1
|
Muthukrishnan SD, Qi H, Wang D, Elahi L, Pham A, Alvarado AG, Li T, Gao F, Kawaguchi R, Lai A, Kornblum HI. Low- and High-Grade Glioma-Associated Vascular Cells Differentially Regulate Tumor Growth. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:656-667. [PMID: 38441553 PMCID: PMC11217726 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
A key feature distinguishing high-grade glioma (HG) from low-grade glioma (LG) is the extensive neovascularization and endothelial hyperproliferation. Prior work has shown that tumor-associated vasculature from HG is molecularly and functionally distinct from normal brain vasculature and expresses higher levels of protumorigenic factors that promote glioma growth and progression. However, it remains unclear whether vessels from LG also express protumorigenic factors, and to what extent they functionally contribute to glioma growth. Here, we profile the transcriptomes of glioma-associated vascular cells (GVC) from IDH-mutant (mIDH) LG and IDH-wild-type (wIDH) HG and show that they exhibit significant molecular and functional differences. LG-GVC show enrichment of extracellular matrix-related gene sets and sensitivity to antiangiogenic drugs, whereas HG-GVC display an increase in immune response-related gene sets and antiangiogenic resistance. Strikingly, conditioned media from LG-GVC inhibits the growth of wIDH glioblastoma cells, whereas HG-GVC promotes growth. In vivo cotransplantation of LG-GVC with tumor cells reduces growth, whereas HG-GVC enhances tumor growth in orthotopic xenografts. We identify ASPORIN (ASPN), a small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan, highly enriched in LG-GVC as a growth suppressor of wIDH glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Together, these findings indicate that GVC from LG and HG are molecularly and functionally distinct and differentially regulate tumor growth. Implications: This study demonstrated that vascular cells from IDH-mutant LG and IDH-wild-type HG exhibit distinct molecular signatures and have differential effects on tumor growth via regulation of ASPN-TGFβ1-GPM6A signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sree Deepthi Muthukrishnan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Oncology Science, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Haocheng Qi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - David Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lubayna Elahi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amy Pham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alvaro G. Alvarado
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tie Li
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Fuying Gao
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Albert Lai
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Harley I. Kornblum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muthukrishnan SD, Qi H, Wang D, Elahi L, Pham A, Alvarado AG, Li T, Gao F, Kawaguchi R, Lai A, Kornblum HI. Low- and high-grade glioma endothelial cells differentially regulate tumor growth. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548125. [PMID: 37461434 PMCID: PMC10350040 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background A key feature distinguishing high-grade glioma (HGG) from low-grade glioma (LGG) is the extensive neovascularization and endothelial hyperproliferation. Prior work has shown that tumor endothelial cells (TEC) from HGG are molecularly and functionally distinct from normal brain EC and secrete higher levels of pro-tumorigenic factors that promote glioma growth and progression. However, it remains unclear whether TEC from LGG also express pro-tumorigenic factors, and to what extent they functionally contribute to glioma growth. Methods Transcriptomic profiling was conducted on tumor endothelial cells (TEC) from grade II/III (LGG, IDH-mutant) and grade IV HGG (IDH-wildtype). Functional differences between LGG- and HGG-TEC were evaluated using growth assays, resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs and radiation therapy. Conditioned media and specific factors from LGG- and HGG-TEC were tested on patient-derived gliomasphere lines using growth assays in vitro and in co-transplantation studies in vivo in orthotopic xenograft models. Results LGG-TEC showed enrichment of extracellular matrix and cell cycle-related gene sets and sensitivity to anti-angiogenic therapy whereas HGG-TEC displayed an increase in immune response-related gene sets and anti-angiogenic resistance. LGG- and HGG-TEC displayed opposing effects on growth and proliferation of IDH-wildtype and mutant tumor cells. Asporin (ASPN), a small leucine rich proteoglycan enriched in LGG-TEC was identified as a growth suppressor of IDH-wildtype GBM by modulating TGFΒ1-GPM6A signaling. Conclusions Our findings indicate that TEC from LGG and HGG are molecularly and functionally heterogeneous and differentially regulate the growth of IDH-wildtype and mutant tumors.
Collapse
|
3
|
Kong M, Dong W, Kang A, Kuai Y, Xu T, Fan Z, Shi L, Sun D, Lu Y, Li Z, Xu Y. Regulatory role and translational potential of CCL11 in liver fibrosis. Hepatology 2023; 78:120-135. [PMID: 36651177 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Myofibroblasts are considered the major effector cell type of liver fibrosis and primarily derived from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In the present study, we investigated the contribution of C-C motif chemokine (CCL11) to HSC-myofibroblast trans -differentiation and its implication in liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS We report that CCL11 levels were elevated in HSCs, but not in hepatocytes or Kupffer cells, isolated from mice with liver fibrosis compared with the control mice. CCL11 levels were also up-regulated by 2 pro-fibrogenic growth factors TGF-β and platelet derived growth factor in cultured HSCs. Mechanistically, zinc finger factor 281 bound to the CCL11 promoter and mediated CCL11 trans -activation in HSCs. Depletion of CCL11 attenuated whereas treatment with recombinant CCL11 promoted HSC activation. Further, global CCL11 deletion ( CCL11-/- ) or HSC/myofibroblast-specific CCL11 knockdown mitigated fibrogenesis in mice. RNA-sequencing revealed that CCL11 might regulate HSC activation by stimulating the transcription of Jagged 1. Reconstitution of Jagged 1 restored the fibrogenic response in CCL11-/- mice. Finally, several targeting strategies that aimed at blockading CCL11 signaling, either by administration of an antagonist to its receptor C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 or neutralizing antibodies against CCL11/C-C motif chemokine receptor 3, ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data unveil a previously unrecognized role for CCL11 in liver fibrosis and provide proof-of-concept evidence that targeting CCL11 can be considered as an effective therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aoqi Kang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yameng Kuai
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongchang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated With Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longqing Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated With Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Donglin Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated With Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yunjie Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Hospital Affiliated With Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Zilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Biomedical Research and College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bozhkov AI, Novikova AV, Klimova EM, Ionov IA, Akzhyhitov RA, Kurhuzova NI, Bilovetska SG, Moskalov VB, Haiovyi SS. Vitamin A Reduces the Mortality of Animals with Induced Liver Fibrosis by Providing a Multi-level Body Defense System. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:48-63. [PMID: 36647402 PMCID: PMC9840181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver diseases remain the most important medical and biological problem. Works devoted to the study of the vitamin A role have shown conflicting results of its effect on the fibrosis development. We tested the hypothesis that an increase of the copper content in the liver, an example of which is Wilson's disease, shifts the balance in the redox system towards pro-oxidants, which leads to the antioxidant systems inhibition, including a decrease in the vitamin A content; this affects the levels of liver function regulation and the development of fibrosis. Methods In animals with Cu-induced liver fibrosis, neutrophil activity, the immunocompetent cells content, the activity of alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamylaminotransferase, the content of urea and creatinine in blood serum, as well as the vitamin A content in the liver, copper ions and its regenerative potential were determined. Results It was found that three consecutive injections of copper sulfate to animals with an interval of 48 h between injections led to the death of 40% of the animals, and 60% showed resistance. The content of vitamin A in "resistant" animals at the beginning of the development of the fibrosis was reduced by 4 times compared to the control, the functional activity of the liver was somewhat reduced, and a connective tissue capsule was formed around the liver lobes in 75% of the animals. If animals with the initial stage of liver fibrosis received daily vitamin A at a dose of 300 IU/100 g of body weight, which was accompanied by its multiple increase in the liver (15 times on day 14), the mortality of animals decreased by almost 7 times, the functional activity of the liver did not differ from control. In the blood of these animals, the number of leukocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes was increased and phagocytic activity was increased. At the same time, the connective tissue capsule was developed more intensively than in animals receiving only copper sulfate, and was detected in 91% of the animals. Fragments of the liver, even more than in the case of fibrosis, lost the ability to regenerate in culture. Conclusion We came to the conclusion that vitamin A leads to the connective tissue "specialization" formation of the liver and triggers vicious circles of metabolism and includes several levels of regulation systems. Further studies of the vitamin A effect mechanisms on the liver with fibrosis will allow the use of this antioxidant in the treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly I. Bozhkov
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Anna V. Novikova
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Elena M. Klimova
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
- State Institution Zaycev V. T. Institute of General and Urgent Surgery of National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, 61103 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Igor A. Ionov
- H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, 29, Alchevskyh (Artema) Str., 61002 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Rustam A. Akzhyhitov
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia I. Kurhuzova
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Svitlana G. Bilovetska
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii B. Moskalov
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Stanislav S. Haiovyi
- Biology Research Institute V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Pl. Svobody, 61022 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Research Progress of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Fibrotic Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5042762. [PMID: 35677107 PMCID: PMC9168133 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5042762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathological outcome of chronic injuries, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components in organs, as seen in most chronic inflammatory diseases. At present, there is an increasing tendency of the morbidity and mortality of diseases caused by fibrosis, but the treatment measures for fibrosis are still limited. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) belongs to the FGF19 subfamily, which also has the name endocrine FGFs because of their endocrine manner. In recent years, it has been found that plasma FGF21 level is significantly correlated with fibrosis progression. Furthermore, there is evidence that FGF21 has a pronounced antifibrotic effect in a variety of fibrotic diseases. This review summarizes the biological effects of FGF21 and discusses what is currently known about this factor and fibrosis disease, highlighting emerging insights that warrant further research.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lua I, Balog S, Asahina K. TAZ/WWTR1 mediates liver mesothelial-mesenchymal transition induced by stiff extracellular environment, TGF-β1, and lysophosphatidic acid. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2561-2573. [PMID: 35445400 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mesothelial cells cover the surface of the internal organs and the walls of body cavities, facilitating the movement between organs by secretion of a lubricating fluid. Upon injury, mesothelial cells undergo a mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) and give rise to myofibroblasts during organ fibrosis, including in the liver. Although transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was shown to induce MMT, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying MMT remain to be clarified. In the present study, we examined how the extracellular environment, soluble factors, and cell density control the phenotype of liver mesothelial cells by culturing them at different cell densities or on hydrogels of different stiffness. We found that TGF-β1 does not fully induce MMT in mesothelial cells cultured at high cell density or in the absence of fetal bovine serum. Extracellular lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) synergistically induced MMT in the presence of TGF-β1 in mesothelial cells. LPA induced nuclear localization of WW domain-containing transcription regulator1 (WWTR1/TAZ) and knockdown of Taz, which suppressed LPA-induced MMT. Mesothelial cells cultured on stiff hydrogels upregulated nuclear localization of TAZ and myofibroblastic differentiation. Knockdown of Taz suppressed MMT of mesothelial cells cultured on stiff hydrogels, but inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling failed to suppress MMT. Our data indicate that TAZ mediates MMT induced by TGF-β1, LPA, and a stiff matrix. The microenvironment of a stiff extracellular matrix is a strong inducer of MMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lua
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven Balog
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kinji Asahina
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Central Research Laboratory, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qian G, Adeyanju O, Roy S, Sunil C, Jeffers A, Guo X, Ikebe M, Idell S, Tucker TA. DOCK2 Promotes Pleural Fibrosis by Modulating Mesothelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 66:171-182. [PMID: 34710342 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0175oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MesoMT) is one of the crucial mechanisms underlying pleural fibrosis, which results in restrictive lung disease. DOCK2 plays important roles in immune functions, however, its role in pleural fibrosis particularly MesoMT remains unknown. We found that DOCK2 and the MesoMT maker α-SMA were significantly elevated and colocalized in the thickened pleura of patients with nonspecific pleuritis, suggesting the involvement of DOCK2 in the pathogenesis of MesoMT and pleural fibrosis. Likewise, data from three different pleural fibrosis models (TGF-β, carbon black/bleomycin, and streptococcal empyema) consistently demonstrated DOCK2 upregulation and its colocalization with α-SMA in the pleura. In addition, induced DOCK2 colocalized with the mesothelial marker calretinin, implicating DOCK2 in the regulation of MesoMT. Our in vivo data also showed that DOCK2 knockout mice were protected from Streptococcus pneumoniae induced pleural fibrosis, impaired lung compliance, and collagen deposition. To determine the involvement of DOCK2 in MesoMT, we treated primary human pleural mesothelial cells with the potent MesoMT inducer TGF-β. TGF-β significantly induced DOCK2 expression in a time-dependent manner, along with α-SMA, collagen 1, and fibronectin. Furthermore, DOCK2 knockdown significantly attenuated TGF-β induced α-SMA, collagen 1 and fibronectin expression, suggesting the importance of DOCK2 in TGF-β induced MesoMT. DOCK2 knockdown also inhibited TGF-β induced Snail upregulation, which may account for its role in regulating MesoMT. Taken together, the current study provides evidence that DOCK2 contributes to the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis by mediating MesoMT and deposition of neomatrix and may represent a novel target for its prevention or treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Qian
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States;
| | - Oluwaseun Adeyanju
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Saptarshi Roy
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Christudas Sunil
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Ann Jeffers
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Xia Guo
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Mitsuo Ikebe
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Steven Idell
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Torry A Tucker
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, Texas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Qi P, Ma MZ, Kuai JH. Identification of growth differentiation factor 15 as a pro-fibrotic factor in mouse liver fibrosis progression. Int J Exp Pathol 2021; 102:148-156. [PMID: 33983642 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was elucidate the inhibitory role of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in liver fibrosis and its possible activation mechanism in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mice. We generated a GDF15-neutralizing antibody that can inhibit TGF-β1-induced activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway in LX-2 cells. All the mice in this study were induced by carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide. In addition, primary HSCs from mice were isolated from fresh livers using Nycodenz density gradient separation. The severity and extent of liver fibrosis were evaluated by Sirius Red and Masson staining. The effect of GDF15 on the activation of the TGF-β pathway was detected using dual-luciferase reporter and Western blotting assays. The expression of GDF15 in cirrhotic liver tissue was higher than that in normal liver tissue. Blocking GDF15 with a neutralizing antibody resulted in a delay in primary hepatic stellate cell activation and remission of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide. Meanwhile, TGF-β pathway activation was partly inhibited by a GDF15-neutralizing antibody in primary HSCs. These results indicated that GDF15 plays an important role in regulating HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression. The inhibition of GDF15 attenuates chemical-inducible liver fibrosis and delays hepatic stellate cell activation, and this effect is probably mainly attributed to its regulatory role in TGF-β signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Ze Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Hua Kuai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen J, Zhu J, Zhu T, Cui J, Deng Z, Chen K, Chang C, Geng Y, Chen F, Ouyang K, Xiong J, Wang M, Wang D, Zhu W. Pathological changes of frozen shoulder in rat model and the therapeutic effect of PPAR-γ agonist. J Orthop Res 2021; 39:891-901. [PMID: 33222263 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Frozen shoulder is a common shoulder disorder characterized by a gradual increase of pain and a limited range of motion. However, its pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unclear and there is no consensus as to the most effective treatment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on fibrosis and inflammatory response of the shoulder joint of rat models and to explore the therapeutic effect of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist. In the study, the effect of PPAR-γ agonist CDDO-IM treatment on cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix proteins synthesis (vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and collagen III) were tested by cell proliferation test, scratches test, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. The frozen shoulder was also established on the rat model by injecting adenovirus-TGF-β1 into rats' shoulder capsule. Pathological changes of the frozen shoulder tissue of the experimental group and PPAR-γ agonist treatment group were evaluated. The stiffness of joints of the three groups was tested. Inflammatory mediators' expression including cyclooxygenase-1, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α of the shoulder was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of extracellular matrix proteins was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that pathological changes of the frozen shoulder in the rat model include an abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and disorder of fibrous structure, while rosiglitazone reduced the severity of the frozen shoulder in the treatment group. Clinically, PPAR-γ agonists may be a promising target for the treatment of the frozen shoulder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinfu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjun Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tianfei Zhu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaming Cui
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenhan Deng
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chongfei Chang
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiyun Geng
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kan Ouyang
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianyi Xiong
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Manyi Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Daping Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weimin Zhu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sectm1a Facilitates Protection against Inflammation-Induced Organ Damage through Promoting TRM Self-Renewal. Mol Ther 2020; 29:1294-1311. [PMID: 33279722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) are sentinel cells for maintaining tissue homeostasis and organ function. In this study, we discovered that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration dramatically reduced TRM populations and suppressed their self-renewal capacities in multiple organs. Using loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we define Sectm1a as a novel regulator of TRM self-renewal. Specifically, at the earlier stage of endotoxemia, Sectm1a deficiency exaggerated acute inflammation-induced reduction of TRM numbers in multiple organs by suppressing their proliferation, which was associated with more infiltrations of inflammatory monocytes/neutrophils and more serious organ damage. By contrast, administration of recombinant Sectm1a enhanced TRM populations and improved animal survival upon endotoxin challenge. Mechanistically, we identified that Sectm1a-induced upregulation in the self-renewal capacity of TRM is dependent on GITR-activated T helper cell expansion and cytokine production. Meanwhile, we found that TRMs may play an important role in protecting local vascular integrity during endotoxemia. Our study demonstrates that Sectm1a contributes to stabling TRM populations through maintaining their self-renewal capacities, which benefits the host immune response to acute inflammation. Therefore, Sectm1a may serve as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Frohlich J, Vinciguerra M. Candidate rejuvenating factor GDF11 and tissue fibrosis: friend or foe? GeroScience 2020; 42:1475-1498. [PMID: 33025411 PMCID: PMC7732895 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11 or bone morphogenetic protein 11, BMP11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is closely related to other family member-myostatin (also known as GDF8). GDF11 was firstly identified in 2004 due to its ability to rejuvenate the function of multiple organs in old mice. However, in the past few years, the heralded rejuvenating effects of GDF11 have been seriously questioned by many studies that do not support the idea that restoring levels of GDF11 in aging improves overall organ structure and function. Moreover, with increasing controversies, several other studies described the involvement of GDF11 in fibrotic processes in various organ setups. This review paper focuses on the GDF11 and its pro- or anti-fibrotic actions in major organs and tissues, with the goal to summarize our knowledge on its emerging role in regulating the progression of fibrosis in different pathological conditions, and to guide upcoming research efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Frohlich
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Balog S, Li Y, Ogawa T, Miki T, Saito T, French SW, Asahina K. Development of Capsular Fibrosis Beneath the Liver Surface in Humans and Mice. Hepatology 2020; 71:291-305. [PMID: 31206736 PMCID: PMC6918014 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glisson's capsule is the connective tissue present in the portal triad as well as beneath the liver surface. Little is known about how Glisson's capsule changes its structure in capsular fibrosis (CF), which is characterized by fibrogenesis beneath the liver surface. In this study, we found that the human liver surface exhibits multilayered capsular fibroblasts and that the bile duct is present beneath the mesothelium, whereas capsular fibroblasts are scarce and no bile ducts are present beneath the mouse liver surface. Patients with cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis C virus infection show development of massive CF. To examine the effect of alcohol on CF in mice, we first injected chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) intraperitoneally and then fed alcohol for 1 month. The CG injection induces CF consisting of myofibroblasts beneath the mesothelium. One month after CG injection, the fibrotic area returns to the normal structure. In contrast, additional alcohol feeding sustains the presence of myofibroblasts in CF. Cell lineage tracing revealed that mesothelial cells give rise to myofibroblasts in CF, but these myofibroblasts disappear 1 month after recovery with or without alcohol feeding. Capsular fibroblasts isolated from the mouse liver spontaneously differentiated into myofibroblasts and their differentiation was induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) or acetaldehyde in culture. In alcohol-fed mice, infiltrating CD11b+ Ly-6CLow/- monocytes had reduced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 and increased expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, Tgfb1, and interleukin-10 during resolution of CF. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the structure of Glisson's capsule is different between human and mouse livers and that alcohol impairs the resolution of CF by changing the phenotype of Ly-6CLow/- monocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Balog
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Yuchang Li
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Tomohiro Ogawa
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA.,Center for the Advancement of Higher Education, Faculty of Engineering, Kindai University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshio Miki
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | | | - Kinji Asahina
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA.,Contact Information: Kinji Asahina, Ph.D., FAASLD, Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo St., MMR402, Los Angeles, CA 90033-9141, Tel: 323-442-2213, Fax: 323-442-3126,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dewidar B, Meyer C, Dooley S, Meindl-Beinker N. TGF-β in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrogenesis-Updated 2019. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111419. [PMID: 31718044 PMCID: PMC6912224 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 420] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an advanced liver disease condition, which could progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, there is no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment is mainly the removal of the causative factor. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a master profibrogenic cytokine and a promising target to treat fibrosis. However, TGF-β has broad biological functions and its inhibition induces non-desirable side effects, which override therapeutic benefits. Therefore, understanding the pleiotropic effects of TGF-β and its upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms will help to design better TGF-β based therapeutics. Here, we summarize recent discoveries and milestones on the TGF-β signaling pathway related to liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, emphasizing research of the last five years. This comprises impact of TGF-β on liver fibrogenesis related biological processes, such as senescence, metabolism, reactive oxygen species generation, epigenetics, circadian rhythm, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. We also describe the influence of the microenvironment on the response of HSC to TGF-β. Finally, we discuss new approaches to target the TGF-β pathway, name current clinical trials, and explain promises and drawbacks that deserve to be adequately addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Nadja Meindl-Beinker
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-4983; Fax: +49-621-383-1467
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhangdi HJ, Su SB, Wang F, Liang ZY, Yan YD, Qin SY, Jiang HX. Crosstalk network among multiple inflammatory mediators in liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4835-4849. [PMID: 31543677 PMCID: PMC6737310 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i33.4835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological basis of all chronic liver diseases, and is the necessary stage for the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. As one of pathogenic factors, inflammation plays a predominant role in liver fibrosis via communication and interaction between inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the related signaling pathways. Damaged hepatocytes induce an increase in pro-inflammatory factors, thereby inducing the development of inflammation. In addition, it has been reported that inflammatory response related signaling pathway is the main signal transduction pathway for the development of liver fibrosis. The crosstalk regulatory network leads to hepatic stellate cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production, which in turn initiate the fibrotic response. Compared with the past, the research on the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been greatly developed. However, the liver fibrosis mechanism is complex and many pathways involved need to be further studied. This review mainly focuses on the crosstalk regulatory network among inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Moreover, we also summarize the recent studies on the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis and clinical efforts on the targeted therapies against the fibrotic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Jing Zhangdi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Si-Biao Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zi-Yu Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Dong Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shan-Yu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hai-Xing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Song C, Xu X, Wu Y, Ji B, Zhou X, Qin L. Study of the mechanism underlying hsa-miR338-3p downregulation to promote fibrosis of the synovial tissue in osteoarthritis patients. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 46:627-637. [PMID: 30484106 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4518-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the degradation of joint cartilage, the formation of osteophyma at joint margins, and synovial changes. Whereas lesions of the joint cartilage were the key point of the research and treatment of osteoarthritis before, a recent study showed that the synovium plays a crucial role in the pathological progress of OA. The inflammatory environment in the joints of OA patients always results in the overactivation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), which produce a multitude of inflammatory factors and media, not only leading to the degradation and injury of the cartilage tissue and promoting the development of osteoarthritis but also resulting in synovial fibrosis and joint stiffness. Therefore, the synovium has attracted increasing attention in the research of OA, and the study of the mechanism of activation of FLSs and the fibrosis of joint synovium may shed new light on OA treatment. By using high-throughput screening, we have identified that hsa-miR338-3p is significantly downregulated in the synovial tissue and joint effusion from OA patients. A functional study showed that overexpression of hsa-miR338-3p in the FLSs inhibited the TGF-β1-induced overactivation of the TGF-β/Smad fibrosis regulation pathway by suppressing TRAP-1 expression and thus reducing the TGF-β1-induced activation of the FLSs and the expression of vimentin and collagen I, two fibrosis markers. Meanwhile, a mechanism study also showed that the upregulation of hsa-miR338-3p reduced Smad2/3 phosphorylation by suppressing TRAP-1 and thus inhibited the TGF-β/Smad pathway and TIMP1, a downstream protein. The present study, for the first time, illustrates the role of hsa-miR338-3p in synovial fibrosis in OA patients and the related mechanism, which is of importance to the treatment of OA and its complications by targeting the FLSs and synovial tissue. Hsa-miR338-3p not only has the potential to be a target for the gene therapy of OA but also has the potential to be a new marker for the diagnosis of clinical progression in OA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changzhi Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224006, China
| | - Xiaozu Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224006, China.
| | - Ya Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224006, China
| | - Biao Ji
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224006, China
| | - Xiaoye Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224006, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224006, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang XH, Chen Y, Li B, Liu JY, Yang CM, Ma MZ. Blocking follistatin-like 1 attenuates liver fibrosis in mice by regulating transforming growth factor-beta signaling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2018; 11:1112-1122. [PMID: 31938206 PMCID: PMC6958153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To elucidate the effect of inhibiting follistatin-like 1 on liver fibrosis and activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice. METHODS We generated a follistatin-like 1 neutralizing antibody that can inhibit TGF-β 1-induced expression of collagen1α1 in primary mouse liver fibroblasts. All of the mice in our study were induced with carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide. In addition, primary hepatic stellate cells from mice were isolated from fresh livers using density gradient separation. The degree and extent of fibrosis in mouse livers from the different groups were evaluated by Sirius Red and Masson staining. The effect of the follistatin-like 1 neutralizing antibody on proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells was detected using CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. RESULTS Expression of follistatin-like 1 in human cirrhotic liver tissue was higher than that in normal liver tissue. Blocking follistatin-like 1 resulted in a delay of primary hepatic stellate cell activation and down-regulation of the migratory capacity of hepatic stellate cells. Blocking follistatin-like 1 also down-regulated TGF-beta signaling in primary hepatic stellate cells from mice. Finally, inhibition of follistatin-like 1 attenuated liver fibrosis and liver function damage in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Inhibiting follistatin-like 1 attenuates liver fibrosis and causes a delay in hepatic stellate cell activation. The effect of follistatin-like 1 on liver fibrosis is mainly attributed to its role in regulating TGF-beta signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ji-Yong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chong-Mei Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming-Ze Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong UniversityJinan, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu X, Zhao X. Scoparone attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
|
19
|
Shi HB, Lou JL, Shi HL, Ren F, Chen Y, Duan ZP. Construction of Gpm6a/Reelin GFPCreERT2 by BAC recombination using a specific gene in hepatic mesothelial or stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:224-231. [PMID: 28127196 PMCID: PMC5236502 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i2.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To prepare a Gpm6a/ReelinGFPCreERT2 construct with a rapid and reliable strategy using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). METHODS Gpm6a and Reelin BACs were purified and transformed into SW102 E. coli by electroporation. The GFPCreERT2 fragment was prepared from a shuttle vector and transformed into SW102 E. coli carrying a BAC. Homologous recombination was induced in SW102 E. coli. Recombinant clones were screened and confirmed by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. Recombinant clones were transformed into SW102 E. coli to remove the kanamycin unit. RESULTS A complete BAC was successfully transformed into SW102 E. coli by electroporation because BAC purified from SW102 E. coli showed the same pattern as the original BAC with BamHI digestion. The GFPCreERT2 fragment was deemed to have been prepared successfully because we obtained the same size fragment as expected. Homologous recombination was induced, and GFPCreERT2 was deemed to have been inserted into the correct site of the BAC because we found the band change was the same as the expected pattern after restriction enzyme digestion. The kanamycin unit was deemed to have been removed successfully because we obtained different sizes of bands that were consistent with the results expected by PCR with different primers. CONCLUSION The construct of Gpm6aGFPCreERT2 or ReelinGFPCreERT2 was prepared successfully, which will establish a foundation for tracing the hepatic stellate cell lineage and studying its function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Shi
- Hong-Bo Shi, Hong-Lin Shi, Feng Ren, Zhong-Ping Duan, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jin-Li Lou
- Hong-Bo Shi, Hong-Lin Shi, Feng Ren, Zhong-Ping Duan, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hong-Lin Shi
- Hong-Bo Shi, Hong-Lin Shi, Feng Ren, Zhong-Ping Duan, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Feng Ren
- Hong-Bo Shi, Hong-Lin Shi, Feng Ren, Zhong-Ping Duan, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Hong-Bo Shi, Hong-Lin Shi, Feng Ren, Zhong-Ping Duan, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zhong-Ping Duan
- Hong-Bo Shi, Hong-Lin Shi, Feng Ren, Zhong-Ping Duan, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Genomic reprograming analysis of the Mesothelial to Mesenchymal Transition identifies biomarkers in peritoneal dialysis patients. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44941. [PMID: 28327551 PMCID: PMC5361179 DOI: 10.1038/srep44941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective renal replacement therapy, but a significant proportion of patients suffer PD-related complications, which limit the treatment duration. Mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) contributes to the PD-related peritoneal dysfunction. We analyzed the genetic reprograming of MMT to identify new biomarkers that may be tested in PD-patients. Microarray analysis revealed a partial overlapping between MMT induced in vitro and ex vivo in effluent-derived mesothelial cells, and that MMT is mainly a repression process being higher the number of genes that are down-regulated than those that are induced. Cellular morphology and number of altered genes showed that MMT ex vivo could be subdivided into two stages: early/epithelioid and advanced/non-epithelioid. RT-PCR array analysis demonstrated that a number of genes differentially expressed in effluent-derived non-epithelioid cells also showed significant differential expression when comparing standard versus low-GDP PD fluids. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), collagen-13 (COL13), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and gremlin-1 (GREM1) were measured in PD effluents, and except GREM1, showed significant differences between early and advanced stages of MMT, and their expression was associated with a high peritoneal transport status. The results establish a proof of concept about the feasibility of measuring MMT-associated secreted protein levels as potential biomarkers in PD.
Collapse
|
21
|
Men R, Wen M, Zhao M, Dan X, Yang Z, Wu W, Wang MH, Liu X, Yang L. MircoRNA-145 promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells via targeting krüppel-like factor 4. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40468. [PMID: 28091538 PMCID: PMC5238405 DOI: 10.1038/srep40468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4), a target gene of miR-145, can negatively regulate lung fibrosis. However, the potential role of KLF4 and miR-145 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation or in hepatic fibrosis keeps unclear. This study aims to characterize miR-145 and KLF4 in activated HSCs and liver cirrhotic, and the underlying molecular basis. miR-145 was significantly up-regulated, while KLF4 was dramatically down-regulated during the activation of rat primary HSCs and TGF-βtreated HSCs. Furthermore, miR-145 mimics induced and inhibition of miR-145 reduced α-SMA and COL-I expression in primary HSCs. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of KLF4 in the liver of cirrhotic patients and rats were significantly down-regulated. α-SMA and COL-I were increased after inhibition of KLF4 by specific shRNA in primary HSCs. Forced KLF4 expression led to a reduction of α-SMA and COL-I expression in HSCs. miR-145 promotes HSC activation and liver fibrosis by targeting KLF4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoting Men
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Biostatistics, JC school of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Maoyao Wen
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingyue Zhao
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuelian Dan
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zongze Yang
- Creation and Management of a Tumour Bank, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wenchao Wu
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Maggie Haitian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, JC school of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Mesothelial cells (MCs) cover the surface of visceral organs and the parietal walls of cavities, and they synthesize lubricating fluids to create a slippery surface that facilitates movement between organs without friction. Recent studies have indicated that MCs play active roles in liver development, fibrosis, and regeneration. During liver development, the mesoderm produces MCs that form a single epithelial layer of the mesothelium. MCs exhibit an intermediate phenotype between epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells. Lineage tracing studies have indicated that during liver development, MCs act as mesenchymal progenitor cells that produce hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts around blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells. Upon liver injury, MCs migrate inward from the liver surface and produce hepatic stellate cells or myofibroblast depending on the etiology, suggesting that MCs are the source of myofibroblasts in capsular fibrosis. Similar to the activation of hepatic stellate cells, transforming growth factor β induces the conversion of MCs into myofibroblasts. Further elucidation of the biological and molecular changes involved in MC activation and fibrogenesis will contribute to the development of novel approaches for the prevention and therapy of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lua
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kinji Asahina
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Xue M, Gong S, Dai J, Chen G, Hu J. The Treatment of Fibrosis of Joint Synovium and Frozen Shoulder by Smad4 Gene Silencing in Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158093. [PMID: 27351864 PMCID: PMC4924824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue fibrosis at the joint induced by inflammation is the pathological basis of frozen shoulder. In the present study, we utilized a lentiviral approach to silence the Smad4 gene in an in vitro fibrosis model of fibroblasts and an in vivo frozen shoulder model. We observed the change in the fibrosis process and the biological indicators of frozen shoulder. The in vitro fibrosis models (Rat myoblasts L6, Rat synovial cell RSC-364 and Rat chondrocytes RCs) were established using TGF-β1 induction, and the effect of Smad4 gene silencing on fibrosis was analyzed. The method of Kanno A was employed to establish a rat model of frozen shoulder, and Smad4 in the relevant part was knocked down with the lentiviral approach. We then examined the abduction and rotation angles and the length of synovial intima and measured the inflammatory factors in effusion and the fibrotic markers of tissues. We found that Smad4 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and expression of fibrotic markers in L6, RSC-364 and RCs cells induced by TGF-β1. MMP activity measurements showed that Smad4 knockdown significantly reversed the decrease in MMP activity in these three cell lines that were induced by TGF-β1. Furthermore, using lentivirus in the rat frozen shoulder model, we found that Smad4 silencing attenuated the inflammatory response and fibrosis. It significantly inhibited the increase of the Vimentin, α-SMA, collagen I and III, Lama1 and Timp1 proteins in synovial tissue as well as the inflammatory factors of TNF-a, IL-1α/β, IL-6 and IL-10 in effusion. MMP acidity assays revealed that Smad4 silencing inhibited MMP activity in the synovial, cartilage and ligament tissues in the model animals. The assessment of the phosphorylated Smad2/3 in the nuclei isolated from the synovial tissues showed that Smad4 silencing significantly inhibited the phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 proteins. Moreover, Smad4-shRNA lentivirus inhibited the decrease in both the abduction and rotation angles caused by immobilization as well as the decrease in the length of the synovial intima. Based on shoulder movement data, Smad4 knockdown can increase the rotation limitation caused by immobilization. In summary, Smad4 silencing can suppress chronic inflammation and fibrosis in joint tissues by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad pathway and can play a positive role in the prevention and treatment of joint stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MingFeng Xue
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jia Xing, 31400, China
| | - SuiLiang Gong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jia Xing, 31400, China
- * E-mail:
| | - JiaPing Dai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jia Xing, 31400, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jia Xing, 31400, China
| | - JunYu Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jiaxing Second Hospital, Jia Xing, 31400, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lua I, Li Y, Zagory JA, Wang KS, French SW, Sévigny J, Asahina K. Characterization of hepatic stellate cells, portal fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells in normal and fibrotic livers. J Hepatol 2016; 64:1137-1146. [PMID: 26806818 PMCID: PMC4834254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Contribution of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), portal fibroblasts (PFs), and mesothelial cells (MCs) to myofibroblasts is not fully understood due to insufficient availability of markers and isolation methods. The present study aimed to isolate these cells, characterize their phenotypes, and examine their contribution to myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in Collagen1a1-green fluorescent protein (Col1a1(GFP)) mice by bile duct ligation (BDL), 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet, or CCl4 injections. Combining vitamin A (VitA) lipid autofluorescence and expression of GFP and glycoprotein M6a (GPM6A), we separated HSCs, PFs, and MCs from normal and fibrotic livers by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). RESULTS Normal Col1a1(GFP) livers broadly expressed GFP in HSCs, PFs, and MCs. Isolated VitA+ HSCs expressed reelin, whereas VitA-GFP+GPM6A- PFs expressed ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-2 and elastin. VitA-GFP+GPM6A+ MCs expressed keratin 19, mesothelin, and uroplakin 1b. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment induced the transformation of HSCs, PFs, and MCs into myofibroblasts in culture. TGF-β1 suppressed cyclin D1 mRNA expression in PFs but not in HSCs and MCs. In biliary fibrosis, PFs adjacent to the bile duct expressed α-smooth muscle actin. FACS analysis revealed that HSCs are the major source of GFP+ myofibroblasts in the injured Col1a1(GFP) mice after DDC or CCl4 treatment. Although PFs partly contributed to GFP+ myofibroblasts in the BDL model, HSCs were still dominant source of myofibroblasts. CONCLUSION HSCs, PFs, and MCs have distinct phenotypes, and PFs partly contribute to myofibroblasts in the portal triad in biliary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lua
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuchang Li
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica A. Zagory
- Developmental Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Program, Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kasper S. Wang
- Developmental Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Program, Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samuel W. French
- Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Jean Sévigny
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d'Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada,Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, CHUL, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Kinji Asahina
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|