Cyclic stretch induces proliferation and TGF-β1-mediated apoptosis via p38 and ERK in ureteric bud cells

Stretch regulates alveologenesis and homeostasis via mesenchymal Gαq/11-mediated TGFβ2 activation

Alveolar development and repair require tight spatiotemporal regulation of numerous signalling pathways that are influenced by chemical and mechanical stimuli. Mesenchymal cells play key roles in numerous developmental processes. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is essential for alveologenesis and lung repair, and the G protein α subunits Gαq and Gα11 (Gαq/11) transmit mechanical and chemical signals to activate TGFβ in epithelial cells. To understand the role of mesenchymal Gαq/11 in lung development, we generated constitutive (Pdgfrb-Cre+/-;Gnaqfl/fl;Gna11-/-) and inducible (Pdgfrb-Cre/ERT2+/-;Gnaqfl/fl;Gna11-/-) mesenchymal Gαq/11 deleted mice. Mice with constitutive Gαq/11 gene deletion exhibited abnormal alveolar development, with suppressed myofibroblast differentiation, altered mesenchymal cell synthetic function, and reduced lung TGFβ2 deposition, as well as kidney abnormalities. Tamoxifen-induced mesenchymal Gαq/11 gene deletion in adult mice resulted in emphysema associated with reduced TGFβ2 and elastin deposition. Cyclical mechanical stretch-induced TGFβ activation required Gαq/11 signalling and serine protease activity, but was independent of integrins, suggesting an isoform-specific role for TGFβ2 in this model. These data highlight a previously undescribed mechanism of cyclical stretch-induced Gαq/11-dependent TGFβ2 signalling in mesenchymal cells, which is imperative for normal alveologenesis and maintenance of lung homeostasis.

Rapid Prototypable Biomimetic Peristalsis Bioreactor Capable of Concurrent Shear and Multi-Axial Strain

Peristalsis is a nuanced mechanical stimulus comprised of multi-axial strain (radial and axial strain) and shear stress. Forces associated with peristalsis regulate diverse biological functions including digestion, reproductive function, and urine dynamics. Given the central role peristalsis plays in physiology and pathophysiology, we were motivated to design a bioreactor capable of holistically mimicking peristalsis. We engineered a novel rotating screw-drive based design combined with a peristaltic pump, in order to deliver multi-axial strain and concurrent shear stress to a biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane "wall." Radial indentation and rotation of the screw drive against the wall demonstrated multi-axial strain evaluated via finite element modeling. Experimental measurements of strain using piezoelectric strain resistors were in close alignment with model-predicted values (15.9 ± 4.2% vs. 15.2% predicted). Modeling of shear stress on the "wall" indicated a uniform velocity profile and a moderate shear stress of 0.4 Pa. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) seeded on the PDMS "wall" and stimulated with peristalsis demonstrated dramatic changes in actin filament alignment, proliferation, and nuclear morphology compared to static controls, perfusion, or strain, indicating that hMSCs sensed and responded to peristalsis uniquely. Lastly, significant differences were observed in gene expression patterns of calponin, caldesmon, smooth muscle actin, and transgelin, corroborating the propensity of hMSCs toward myogenic differentiation in response to peristalsis. Collectively, our data suggest that the peristalsis bioreactor is capable of generating concurrent multi-axial strain and shear stress on a "wall." hMSCs experience peristalsis differently than perfusion or strain, resulting in changes in proliferation, actin fiber organization, smooth muscle actin expression, and genetic markers of differentiation. The peristalsis bioreactor device has broad utility in the study of development and disease in several organ systems.

Mechanical stress promotes biological functions of C2C12 myoblasts by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in multiple types of cells. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanical stress on C2C12 cell proliferation and to explore the associated mechanisms. A cyclic mechanical stress model of C2C12 myoblasts was established. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting assay were used to examine the PI3K signaling pathways involved in the progress of cell differentiation. Cell counting kit‑8 (CCK‑8) assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of C2C12 cells. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate apoptosis following mechanical stress. The results demonstrated that mechanical stress activated the PI3K signaling pathway in C2C12 myoblasts. Mechanical stress significantly promoted phosphorylation (p‑) of AKT and expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) compared with the normal group. Mechanical stress significantly promoted 4E‑binding protein 1 (4EBP1) expression in C2C12 cells compared with the normal group. The PI3K specific inhibitor LY294002 significantly decreased 4EBP1 expression and reduced p‑AKT and p‑mTOR expression compared with the mechanical stress group. Mechanical stress promoted C2C12 cell proliferation. Apoptosis of C2C12 significantly decreased in the mechanical stress group compared with the normal group. Cyclin D levels significantly increased in the mechanical stress group compared with the normal group. In conclusion, mechanical stress promoted biological functions of C2C12 cells by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the effects of mechanical stress on cells.

Maternal undernutrition aggravates renal tubular necrosis and interstitial fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction in male rat offspring

Maternal undernutrition is known to reduce glomerular number but it may also affect tubulointerstitium, capillary density, and response to oxidative stress. To investigate whether the latter elements are affected, we examined the response to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), an established model of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, in the kidney of offspring from control and nutrient restricted rats. Six-week old male offspring from rats given food ad libitum (CON) and those subjected to 50% food restriction throughout pregnancy (NR) were subjected to UUO for 7 days. Body weight was significantly lower in NR. Systolic blood pressure and blood urea nitrogen increased similarly in CON and NR after UUO. Tubular necrosis in the obstructed kidney, on the other hand, was more extensive in NR. Also, the collagen area, a marker of fibrosis, of the obstructed kidney was significantly increased compared with the contralateral kidney only in NR. Capillary density was decreased similarly in the obstructed kidney of CON and NR compared with the contralateral kidney. Urine nitrate/nitrite, a marker of nitric oxide production, from the obstructed kidney was significantly increased in NR compared with CON. Nitrotyrosine, a marker of nitric oxide-mediated free radical injury, was increased in the obstructed kidney compared with the contralateral kidney in both CON and NR, but the extent was significantly greater in NR.

In conclusion, more severe tubular necrosis and fibrosis after UUO was observed in NR, which was thought to be due to increased nitrosative stress.

p38 MAPK activity is associated with the histological degree of interstitial fibrosis in IgA nephropathy patients

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is associated with tissue fibrosis, and inhibition of p38 MAPK can attenuate the progression of fibrosis. We aimed to investigate whether p38 MAPK activity in kidney tissue confirmed by immunohistochemical staining is associated with renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney disease patients with IgA nephropathy. We collected kidney biopsy specimens from 341 IgA nephropathy patients and 15 control patients to identify the clinical and histopathological factors associated with kidney tubulointerstitial fibrosis and to find an association between kidney phosphorylated p38 immunoactivity and pathological grading. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether the anti-fibrotic effect of p38 MAPK inhibition can be identified by assessing the immunostaining intensity of phosphorylated p38 in kidney tissue. A renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis model was introduced using 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-731445 was injected intraperitoneally every day for 7 days, and changes in renal fibrosis-associated markers were investigated. Assessment of kidney biopsy specimens from IgA nephropathy patients revealed that the degree of interstitial fibrosis was significantly associated with the tissue immunoactivity of phosphorylated p38. High-grade interstitial fibrosis was associated with a low glomerular filtration rate, high proteinuria, and high-grade histopathological changes, including tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation, and glomerular sclerosis. In a mouse UUO model, renal protein expression of COL1 and phosphorylated p38 were significantly increased, and the protein expression of COL1 and phosphorylated p38 decreased in mice administered 10 mg/kg/day p38 MAPK inhibitor. We found that kidney interstitial fibrosis is associated with increased immunoactivity of phosphorylated p38 in a UUO mouse model and in human IgA nephropathy patients and that the anti-fibrotic effect of p38 MAPK inhibition can be confirmed using immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated p38 in kidney tissue.

Regulation of YAP by mechanical strain through Jnk and Hippo signaling

Mechanical forces affect all the tissues of our bodies. Experiments conducted mainly on cultured cells have established that altering these forces influences cell behaviors, including migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and proliferation [1, 2]. The transcriptional coactivator YAP has been identified as a nuclear relay of mechanical signals, but the molecular mechanisms that lead to YAP activation were not identified [3]. YAP is the main transcriptional effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, a major growth regulatory pathway within metazoa [4], but at least in some instances, the influence of mechanical strain on YAP was reported to be independent of Hippo signaling [5, 6]. Here, we identify a molecular pathway that can promote the proliferation of cultured mammary epithelial cells in response to cyclic or static stretch. These mechanical stimuli are associated with increased activity of the transcriptional coactivator YAP, which is due at least in part to inhibition of Hippo pathway activity. Much of this influence on Hippo signaling can be accounted for by the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity by mechanical strain and subsequent inhibition of Hippo signaling by JNK. LATS1 is a key negative regulator of YAP within the Hippo pathway, and we further show that cyclic stretch is associated with a JNK-dependent increase in binding of a LATS inhibitor, LIMD1, to the LATS1 kinase and that reduction of LIMD1 expression suppresses the activation of YAP by cyclic stretch. Together, these observations establish a pathway for mechanical regulation of cell proliferation via JNK-mediated inhibition of Hippo signaling.

The physical basis of renal fibrosis: effects of altered hydrodynamic forces on kidney homeostasis

Healthy kidneys are continuously exposed to an array of physical forces as they filter the blood: shear stress along the inner lumen of the tubules, distension of the tubular walls in response to changing fluid pressures, and bending moments along both the cilia and microvilli of individual epithelial cells that comprise the tubules. Dysregulation of kidney homeostasis via underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or glomerulonephritis fundamentally elevates the magnitudes of each principle force in the kidney and leads to fibrotic scarring and eventual loss of organ function. The purpose of this review is to summarize the progress made characterizing the response of kidney cells to pathological levels of mechanical stimuli. In particular, we examine important, mechanically responsive signaling cascades and explore fundamental changes in renal cell homeostasis after cyclic strain or fluid shear stress exposure. Elucidating the effects of these disease-related mechanical imbalances on endogenous signaling events in kidney cells presents a unique opportunity to better understand the fibrotic process.

Less expression of prohibitin is associated with increased paired box 2 (PAX2) in renal interstitial fibrosis rats

Prohibitin (PHB) and paired box 2 (PAX2) are associated with the development of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). This study was performed to investigate whether or not the PHB could regulate the PAX2 gene expression in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. Eighty Wistar male rats were randomly divided into two groups: sham operation group (SHO) and model group subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (GU), n = 40, respectively. The model was established by left ureteral ligation. Renal tissues were collected at 14-day and 28-day after surgery. RIF index, protein expression of PHB, PAX2, transforming growth factor-βl (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-IV (Col-IV), fibronectin (FN) or cleaved Caspase-3, and cell apoptosis index in renal interstitium, and mRNA expressions of PHB, PAX2 and TGF-β1 in renal tissue were detected. When compared with those in SHO group, expression of PHB (mRNA and protein) was significantly reduced, and expressions of PAX2 and TGF-β1 (protein and mRNA) were markedly increased in the GU group (each p < 0.01). Protein expressions of α-SMA, Col-IV, FN and cleaved Caspase-3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index in the GU group were markedly increased when compared with those in the SHO group (each p < 0.01). The protein expression of PHB was negatively correlated with protein expression of PAX2, TGF-β1, α-SMA, Col-IV, FN or cleaved Caspase-3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, less expression of PHB is associated with increased PAX2 gene expression and RIF index in UUO rats, suggesting that increasing the PHB expression is a potential therapeutic target for prevention of RIF.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase plays a proapoptotic role in podocytes after reactive oxygen species treatment and inhibition of integrin-extracellular matrix interaction

The effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and blocking integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction on apoptosis in podocytes, and the related signal transduction pathways remain unclear. Primary cultured rat podocytes were exposed to ROS. Integrin-ECM interaction was inhibited with anti-β1-integrin monoclonal antibody (mAb) or RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was evaluated with Western blotting. U0126 was used to inhibit ERK activation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-peroxidase nick end-labeling of DNA (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis. We found that ROS-treated podocytes exhibited increased apoptosis, and both anti-β1-integrin mAb and RGDS induce apoptosis. Addition of ROS to either anti-β1-integrin mAb or RGDS enhanced apoptosis in both conditions. ERK activation was increased by either ROS or blocking integrin-ECM interaction. Preincubation with U0126 decreased apoptosis induced by ROS, anti-β1-integrin mAb or RGDS, respectively. Our study demonstrated that ROS and blocking integrin-ECM interaction induce podocyte apoptosis, which is mediated by ERK activation.

Less expression of prohibitin is associated with increased caspase-3 expression and cell apoptosis in renal interstitial fibrosis rats

AIMS

Prohibitin (PHB), a ubiquitous protein, is involved in a variety of molecular functions. Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a hallmark of common progressive chronic diseases that lead to renal failure. This study was performed to investigate whether PHB was associated with caspase-3 expression/cell apoptosis in RIF rats.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sham operation group (SHO) and model group subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (GU), n = 12, respectively. The model was established by left ureteral ligation. Renal tissues were collected at 14 days and 28 days after surgery. RIF index, cell apoptosis index, protein expression of PHB, transforming growth factor-βl (TGF-β1), collagen-IV (Col-IV), fibronectin (FN) or caspase-3 in renal interstitium, and mRNA expression of PHB in renal tissue were detected.

RESULTS

Compared with that in the SHO group, the PHB expression (mRNA and protein) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Protein expressions of TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN and caspase-3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index in GU group were markedly elevated compared with those in SHO group (all P < 0.01). The protein expression of PHB had a negative correlation with the protein expression of TGF-β1, Col-IV, FN or caspase-3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index (each P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Less expression of PHB is associated with increased caspase-3 expression/cell apoptosis in RIF rats. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of PHB on caspase-3 expression/cell apoptosis and to determine the potential of PHB as a therapeutic target.

Absence of canonical Smad signaling in ureteral and bladder mesenchyme causes ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) is a common congenital anomaly frequently associated with ureteral defects. To study the molecular mechanisms that modulate ureteral development, we inactivated Smad4, the common Smad critical for transcriptional responses to TGF-β and Bmp signaling, in the ureteral and bladder mesenchyme during embryogenesis. Loss of canonical Smad signaling in these tissues caused bilateral UPJ obstruction and severe hydronephrosis beginning at embryonic day 17.5. Despite a reduction in quantity of ureteral smooth muscle, differentiation proceeded without Smad4, producing a less severe phenotype than Bmp4 mutants; this finding suggests that at least some Bmp4 functions in ureteral smooth muscle may be Smad-independent. The absence of canonical Smad signaling in the ureteral mesenchyme, but not in the urothelium itself, led to urothelial disorganization, highlighting the importance of mesenchymal support for epithelial development. Transcript profiling revealed altered expression in known Bmp targets, smooth muscle-specific genes, and extracellular matrix-related genes in mutant ureters before the onset of hydronephrosis. Expression of the Bmp target Id2 was significantly lower in Smad4 mutants, consistent with the observation that Id2 mutants develop UPJ obstruction. In summary, Smad4 deficiency reduces the number and contractility of ureteral smooth muscle cells, leading to abnormal pyeloureteral peristalsis and functional obstruction. The subsequent bending and luminal constriction of the ureter at the UPJ marks the transition from a functional obstruction to a more intractable physical obstruction, suggesting that early intervention for this disease may prevent more irreversible damage to the urinary tract.

Association of PAX2 with cell apoptosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the final common pathway for chronic kidney disease. Cell apoptosis is a critical detrimental event that leads to renal fibrosis. Paired box 2 (PAX2) plays a major role in the development of the kidney. This study was performed to investigate whether PAX2 was associated with cell apoptosis in the progression of RIF in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. Eighty Wistar male rats were divided into two groups randomly: sham operation group (SHO) and model group subjected to UUO (GU), n = 40, respectively. The model was established by left ureteral ligation. Renal tissues were collected 14 and 28 days after surgery. Protein expressions of PAX2, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-IV (Col-IV), fibronectin (FN), and caspase-3 were detected using immunohistochemical analysis; mRNA expression of PAX2 in renal tissue was detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; and RIF index and cell apoptosis index in renal interstitium were also calculated. When compared with those in the SHO group, expressions of PAX2 (protein and mRNA) were markedly increased in the GU group (each p < 0.01). Protein expressions of TGF-β1, α-SMA, Col-IV, FN, and caspase-3 and RIF index and cell apoptosis index in the GU group were remarkably increased when compared with those in the SHO group (each p < 0.01). The protein expression of PAX2 was positively correlated with the protein expressions of TGF-β1, α-SMA, Col-IV, FN, and caspase-3 and with RIF index and cell apoptosis index (all p < 0.01). The apoptotic cell in our observation was mainly derived from renal tubular epithelial cells. In conclusion, the increased expression of PAX2 is associated with cell apoptosis in the progression of RIF in UUO rats, suggesting that PAX2 is a potentially therapeutic target for prevention of RIF. Tian-Biao Zhou and Yuan-Han Qin wish it to be known that, in their opinion, they should be regarded as joint first authors.

[The role of Pax2 in regulation of kidney development and kidney disease]

Paired box2 (Pax2) gene plays a crucial role in kidney development and is expressed in the nephric duct, mesenchyme of pronephrons, mesonephrons, and metanephrons with special spatial and temporal characteristic. Research in animals indicate that Pax2 can interact with many important transcription factors such as Gdnf, Ret, SHH, Wnt4, and Fgf to organize the nephric linage specification, pro/mesonephric tubule formation and descent, emergence of the ureteric bud, branching morphogenesis, and nephron induction. Pax2 is associated with various congenital renal and ureter malformations, and the mutation is easist to detected in Renal-coloboma syndrome. In renal cell carcinoma, Wilms tumor and many acquired kidney diseases Pax2 is expressed abnormally, whose diagnose and therapy value will be the focus of further research. This paper reviews the molecular structure, expression and regulation of Pax2 in kidney development and diseases.