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Deng Z, Fan T, Xiao C, Tian H, Zheng Y, Li C, He J. TGF-β signaling in health, disease, and therapeutics. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38514615 PMCID: PMC10958066 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine expressed by almost every tissue and cell type. The signal transduction of TGF-β can stimulate diverse cellular responses and is particularly critical to embryonic development, wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and immune homeostasis in health. The dysfunction of TGF-β can play key roles in many diseases, and numerous targeted therapies have been developed to rectify its pathogenic activity. In the past decades, a large number of studies on TGF-β signaling have been carried out, covering a broad spectrum of topics in health, disease, and therapeutics. Thus, a comprehensive overview of TGF-β signaling is required for a general picture of the studies in this field. In this review, we retrace the research history of TGF-β and introduce the molecular mechanisms regarding its biosynthesis, activation, and signal transduction. We also provide deep insights into the functions of TGF-β signaling in physiological conditions as well as in pathological processes. TGF-β-targeting therapies which have brought fresh hope to the treatment of relevant diseases are highlighted. Through the summary of previous knowledge and recent updates, this review aims to provide a systematic understanding of TGF-β signaling and to attract more attention and interest to this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - He Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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2
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Tindall RR, Bailey-Lundberg JM, Cao Y, Ko TC. The TGF-β superfamily as potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1362247. [PMID: 38500662 PMCID: PMC10944957 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily has important physiologic roles and is dysregulated in many pathologic processes, including pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancer diagnoses, and current therapies are largely ineffective due to tumor resistance and late-stage diagnosis with poor prognosis. Recent efforts are focused on the potential of immunotherapies in improving therapeutic results for patients with pancreatic cancer, among which TGF-β has been identified as a promising target. This review focuses on the role of TGF-β in the diseased pancreas and pancreatic cancer. It also aims to summarize the current status of therapies targeting the TGF-β superfamily and postulate potential future directions in targeting the TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Tindall
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Bailey-Lundberg
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yanna Cao
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tien C. Ko
- McGovern Medical School, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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3
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Kong F, Pan Y, Wu D. Activation and Regulation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Chronic Pancreatic Fibrosis: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Chronic Pancreatitis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:108. [PMID: 38255213 PMCID: PMC10813475 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the complex progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) emerge as central figures. These cells, initially in a dormant state characterized by the storage of vitamin A lipid droplets within the chronic pancreatitis microenvironment, undergo a profound transformation into an activated state, typified by the secretion of an abundant extracellular matrix, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). This review delves into the myriad factors that trigger PSC activation within the context of chronic pancreatitis. These factors encompass alcohol, cigarette smoke, hyperglycemia, mechanical stress, acinar cell injury, and inflammatory cells, with a focus on elucidating their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we explore the regulatory factors that play significant roles during PSC activation, such as TGF-β, CTGF, IL-10, PDGF, among others. The investigation into these regulatory factors and pathways involved in PSC activation holds promise in identifying potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis. We provide a summary of recent research findings pertaining to the modulation of PSC activation, covering essential genes and innovative regulatory mediators designed to counteract PSC activation. We anticipate that this research will stimulate further insights into PSC activation and the mechanisms of pancreatic fibrosis, ultimately leading to the discovery of groundbreaking therapies targeting cellular and molecular responses within these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyi Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (F.K.); (Y.P.)
| | - Yingyu Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (F.K.); (Y.P.)
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (F.K.); (Y.P.)
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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4
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Saloman JL, Li Y, Stello K, Li W, Li S, Phillips AE, Hall K, Fogel EL, Vege SS, Li L, Andersen DK, Fisher WE, Forsmark CE, Hart PA, Pandol SJ, Park WG, Topazian MD, Van Den Eeden SK, Serrano J, Conwell DL, Yadav D. Serum Biomarkers of Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:2199-2210. [PMID: 37451493 PMCID: PMC10787046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Debilitating abdominal pain is a common symptom affecting most patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). There are multiple underlying mechanisms that contribute to CP-related pain, which makes successful treatment difficult. The identification of biomarkers for subtypes of pain could provide viable targets for nonopioid interventions and the development of mechanistic approaches to pain management in CP. Nineteen inflammation- and nociception-associated proteins were measured in serum collected from 358 subjects with definite CP enrolled in PROspective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies, a prospective observational study of pancreatitis in US adult subjects. First, serum levels of putative biomarkers were compared between CP subjects with and without pain. Only platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) stood out, with levels significantly higher in the CP pain group as compared to subjects with no pain. Subjects with pain were then stratified into 4 pain subtypes (Neuropathic, Nociceptive, Mixed, and Unclassified). A comparison of putative biomarker concentration among 5 groups (no pain and 4 pain subtypes) identified unique proteins that were correlated with pain subtypes. Serum transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) level was significantly higher in the Nociceptive pain group compared to the No pain group, suggesting that TGFβ1 may be a biomarker for nociceptive pain. The Neuropathic pain only group was too small to detect statistical differences. However, glycoprotein 130 (GP130), a coreceptor for interleukin 6, was significantly higher in the Mixed pain group compared to the groups lacking a neuropathic pain component. These data suggest that GP130 may be a biomarker for neuropathic pain in CP. PERSPECTIVE: Serum TGFβ1 and GP130 may be biomarkers for nociceptive and neuropathic CP pain, respectively. Preclinical data suggest inhibiting TGFβ1 or GP130 reduces CP pain in rodent models, indicating that additional translational and clinical studies may be warranted to develop a precision medicine approach to the management of pain in CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami L. Saloman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biostatistics, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberly Stello
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Biostatistics, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Evans Phillips
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kristen Hall
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Evan L. Fogel
- Digestive and Liver Disorders, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Liang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dana K. Andersen
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - William E. Fisher
- Division of General Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Christopher E. Forsmark
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Phil A. Hart
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Walter G. Park
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Mark D. Topazian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Jose Serrano
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Darwin L. Conwell
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Dhiraj Yadav
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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5
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TGF-β2 antisense oligonucleotide enhances T-cell mediated anti-tumor activities by IL-2 via attenuation of fibrotic reaction in a humanized mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114212. [PMID: 36610224 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, with high mortality and recurrence rate. In this study, we generated a human immune system mouse model by transplanting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into NSG-B2m mice followed by xenografting AsPC-1 cells, after which we assessed the role of transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) in T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. We observed that inhibiting the TGF-β2 production by TGF-β2 antisense oligonucleotide (TASO) combined with IL-2 delays pancreatic cancer growth. Co-treatment of TASO and IL-2 had little effect on the SMAD-dependent pathway, but significantly inhibited the Akt phosphorylation and sequentially activated GSK-3β. Activation of GSK-3β by TASO subsequently suppressed β-catenin and α-SMA expression and resulted in attenuated fibrotic reactions, facilitating the infiltration of CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) into the tumor. TGF-β2 inhibition suppressed the Foxp3 + regulatory T-cells in peripheral blood and tumors, thereby enhancing the tumoricidal effects of CTLs associated with increased granzyme B and cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, changes in the T-cell composition in peripheral blood and at the tumor site by TASO and IL-2 induced the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α and the decrease of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGF-βs. These results indicate that the TGF-β2 inhibition by TASO combined with IL-2 enhances the T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity against SMAD4-mutated PDAC by modulating the tumor-associated fibrosis, suggesting that TASO in combination with IL-2 may be a promising immunotherapeutic intervention for PDAC.
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6
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Jiang T, Wei F, Xie K. Clinical significance of pancreatic ductal metaplasia. J Pathol 2022; 257:125-139. [PMID: 35170758 DOI: 10.1002/path.5883] [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: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal metaplasia (PDM) is the stepwise replacement of differentiated somatic cells with ductal or ductal-like cells in the pancreas. PDM is usually triggered by cellular and environmental insults. PDM development may involve all cell lineages of the pancreas, and acinar cells with the highest plasticity are the major source of PDM. Pancreatic progenitor cells are also involved as cells of origin or transitional intermediates. PDM is heterogeneous at the histological, cellular, and molecular levels and only certain subsets of PDM develop further into pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and then pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The formation and evolution of PDM is regulated at the cellular and molecular levels through a complex network of signaling pathways. The key molecular mechanisms that drive PDM formation and its progression into PanIN/PDAC remain unclear, but represent key targets for reversing or inhibiting PDM. Alternatively, PDM could be a source of pancreas regeneration, including both exocrine and endocrine components. Cellular aging and apoptosis are obstacles to PDM-to-PanIN progression or pancreas regeneration. Functional identification of the cellular and molecular events driving senescence and apoptosis in PDM and its progression would help not only to restrict the development of PDM into PanIN/PDAC, but may also facilitate pancreatic regeneration. This review systematically assesses recent advances in the understanding of PDM physiology and pathology, with a focus on its implications for enhancing regeneration and prevention of cancer. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Jiang
- Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
- Department of Pathology, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Fang Wei
- Institute of Digestive Diseases Research, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Keping Xie
- Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
- Department of Pathology, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
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7
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Akinjiyan FA, Adams A, Xu S, Wang M, Toriola AT. Plasma Growth Factor Gene Expression and Mammographic Breast Density in Postmenopausal Women. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2022; 15:391-398. [PMID: 35288741 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-21-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammographic breast density (MBD) is a risk factor for breast cancer, but its molecular basis is poorly understood. Growth factors stimulate cellular and epithelial proliferation and could influence MBD via these mechanisms. Studies investigating the associations of circulating growth factors with MBD have, however, yielded conflicting results especially in postmenopausal women. We, therefore, investigated the associations of plasma growth factor gene expression (IGF-1, IGFBP-3, FGF-1, FGF-12, TGFB-1 and BMP-2) with MBD in postmenopausal women. We used NanoString nCounter platform to quantify plasma growth factor gene expression and Volpara to evaluate volumetric MBD measures. We investigated the associations of growth factor gene expression with MBD using both multiple linear regression (fold change) and multinomial logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. The mean age of the 368 women enrolled was 58 years (range: 50-64). In analyses using linear regression models, one unit increase in IGF-1 gene expression was associated with a 35% higher VPD (1.35, 95%CI 1.13-1.60, p-value=0.001). There were suggestions that TGFB-1 gene expression was positively associated with VPD while BMP gene expression was inversely associated with VPD, but these were not statistically significant. In analyses using multinomial logistic regression, TGFB-1 gene expression was 33% higher (OR=1.33, 95%CI 1.13-1.56, p-value=0.0008) in women with extremely dense breasts than those with almost entirely fatty breasts. There were no associations between growth factor gene expression and dense volume or non-dense volume. Our study provides insights into the associations of growth factors with MBD in postmenopausal women and require confirmation in other study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour A Akinjiyan
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Andrea Adams
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Shuai Xu
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, United States
| | - Mei Wang
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Adetunji T Toriola
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Li F, Wang M, Li X, Long Y, Chen K, Wang X, Zhong M, Cheng W, Tian X, Wang P, Ji M, Ma X. Inflammatory-miR-301a circuitry drives mTOR and Stat3-dependent PSC activation in chronic pancreatitis and PanIN. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:970-982. [PMID: 35211358 PMCID: PMC8829454 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the main cells involved in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesion (PanIN). Fine-tuning the precise molecular targets in PSC activation might help the development of PSC-specific therapeutic strategies to tackle progression of pancreatic cancer-related fibrosis. miR-301a is a pro-inflammatory microRNA known to be activated by multiple inflammatory factors in the tumor stroma. Here, we show that miR-301a is highly expressed in activated PSCs in mice, sustained tissue fibrosis in caerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis, and accelerated PanIN formation. Genetic ablation of miR-301a reduced pancreatic fibrosis in mouse models with chronic pancreatitis and PanIN. Cell proliferation and activation of PSCs was inhibited by downregulation of miR-301a via two of its targets, Tsc1 and Gadd45g. Moreover, aberrant PSC expression of miR-301a and Gadd45g restricted the interplay between PSCs and pancreatic cancer cells in tumorigenesis. Our findings suggest that miR-301a activates two major cell proliferation pathways, Tsc1/mTOR and Gadd45g/Stat3, in vivo, to facilitate development of inflammatory-induced PanIN and maintenance of PSC activation and desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fugui Li
- Cancer Research Institute of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403 Zhongshan, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihao Long
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaizhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingtian Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Weimin Cheng
- Cancer Research Institute of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403 Zhongshan, China
| | - Xuemei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120 Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingfang Ji
- Cancer Research Institute of Zhongshan City, Zhongshan City People's Hospital, 528403 Zhongshan, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, 510631 Guangzhou, China
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9
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Li S, Xie K. Ductal metaplasia in pancreas. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188698. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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10
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Choi JW, Shin JY, Zhou Z, Kim DU, Kweon B, Oh H, Kim YC, Song HJ, Bae GS, Park SJ. Stem bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla ameliorates the severity of pancreatic fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. J Investig Med 2022; 70:1285-1292. [PMID: 35078865 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002169] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a pathological fibroinflammatory syndrome of the pancreas. Currently, there are no therapeutic agents available for treating CP-associated pancreatic fibrosis. Fraxinus rhynchophylla (FR) reportedly exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antitumor activities. Although FR possesses numerous properties associated with the regulation of diverse diseases, the effects of FR on CP remain unknown. Herein, we examined the effects of FR on CP. For CP induction, mice were intraperitoneally administered cerulein (50 μg/kg) 6 times a day, 4 days per week for 3 weeks. FR extract (100 or 400 mg/kg) or saline (control group) was intraperitoneally injected 1 hour before the first cerulein injection. After 3 weeks, the pancreas was harvested for histological analysis. In addition, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated to examine the antifibrogenic effects and regulatory mechanisms of FR. Administration of FR significantly inhibited histological damage in the pancreas, increased pancreatic acinar cell survival, decreased PSC activation and collagen deposition, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, FR treatment inhibited the expression of fibrotic mediators, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, fibronectin 1, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in isolated PSCs stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Furthermore, FR treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 but not of Smad 1/5 in TGF-β-stimulated PSCs. Collectively, these results suggest that FR ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting PSC activation during CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Choi
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.,Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yeon Shin
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ziqi Zhou
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Kim
- Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bitna Kweon
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuncheol Oh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, WonkwangUniversity, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Chul Kim
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, WonkwangUniversity, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Song
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Sang Bae
- Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.,Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Joo Park
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea .,Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
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11
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Targeting of Smad7 in Mesenchymal Cells Does Not Exacerbate Fibrosis During Experimental Chronic Pancreatitis. Pancreas 2021; 50:1427-1434. [PMID: 35041343 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen I is a common feature of fibrosis. Pancreatic stellate cells play an integral role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, and their profibrotic ability is mainly mediated by TGF-β signaling. To specifically address the role of fibrogenic cells in experimental pancreatic fibrosis, we deleted Smad7, the main feedback inhibitor of TGF-β signaling in this cell type in mice. METHODS A mouse strain harboring a conditional knockout allele of Smad7 (Smad7fl/fl) with the tamoxifen-inducible inducible Col1a2-CreERT allele was generated and compared with wild-type mice challenged with the cerulein-based model of chronic pancreatitis. RESULTS Pancreatic stellate cells lacking Smad7 had significantly increased collagen I and fibronectin production and showed a higher activation level in vitro. Surprisingly, the fibrotic index in the pancreata of treated conditional knockout mice was only slightly increased, without statistical significance. Except for fibronectin, the expression of different extracellular matrix proteins and the numbers of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells were similar between Smad7-mutant and control mice. CONCLUSIONS There was no clear evidence that the lack of Smad7 in pancreatic stellate cells plays a major role in experimental pancreatitis, at least in the mouse model investigated here.
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12
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Dey S, Udari LM, RiveraHernandez P, Kwon JJ, Willis B, Easler JJ, Fogel EL, Pandol S, Kota J. Loss of miR-29a/b1 promotes inflammation and fibrosis in acute pancreatitis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149539. [PMID: 34464354 PMCID: PMC8525644 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-29 (miR-29) is a critical regulator of fibroinflammatory processes in human diseases. In this study, we found a decrease in miR-29a in experimental and human chronic pancreatitis, leading us to investigate the regulatory role of the miR-29a/b1 cluster in acute pancreatitis (AP) utilizing a conditional miR-29a/b1-KO mouse model. miR-29a/b1-sufficient (WT) and -deficient (KO) mice were administered supramaximal caerulein to induce AP and characterized at different time points, utilizing an array of IHC and biochemical analyses for AP parameters. In caerulein-induced WT mice, miR-29a remained dramatically downregulated at injury. Despite high-inflammatory milieu, fibrosis, and parenchymal disarray in the WT mice during early AP, the pancreata fully restored during recovery. miR-29a/b1-KO mice showed significantly greater inflammation, lymphocyte infiltration, macrophage polarization, and ECM deposition, continuing until late recovery with persistent parenchymal disorganization. The increased pancreatic fibrosis was accompanied by enhanced TGFβ1 coupled with persistent αSMA+ PSC activation. Additionally, these mice exhibited higher circulating IL-6 and inflammation in lung parenchyma. Together, this collection of studies indicates that depletion of miR-29a/b1 cluster impacts the fibroinflammatory mechanisms of AP, resulting in (a) aggravated pathogenesis and (b) delayed recovery from the disease, suggesting a protective role of the molecule against AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatovisha Dey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lata M Udari
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Primavera RiveraHernandez
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jason J Kwon
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey J Easler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, IU Health, IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,The Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, IUSM, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Evan L Fogel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, IU Health, IU School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,The Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, IUSM, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Stephen Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Janaiah Kota
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,The Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, IUSM, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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13
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Cannon A, Thompson CM, Bhatia R, Armstrong KA, Solheim JC, Kumar S, Batra SK. Molecular mechanisms of pancreatic myofibroblast activation in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:689-703. [PMID: 34279724 PMCID: PMC9052363 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-021-01800-4] [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: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic fibrosis (PF) is an essential component of the pathobiology of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Activated pancreatic myofibroblasts (PMFs) are crucial for the deposition of the extracellular matrix, and fibrotic reaction in response to sustained signaling. Consequently, understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PMF activation is not only critical for understanding CP and PDAC biology but is also a fertile area of research for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for pancreatic pathologies. This review analyzes the key signaling events that drive PMF activation including, initiating signals from transforming growth factor-β1, platelet derived growth factor, as well as other microenvironmental cues, like hypoxia and extracellular matrix rigidity. Further, we discussed the intracellular signal events contributing to PMF activation, and crosstalk with different components of tumor microenvironment. Additionally, association of epidemiologically established risk factors for CP and PDAC, like alcohol intake, tobacco exposure, and metabolic factors with PMF activation, is discussed to comprehend the role of lifestyle factors on pancreatic pathologies. Overall, this analysis provides insight into the biology of PMF activation and highlights salient features of this process, which offer promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cannon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Christopher Michael Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rakesh Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | | | - Joyce Christopher Solheim
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985870 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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14
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Zhang Y, Yang B, Davis JM, Drake MM, Younes M, Shen Q, Zhao Z, Cao Y, Ko TC. Distinct Murine Pancreatic Transcriptomic Signatures during Chronic Pancreatitis Recovery. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:5595464. [PMID: 34104113 PMCID: PMC8158417 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5595464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the pancreas can recover from chronic pancreatitis (CP) lesions in the cerulein-induced mouse model. To explore how pancreatic recovery is achieved at the molecular level, we used RNA-sequencing (seq) and profiled transcriptomes during CP transition to recovery. CP was induced by intraperitoneally injecting cerulein in C57BL/6 mice. Time-matched controls (CON) were given normal saline. Pancreata were harvested from mice 4 days after the final injections (designated as CP and CON) or 4 weeks after the final injections (designated as CP recovery (CPR) and control recovery (CONR)). Pancreatic RNAs were extracted for RNA-seq and quantitative (q) PCR validation. Using RNA-seq, we identified a total of 3,600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CP versus CON and 166 DEGs in CPR versus CONR. There are 132 DEGs overlapped between CP and CPR and 34 DEGs unique to CPR. A number of selected pancreatic fibrosis-relevant DEGs were validated by qPCR. The top 20 gene sets enriched from DEGs shared between CP and CPR are relevant to extracellular matrix and cancer biology, whereas the top 10 gene sets enriched from DEGs specific to CPR are pertinent to DNA methylation and specific signaling pathways. In conclusion, we identified a distinct set of DEGs in association with extracellular matrix and cancer cell activities to contrast CP and CPR. Once during ongoing CP recovery, DEGs relevant to DNA methylation and specific signaling pathways were induced to express. The DEGs shared between CP and CPR and the DEGs specific to CPR may serve as the unique transcriptomic signatures and biomarkers for determining CP recovery and monitoring potential therapeutic responses at the molecular level to reflect pancreatic histological resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Baibing Yang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joy M. Davis
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Madeline M. Drake
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mamoun Younes
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Qiang Shen
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanna Cao
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tien C. Ko
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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15
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Chang CH, Pauklin S. ROS and TGFβ: from pancreatic tumour growth to metastasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:152. [PMID: 33941245 PMCID: PMC8091747 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01960-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signalling pathway switches between anti-tumorigenic function at early stages of cancer formation and pro-tumorigenic effects at later stages promoting cancer metastasis. A similar contrasting role has been uncovered for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Down-regulation of ROS favours premalignant tumour development, while increasing ROS level in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) enhances metastasis. Given the functional resemblance, we propose that ROS-mediated processes converge with the spatial and temporal activation of TGFβ signalling and thereby differentially impact early tumour growth versus metastatic dissemination. TGFβ signalling and ROS could extensively orchestrate cellular processes and this concerted function can be utilized by cancer cells to facilitate their malignancy. In this article, we revisit the interplay of canonical and non-canonical TGFβ signalling with ROS throughout pancreatic tumorigenesis and metastasis. We also discuss recent insight that helps to understand their conflicting effects on different stages of tumour development. These considerations open new strategies in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, OX3 7LD, Oxford, UK
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Windmill Road, OX3 7LD, Oxford, UK.
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16
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Lin H, Dong B, Qi L, Wei Y, Zhang Y, Cai X, Zhang Q, Li J, Li L. Inhibitory Smads suppress pancreatic stellate cell activation through negative feedback in chronic pancreatitis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:384. [PMID: 33842605 PMCID: PMC8033383 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) is a key cause of chronic pancreatitis (CP), while inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling renders PSCs inactive. Inhibitory Smads (I-Smads) impede TGF-β intracellular signaling and may provide a way to alleviate CP. Thus, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of I-Smads in CP animals and freshly-isolated PSCs. Methods Sixteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups; a control group (treated with saline) and a CP group (treated with caerulein) for 6 weeks. Masson’s staining was performed to identify fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to measure the levels of Smad6 between the two groups. An improved method derived from internal digestion was used to isolate PSCs from male Sprague Dawley rats. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Plasmids of I-Smads or SB431542 were transfected into freshly-isolated PSCs, and relative mRNA levels of marker genes were quantified by qRT-PCR. The two-tailed Student’s t-test was performed to assess significance. Results The Smad6 protein level was significantly higher in the pancreas tissue of CP mice compared to the control group. A large number of PSCs were isolated from rat pancreas using an improved isolating method and were confirmed by quiescent and active PSC markers including cluster differentiation antigen 133 (CD133), perilipin 2 (Plin2), α-SMA, Desmin, and collagen 1 (Col1). The mRNA levels of both Smad6 and Smad7 were down-regulated during freshly-isolated PSC activation. Over-expression of both Smad6 and Smad7 in freshly-isolated PSC reduced the mRNA level of α-SMA, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Desmin, Col1, Col3, and fibronectin 1 (Fn1) significantly. SB431542 reduced the mRNA level of α-SMA, Col1, Col3, and Fn1 significantly in freshly-isolated PSCs. Conclusions This study demonstrated that CP promoted the expression of I-Smads, which suppressed the activation of freshly-isolated PSCs via a negative feedback loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Clinical Science and Research, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Pancreas, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Beibei Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Qi
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingxiang Wei
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yusha Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaotian Cai
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Li
- Institute of Pancreas, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Radoslavova S, Ouadid-Ahidouch H, Prevarskaya N. Ca2+ signaling is critical for pancreatic stellate cell’s pathophysiology : from fibrosis to cancer hallmarks. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Barrera LN, Evans A, Lane B, Brumskill S, Oldfield FE, Campbell F, Andrews T, Lu Z, Perez-Mancera PA, Liloglou T, Ashworth M, Jalali M, Dawson R, Nunes Q, Phillips PA, Timms JF, Halloran C, Greenhalf W, Neoptolemos JP, Costello E. Fibroblasts from Distinct Pancreatic Pathologies Exhibit Disease-Specific Properties. Cancer Res 2020; 80:2861-2873. [PMID: 32393661 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although fibrotic stroma forms an integral component of pancreatic diseases, whether fibroblasts programmed by different types of pancreatic diseases are phenotypically distinct remains unknown. Here, we show that fibroblasts isolated from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), chronic pancreatitis (CP), periampullary tumors, and adjacent normal (NA) tissue (N = 34) have distinct mRNA and miRNA profiles. Compared with NA fibroblasts, PDAC-associated fibroblasts were generally less sensitive to an antifibrotic stimulus (NPPB) and more responsive to positive regulators of activation such as TGFβ1 and WNT. Of the disease-associated fibroblasts examined, PDAC- and CP-derived fibroblasts shared greatest similarity, yet PDAC-associated fibroblasts expressed higher levels of tenascin C (TNC), a finding attributable to miR-137, a novel regulator of TNC. TNC protein and transcript levels were higher in PDAC tissue versus CP tissue and were associated with greater levels of stromal activation, and conditioned media from TNC-depleted PDAC-associated fibroblasts modestly increased both PDAC cell proliferation and PDAC cell migration, indicating that stromal TNC may have inhibitory effects on PDAC cells. Finally, circulating TNC levels were higher in patients with PDAC compared with CP. Our characterization of pancreatic fibroblast programming as disease-specific has consequences for therapeutic targeting and for the manner in which fibroblasts are used in research. SIGNIFICANCE: Primary fibroblasts derived from various types of pancreatic diseases possess and retain distinct molecular and functional characteristics in culture, providing a series of cellular models for treatment development and disease-specific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence N Barrera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Evans
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Lane
- School of Medical Sciences, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Brumskill
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Frances E Oldfield
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Campbell
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Andrews
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zipeng Lu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pedro A Perez-Mancera
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Triantafillos Liloglou
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Milton Ashworth
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mehdi Jalali
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Dawson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Quentin Nunes
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Phoebe A Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Sydney, Australia
| | - John F Timms
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Halloran
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - William Greenhalf
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John P Neoptolemos
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eithne Costello
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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19
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Ren YC, Zhao Q, He Y, Li B, Wu Z, Dai J, Wen L, Wang X, Hu G. Legumain promotes fibrogenesis in chronic pancreatitis via activation of transforming growth factor β1. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:863-874. [PMID: 32415356 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer; however, little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of CP. Legumain (Lgmn) has been linked to some chronic inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated the role of legumain in pancreatic fibrogenesis. We induced CP in wild type C57BL6 (WT), Lgmn-deficient (Lgmn-/-), Lgmnflox/flox and Lgmnflox/flox × LysMCre mice by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein for 4 weeks. Pancreata were collected and analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and histology. Pancreatic stellate cells and macrophages were isolated and studied using immunofluorescence, gelatin zymography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of inhibition of legumain were investigated in vivo by administration of the specific legumain inhibitor, RR-11a. Legumain was found to be upregulated in the serum and pancreatic tissues of mice with caerulein-induced CP. Mice with global and macrophage-specific legumain deficiency exhibited significantly reduced development of pancreatic fibrosis compared with control mice, based on pancreas size, histology, and expression of fibrosis-associated genes. Our results indicate that legumain promotes activation of pancreatic stellate cells and increases synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins via activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2), which hydrolyzes the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) precursor to form active TGF-β1. Administration of RR-11a markedly attenuated pancreatic fibrosis in mice with CP. Deficiency or inhibition of legumain significantly reduces the severity of pancreatic fibrosis by suppressing activation of the TGF-β1 precursor. Our results highlight the potential of legumain as a novel therapeutic target for CP. KEY MESSAGES: • Legumain expression was markedly upregulated in CP mice. • Deletion of legumain attenuated pancreatic fibrosis in CP mice. • Legumain promotes fibrosis via MMP-2 activation, which hydrolyzed the TGF-β1 precursor to the active form. • Legumain is a potential therapeutic target for the management of CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chun Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Qiuyan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Zengkai Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Juanjuan Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xingpeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Guoyong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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20
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Jin G, Hong W, Guo Y, Bai Y, Chen B. Molecular Mechanism of Pancreatic Stellate Cells Activation in Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:1505-1515. [PMID: 32047557 PMCID: PMC6995390 DOI: 10.7150/jca.38616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the main effector cells in the process of fibrosis, a major pathological feature in pancreatic diseases that including chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. During tumorigenesis, quiescent PSCs change into an active myofibroblast-like phenotype which could create a favorable tumor microenvironment and facilitate cancer progression by increasing proliferation, invasiveness and inducing treatment resistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Many cellular signals are revealed contributing to the activation of PSCs, such as transforming growth factor-β, platelet derived growth factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Smads, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways and so on. Therefore, investigating the role of these factors and signaling pathways in PSCs activation will promote the development of PSCs-specific therapeutic strategies that may provide novel options for pancreatic cancer therapy. In this review, we systematically summarize the current knowledge about PSCs activation-associated stimulating factors and signaling pathways and hope to provide new strategies for the treatment of pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Weilong Hong
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yangyang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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21
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Choi JW, Lee SK, Kim MJ, Kim DG, Shin JY, Zhou Z, Jo IJ, Song HJ, Bae GS, Park SJ. Piperine ameliorates the severity of fibrosis via inhibition of TGF‑β/SMAD signaling in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:3709-3718. [PMID: 31485676 PMCID: PMC6755249 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by recurrent pancreatic injury, resulting in inflammation and fibrosis. Currently, there are no drugs for the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis associated with CP. Piperine, a natural alkaloid found in black pepper, has been reported to show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and antitumor activities. Although piperine exhibits numerous properties in regards to the regulation of diverse diseases, the effects of piperine on CP have not been established. To investigate the effects of piperine on CP in vivo, we induced CP in mice through the repetitive administration of cerulein (50 µg/kg) six times at 1-h intervals, 5 times per week, for a total of 3 weeks. In the pre-treatment groups, piperine (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) or corn oil were administrated orally at 1 h before the first cerulein injection, once a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 3 weeks. In the post-treatment groups, piperine (10 mg/kg) or corn oil was administered orally at 1 or 2 week after the first cerulein injection. Pancreases were collected for histological analysis. In addition, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated to examine the anti-fibrogenic effects and regulatory mechanisms of piperine. Piperine treatment significantly inhibited histological damage in the pancreas, increased the pancreatic acinar cell survival, reduced collagen deposition and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, piperine treatment reduced the expression of fibrotic mediators, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, and fibronectin 1 in the pancreas and PSCs. Moreover, piperine treatment reduced the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the pancreas and PSCs. Furthermore, piperine treatment inhibited TGF-β-induced pSMAD2/3 activation but not pSMAD1/5 in the PSCs. These findings suggest that piperine treatment ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling during CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Choi
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Kon Lee
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Jin Kim
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Gu Kim
- Hanbang Cardio‑Renal Syndrome Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yeon Shin
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Ziqi Zhou
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Joo Jo
- Division of Beauty Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Song
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Sang Bae
- Hanbang Cardio‑Renal Syndrome Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Joo Park
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, Republic of Korea
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22
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Pandey V, Storz P. Targeting the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:473-482. [PMID: 31148495 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1622417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The dismally slow improvement in patient survival over the years for pancreatic cancer patients is mainly due to two factors: the late diagnosis, at which point the disease is spread to distant organs; and the fact that tumor cells are surrounded by a dense, highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment not only shields pancreatic cancer cells from chemotherapy but also leaves it unsusceptible to various immunotherapeutic strategies that have been proven successful in other types of cancer. Areas covered: This review highlights the main components of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, how they cross-talk with each other to generate stroma and promote tumor growth. Additionally, we discuss the most promising treatment targets in the microenvironment whose modulation can be robustly tested in combination with standard of care chemotherapy. Currently, active clinical trials for pancreatic cancer involving components of the microenvironment are also listed. Expert opinion: Although immunotherapeutic approaches involving checkpoint inhibition are being pursued enthusiastically, there is still more work to be done with several other emerging immune targets that could provide therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veethika Pandey
- a Department of Cancer Biology , Mayo Clinic , Jacksonville , FL , USA
| | - Peter Storz
- a Department of Cancer Biology , Mayo Clinic , Jacksonville , FL , USA
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Zhou Q, Xia S, Guo F, Hu F, Wang Z, Ni Y, Wei T, Xiang H, Shang D. Transforming growth factor-β in pancreatic diseases: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:58-69. [PMID: 30682425 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic diseases, such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer, are common gastrointestinal diseases resulting in the development of local and systemic complications with a high risk of death. Numerous studies have examined pancreatic diseases over the past few decades; however, the pathogenesis remains unclear, and there is a lack of effective treatment options. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) exerts controversial functions in apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and carcinogenesis, indicating its complex role in the pathogenesis of pancreas-associated disease. Therefore, a further understanding of relevant TGF-β signalling will provide new ideas and potential therapeutic targets for preventing disease progression. This is the first systematic review of recent data from animal and human clinical studies focusing on TGF-β signalling in pancreas damage and diseases. This information may aid in the development of therapeutic agents for regulating TGF-β in this pathology to prevent or treat pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shilin Xia
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fangyue Guo
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fenglin Hu
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhizhou Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yujia Ni
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tianfu Wei
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Xiang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Dong Shang
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Thomas D, Radhakrishnan P. Tumor-stromal crosstalk in pancreatic cancer and tissue fibrosis. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:14. [PMID: 30665410 PMCID: PMC6341551 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0927-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, limited therapeutic achievements targeting cell proliferation and related mechanisms has led researchers to focus on the microenvironment where pancreatic cancers develop. The anomalous proliferation of stromal cells, such as pancreatic stellate cells, and an increased deposition of altered matrix proteins create an environment that facilitates tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance. Here, we summarize our understanding of recent advances in research about the role of fibrosis in pancreatic cancer progression, with particular emphasize on the involvement of fibrotic machineries such as wound healing, extra cellular matrix degradation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The precise influence of these mechanisms on the biological behaviors and growth of cancer cells has great impact on clinical therapy and therefore deserves more attention. We also discuss the role of various stromal components in conferring drug resistance to PDAC which further worsening the pessimistic disease prognosis. A more in depth understanding of cancer-stroma crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment and stroma based clinical and translational therapies may provide new therapeutic strategies for the prevention of pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Thomas
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6805, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic pancreatitis is the consequence of multiple episodes of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP). We hypothesized that apigenin can minimize the sequelae of RAP by limiting acinar cells' proinflammatory signaling pathways. METHODS AR42J acinar cells were treated in vitro with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), apigenin, and other inhibitors. Dual luciferase reporter assay measured parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) promoter activity. MAPK/ERK pathway activity was assessed by immunoblotting and in vivo by immunohistochemistry with a cerulein-induced RAP mouse model. Nuclear factor κ B nuclear localization was analyzed in vitro in cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α. Primary acini were isolated and treated with cerulein; interleukin 6 messenger RNA was measured comparing PTHrP wild-type and knockout mice. RESULTS Apigenin and PD98059 each downregulated TGF-β stimulation of PTHrP P3 promoter activity. In a RAP mouse model, apigenin reduced pERK nuclear localization in acinar cells and preserved acinar cell architecture. Apigenin suppressed tumor necrosis factor α-mediated signaling by decreasing nuclear factor κ B nuclear localization and decreased interleukin 6 messenger RNA levels via a PTHrP-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Apigenin reduced inflammatory responses in experimental models of RAP. The mechanisms mediating the actions of apigenin, in part, are owing to attenuation of PTHrP and TGF-β proinflammatory signaling.
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Merry TL, Petrov MS. The rise of genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatitis: A review of literature. Biomol Concepts 2018; 9:103-114. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2018-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPancreatitis is increasingly recognized as not merely a local inflammation of the pancreas but also a disease with high frequency of systemic sequelae. Current understanding of the cellular mechanisms that trigger it and affect the development of sequelae are limited. Genetically engineered mouse models can be a useful tool to study the pathophysiology of pancreatitis. This article gives an overview of the genetically engineered mouse models that spontaneously develop pancreatitis and discusses those that most closely replicate different pancreatitis hallmarks observed in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy L. Merry
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Discipline of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maxim S. Petrov
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Xu XF, Liu F, Xin JQ, Fan JW, Wu N, Zhu LJ, Duan LF, Li YY, Zhang H. Respective roles of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members in pancreatic stellate cell activation induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:365-373. [PMID: 29705706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.04.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a crucial role in the progression of pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is one of the strongest stimulator inducing fibrosis. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins (including ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK) are known to contribute to PSC activation and pancreatic fibrosis. Previous studies have identified PSC activation induced by TGF-β1 is related to MAPK pathway, but the respective role of MAPK family members in PSC activation still unclear, and which family member may be the key mediator in mice PSC activation still controversial. In this study, we investigated the influence of different MAPK family member (JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK) on mice PSC activation using an in vivo and in vitro model. The results showed p-JNK, p-ERK and p-p38 MAPK were all over-expressed in CP group, and p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-p38 MAPK were co-expressed with activated PSC. In vitro, TGF-β1 induced JNK and ERK over-expression in PSCs. In contrast, p38 MAPK expression in PSC showed only a very weak increase. JNK- and ERK-specific inhibitors inhibited FN and α-SMA mRNA expression in PSCs, and a p38 MAPK inhibitor had no effect on PSC activation. These findings indicate that JNK and ERK were directly involved in the PSCs activation induced by TGF-β1 and the development of pancreatic fibrosis. p38 MAPK participate in the progression of CP, but it does not respond to TGF-β1 directly and may not be regarded as the target of TGF-β1 induced PSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fan Xu
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xin
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Jian-Wei Fan
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Lin-Jia Zhu
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Li-Fang Duan
- Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China
| | - Yong-Yu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Digestive Disease, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China; Basic Medical Academy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, China.
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28
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Transforming Growth Factor-β and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Regulation of MicroRNA-200 Family in Chronic Pancreatitis. Pancreas 2018; 47:252-256. [PMID: 29303912 PMCID: PMC5776736 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate regulation of microRNA (miR)-200 family (a, b, c, 141, and 429) in chronic pancreatitis (CP). This was accomplished by examining miR-200 family levels in a mouse model in vivo and their regulation in pancreatic cells in vitro. METHODS Chronic pancreatitis was induced by cerulein for 4 weeks (50 μg/kg, 5 hourly intraperitoneal injections/day, and 3 days/week). Control mice received normal saline. The pancreata were harvested for fibrosis assessment by Sirius red staining and for miRNA, collagen, and fibronectin levels by quantitative PCR. In vitro, human primary pancreatic stellate cells and human primary pancreatic fibroblast (hPFBs), and rat pancreatic epithelial AR42J cells were treated with vehicle, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (1 ng/mL), or BMP2 (50 ng/mL) for 24 hours and then harvested for miRNA analysis. RESULTS In CP, miR-200s were decreased by 56% to 70% and inversely correlated with pancreatic fibrosis, miR-21, and miR-31 (P < 0.05). In vitro, TGF-β inhibited miR-200b in AR42J cells by 62%, whereas BMP2 increased miR-200b in all 3 cell types in a range of 1.5- to 3.4-fold and inhibited miR-21 in hPFBs by 21% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest an antifibrogenic function of miR-200s in CP. The TGF-β and BMP2 may function through inverse regulation of miR-200b levels.
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Liu X, Yu M, Chen Y, Zhang J. Galunisertib (LY2157299), a transforming growth factor-β receptor I kinase inhibitor, attenuates acute pancreatitis in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 49:e5388. [PMID: 27509307 PMCID: PMC4988481 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20165388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Galunisertib (LY2157299), a selective ATP-mimetic inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I (TGF-βRI), is the only known TGF-β pathway inhibitor. In the present study, we investigated the effect of galunisertib on taurocholate (TAC)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) in rats, and the role of TGF-β and NF-κB signaling pathways. AP was induced by infusion of TAC into the pancreatic duct of Sprague-Dawley male rats (n=30). The rats (220±50 g) were administered galunisertib intragastrically [75 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 2 days (0 and 24 h)]. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, amylase (AMY), lipase (LIP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured by ELISA. NF-κB activity was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA); NF-κBp65 and TGF-β1 proteins, as well as TGF-βRI and p-Smad2/3 proteins, were detected by western blot assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. H&E staining was used to evaluate the histopathological alterations of the pancreas. Galunisertib treatment attenuated the severity of AP and decreased the pancreatic histological score. In addition, number of apoptotic cells were significantly increased in the galunisertib-treated group (16.38±2.26) than in the AP group (8.14±1.27) and sham-operated group (1.82±0.73; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Galunisertib decreased the expression levels of TGF-βRI and p-Smad2/3 and inhibited NF-κB activation and p65 translocation compared with the sham-operated group. Furthermore, serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, AMY and LIP levels and tissue MPO activity were significantly decreased in the galunisertib-treated group. Our data demonstrate that galunisertib attenuates the severity of TAC-induced experimental AP in rats by inducing apoptosis in the pancreas, inhibiting the activation of TGF-β signals and NF-κB as well as the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of General Surgery, People's Hospital of Chengyang, Qingdao, China
| | - M Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Women and Children's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Y Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - J Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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30
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Zheng X, Qi C, Zhang S, Fang Y, Ning W. TGF-β1 induces Fstl1 via the Smad3-c-Jun pathway in lung fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L240-L251. [PMID: 28495857 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00523.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has long been regarded as a central mediator of tissue fibrosis. Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is a crucial profibrotic glycoprotein that is upregulated in fibrotic lung tissues, and it promotes fibrogenesis via facilitating TGF-β signaling. Here we examined the signaling pathway by which TGF-β1 upregulates Fstl1 expression in mouse pulmonary fibroblasts. TGF-β1 regulated Fstl1 expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Although TGF-β1 rapidly activated the Smad, MAPK, and Akt pathways in lung fibroblasts, only Smad2/3 inhibition eliminated TGF-β1-induced Fstl1 expression. Analysis of the luciferase reporter activity identified a functional c-Jun transcription site in the Fstl1 promoter. Our results suggested a critical role for the Smad3-c-Jun pathway in the regulation of Fstl1 expression by TGF-β1 during fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Si Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinshan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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31
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Ferdek PE, Jakubowska MA. Biology of pancreatic stellate cells-more than just pancreatic cancer. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:1039-1050. [PMID: 28382480 PMCID: PMC5554282 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-1968-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells, normally quiescent, are capable of remarkable transition into their activated myofibroblast-like phenotype. It is now commonly accepted that these cells play a pivotal role in the desmoplastic reaction present in severe pancreatic disorders. In recent years, enormous scientific effort has been devoted to understanding their roles in pancreatic cancer, which continues to remain one of the most deadly diseases. Therefore, it is not surprising that considerably less attention has been given to studying physiological functions of pancreatic stellate cells. Here, we review recent advances not only in the field of pancreatic stellate cell pathophysiology but also emphasise their roles in physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E Ferdek
- Medical Research Council Group, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Monika A Jakubowska
- Medical Research Council Group, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK
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Nilotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor exhibits protection against acute pancreatitis-induced lung and liver damage in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016; 390:291-300. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Zhang X, Zheng H, Zhu HY, Hu S, Wang S, Jiang X, Xu GY. Acute Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 on Neuronal Excitability and Involvement in the Pain of Rats with Chronic Pancreatitis. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2016; 22:333-43. [PMID: 26645248 PMCID: PMC4819872 DOI: 10.5056/jnm15127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims This study was to investigate whether transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a role in hyperalgesia in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods CP was induced in male adult rats by intraductal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Abdominal hyperalgesia was assessed by referred somatic behaviors to mechanical stimulation of rat abdomen. Dil dye injected into the pancreas was used to label pancreas-specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Whole cell patch clamp recordings and calcium imaging were performed to examine the effect of TGF-β1 on acutely isolated pancreas-specific DRG neurons. Western blot analysis was carried out to measure the expression of TGF-β1 and its receptors. Results TNBS injection significantly upregulated expression of TGF-β1 in the pancreas and DRGs, and TGF-β1 receptors in DRGs (T9-T13) in CP rats. Intrathecal injection of TGF-β receptor I antagonist SB431542 attenuated abdominal hyperalgesia in CP rats. TGF-β1 application depolarized the membrane potential and caused firing activity of DRG neurons. TGF-β1 application also reduced rheobase, hyperpolarized action potential threshold, and increased numbers of action potentials evoked by current injection of pancreas-specific DRG neurons. TGF-β1 application also increased the concentration of intracellular calcium of DRG neurons, which was inhibited by SB431542. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of TGF-β1 produced abdominal hyperalgesia in healthy rats. Conclusions These results suggest that TGF-β1 enhances neuronal excitability and increases the concentration of intracellular calcium. TGF-β1 and its receptors are involved in abdominal hyperalgesia in CP. This and future study might identify a potentially novel target for the treatment of abdominal pain in CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong-Yan Zhu
- Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Shufen Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guang-Yin Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, China
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Baines A, Martin P, Rorie C. Current and Emerging Targeting Strategies for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 144:277-320. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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35
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Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Interacts With the Transforming Growth Factor-β/Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2/Gremlin Signaling Pathway to Regulate Proinflammatory and Profibrotic Mediators in Pancreatic Acinar and Stellate Cells. Pancreas 2016; 45:659-70. [PMID: 26495794 PMCID: PMC4833530 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) regulates immune and fibrotic responses of chronic pancreatitis. The bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) antagonist gremlin is regulated by TGF-β. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) levels are elevated in chronic pancreatitis. Here, we investigated the cross-talk between TGF-β/BMP-2/gremlin and PTHrP signaling. METHODS Reverse transcription/real-time polymerase chain reaction, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and transient transfection were used to investigate PTHrP regulation by TGF-β and BMP-2 and gremlin regulation by PTHrP. The PTHrP antagonist PTHrP (7-34) and acinar cells with conditional Pthrp gene deletion (PTHrP) were used to assess PTHrP's role in the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of TGF-β and gremlin. RESULTS Transforming growth factor β increased PTHrP levels in acinar cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) through a Smad3-dependent pathway. Transforming growth factor β's effects on levels of IL-6 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (acinar cells) and procollagen I and fibronectin (PSCs) were inhibited by PTHrP (7-34). PTHrP suppressed TGF-β's effects on IL-6 and ICAM-1. Parathyroid hormone-related hormone increased gremlin in acinar cells, and inhibiting gremlin action suppressed TGF-β's and PTHrP's effects on IL-6 and ICAM-1. Transforming growth factor β-mediated gremlin up-regulation was suppressed in PTHrP cells. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 suppressed PTHrP levels in PSCs. CONCLUSIONS Parathyroid hormone-related hormone functions as a novel mediator of the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of TGF-β. Transforming growth factor β and BMP-2 regulate PTHrP expression, and PTHrP regulates gremlin levels.
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Grabliauskaite K, Saponara E, Reding T, Bombardo M, Seleznik GM, Malagola E, Zabel A, Faso C, Sonda S, Graf R. Inactivation of TGFβ receptor II signalling in pancreatic epithelial cells promotes acinar cell proliferation, acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and fibrosis during pancreatitis. J Pathol 2015; 238:434-45. [PMID: 26510396 DOI: 10.1002/path.4666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Determining signalling pathways that regulate pancreatic regeneration following pancreatitis is critical for implementing therapeutic interventions. In this study we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in pancreatic epithelial cells during tissue regeneration. To this end, we conditionally inactivated TGFβ receptor II (TGFβ-RII) using a Cre-LoxP system under the control of pancreas transcription factor 1a (PTF1a) promoter, specific for the pancreatic epithelium, and evaluated the molecular and cellular changes in a mouse model of cerulein-induced pancreatitis. We show that TGFβ-RII signalling does not mediate the initial acinar cell damage observed at the onset of pancreatitis. However, TGFβ-RII signalling not only restricts acinar cell replication during the regenerative phase of the disease but also limits ADM formation in vivo and in vitro in a cell-autonomous manner. Analyses of molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotype revealed that TGFβ-RII signalling stimulates the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and intersects with the EGFR signalling axis. Finally, TGFβ-RII ablation in epithelial cells resulted in increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the early phases of pancreatitis and increased activation of pancreatic stellate cells in the later stages of pancreatitis, thus highlighting a TGFβ-based crosstalk between epithelial and stromal cells regulating the development of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis. Collectively, our data not only contribute to clarifying the cellular processes governing pancreatic tissue regeneration, but also emphasize the conserved role of TGFβ as a tumour suppressor, both in the regenerative process following pancreatitis and in the initial phases of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamile Grabliauskaite
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enrica Saponara
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresia Reding
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marta Bombardo
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gitta M Seleznik
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ermanno Malagola
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Zabel
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Faso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Sonda
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Graf
- Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Centre, Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, and Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Switzerland
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Wang R, Chen J, Zhang Z, Cen Y. Role of chymase in the local renin-angiotensin system in keloids: inhibition of chymase may be an effective therapeutic approach to treat keloids. Drug Des Devel Ther 2015; 9:4979-88. [PMID: 26357464 PMCID: PMC4560513 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s87842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Histologically, keloids contain excess fibroblasts and an overabundance of dermal collagen. Recently, it was reported that chymase induced a profibrotic response via transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad activation in keloid fibroblasts (KFs). However, the role of chymase in the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in keloids has not been elucidated. This study aims to determine whether chymase plays an important role in the local RAS in keloids. Methods We compared the expression and activity of chymase in keloids and normal skin tissues using Western blotting and radioimmunoassay, and studied the expression of TGF-β1, interleukin-1β, collagen I, hydroxyproline, and angiotensin II in KFs after chymase and inhibitors’ treatment. Results The results revealed an increased activity of chymase in keloid tissues, and that chymase enhanced the expression of angiotensin II, collagen I, TGF-β1, and interleukin-1β in KFs. Blockade of the chymase pathway involved in the local RAS lowered the expression of these signaling factors. Conclusion This research suggests that inhibition of chymase might be an effective therapeutic approach to improve the clinical treatment of keloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Chen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Cen
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Falzon M, Bhatia V. Role of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein Signaling in Chronic Pancreatitis. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1091-108. [PMID: 26095761 PMCID: PMC4491701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7020826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a progressive inflammatory disease where acini are destroyed and replaced by fibrous tissue, increases the risk for pancreatic cancer. Risk factors include alcohol, smoking, and obesity. The effects of these risk factors are exacerbated in patients with mutations in genes that predispose to CP. The different environmental and genetic factors produce the same clinical phenotype; once CP develops, disease course is the same regardless of etiology. Critical questions still need to be answered to understand what modifies predisposition to develop CP in persons exposed to risk factors. We postulate that risk factors modulate endogenous pathways, with parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) signaling being one such pathway. In support, PTHrP levels are elevated in mice treated with alcohol, and in mouse models of cerulein- and pancreatic duct ligation-induced CP. Disrupting the Pthrp gene in acinar cells exerts protective effects (decreased edema, histological damage, amylase and cytokine release, and fibrosis) in these CP models. PTHrP levels are elevated in human CP. Currently, CP care lacks specific pharmacological interventions. Targeting PTHrP signaling may present a novel therapeutic strategy that inhibits pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, especially since the risk of developing pancreatic cancer is strongly associated with duration of chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Falzon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Vandanajay Bhatia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Significant progresses have been made in understanding of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, including appreciation of precursor lesions or premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs), description of sequential transformation from normal pancreatic tissue to invasive pancreatic cancer and identification of major genetic and epigenetic events and the biological impact of those events on malignant behavior. However, the currently used therapeutic strategies targeting tumor epithelial cells, which are potent in cell culture and animal models, have not been successful in the clinic. Presumably, therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer is at least in part due to its drastic desmoplasis, which is a defining hallmark for and circumstantially contributes to pancreatic cancer development and progression. Improved understanding of the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the stroma is important to better understanding pancreatic cancer biology and to designing effective intervention strategies. This review focuses on the origination, evolution and disruption of stromal molecular and cellular components in pancreatic cancer, and their biological effects on pancreatic cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dacheng Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology and Tumor Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Keping Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology and Tumor Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Shi C, Washington MK, Chaturvedi R, Drosos Y, Revetta FL, Weaver CJ, Buzhardt E, Yull FE, Blackwell TS, Sosa-Pineda B, Whitehead RH, Beauchamp RD, Wilson KT, Means AL. Fibrogenesis in pancreatic cancer is a dynamic process regulated by macrophage-stellate cell interaction. J Transl Med 2014; 94:409-21. [PMID: 24535260 PMCID: PMC3992484 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer occurs in the setting of a profound fibrotic microenvironment that often dwarfs the actual tumor. Although pancreatic fibrosis has been well studied in chronic pancreatitis, its development in pancreatic cancer is much less well understood. This article describes the dynamic remodeling that occurs from pancreatic precursors (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs)) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, highlighting similarities and differences between benign and malignant disease. Although collagen matrix is a commonality throughout this process, early stage PanINs are virtually free of periostin while late stage PanIN and pancreatic cancer are surrounded by an increasing abundance of this extracellular matrix protein. Myofibroblasts also become increasingly abundant during progression from PanIN to cancer. From the earliest stages of fibrogenesis, macrophages are associated with this ongoing process. In vitro co-culture indicates there is cross-regulation between macrophages and pancreatic stellate cells (PaSCs), precursors to at least some of the fibrotic cell populations. When quiescent PaSCs were co-cultured with macrophage cell lines, the stellate cells became activated and the macrophages increased cytokine production. In summary, fibrosis in pancreatic cancer involves a complex interplay of cells and matrices that regulate not only the tumor epithelium but the composition of the microenvironment itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjuan Shi
- Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
| | - M. Kay Washington
- Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
| | | | - Yiannis Drosos
- Dept. of Genetics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Frank L. Revetta
- Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
| | | | | | - Fiona E. Yull
- Dept. of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
| | | | | | | | - R. Daniel Beauchamp
- Dept. of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN,Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
| | - Keith T. Wilson
- Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN,Dept. of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN,Dept. of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN,Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville TN
| | - Anna L. Means
- Dept. of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN,Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN
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Gao X, Cao Y, Staloch DA, Gonzales MA, Aronson JF, Chao C, Hellmich MR, Ko TC. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling protects against cerulein-induced pancreatic fibrosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89114. [PMID: 24586530 PMCID: PMC3931685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have an anti-fibrogenic function in the kidney, lung, and liver. However, their role in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is unknown. The aim of this study was to define the anti-fibrogenic role of BMP signaling in the pancreas in vivo under CP induction. Mice with a deletion of BMP type II receptor (BMPR2+/−) were used in this study in comparison with wild-type mice. CP was induced by repetitive cerulein injection intraperitoneally for 4 weeks, and the severity of CP was evaluated. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated from the mice and treated with BMP2 and TGF-β in vitro, and extracellular matrix protein (ECM) production was measured. Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was also evaluated. BMPR2+/− mice revealed a greater pancreatic fibrosis, PSC activation and leukocyte infiltration after CP induction compared to wild-type mice (P<0.05). Under CP induction, phospho (p)Smad1/5/8 was elevated in wild-type mice and this effect was abolished in BMPR2+/− mice; pSmad2 and pp38MAPK were further enhanced in BMPR2+/− mice compared to wild-type mice (P<0.05). In vitro, BMP2 inhibited TGF-β-induced ECM protein fibronectin production in wild-type PSCs; this effect was abolished in BMPR2+/− PSCs (P<0.05). In BMPR2+/− PSCs, pSmad1/5/8 level was barely detectable upon BMP2 stimulation, while pSmad2 level was further enhanced by TGF-β stimulation, compared to wild-type PSCs (P<0.05). BMPR2/Smad1/5/8 signaling plays a protective role against cerulein-induced pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting Smad2 and p38MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuxia Gao
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yanna Cao
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dustin A. Staloch
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Gonzales
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Judith F. Aronson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Celia Chao
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mark R. Hellmich
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tien C. Ko
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sriram S, Robinson P, Pi L, Lewin AS, Schultz G. Triple combination of siRNAs targeting TGFβ1, TGFβR2, and CTGF enhances reduction of collagen I and smooth muscle actin in corneal fibroblasts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:8214-23. [PMID: 24282226 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), TGFβ receptor (TGFβR2), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are key regulators of fibrosis in the cornea and in other tissues, including liver, skin, and kidney. We developed an antifibrotic treatment targeting these three critical scarring genes by using a combination of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and assessed its effect on downstream scarring genes, collagen I, and α smooth muscle actin (SMA). METHODS Up to six individual siRNAs for each of the three target gene mRNAs were transfected into cultures of rabbit corneal fibroblasts at concentrations from 15 to 90 nM. The knockdown of target gene proteins was measured by ELISA, and the two most effective siRNAs were tested in dual combinations. Knockdown percentages of both individual and dual siRNA combinations were analyzed for synergy by using combination index to predict "effective" and "ineffective" triple siRNA combinations. Effects of both triple siRNA combinations on target and downstream mRNAs were measured by using quantitative RT-PCR, and levels of SMA protein were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Single and dual siRNA combinations produced a wide range of protein knockdown of target genes (5%-80%). The effective triple siRNA combination significantly reduced mRNA levels of target genes (>80%) and downstream scarring genes (>85%), and of SMA protein (>95%), and significantly reduced cell migration without reducing cell viability. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous targeting of TGFβ1, TGFβR2, and CTGF genes by effective triple siRNA combination produced high knockdown of target and downstream scarring genes without cell toxicity, which may have clinical applications in reducing corneal fibrosis and scarring in other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriniwas Sriram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Rhein, a natural anthraquinone derivative, attenuates the activation of pancreatic stellate cells and ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis in mice with experimental chronic pancreatitis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82201. [PMID: 24312641 PMCID: PMC3849497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic fibrosis, a prominent histopathological feature of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, is essentially a dynamic process that leads to irreversible scarring of parenchymal tissues of the pancreas. Though the exact mechanisms of its initiation and development are poorly understood, recent studies suggested that the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) plays a critical role in eliciting such active course of fibrogenesis. Anthraquinone compounds possess anti-inflammatory bioactivities whereas its natural derivative rhein has been shown to effectively reduce tissue edema and free-radical production in rat models of inflammatory conditions. Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, rhein actually exerts strong anti-fibrotic effects in our current in-vivo and in-vitro experiments. In the mouse model of cerulein-induced CP, prolonged administration of rhein at 50 mg/kg/day significantly decreased immunoreactivities of the principal fibrotic activators alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) on pancreatic sections implicating the activation of PSCs, which is the central tread to fibrogenesis, was attenuated. Consequently, the overwhelmed deposition of extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin 1 (FN1) and type I collagen (COL I-α1) in exocrine parenchyma was found accordingly reduced. In addition, the expression levels of sonic hedgehog (SHH), which plays important roles in molecular modulation of various fibrotic processes, and its immediate effector GLI1 in pancreatic tissues were positively correlated to the degree of cerulein-induced fibrosis. Such up-regulation of SHH signaling was restrained in rhein-treated CP mice. In cultured PSCs, we demonstrated that the expression levels of TGF-β-stimulated fibrogenic markers including α-SMA, FN1 and COL I-α1 as well as SHH were all notably suppressed by the application of rhein at 10 μM. The present study firstly reported that rhein attenuates PSC activation and suppresses SHH/GLI1 signaling in pancreatic fibrosis. With strong anti-fibrotic effects provided, rhein can be a potential remedy for fibrotic and/or PSC-related pathologies in the pancreas.
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44
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Lerch MM, Gorelick FS. Models of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterology 2013; 144:1180-93. [PMID: 23622127 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of acute and chronic pancreatitis have been created to examine mechanisms of pathogenesis, test therapeutic interventions, and study the influence of inflammation on the development of pancreatic cancer. In vitro models can be used to study early stage, short-term processes that involve acinar cell responses. Rodent models reproducibly develop mild or severe disease. One of the most commonly used pancreatitis models is created by administration of supraphysiologic concentrations of caerulein, an ortholog of cholecystokinin. Induction of chronic pancreatitis with factors thought to have a role in human disease, such as combinations of lipopolysaccharide and chronic ethanol feeding, might be relevant to human disease. Models of autoimmune chronic pancreatitis have also been developed. Most models, particularly of chronic pancreatitis, require further characterization to determine which features of human disease they include.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Lerch
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Strasse, Greifswald, Germany.
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Gao X, Cao Y, Yang W, Duan C, Aronson JF, Rastellini C, Chao C, Hellmich MR, Ko TC. BMP2 inhibits TGF-β-induced pancreatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix formation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2013; 304:G804-13. [PMID: 23429583 PMCID: PMC3652003 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00306.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is the key step in the development of pancreatic fibrosis, a common pathological feature of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the TGF-β superfamily, have anti-fibrogenic functions, in contrast to TGF-β, in the kidney, lung, and liver. However, it is not known whether BMPs have an anti-fibrogenic role in the pancreas. The current study was designed to investigate the potential anti-fibrogenic role of BMPs in the pancreas using an in vivo CP model and an in vitro PSC model. CP was induced by repetitive intraperitoneal injections of cerulein in adult Swiss Webster mice. The control mice received saline injections. Compared with the control, cerulein injections induced a time-dependent increase in acinar injury and progression of fibrosis and a steady increase in inflammation. Cerulein injections also induced increases of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin and of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive stellate cells (PSCs). The mice receiving cerulein injections showed increased BMP2 protein levels and phosphorylated Smad1 levels up to 4 wk and then declined at 8 wk to similar levels as the control. In vitro, the isolated mouse and human PSCs were cultured and pretreated with BMP2 followed by TGF-β treatment. BMP2 pretreatment inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen type Ia expression. Knocking down Smad1 with small-interfering RNA reversed the inhibitory effect of BMP2 on TGF-β-induced α-SMA and fibronectin expression. Thus, BMP2 opposes the fibrogenic function of TGF-β in PSCs through the Smad1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuxia Gao
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas;
| | - Yanna Cao
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas; ,3Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Wenli Yang
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas;
| | - Chaojun Duan
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas;
| | - Judith F. Aronson
- 2Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; and
| | | | - Celia Chao
- 3Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Mark R. Hellmich
- 3Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Tien C. Ko
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas; ,3Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, Westlund KN. Prolonged high fat/alcohol exposure increases TRPV4 and its functional responses in pancreatic stellate cells. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 304:R702-11. [PMID: 23447134 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00296.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) ion channels in pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) isolated from rats with high-fat and alcohol diet (HFA)-induced chronic pancreatitis. TRPV4 is a calcium-permeable nonselective ion channel responsive to osmotic changes, alcohol metabolites arachidonic acid, anandamide, their derivatives, and injury-related lipid mediators. Male Lewis rats were fed HFA for 6-8 wk before isolation and primary culture of PSCs. Control PSCs were harvested from rats fed standard chow. Immunoreactivity for cytoskeletal protein activation product α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β subunit (PDGFR-β) characterized the cells as PSCs. TRPV4 expression increased in PSCs of HFA-fed rats and control cultures after alcohol treatment (50 mM). Cell responses to activation of inducible TRPV4 were assessed with live cell calcium imaging. Threefold increased and sustained intracellular calcium mobilization responses occurred in 70% of pancreatic stellate cells from HFA-fed rats in response to TRPV4 activators arachidonic acid, lipid second messenger, phorbol ester 4 α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4αPDD), and 50% hypoosmotic media compared with relatively unresponsive PSCs from control rats. Activation responses were attenuated by nonselective TRPV channel blocker ruthenium red. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 1 ng/ml, 16 h) increased responses to 4αPDD in control PSCs. These findings implicate TRPV4-mediated calcium responses inducible after HFA exposure and inflammation in reactive responses of activated PSCs that impair pancreatic function, such as responsiveness to cytokines and the deposition of collagen fibrosis that precipitates ductal blockage and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Zhang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0298, USA
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Kong X, Li L, Li Z, Xie K. Targeted destruction of the orchestration of the pancreatic stroma and tumor cells in pancreatic cancer cases: molecular basis for therapeutic implications. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2012; 23:343-56. [PMID: 22749856 PMCID: PMC3505269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, with a prominent desmoplastic reaction as its defining hallmark. The past several decades have seen dramatic progress in understanding of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, including identification of precursor lesions, sequential transformation from normal pancreatic tissue to invasive pancreatic cancer and corresponding signature genetic events, and the biological impact of these events on malignant behavior. However, the currently used therapeutic strategies for epithelial tumor cells, which have exhibited potent antitumor activity in cell culture and animal models, have failed to produce significant effects in the clinic. The desmoplastic stroma surrounding pancreatic cancer cells, which accounts for about 90% of a tumor's mass, clearly is not a passive scaffold for cancer cells but an active contributor to carcinogenesis. Improved understanding of the dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the stroma will be important to designing effective therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. This review focuses on the origin of stromal molecular and cellular components in pancreatic tumors, their biological effects on pancreatic cancer cells, and the orchestration of these two components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaoshen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, The People’s Republic of China
| | - Keping Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Regulation of pancreatic function by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2). Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2012; 24:59-68. [PMID: 22884427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a cysteine-rich matricellular secreted protein that regulates diverse cell functions including adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival, senescence and apoptosis. In the pancreas, CTGF/CCN2 regulates critical functions including β cell replication during embryogenesis, stimulation of fibrogenic pathways in pancreatic stellate cells during pancreatitis, and regulation of the epithelial and stromal components in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This article reviews the evidence establishing CTGF/CCN2 as an important player in pancreatic physiology and pathology, highlighting the specific cell types that are involved in each process and the importance of CTGF/CCN2 as a component of autocrine or paracrine signaling within or between these various cells. Translational applications, including the potential for CTGF/CCN2-based therapies in diabetes, fibrosis, or cancer, are discussed.
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Yang L, Shen J, He S, Hu G, Shen J, Wang F, Xu L, Dai W, Xiong J, Ni J, Guo C, Wan R, Wang X. L-cysteine administration attenuates pancreatic fibrosis induced by TNBS in rats by inhibiting the activation of pancreatic stellate cell. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31807. [PMID: 22359633 PMCID: PMC3281011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies have shown that activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in pancreatic fibrogenesis. We aimed to study the effect of L-cysteine administration on fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis (CP) induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats and on the function of cultured PSCs. METHODS CP was induced by TNBS infusion into rat pancreatic ducts. L-cysteine was administrated for the duration of the experiment. Histological analysis and the contents of hydroxyproline were used to evaluate pancreatic damage and fibrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis of α-SMA in the pancreas was performed to detect the activation of PSCs in vivo. The collagen deposition related proteins and cytokines were determined by western blot analysis. DNA synthesis of cultured PSCs was evaluated by BrdU incorporation. We also evaluated the effect of L-cysteine on the cell cycle and cell activation by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. The expression of PDGFRβ, TGFβRII, collagen 1α1 and α-SMA of PSCs treated with different concentrations of L-cysteine was determined by western blot. Parameters of oxidant stress were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, IL-1β expression were evaluated in pancreas tissues by qRT-PCR. RESULTS The inhibition of pancreatic fibrosis by L-cysteine was confirmed by histological observation and hydroxyproline assay. α-SMA, TIMP1, IL-1β and TGF-β1 production decreased compared with the untreated group along with an increase in MMP2 production. L-cysteine suppressed the proliferation and extracellular matrix production of PSCs through down-regulating of PDGFRβ and TGFβRII. Concentrations of MDA+4-HNE were decreased by L-cysteine administration along with an increase in GSH levels both in tissues and cells. In addition, L-cysteine increased the mRNA expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1 and reduced the expression of IL-1β in L-cysteine treated group when compared with control group. CONCLUSION L-cysteine treatment attenuated pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiJuan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - JiaQing Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - ShanShan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - GuoYong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - WeiQi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - JianBo Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - ChuanYong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - XingPeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Tenth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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McCleary-Wheeler AL, McWilliams R, Fernandez-Zapico ME. Aberrant signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer: a two compartment view. Mol Carcinog 2012; 51:25-39. [PMID: 22162229 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with historically limited success in treatment and a poor prognosis. Pancreatic cancer appears to have a progressive pathway of development, initiating from well-described pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions and concluding with invasive carcinoma. These early lesions have been shown to harbor-specific alterations in signaling pathways that remain throughout this tumorigenesis process. Meanwhile, new alterations occur during this process of disease progression to have a cumulative effect. This series of events not only impacts the epithelial cells comprising the tumor, but they may also affect the surrounding stromal cells. The result is the formation of complex signaling networks of communication between the tumor epithelial cell and the stromal cell compartments to promote a permissive and cooperative environment. This article highlights some of the most common pathway aberrations involved with this disease, and how these may subsequently affect one or both cellular compartments. Consequently, furthering our understanding of these pathways in terms of their function on the tumoral epithelial and stromal compartments may prove to be crucial to the development of targeted and more successful therapies in the future.
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