker JP, Eriksson E. Transforming growth factor β1 regulates the expression of CCN2 in human keratinocytes via Smad-ERK signalling. Int Wound J 2017; 14:1006-1018. [PMID: 28371159 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) are important regulators of skin wound healing, but controversy remains regarding their expression in epithelial cell lineages. Here, we investigate the expression of CCN2 in keratinocytes during reepithelialisation and its regulation by TGF-β1. CCN2 was detected in the epidermis of healing full-thickness porcine wounds. Human keratinocytes were incubated with or without 10 ng/ml TGF-β1, and signalling pathways were blocked with 10-μM SIS3 or 20-μM PD98059. Semi-quantitative real-time PCR was used to study CCN2 mRNA expression, and western blot was used to measure CCN2, phosphorylated-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, phosphorylated-Smad3 and Smad2/3 proteins. CCN2 was transiently expressed in neoepidermis at the leading edge of the wound in vivo. In vitro, CCN2 expression was induced by TGF-β1 at 2 hours (7·5 ± 1·9-fold mRNA increase and 3·0 ± 0·6-fold protein increase) and 12 hours (5·4 ± 1·9-fold mRNA increase and 3·3 ± 0·6-fold protein increase). Compared with inhibiting the SMAD pathway, inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was more effective in reducing TGF-β1-induced CCN2 mRNA and protein expression. Inhibition of the MAPK pathway had minimal impact on the activity of the SMAD pathway. CCN2 is expressed in keratinocytes in response to tissue injury or TGF-β1. In addition, TGF-β1 induces CCN2 expression in keratinocytes through the ras/MEK/ERK pathway. A complete understanding of CCN2 expression in keratinocytes is critical to developing novel therapies for wound healing and cutaneous malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kiwanuka
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Johan Pe Junker
- Center for Disaster Medicine and Traumatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elof Eriksson
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Purohit T, Qin Z, Quan C, Lin Z, Quan T. Smad3-dependent CCN2 mediates fibronectin expression in human skin dermal fibroblasts. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173191. [PMID: 28267785 PMCID: PMC5340390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential involvement of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) in extracellular matrix (ECM) production is recognized. However, the role CCN2 in fibronectin (FN) gene expression has remained incompletely understood and even controversial. Here we report that CCN2 is absolutely necessary for FN expression in primary human skin dermal fibroblasts, the major cells responsible for ECM production in skin. Gain- and loss-of-function approaches demonstrate that CCN2 is an essential component of FN expression in both basal and stimulation by TGF-β signaling, the major regulator of FN expression. CCN2 is significantly induced by Smad3, a critical mediator of TGF-β signaling. CCN2 acts as a downstream mediator of TGF-β/Smad signaling and acting synergistically with TGF-β to regulate FN gene expression. Finally, we observed that CCN2 and FN predominantly expressed in the dermis of normal human skin, stromal tissues of skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and simultaneously induced in wounded human skin in vivo. These findings provide evidence that CCN2 is responsible for mediating the stimulatory effects of TGF-β/Smad on FN gene expression, and attenuation of CCN2 expression may benefit to reduce fibrotic ECM microenvironment in disease skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zhaoping Qin
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Chunji Quan
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Taihao Quan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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22
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Yeh MC, Chen KK, Chiang MH, Chen CH, Chen PH, Lee HE, Wang YH. Low-power laser irradiation inhibits arecoline-induced fibrosis: an in vitro study. Int J Oral Sci 2017; 9:38-42. [PMID: 28233766 PMCID: PMC5379159 DOI: 10.1038/ijos.2016.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant disorder that is characterized by a progressive fibrosis in the oral submucosa. Arecoline, an alkaloid compound of the areca nut, is reported to be a major aetiological factor in the development of OSF. Low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) has been reported to be beneficial in fibrosis prevention in different damaged organs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of LPLI on arecoline-induced fibrosis. Arecoline-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were treated with or without LPLI. The expression levels of the fibrotic marker genes alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) were analysed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blots. In addition, the transcriptional activity of CCN2 was further determined by a reporter assay. The results indicated that arecoline increased the messenger RNA and protein expression of CCN2 and α-SMA in HGF. Interestingly, both LPLI and forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, reduced the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes and inhibited the transcriptional activity of CCN2. Moreover, pretreatment with SQ22536, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, blocked LPLI's inhibition of the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes. Our data suggest that LPLI may inhibit the expression of arecoline-mediated fibrotic marker genes via the cAMP signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chun Yeh
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ker-Kong Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsuan Chiang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Orthopaedic Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Chen
- Orthopaedic Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ho Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Er Lee
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Hsiung Wang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Orthopaedic Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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23
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Abstract
The extent of ageing in the musculoskeletal system during the life course affects the quality and length of life. Loss of bone, degraded articular cartilage, and degenerate, narrowed intervertebral discs are primary features of an ageing skeleton, and together they contribute to pain and loss of mobility. This review covers the cellular constituents that make up some key components of the musculoskeletal system and summarizes discussion from the 2015 Aarhus Regenerative Orthopaedic Symposium (AROS) (Regeneration in the Ageing Population) about how each particular cell type alters within the ageing skeletal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Roberts
- Spinal Studies and ISTM, Keele University, and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oswestry, UK
| | - Pauline Colombier
- INSERM U791-LIOAD, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Aneka Sowman
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Mennan
- Spinal Studies and ISTM, Keele University, and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oswestry, UK
| | - Jan H D Rölfing
- Orthopaedic Research Laboratory and Departments of Orthopaedics, Aarhus and Aalborg University Hospitals, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jérôme Guicheux
- INSERM U791-LIOAD, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - James R Edwards
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Correspondence:
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24
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Castleberry SA, Golberg A, Sharkh MA, Khan S, Almquist BD, Austen WG, Yarmush ML, Hammond PT. Nanolayered siRNA delivery platforms for local silencing of CTGF reduce cutaneous scar contraction in third-degree burns. Biomaterials 2016; 95:22-34. [PMID: 27108403 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing is an incredibly complex biological process that often results in thickened collagen-enriched healed tissue called scar. Cutaneous scars lack many functional structures of the skin such as hair follicles, sweat glands, and papillae. The absence of these structures contributes to a number of the long-term morbidities of wound healing, including loss of function for tissues, increased risk of re-injury, and aesthetic complications. Scar formation is a pervasive factor in our daily lives; however, in the case of serious traumatic injury, scars can create long-lasting complications due to contraction and poor tissue remodeling. Within this report we target the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a key mediator of TGFβ pro-fibrotic response in cutaneous wound healing, with controlled local delivery of RNA interference. Through this work we describe both a thorough in vitro analysis of nanolayer coated sutures for the controlled delivery of siRNA and its application to improve scar outcomes in a third-degree burn induced scar model in rats. We demonstrate that the knockdown of CTGF significantly altered the local expression of αSMA, TIMP1, and Col1a1, which are known to play roles in scar formation. The knockdown of CTGF within the healing burn wounds resulted in improved tissue remodeling, reduced scar contraction, and the regeneration of papillary structures within the healing tissue. This work adds support to a number of previous reports that indicate CTGF as a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis. Additionally, we believe that the controlled local delivery of siRNA from ultrathin polymer coatings described within this work is a promising approach in RNA interference that could be applied in developing improved cancer therapies, regenerative medicine, and fundamental scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Castleberry
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Alexander Golberg
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Shriners Burns Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Porter School of Environmental Studies, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Malak Abu Sharkh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Saiqa Khan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin D Almquist
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - William G Austen
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Martin L Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Shriners Burns Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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25
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Córdova G, Rochard A, Riquelme-Guzmán C, Cofré C, Scherman D, Bigey P, Brandan E. SMAD3 and SP1/SP3 Transcription Factors Collaborate to Regulate Connective Tissue Growth Factor Gene Expression in Myoblasts in Response to Transforming Growth Factor β. J Cell Biochem 2015; 116:1880-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Córdova
- Laboratorio de Diferenciación Celular y Patología; Centro de Regulación Celular y Patología (CRCP); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago Chile
- Unité de Technologie Chimique et Biologique pour la Santé; CNRS, UMR8258; Paris F-75006 France
- INSERM U1022; Université Paris Descartes; ENSCP Chimie-ParisTech; Paris France
| | - Alice Rochard
- Unité de Technologie Chimique et Biologique pour la Santé; CNRS, UMR8258; Paris F-75006 France
- INSERM U1022; Université Paris Descartes; ENSCP Chimie-ParisTech; Paris France
| | - Camilo Riquelme-Guzmán
- Laboratorio de Diferenciación Celular y Patología; Centro de Regulación Celular y Patología (CRCP); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - Catalina Cofré
- Laboratorio de Diferenciación Celular y Patología; Centro de Regulación Celular y Patología (CRCP); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago Chile
| | - Daniel Scherman
- Unité de Technologie Chimique et Biologique pour la Santé; CNRS, UMR8258; Paris F-75006 France
- INSERM U1022; Université Paris Descartes; ENSCP Chimie-ParisTech; Paris France
| | - Pascal Bigey
- Unité de Technologie Chimique et Biologique pour la Santé; CNRS, UMR8258; Paris F-75006 France
- INSERM U1022; Université Paris Descartes; ENSCP Chimie-ParisTech; Paris France
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Laboratorio de Diferenciación Celular y Patología; Centro de Regulación Celular y Patología (CRCP); Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago Chile
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26
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Klaassen I, van Geest RJ, Kuiper EJ, van Noorden CJF, Schlingemann RO. The role of CTGF in diabetic retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:37-48. [PMID: 25819453 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) contributes to fibrotic responses in diabetic retinopathy, both before clinical manifestations occur in the pre-clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy (PCDR) and in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the late clinical stage of the disease. CTGF is a secreted protein that modulates the actions of many growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, leading to tissue reorganization, such as ECM formation and remodeling, basal lamina (BL) thickening, pericyte apoptosis, angiogenesis, wound healing and fibrosis. In PCDR, CTGF contributes to thickening of the retinal capillary BL and is involved in loss of pericytes. In this stage, CTGF expression is induced by advanced glycation end products, and by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. In PDR, the switch from neovascularization to a fibrotic phase - the angio-fibrotic switch - in PDR is driven by CTGF, in a critical balance with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We discuss here the roles of CTGF in the pathogenesis of DR in relation to ECM remodeling and wound healing mechanisms, and explore whether CTGF may be a potential novel therapeutic target in the clinical management of early as well as late stages of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Klaassen
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob J van Geest
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther J Kuiper
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J F van Noorden
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier O Schlingemann
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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27
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Kuk H, Hutchenreuther J, Murphy-Marshman H, Carter D, Leask A. 5Z-7-Oxozeanol Inhibits the Effects of TGFβ1 on Human Gingival Fibroblasts. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123689. [PMID: 25927238 PMCID: PMC4416036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)β acts on fibroblasts to promote the production and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM). In adult humans, excessive action of TGFβ is associated with fibrotic disease and fibroproliferative conditions, including gingival hyperplasia. Understanding how the TGFβ1 signals in fibroblasts is therefore likely to result in valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying fibroproliferative disorders. Previously, we used the TAK1 inhibitor (5Z)-7-Oxozeaenol to show that, in dermal fibroblasts, the non-canonical TAK1 pathway mediates the ability of TGFβ1 to induce genes promoting tissue remodeling and repair. However, the extent to which TAK1 mediates fibroproliferative responses in fibroblasts in response to TGFβ1 remains unclear. Herein, we show that, in gingival fibroblasts, (5Z)-7-Oxozeaenol blocks the ability of TGFβ1 to induce expression of the pro-fibrotic mediator CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) and type I collagen protein. Moreover, genome-wide expression profiling revealed that, in gingival fibroblasts, (5Z)-7-Oxozeaenol reduces the ability of TGFβ1 to induce mRNA expression of essentially all TGFβ1-responsive genes (139/147), including those involved with a hyperproliferative response. Results from microarray analysis were confirmed using real time polymerase chain reaction analysis and a functional cell proliferation assay. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that TAK1 inhibitors might be useful in treating fibroproliferative disorders, including that in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kuk
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - James Hutchenreuther
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - Hannah Murphy-Marshman
- Department of Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - David Carter
- London Regional Genomics Centre, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5B7
| | - Andrew Leask
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
- Department of Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
- * E-mail:
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28
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Moll S, Meier M, Formentini I, Pomposiello S, Prunotto M. New renal drug development to face chronic renal disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 9:1471-85. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2014.956075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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29
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Caffeine and rolipram affect Smad signalling and TGF-β1 stimulated CTGF and transgelin expression in lung epithelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97357. [PMID: 24828686 PMCID: PMC4020861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine administration is an important part of the therapeutic treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. However, caffeine mediated effects on airway remodelling are still undefined. The TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway is one of the key pathways involved in airway remodelling. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a downstream mediator of TGF-β, and transgelin, a binding and stabilising protein of the cytoskeleton, are both regulated by TGF-β1 and play an important role in airway remodelling. Both have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of BPD. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether caffeine, an unspecific phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, and rolipram, a prototypical PDE-4 selective inhibitor, were both able to affect TGF-β1-induced Smad signalling and CTGF/transgelin expression in lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, the effect of transgelin knock-down on Smad signalling was studied. The pharmacological effect of caffeine and rolipram on Smad signalling was investigated by means of a luciferase assay via transfection of a TGF-β1-inducible reporter plasmid in A549 cells. The regulation of CTGF and transgelin expression by caffeine and rolipram were studied by promoter analysis, real-time PCR and Western blot. Endogenous transgelin expression was down-regulated by lentiviral transduction mediating transgelin-specific shRNA expression. The addition of caffeine and rolipram inhibited TGF-β1 induced reporter gene activity in a concentration-related manner. They also antagonized the TGF-β1 induced up-regulation of CTGF and transgelin on the promoter-, the mRNA-, and the protein-level. Functional analysis showed that transgelin silencing reduced TGF-β1 induced Smad-signalling and CTGF induction in lung epithelial cells. The present study highlights possible new molecular mechanisms of caffeine and rolipram including an inhibition of Smad signalling and of TGF-β1 regulated genes involved in airway remodelling. An understanding of these mechanisms might help to explain the protective effects of caffeine in prevention of BPD and suggests rolipram to be a potent replacement for caffeine.
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30
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Hiemer SE, Szymaniak AD, Varelas X. The transcriptional regulators TAZ and YAP direct transforming growth factor β-induced tumorigenic phenotypes in breast cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:13461-74. [PMID: 24648515 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.529115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling promotes aggressive metastatic properties in late-stage breast cancers. However, how TGFβ-mediated cues are directed to induce tumorigenic events is poorly understood, particularly given that TGFβ has clear tumor suppressing activity in other contexts. Here, we demonstrate that the transcriptional regulators TAZ and YAP (TAZ/YAP), key effectors of the Hippo pathway, are necessary to promote and maintain TGFβ-induced tumorigenic phenotypes in breast cancer cells. Interactions between TAZ/YAP, TGFβ-activated SMAD2/3, and TEAD transcription factors reveal convergent roles for these factors in the nucleus. Genome-wide expression analyses indicate that TAZ/YAP, TEADs, and TGFβ-induced signals coordinate a specific pro-tumorigenic transcriptional program. Importantly, genes cooperatively regulated by TAZ/YAP, TEAD, and TGFβ, such as the novel targets NEGR1 and UCA1, are necessary for maintaining tumorigenic activity in metastatic breast cancer cells. Nuclear TAZ/YAP also cooperate with TGFβ signaling to promote phenotypic and transcriptional changes in nontumorigenic cells to overcome TGFβ-repressive effects. Our work thus identifies cross-talk between nuclear TAZ/YAP and TGFβ signaling in breast cancer cells, revealing novel insight into late-stage disease-driving mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Hiemer
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
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31
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Thompson K, Murphy-Marshman H, Leask A. ALK5 inhibition blocks TGFβ-induced CCN1 expression in human foreskin fibroblasts. J Cell Commun Signal 2014; 8:59-63. [PMID: 24567145 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-014-0229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The potent profibrotic cytokine TGFβ induces connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is induced in fibroblasts in a fashion sensitive to SB-431542, a specific pharmacological inhibitor of TGFβ type I receptor (ALK5). In several cell types, TGFβ induces CCN1 but suppresses CCN3, which opposes CCN1/CCN2 activities. However, whether SB-431542 alters TGFβ-induced CCN1 or CCN3 in human foreskin fibroblasts in unclear. Here we show that TGFβ induces CCN1 but suppresses CCN3 expression in human foreskin fibroblasts in a SB-431542-sensitive fashion. These results emphasize that CCN1/CCN2 and CCN3 are reciprocally regulated and support the notion that blocking ALK5 or addition of CCN3 may be useful anti-fibrotic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Thompson
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5C1
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32
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Yang J, Velikoff M, Canalis E, Horowitz JC, Kim KK. Activated alveolar epithelial cells initiate fibrosis through autocrine and paracrine secretion of connective tissue growth factor. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2014; 306:L786-96. [PMID: 24508728 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00243.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrogenesis involves a pathological accumulation of activated fibroblasts and extensive matrix remodeling. Profibrotic cytokines, such as TGF-β, stimulate fibroblasts to overexpress fibrotic matrix proteins and induce further expression of profibrotic cytokines, resulting in progressive fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a profibrotic cytokine that is indicative of fibroblast activation. Epithelial cells are abundant in the normal lung, but their contribution to fibrogenesis remains poorly defined. Profibrotic cytokines may activate epithelial cells with protein expression and functions that overlap with the functions of active fibroblasts. We found that alveolar epithelial cells undergoing TGF-β-mediated mesenchymal transition in vitro were also capable of activating lung fibroblasts through production of CTGF. Alveolar epithelial cell expression of CTGF was dramatically reduced by inhibition of Rho signaling. CTGF reporter mice demonstrated increased CTGF promoter activity by lung epithelial cells acutely after bleomycin in vivo. Furthermore, mice with lung epithelial cell-specific deletion of CTGF had an attenuated fibrotic response to bleomycin. These studies provide direct evidence that epithelial cell activation initiates a cycle of fibrogenic effector cell activation during progressive fibrosis. Therapy targeted at epithelial cell production of CTGF offers a novel pathway for abrogating this progressive cycle and limiting tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibing Yang
- 109 Zina Pitcher Place, BSRB 4061, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
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33
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Weng CM, Yu CC, Kuo ML, Chen BC, Lin CH. Endothelin-1 induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human lung fibroblasts by ETAR-dependent JNK/AP-1 pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:402-11. [PMID: 24486572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) acts as a key mediator of vasoconstriction and tissue repair. Overproduction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) underlies the development of lung fibrosis. ET-1 induces expression of matrix-associated genes in lung fibroblasts, however, little is known about the signaling pathway of CTGF expression caused by ET-1. In this study, we found that ET-1 caused concentration- and time-dependently increases in CTGF expression in human embryonic lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38). ET-1-induced CTGF expression was inhibited by BQ123 (ETAR antagonist), but not BQ788 (ETBR antagonist). Moreover, ET-1-induced CTGF expression was significantly reduced by JNK inhibitor (SP600125), the dominant-negative mutants of JNK1/2 (JNK1/2 DN), and AP-1 inhibitor (curcumin). ET-1 induced phosphorylations of JNK and c-Jun in time-dependent manners. AP-1 luciferase activity was concentration-dependently increased by ET-1, and this effect was attenuated by SP600125. We also found that ET-1-induced CTGF expression was most controlled by the AP-1 binding region of CTGF promoter. ET-1-indiced CTGF luciferase activity was predominately controlled by the sequence -747 to -408 bp upstream of the transcription start site on the human CTGF promoter. Furthermore, ET-1 caused the formation of AP-1-specific DNA-protein complex and the recruitment of c-Jun to the CTGF promoter. Moreover, we found that ET-1 induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, which was inhibited by BQ123, SP600125, curcumin, and anti-CTGF antibody. These results suggest that ET-1 stimulates expressions of CTGF and α-SMA through ETAR/JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway, and CTGF is required for ET-1-induced α-SMA expression in human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ming Weng
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Yu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Min-Liang Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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34
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Weng CM, Chen BC, Wang CH, Feng PH, Lee MJ, Huang CD, Kuo HP, Lin CH. The Endothelin A Receptor Mediates Fibrocyte Differentiation in Chronic Obstructive Asthma. The Involvement of Connective Tissue Growth Factor. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2013; 188:298-308. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201301-0132oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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35
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CTGF mediates Smad-dependent transforming growth factor β signaling to regulate mesenchymal cell proliferation during palate development. Mol Cell Biol 2013; 33:3482-93. [PMID: 23816882 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00615-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling plays crucial functions in the regulation of craniofacial development, including palatogenesis. Here, we have identified connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) as a downstream target of the TGF-β signaling pathway in palatogenesis. The pattern of Ctgf expression in wild-type embryos suggests that it may be involved in key processes during palate development. We found that Ctgf expression is downregulated in both Wnt1-Cre; Tgfbr2(fl/fl) and Osr2-Cre; Smad4(fl/fl) palates. In Tgfbr2 mutant embryos, downregulation of Ctgf expression is associated with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) overactivation, whereas loss of function of Smad4 itself leads to downregulation of Ctgf expression. We also found that CTGF regulates its own expression via TGF-β signaling. Osr2-Cre; Smad4(fl/fl) mice exhibit a defect in cell proliferation similar to that of Tgfbr2 mutant mice, as well as cleft palate. We detected no alteration in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) downstream targets in Smad4 mutant palates, suggesting that the reduction in cell proliferation is due to defective transduction of TGF-β signaling via decreased Ctgf expression. Significantly, an exogenous source of CTGF was able to rescue the cell proliferation defect in both Tgfbr2 and Smad4 mutant palates. Collectively, our data suggest that CTGF regulates proliferation as a mediator of the canonical pathway of TGF-β signaling during palatogenesis.
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36
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Kiwanuka E, Hackl F, Caterson EJ, Nowinski D, Junker JPE, Gerdin B, Eriksson E. CCN2 is transiently expressed by keratinocytes during re-epithelialization and regulates keratinocyte migration in vitro by the ras-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. J Surg Res 2013; 185:e109-19. [PMID: 24079812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CCN2 (previously known as connective tissue growth factor) is a multifunctional matricellular protein that has numerous effects on cell life and cell interactions with the connective tissue. Although the importance of CCN2 for the fibrotic process in wound healing has been well studied, the involvement of CCN2 in keratinocyte function has not yet been explored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CCN2 in the epidermis during wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was done on sections from full-thickness porcine wounds. The effect of CCN2 on the migration of cultured human keratinocytes exposed to scratch wounds, the effect on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK), and the effect of adding inhibitors to the ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to human keratinocytes were studied. RESULTS The CCN2 protein was transiently expressed in vivo at the leading keratinocyte edge during re-epithelialization of full-thickness porcine wounds. In vitro, exogenous addition of CCN2 to human keratinocyte cultures regulated keratinocyte migration and resulted in phosphorylation of ERK. The addition of inhibitors of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase counteracted the effect of CCN2 on migration. CONCLUSIONS CCN2 was transiently expressed at the leading keratinocyte edge in vivo. The biologic importance of this was supported in vitro, because CCN2 regulated human keratinocyte migration through activation of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-ERK signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kiwanuka
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Tran CM, Shapiro IM, Risbud MV. Molecular regulation of CCN2 in the intervertebral disc: lessons learned from other connective tissues. Matrix Biol 2013; 32:298-306. [PMID: 23567513 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2013.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) plays an important role in extracellular matrix synthesis, especially in skeletal tissues such as cartilage, bone, and the intervertebral disc. As a result there is a growing interest in examining the function and regulation of this important molecule in the disc. This review discusses the regulation of CCN2 by TGF-β and hypoxia, two critical determinants that characterize the disc microenvironment, and discusses known functions of CCN2 in the disc. The almost ubiquitous regulation of CCN2 by TGF-β, including that seen in the disc, emphasizes the importance of the TGF-β-CCN2 relationship, especially in terms of extracellular matrix synthesis. Likewise, the unique cross-talk between CCN2 and HIF-1 in the disc highlights the tissue and niche specific mode of regulation. Taken together the current literature supports an anabolic role for CCN2 in the disc and its involvement in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis during both health and disease. Further studies of CCN2 in this tissue may reveal valuable targets for the biological therapy of disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie M Tran
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
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Chen YW, Yang WH, Wong MY, Chang HH, Yen-Ping Kuo M. Curcumin Inhibits Thrombin-Stimulated Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) Production Through c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Suppression in Human Gingival Fibroblasts. J Periodontol 2012; 83:1546-53. [DOI: 10.1902/jop.2012.110641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Li W, Cui M, Wei Y, Kong X, Tang L, Xu D. Inhibition of the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF in human mesangial cells by exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. Cell Physiol Biochem 2012; 30:749-57. [PMID: 22890152 DOI: 10.1159/000341454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the presence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in kidney tissues, its direct effect on diabetic nephropathy remains unclear. The transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)) and the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) both induce extracellular matrix accumulation and persistent fibrosis in the glomerular mesangium of patients with diabetic nephropathy. OBJECTIVE Herein, we demonstrate that a GLP-1R agonist, exendin-4, exerts renoprotective effects through its influence on TGF-β(1) and CTGF in human mesangial cells (HMCs), cultured in a high glucose medium. METHOD HMCs, cultured in a high glucose medium, were used for the current study. The direct effect of exendin-4 on TGF-β(1) and CTGF expression was confirmed in HMCs. MDL-12330A (a specific adenylate cyclase inhibitor) and PKI14-22 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) were used to examine the role of the cAMP signaling pathway in exendin's anti-fibrosis action. RESULTS The findings showed that exendin-4 inhibited the proliferation of HMCs, and upregulated the expression of TGF-β(1) and CTGF, induced by high glucose. The effect of exendin-4 is largely dependent on the activation of adenylate cyclase. CONCLUSION This study provides new evidence that GLP-1 acts as an antifibrotic agent in HMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Li
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan City
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Chang JZC, Yang WH, Deng YT, Chen HM, Kuo MYP. EGCG blocks TGFβ1-induced CCN2 by suppressing JNK and p38 in buccal fibroblasts. Clin Oral Investig 2012; 17:455-61. [PMID: 22415218 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-012-0713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) has been suggested as the main trigger for the increased collagen production and decreased matrix degradation pathways in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were found to overexpress in OSF. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the TGFβ-induced CCN2 expressions in human buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs) to identify the potential targets for drug intervention or chemoprevention of OSF. MATERIALS AND METHODS TGFβ-induced CCN2 expression and its signaling pathways were assessed by Western blot analyses in BMFs. RESULTS TGFβ1 stimulated CCN2 synthesis in BMFs. Pretreatment with c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580, and activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) inhibitor SB431542 significantly reduced TGFβ1-induced CCN2 synthesis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) completely blocked TGFβ1-induced CCN2 synthesis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) inhibited the TGFβ1-induced CCN2 synthesis in human fetal lung fibroblasts IMR90 but not in BMFs. CONCLUSIONS The TGFβ1-induced CCN2 synthesis in BMFs could be mediated by the ALK5, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways. EGCG blocks TGFβ1-induced CCN2 by suppressing JNK and p38 in BMFs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The exceptional signal transduction pathways of TGFβ1-induced CCN2 production in BMFs contribute to the resistance of PGE(2) downregulation of CCN2 expression; therefore, the CTGF/CCN2 levels are maintained in the OSF tissues in the presence of COX-2. EGCG may serve as a useful agent in controlling OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Zwei-Chieng Chang
- School of Dentistry, College of Medicine and Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, No 1, Chang-Te Street, Taipei 10048, Taiwan
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Wu M, Schneider DJ, Mayes MD, Assassi S, Arnett FC, Tan FK, Blackburn MR, Agarwal SK. Osteopontin in systemic sclerosis and its role in dermal fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2012; 132:1605-14. [PMID: 22402440 PMCID: PMC3365548 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2012.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein with proinflammatory and profibrotic properties. Previous reports demonstrate a role for OPN in wound healing and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we determined whether OPN levels are increased in a large cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and whether OPN contributes to the development of dermal fibrosis. The plasma OPN levels were increased in SSc patients, including patients with limited and diffuse disease, compared with healthy controls. Immunohistology demonstrated OPN on fibroblast-like and inflammatory cells in SSc skin and lesional skin from mice in the bleomycin (bleo)-induced dermal fibrosis model. OPN-deficient (OPN(-/-)) mice developed less dermal fibrosis compared with wild-type (WT) mice in the bleo-induced dermal fibrosis model. Additional in vivo studies have demonstrated that lesional skin from OPN(-/-)mice had fewer Mac-3-positive cells, fewer myofibroblasts, decreased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and genes in the TGF-β pathway, and decreased numbers of cells expressing phosphorylated SMAD2 (pSMAD) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In vitro, OPN(-/-) dermal fibroblasts had decreased migratory capacity but similar phosphorylation of SMAD2 by TGF-β. Finally, TGF-β production by OPN-deficient macrophages was reduced compared with WT. These data demonstrate an important role for OPN in the development of dermal fibrosis and suggest that it may be a new therapeutic target in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Arnott JA, Lambi AG, Mundy C, Hendesi H, Pixley RA, Owen TA, Safadi FF, Popoff SN. The role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in skeletogenesis. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2012; 21:43-69. [PMID: 21967332 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukargeneexpr.v21.i1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a 38 kDa, cysteine rich, extracellular matrix protein composed of 4 domains or modules. CTGF has been shown to regulate a diverse array of cellular functions and has been implicated in more complex biological processes such as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. A role for CTGF in the development and maintenance of skeletal tissues first came to light in studies demonstrating its expression in cartilage and bone cells, which was dramatically increased during skeletal repair or regeneration. The physiological significance of CTGF in skeletogenesis was confirmed in CTGF-null mice, which exhibited multiple skeletal dysmorphisms as a result of impaired growth plate chondrogenesis, angiogenesis, and bone formation/mineralization. Given the emerging importance of CTGF in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, this review will focus on its expression in skeletal tissues, its effects on osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation and function, and the skeletal implications of ablation or over-expression of CTGF in knockout or transgenic mouse models, respectively. In addition, this review will examine the role of integrin-mediated signaling and the regulation of CTGF expression as it relates to skeletogenesis. We will emphasize CTGF studies in bone or bone cells, and will identify opportunities for future investigations concerning CTGF and chondrogenesis/osteogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Arnott
- Basic Sciences Department, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA, USA
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Chang JZC, Yang WH, Deng YT, Chen HM, Kuo MYP. Thrombin-stimulated connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) production in human buccal mucosal fibroblasts: Inhibition by epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Head Neck 2011; 34:1089-94. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.21863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Chen L, Charrier AL, Leask A, French SW, Brigstock DR. Ethanol-stimulated differentiated functions of human or mouse hepatic stellate cells are mediated by connective tissue growth factor. J Hepatol 2011; 55:399-406. [PMID: 21156189 PMCID: PMC3136646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression is intimately associated with hepatic fibrotic pathophysiology. In this study, CTGF production and action was investigated in ethanol-treated mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC) or human LX-2 cells. METHODS CTGF, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or collagen α1(I) mRNA were quantified by real-time PCR after treatment of HSC with ethanol or acetaldehyde. CTGF protein production was assessed by immunoprecipitation or ELISA. Ethanol-stimulated CTGF transcription was investigated using CTGF promoter reporter constructs. The TGF-β1- or CTGF-dependency of ethanol-induced CTGF, α-SMA, or collagen α1(I) was determined using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to TGF-β1 or CTGF. RESULTS In human steatohepatitis, CTGF was produced by presumptive activated HSC. In cultured human or mouse HSC, production of CTGF, α-SMA and/or collagen was increased by ethanol treatment, an effect mimicked by acetaldehyde and blocked by 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC). CTGF promoter activity was stimulated in a sustained fashion by ethanol or TGF-β1. Mutation of the Smad site or basal control element (BCE-1) in the CTGF promoter caused a 5-fold reduction in ethanol-stimulated CTGF promoter activity. Administration of TGF-β1 siRNA or CTGF siRNA significantly decreased ethanol- or acetaldehyde-stimulated mRNA or protein levels of CTGF, α-SMA or collagen I in LX-2 cells. In mouse HSC, TGF-β1- or ethanol-stimulated CTGF, α-SMA or collagen I were significantly attenuated by CTGF siRNA. CONCLUSIONS Ethanol-induced α-SMA or collagen α1(I) in HSC are mediated via TGF-β-dependent CTGF production, highlighting potential therapeutic benefits of targeting CTGF in alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH 43205
| | - Alyssa L. Charrier
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH 43205, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43212
| | - Andrew Leask
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6G 1G9 Canada
| | - Samuel W. French
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509
| | - David R. Brigstock
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus OH 43205, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43212, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212,Address correspondence to: David R. Brigstock, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus OH 43205. Tel: 614-355-2824; Fax: 614-722-5892;
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Recombinant expression, purification, and functional characterisation of connective tissue growth factor and nephroblastoma-overexpressed protein. PLoS One 2010; 5:e16000. [PMID: 21209863 PMCID: PMC3012735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The CCN family of proteins, especially its prominent member, the Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) has been identified as a possible biomarker for the diagnosis of fibrotic diseases. As a downstream mediator of TGF-β1 signalling, it is involved in tissue scarring, stimulates interstitial deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and promotes proliferation of several cell types. Another member of this family, the Nephroblastoma-Overexpressed protein (NOV/CCN3), has growth-inhibiting properties. First reports further suggest that these two CCN family members act opposite to each other in regulating extracellular matrix protein expression and reciprocally influence their own expression when over-expressed. We have established stable HEK and Flp-In-293 clones as productive sources for recombinant human CCN2/CTGF. In addition, we generated an adenoviral vector for recombinant expression of rat NOV and established protocols to purify large quantities of these CCN proteins. The identity of purified human CCN2/CTGF and rat CCN3/NOV was proven by In-gel digest followed by ESI-TOF/MS mass spectrometry. The biological activity of purified proteins was demonstrated using a Smad3-sensitive reporter gene and BrdU proliferation assay in permanent cell line EA•hy 926 cells. We further demonstrate for the first time that both recombinant CCN proteins are N-glycosylated.
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Thompson K, Hamilton DW, Leask A. ALK5 inhibition blocks TGFß-induced CCN2 expression in gingival fibroblasts. J Dent Res 2010; 89:1450-4. [PMID: 20924066 DOI: 10.1177/0022034510379020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is not normally expressed in gingival fibroblasts, but is induced by the potent profibrotic cytokine TGFβ and is overexpressed in gingival fibrosis. Since CCN2 is a marker and mediator of fibrosis, targeting CCN2 expression in gingival fibroblasts may provide new insights into the future development of novel therapeutic opportunities to treat oral fibrosis. Herein we used real-time polymerase chain-reaction, Western blot, and indirect immunofluorescence analysis to evaluate whether SB-431542, a specific pharmacological inhibitor of TGFβ type I receptor (ALK5), blocks the ability of TGFβ to induce CCN2 mRNA and protein expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Our results indicate that CCN2 mRNA and protein are induced by TGFβ in gingival fibroblasts in a SB-431542-sensitive fashion. These results suggest that blocking ALK5 may be useful in blocking the profibrotic effects of TGFβ in gingival fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Thompson
- Division of Oral Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dental Sciences Building, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Agarwal SK. The genetics of systemic sclerosis. DISCOVERY MEDICINE 2010; 10:134-143. [PMID: 20807474 PMCID: PMC3803145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is an autoimmune disease clinically characterized by progressive fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. While the pathogenesis of SSc is not completely understood, familial studies and genetic studies suggest that SSc is a complex polygenic disease. In the current review, we will discuss recent studies investigating genetic susceptibility to SSc. Candidate gene studies have identified critical immunoregulatory genes and gene regions including BANK1, FAM167A-BLK, IL23R, IRF5, STAT4, TBX21, and TNFSF4 as susceptibility genes for the development of SSc. More recently a genome-wide association study has been performed and identified CD247 (CD3-zeta) as a novel genetic risk factor for the susceptibility to SSc. Together these genetic association studies have substantially advanced our understanding of SSc pathogenesis and form the foundation for future studies seeking to understand the complexities of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K Agarwal
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin, MSB 5.270, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Sonnylal S, Shi-Wen X, Leoni P, Naff K, Van Pelt CS, Nakamura H, Leask A, Abraham D, Bou-Gharios G, de Crombrugghe B. Selective expression of connective tissue growth factor in fibroblasts in vivo promotes systemic tissue fibrosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 62:1523-32. [PMID: 20213804 DOI: 10.1002/art.27382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cysteine-rich secreted matricellular protein involved in wound healing and tissue repair. Enhanced and prolonged expression of CTGF has been associated with tissue fibrosis in humans. However, questions remain as to whether CTGF expression alone is sufficient to drive fibrosis. This study was undertaken to investigate whether CTGF alone is sufficient to cause fibrosis in intact animals and whether its effects are mediated through activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signaling or through distinct signal transduction pathways. METHODS We generated mice overexpressing CTGF in fibroblasts under the control of the fibroblast-specific collagen alpha2(I) promoter enhancer. Tissues such as skin, lung, and kidney were harvested for histologic analysis. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts were prepared from embryos (14.5 days postcoitum) for biochemical analysis. RESULTS Mice overexpressing CTGF in fibroblasts were susceptible to accelerated tissue fibrosis affecting the skin, lung, kidney, and vasculature, most notably the small arteries. We identified a marked expansion of the myofibroblast cell population in the dermis. RNA analysis of transgenic dermal fibroblasts revealed elevated expression of key matrix genes, consistent with a fibrogenic response. CTGF induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK-1/2, JNK, and Akt, but not Smad3, in transgenic mouse fibroblasts compared with wild-type mouse fibroblasts. Transfection experiments showed significantly increased basal activity of the CTGF and serum response element promoters, and enhanced induction of the CTGF promoter in the presence of TGFbeta. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that selective expression of CTGF in fibroblasts alone causes tissue fibrosis in vivo through specific signaling pathways, integrating cues from the extracellular matrix into signal transduction pathways to orchestrate pivotal biologic responses relevant to tissue repair and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Sonnylal
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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