1
|
Xie X, Fu G, Liu Y, Fan C, Tan S, Huang H, Yan J, Jin L. Hedgehog pathway negatively regulated depleted uranium-induced nephrotoxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3833-3845. [PMID: 38546377 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24242] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) retains the radiological toxicities, which accumulates preferentially in the kidneys. Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays a critical role in tissue injury. However, the role of Hh in DU-induced nephrotoxicity was still unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Gli2, which was an important transcription effector of Hh signaling, on DU induced nephrotoxicity. To clarify it, CK19 positive tubular epithelial cells specific Gli2 conditional knockout (KO) mice model was exposed to DU, and then histopathological damage and Hh signaling pathway activation was analyzed. Moreover, HEK-293 T cells were exposed to DU with Gant61 or Gli2 overexpression, and cytotoxicity of DU as analyzed. Results showed that DU caused nephrotoxicity accompanied by activation of Hh signaling pathway. Meanwhile, genetic KO of Gli2 reduced DU-induced nephrotoxicity by normalizing biochemical indicators and reducing Hh pathway activation. Pharmacologic inhibition of Gli1/2 by Gant61 reduced DU induced cytotoxicity by inhibiting apoptosis, ROS formation and Hh pathway activation. However, overexpression of Gli2 aggravated DU-induced cytotoxicity by increasing the levels of apoptosis and ROS formation. Taken together, these results revealed that Hh signaling negatively regulated DU-inducted nephrotoxicity, and that inhibition of Gli2 might serve as a promising nephroprotective target for DU-induced kidney injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Xie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoquan Fu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Caixia Fan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Tan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huarong Huang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Yan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lifang Jin
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mannan A, Dhiamn S, Garg N, Singh TG. Pharmacological modulation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathways in Angiogenesis: A mechanistic perspective. Dev Biol 2023; 504:58-74. [PMID: 37739118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling pathway is an imperative operating network that helps in regulates the critical events during the development processes like multicellular embryo growth and patterning. Disruptions in SHh pathway regulation can have severe consequences, including congenital disabilities, stem cell renewal, tissue regeneration, and cancer/tumor growth. Activation of the SHh signal occurs when SHh binds to the receptor complex of Patch (Ptc)-mediated Smoothened (Smo) (Ptc-smo), initiating downstream signaling. This review explores how pharmacological modulation of the SHh pathway affects angiogenesis through canonical and non-canonical pathways. The canonical pathway for angiogenesis involves the activation of angiogenic cytokines such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), stromal cell-derived factor 1α, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and angiopoietins (Ang-1 and Ang-2), which facilitate the process of angiogenesis. The Non-canonical pathway includes indirect activation of certain pathways like iNOS/Netrin-1/PKC, RhoA/Rock, ERK/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch signaling pathway, and so on. This review will provide a better grasp of the mechanistic approach of SHh in mediating angiogenesis, which can aid in the suppression of certain cancer and tumor growths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashi Mannan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Sonia Dhiamn
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Nikhil Garg
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang D, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Yang S, Xiao X, Feng L. Angiogenesis-An Emerging Role in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14123. [PMID: 37762426 PMCID: PMC10532049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the study of lymphangiogenesis and fibrotic diseases has made considerable achievements, and accumulating evidence indicates that lymphangiogenesis plays a key role in the process of fibrosis in various organs. Although the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis disease have not been conclusively determined due to different disease models and pathological stages of organ fibrosis, its importance in the development of fibrosis is unquestionable. Therefore, we expounded on the characteristics of lymphangiogenesis in fibrotic diseases from the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis, the source of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), the mechanism of fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of intervening lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis. We found that expansion of LECs or lymphatic networks occurs through original endothelial cell budding or macrophage differentiation into LECs, and the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR3) pathway is central in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1), as a receptor of LECs, is also involved in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis. Intervention with lymphangiogenesis improves fibrosis to some extent. In the complex organ fibrosis microenvironment, a variety of functional cells, inflammatory factors and chemokines synergistically or antagonistically form the complex network involved in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis and regulate the progression of fibrosis disease. Further clarifying the formation of a new fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis network may potentially provide new strategies for the treatment of fibrosis disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Feng
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gu D, Soepriatna AH, Zhang W, Li J, Zhao J, Zhang X, Shu X, Wang Y, Landis BJ, Goergen CJ, Xie J. Activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway leads to fibrosis in aortic valves. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:43. [PMID: 36864465 PMCID: PMC9983197 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00980-1] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is a pathological wound healing process characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, which interferes with normal organ function and contributes to ~ 45% of human mortality. Fibrosis develops in response to chronic injury in nearly all organs, but the a cascade of events leading to fibrosis remains unclear. While hedgehog (Hh) signaling activation has been associated with fibrosis in the lung, kidney, and skin, it is unknown whether hedgehog signaling activation is the cause or the consequence of fibrosis. We hypothesize that activation of hedgehog signaling is sufficient to drive fibrosis in mouse models. RESULTS In this study, we provide direct evidence to show that activation of Hh signaling via expression of activated smoothened, SmoM2, is sufficient to induce fibrosis in the vasculature and aortic valves. We showed that activated SmoM2 -induced fibrosis is associated with abnormal function of aortic valves and heart. The relevance of this mouse model to human health is reflected in our findings that elevated GLI expression is detected in 6 out of 11 aortic valves from patients with fibrotic aortic valves. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that activating hedgehog signaling is sufficient to drive fibrosis in mice, and this mouse model is relevant to human aortic valve stenosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gu
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, 1040 W. Walnut Street., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Arvin H. Soepriatna
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive, Room 3025, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, 184 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, 1040 W. Walnut Street., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Jun Li
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jenny Zhao
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, 1040 W. Walnut Street., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St., Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, 1040 W. Walnut Street., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Xianhong Shu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yongshi Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Benjamin J. Landis
- grid.257413.60000 0001 2287 3919Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, 1040 W. Walnut Street., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Craig J. Goergen
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive, Room 3025, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, 1040 W. Walnut Street., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Basic and Translational Cancer Review Branch (BTC), Division of Basic and Integrative Biological Sciences (DBIB), Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ma C, Hu K, Ullah I, Zheng QK, Zhang N, Sun ZG. Molecular Mechanisms Involving the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Lung Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances. Front Oncol 2022; 12:729088. [PMID: 35433472 PMCID: PMC9010822 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.729088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world, accounting for approximately 18% of all cancer-associated deaths. Yet, even with aggressive interventions for advanced lung cancer, the five-year survival rate remains low, at around 15%. The hedgehog signaling pathway is highly conserved during embryonic development and is involved in tissue homeostasis as well as organ development. However, studies have documented an increasing prevalence of aberrant activation of HH signaling in lung cancer patients, promoting malignant lung cancer progression with poor prognostic outcomes. Inhibitors targeting the HH pathway have been widely used in tumor therapy, however, they still cannot avoid the occurrence of drug resistance. Interestingly, natural products, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have greatly improved overall survival outcomes for lung cancer patients by acting on the HH signaling pathway because of its unique and excellent pharmacological properties. In this review, we elucidate on the underlying molecular mechanisms through which the HH pathway promotes malignant biological behaviors in lung cancer, as well as the potential of inhibitors or natural compounds in targeting HH signaling for clinical applications in lung cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Kang Hu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Department of Surgery, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Qing-Kang Zheng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Breast Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Gang Sun, ; Nan Zhang,
| | - Zhi-Gang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Gang Sun, ; Nan Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shi Y, Chen G, Teng J. Network-Based Expression Analyses and Experimental Verifications Reveal the Involvement of STUB1 in Acute Kidney Injury. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:655361. [PMID: 34262937 PMCID: PMC8273177 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.655361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe and frequently observed condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. The molecular mechanisms underlying AKI have not been elucidated due to the complexity of the pathophysiological processes. Thus, we investigated the key biological molecules contributing to AKI based on the transcriptome profile. We analyzed the RNA sequencing data from 39 native human renal biopsy samples and 9 reference nephrectomies from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that various GO terms were dysregulated in AKI. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) highlighted dysregulated pathways, including "DNA replication," "chemokine signaling pathway," and "metabolic pathways." Furthermore, the protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs were constructed, and the hub genes were identified using Cytoscape. Moreover, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to validate the DEGs in AKI-related modules. Subsequently, the upregulated hub genes STUB1, SOCS1, and VHL were validated as upregulated in human AKI and a mouse cisplatin-induced AKI model. Moreover, the biological functions of STUB1 were investigated in renal tubular epithelial cells. Cisplatin treatment increased STUB1 expression in a dose-dependent manner at both the mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of STUB1 by siRNA increased the expression of proapoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase-3 while decreasing antiapoptotic Bcl-2. In addition, silencing STUB1 increased the apoptosis of HK-2 cells and the proinflammatory cytokine production of IL6, TNFα, and IL1β induced by cisplatin. These results indicated that STUB1 may contribute to the initiation and progression of AKI by inducing renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and renal inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Genwen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Teng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Donnan MD. Kidney lymphatics: new insights in development and disease. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021; 30:450-455. [PMID: 34027907 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will highlight recent advances in our understanding of the kidney lymphatics regarding their development, physiologic function, and their potential role in the progression of kidney disease. RECENT FINDINGS Although sparse in comparison to the blood vasculature, lymphatic vessels within the healthy kidney perform an important role in maintaining homeostasis. Additionally, in response to kidney injury, lymphatic vessels undergo substantial expansion, termed lymphangiogenesis, which shows a direct correlation to the extent of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Kidney lymphatics expand through both the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells from existing lymphatic vessels, as well as from direct contribution by other cell types of nonvenous origin. The primary driver of lymphatic growth is vascular endothelial growth factor C, both in development and in response to injury. The clinical implications of lymphangiogenesis in the setting of kidney diseases remains debated, however growing evidence suggests lymphatic vessels may perform a protective role in clearing away accumulating interstitial fluid, inflammatory cytokines, and cellular infiltrates that occur with injury. SUMMARY There is increasing evidence the kidney lymphatics perform an active role in the response to kidney injury and the development of fibrosis. Recent advances in our understanding of these vessels raise the possibility of targeting kidney lymphatics for the treatment of kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Donnan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular & Renal Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Creed HA, Rutkowski JM. Emerging roles for lymphatics in acute kidney injury: Beneficial or maleficent? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:845-850. [PMID: 33467886 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220983235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury, a sudden decline in renal filtration, is a surprisingly common pathology resulting from ischemic events, local or systemic infection, or drug-induced toxicity in the kidney. Unchecked, acute kidney injury can progress to renal failure and even recovered acute kidney injury patients are at an increased risk for developing future chronic kidney disease. The initial extent of inflammation, the specific immune response, and how well inflammation resolves are likely determinants in acute kidney injury-to-chronic kidney disease progression. Lymphatic vessels and their roles in fluid, solute, antigen, and immune cell transport make them likely to have a role in the acute kidney injury response. Lymphatics have proven to be an attractive target in regulating inflammation and immunomodulation in other pathologies: might these strategies be employed in acute kidney injury? Acute kidney injury studies have identified elevated levels of lymphangiogenic ligands following acute kidney injury, with an expansion of the lymphatics in several models post-injury. Manipulating the lymphatics in acute kidney injury, by augmenting or inhibiting their growth or through targeting lymphatic-immune interactions, has met with a range of positive, negative, and sometimes inconclusive results. This minireview briefly summarizes the findings of lymphatic changes and lymphatic roles in the inflammatory response in the kidney following acute kidney injury to discuss whether renal lymphatics are a beneficial, maleficent, or a passive contributor to acute kidney injury recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi A Creed
- Division of Lymphatic Biology, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Joseph M Rutkowski
- Division of Lymphatic Biology, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu X, Miao J, Wang C, Zhou S, Chen S, Ren Q, Hong X, Wang Y, Hou FF, Zhou L, Liu Y. Tubule-derived exosomes play a central role in fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis. Kidney Int 2019; 97:1181-1195. [PMID: 32139089 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles such as exosomes are involved in mediating cell-cell communication by shuttling an assortment of proteins and genetic information. Here, we tested whether renal tubule-derived exosomes play a central role in mediating kidney fibrosis. The production of exosomes was found to be increased in the early stage of unilateral ureteral obstruction, ischemia reperfusion injury or 5/6 nephrectomy models of kidney disease. Exosome production occurred primarily in renal proximal tubular epithelium and was accompanied by induction of sonic hedgehog (Shh). In vitro, upon stimulation with transforming growth factor-β1, kidney proximal tubular cells (HKC-8) increased exosome production. Purified exosomes from these cells were able to induce renal interstitial fibroblast (NRK-49F) activation. Conversely, pharmacologic inhibition of exosome secretion with dimethyl amiloride, depletion of exosome from the conditioned media or knockdown of Shh expression abolished the ability of transforming growth factor-β1-treated HKC-8 cells to induce NRK-49F activation. In vivo, injections of tubular cell-derived exosomes aggravated kidney injury and fibrosis, which was negated by an Shh signaling inhibitor. Blockade of exosome secretion in vivo ameliorated renal fibrosis after either ischemic or obstructive injury. Furthermore, knockdown of Rab27a, a protein that is essential for exosome formation, also preserved kidney function and attenuated renal fibrotic lesions in mice. Thus, our results suggest that tubule-derived exosomes play an essential role in renal fibrogenesis through shuttling Shh ligand. Hence, strategies targeting exosomes could be a new avenue in developing therapeutics against renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuangqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou D, Fu H, Han Y, Zhang L, Liu S, Lin L, Stolz DB, Liu Y. Sonic hedgehog connects podocyte injury to mesangial activation and glomerulosclerosis. JCI Insight 2019; 4:130515. [PMID: 31647783 PMCID: PMC6948867 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.130515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glomerular disease is characterized by proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis, two pathologic features caused by podocyte injury and mesangial cell activation, respectively. However, whether these two events are linked remains elusive. Here, we report that sonic hedgehog (Shh) is the mediator that connects podocyte damage to mesangial activation and glomerulosclerosis. Shh was induced in glomerular podocytes in various models of proteinuric chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, mesangial cells in the glomeruli, but not podocytes, responded to hedgehog ligand. In vitro, Shh was induced in podocytes after injury and selectively promoted mesangial cell activation and proliferation. In a miniorgan culture of isolated glomeruli, Shh promoted mesangial activation but did not affect the integrity of podocytes. Podocyte-specific ablation of Shh in vivo exhibited no effect on proteinuria after adriamycin injection but hampered mesangial activation and glomerulosclerosis. Consistently, pharmacologic blockade of Shh signaling decoupled proteinuria from glomerulosclerosis. In humans, Shh was upregulated in glomerular podocytes in patients with CKD and its circulating level was associated with glomerulosclerosis but not proteinuria. These studies demonstrate that Shh mechanistically links podocyte injury to mesangial activation in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. Our findings also illustrate a crucial role for podocyte-mesangial communication in connecting proteinuria to glomerulosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Shijia Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Donna B. Stolz
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Youhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|