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Guo S, Feng Y, Zhu X, Zhang X, Wang H, Wang R, Zhang Q, Li Y, Ren Y, Gao X, Bian H, Liu T, Gao H, Kong X. Metabolic crosstalk between skeletal muscle cells and liver through IRF4-FSTL1 in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6047. [PMID: 37770480 PMCID: PMC10539336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41832-3] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-organ crosstalk has gained increasing attention in recent times; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we elucidate an endocrine pathway that is regulated by skeletal muscle interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 4, which manipulates liver pathology. Skeletal muscle specific IRF4 knockout (F4MKO) mice exhibited ameliorated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, without changes in body weight, when put on a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) diet. Proteomics analysis results suggested that follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) may constitute a link between muscles and the liver. Dual luciferase assays showed that IRF4 can transcriptionally regulate FSTL1. Further, inducing FSTL1 expression in the muscles of F4MKO mice is sufficient to restore liver pathology. In addition, co-culture experiments confirmed that FSTL1 plays a distinct role in various liver cell types via different receptors. Finally, we observed that the serum FSTL1 level is positively correlated with NASH progression in humans. These data indicate a signaling pathway involving IRF4-FSTL1-DIP2A/CD14, that links skeletal muscle cells to the liver in the pathogenesis of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yonghao Feng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Ruwen Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Qiongyue Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yan Ren
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua Bian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Tiemin Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Huanqing Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Xingxing Kong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Veraar C, Kirschner E, Schwarz S, Jaksch P, Hoetzenecker K, Tschernko E, Dworschak M, Ankersmit HJ, Moser B. Follistatin-like 1 and Biomarkers of Neutrophil Activation Are Associated with Poor Short-Term Outcome after Lung Transplantation on VA-ECMO. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101475. [PMID: 36290379 PMCID: PMC9598172 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The investigation of biomarkers associated with undesired outcome following lung transplantation (LuTX) is essential for a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, an earlier identification of susceptible recipients and the development of targeted therapeutic options. We therefore determined the longitudinal perioperative course of putative cytokines related to neutrophil activation (chemokine CC motif ligand 4 (CCL-4), interleukin (IL)-23 and Lipocalin 2 (LCN2)) and a cytokine that has been implicated in graft-versus-host disease (Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1)) in 42 consecutive patients undergoing LuTX. We plotted receiver-operating curves (ROC) to assess the predictive power of the measured cytokines for short-term outcomes namely primary graft dysfunction (PGD), early complications requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and a high postoperative sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). All cytokines increased immediately after surgery. ROC analyses determined significant associations between CCL4 and a high SOFA score (area under the curve (AUC) 0.74 (95%CI:0.5−0.9; p < 0.05), between LCN2 and postoperative ECMO support (AUC 0.73 (95%CI:0.5−0.9; p < 0.05), and between FSTL1 and PGD (AUC 0.70 (95%CI:0.5−0.9; p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of the neutrophil-derived cytokines LCN2 and CCL4 as well as FSTL1 were all related to poor outcome after LuTX. The specific predictive power, however, still has to be assessed in larger trials. The potential role of FSTL1 as a biomarker in the development of PGD could be of great interest particularly since this protein appears to play a crucial role in allograft tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Veraar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Enzo Kirschner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Edda Tschernko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Dworschak
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hendrik J. Ankersmit
- Applied Immunology Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Moser
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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3
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Rankouhi TR, Keulen DV, Tempel D, Venhorst J. Oncostatin M: Risks and Benefits of a Novel Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1345-1369. [PMID: 35959619 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220811101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is predicted that approximately 23.6 million people will die from CVDs annually by 2030. Therefore, there is a great need for an effective therapeutic approach to combat this disease. The European Cardiovascular Target Discovery (CarTarDis) consortium identified Oncostatin M (OSM) as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis. The benefits of modulating OSM - an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine - have since been studied for multiple indications. However, as decades of high attrition rates have stressed, the success of a drug target is determined by the fine balance between benefits and the risk of adverse events. Safety issues should therefore not be overlooked. OBJECTIVE In this review, a risk/benefit analysis is performed on OSM inhibition in the context of atherosclerosis treatment. First, OSM signaling characteristics and its role in atherosclerosis are described. Next, an overview of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical findings relating to both the benefits and risks of modulating OSM in major organ systems is provided. Based on OSM's biological function and expression profile as well as drug intervention studies, safety concerns of inhibiting this target have been identified, assessed, and ranked for the target population. CONCLUSION While OSM may be of therapeutic value in atherosclerosis, drug development should also focus on de-risking the herein identified major safety concerns: tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, bleeding, anemia, and NMDA- and glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Close monitoring and/or exclusion of patients with various comorbidities may be required for optimal therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Rouhani Rankouhi
- Department of Risk Analysis for Products in Development, TNO, Utrechtseweg 48, 3704 HE, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle van Keulen
- SkylineDx BV, Science and Clinical Development, 3062 ME Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennie Tempel
- SkylineDx BV, Science and Clinical Development, 3062 ME Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Venhorst
- Department of Risk Analysis for Products in Development, TNO, Utrechtseweg 48, 3704 HE, Zeist, The Netherlands
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Huang Y, Qiu C. Research advances in airway remodeling in asthma: a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1023. [PMID: 36267708 PMCID: PMC9577744 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the airway, and its disability and mortality rates continue to increase each year. Due to the lack of an ideal treatment, asthma control in China remains unsatisfactory. Airway remodeling is the pathological basis for the eventual development of the fixed airflow limitation in asthmatic patients. Early diagnosis and the prevention of airway remodeling has the potential to decrease disease severity, to improve control, and to prevent disease expression. Methods This article presents an overview. The literature was combed through via CNKi and PubMed according to the listed keywords. We considered Chinese and English original publications (basic science and clinical), reviews and abstracts of 21th Century. Key Content and Findings We review the pathological features and pathogenesis of, and the interventional treatment options for airway remodeling in asthmatic patients, emphasizing the importance of airway remodeling in asthma and providing novel insights into the prevention and control of asthma. Conclusions Thus, there have been research advances in airway remodeling, especially in the areas of slowing down or reversing airway remodeling. As growing studies showed, treating airway remodeling is a promising strategy in preventing the occurrence and progression of asthma. Breakthroughs in these difficulties airway remodeling still facing will open up new avenues in the research and treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Liu F, Zhang J, Zhang D, Qi Q, Cui W, Pan Y, Liu X, Xu J, Qiao X, Wang Z, Dong L. Follistatin-related protein 1 in asthma: miR-200b-3p interactions affect airway remodeling and inflammation phenotype. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108793. [PMID: 35483234 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-related protein 1 (FSTL1) is significantly associated with the asthma severity and outcome in humans and diverse mouse models of asthma. Previous studies have also suggested that FSTL1 could activate autophagy and NLRP3, thus playing as a causative agent in the asthma progression. However, mechanisms that regulate airway epithelial cell-specific FSTL1 expression and function in asthma are unknown. Here, we further evaluated the spatiotemporal relationships between the FSTL1 and asthma development through ovalbumin (OVA) -induced asthma models. Integrative analysis in asthmatics airway epithelium identifies microRNA (miR)-200b-3p as a novel upstream of FSTL1. Next, we collected airway biopsies, induced sputum, and blood samples isolated from asthmatics patients and the OVA-induced mouse model. We revealed that miR-200b-3p expression is downregulated in asthmatics airway epithelium, while its expression was negatively correlated with FSTL1. On this basis, the function and expression pattern analysis of miR-200b-3p were performed using miRNA-target prediction databases and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) microarray assay. It is illustrated that miR-200b-3p, which is downregulated with pro-fibrotic stimulation of TGF-β1, could also be sponged by lncRNA PCAT19 and regulate FSTL1 expression in asthma progression. In vivo, miR-200b-3p overexpression in mice prevents OVA-induced airway remodeling and inflammation. Lastly, protective roles of miR-200b-3p are partly attributed to the direct and functional repression of FSTL1. Our findings suggest a crucial role for the miR-200b-3p/FSTL1 axis in regulating asthmatic's airway remodeling and inflammation phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Liu
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Qi
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjing Cui
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Pan
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China
| | - Xinrui Qiao
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China; Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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6
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Zhang J, Zhang D, Pan Y, Liu X, Xu J, Qiao X, Cui W, Dong L. The TL1A-DR3 Axis in Asthma: Membrane-Bound and Secreted TL1A Co-Determined the Development of Airway Remodeling. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2022; 14:233-253. [PMID: 35255540 PMCID: PMC8914606 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2022.14.2.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A), especially its secreted form, has been shown to contribute to eosinophilic inflammation and mucus production, cardinal features of asthma, through its receptor, death receptor 3 (DR3). However, the role of the TL1A-DR3 axis in asthma, especially in terms of airway remodeling, has not yet been fully understood. Methods The present study investigated the expression and secretion of TL1A in the lung and human bronchial epithelial cells. DR3 small interfering RNA (siRNA), TL1A siRNA, and truncated plasmids were used respectively to identify the function of the TL1A-DR3 axis in vitro. To further validate the roles of the TL1A-DR3 axis in asthma, we collected airway biopsies and sputa from asthmatic patients and constructed a mouse model following rTL1A administration, DR3 knockdown, and TL1A knockout, the asthma-related inflammatory response and the pathological changes in airways were analyzed using various experimental methods. Associated signaling pathways downstream of TL1A knockout in the mouse model were analyzed using RNA sequencing. Results TL1A, especially its non-secreted form (nsTL1A) was involved in the remodeling process in asthmatics’ airways. Knockdown of TL1A or its receptor DR3 decreased the expression of fibrosis-associated protein in BEAS-2B cells. Reversely, overexpression of nsTL1A in airway epithelial cells facilitated the transforming growth factor-β-induced remodeling progress. In the asthma mouse model, activating the TL1A-DR3 axis contributes to airway inflammation, remodeling, and tissue destruction. Reciprocally, DR3 knockdown or TL1A knockout partly reverses airway remodeling in the asthma model induced by ovalbumin. Conclusions Our results confirm differential TL1A expression (including its secreted and non-secreted form) in asthma, which modulates remodeling. The shared mechanism of action by which nsTL1A and secreted TL1A exert their effects on asthma development might be mediated via the nuclear factor-κB pathway. The TL1A-DR3 axis presents a promising therapeutic target in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Pan
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinrui Qiao
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjing Cui
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Respiratory, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China.
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Follistatin-Like 1 Induces the Activation of Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells to Promote Airway Inflammation in Asthma. Inflammation 2021; 45:904-918. [PMID: 34757553 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-021-01594-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease closely related to airway inflammation. It has been proven that type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play an essential role in airway inflammation in asthma. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) can participate in various inflammatory reactions mediated by the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, among others. Therefore, we put forward a new hypothesis: FSTL1 promotes asthmatic airway inflammation by activating ILC2. This study generated an ovalbumin-sensitized asthma model in C57BL/6 and Fstl1+/- mice. The results showed that the absolute number and the proportion of ILC2 in the ovalbumin-challenged Fstl1+/- group were lower than in the ovalbumin-challenged wild-type group. We also measured the levels of Th2-type cytokines in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice and found that the corresponding cytokines in the Fstl1+/- were lower than in the wild-type groups. Finally, we tested whether MEK-JAK-STAT-GATA3 is the specific pathway for FSTL1 to activate ILC2, and further tested our working hypothesis by adding various inhibitors of proteins from this pathway. Overall, these findings reveal that FSTL1 can activate ILC2 through MEK-JAK-STAT-GATA3 to promote airway inflammation and participate in the pathogenesis of asthma.
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Zhao J, Zhang J, Tang S, Wang J, Liu T, Zeng R, Zhu W, Zhang K, Wu J. The different functions of short and long thymic stromal lymphopoietin isoforms in autophagy-mediated asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152124. [PMID: 34333403 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152124] [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: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and remodeling as well as hyper-responsiveness. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which is a crucial inflammatory cytokine in immune homeostasis, consists of two isoforms, the long isoform lfTSLP and short isoform sfTSLP. The lfTSLP promotes inflammation and plays a pivotal role in asthma pathogenesis, while sfTSLP had been reported to have anti-asthma effects. Experiments have shown that lfTSLP could induce autophagy in hepatocytes. It is unknown whether lfTSLP or sfTSLP could influence autophagy and affect the progression of asthma. Using house dust mite (HDM)-stimulated airway smooth muscle cells as an in vitro model and HDM-induced asthma mice as in vivo model, we found that lfTSLP could induce autophagy and remodeling, while sfTSLP has the reverse effect. Strikingly, sfTSLP treatment in vivo reversed HDM-mediated activation of inflammation and airway remodeling, partly determined by autophagy change. These findings may help us understand the function of TSLP isoforms in the pathogenesis of asthma, and they support the use of drugs targeting sfTSLP and TSLP for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shuangmei Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Junfei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Weichun Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Kangda Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jinxiang Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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Follistatin-Like Proteins: Structure, Functions and Biomedical Importance. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080999. [PMID: 34440203 PMCID: PMC8391210 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080999] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Main forms of cellular signal transmission are known to be autocrine and paracrine signaling. Several cells secrete messengers called autocrine or paracrine agents that can bind the corresponding receptors on the surface of the cells themselves or their microenvironment. Follistatin and follistatin-like proteins can be called one of the most important bifunctional messengers capable of displaying both autocrine and paracrine activity. Whilst they are not as diverse as protein hormones or protein kinases, there are only five types of proteins. However, unlike protein kinases, there are no minor proteins among them; each follistatin-like protein performs an important physiological function. These proteins are involved in a variety of signaling pathways and biological processes, having the ability to bind to receptors such as DIP2A, TLR4, BMP and some others. The activation or experimentally induced knockout of the protein-coding genes often leads to fatal consequences for individual cells and the whole body as follistatin-like proteins indirectly regulate the cell cycle, tissue differentiation, metabolic pathways, and participate in the transmission chains of the pro-inflammatory intracellular signal. Abnormal course of these processes can cause the development of oncology or apoptosis, programmed cell death. There is still no comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of mechanisms of action of follistatin-like proteins, so the systematization and study of their cellular functions and regulation is an important direction of modern molecular and cell biology. Therefore, this review focuses on follistatin-related proteins that affect multiple targets and have direct or indirect effects on cellular signaling pathways, as well as to characterize the directions of their practical application in the field of biomedicine.
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Wang Y, Zhang D, Liu T, Wang JF, Wu JX, Zhao JP, Xu JW, Zhang JT, Dong L. FSTL1 aggravates OVA-induced inflammatory responses by activating the NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway in mice and macrophages. Inflamm Res 2021; 70:777-787. [PMID: 34076707 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-021-01475-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma, a well-known disease with high morbidity, is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. However, the allergic inflammation mechanisms of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) have not been elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effects of FSTL1 in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice and macrophages on nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into control-WT, OVA-WT, control-Fstl1±, OVA-Fstl1±. Histological changes were assessed by HE and PAS staining. The protein levels of Muc-5AC, FSTL1, NLRP3, and IL-1β in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in mice and human serum samples were detected by ELISA. Then, mice were grouped into control, FSTL1, MCC950 + FSTL1 to further investigate the relationship between FSTL1 and NLRP3/IL-1β. Alveolar macrophage cells (MH-S cells) were separated into control, OVA, FSTL1, OVA + FSTL1, OVA + siNC, OVA + siFSTL1, MCC950, and FSTL1 + MCC950 groups to explore the effect of FSTL1 on the NLRP3/IL-1β signaling. The protein expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in MH-S cells was detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS The present results uncovered that Fstl1± significantly ameliorated OVA-induced Muc-5AC production and mucus hypersecretion. Fstl1± was also found to decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cell infiltration in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Meanwhile, the serum concentrations of FSTL1 and IL-1β were higher in asthma subjects than the health subjects, and Fstl1± ameliorated the production of NLRP3 and IL-1β in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Furthermore, mice by injected FSTL1 substantially stimulated the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β, while pretreatment with MCC950 in mice significantly weakened the production of NLRP3 and IL-1β induced by injection FSTL1. Pretreatment with siFSTL1 or MCC950 significantly reduced the production of NLRP3 and IL-1β induced by OVA or FSTL1 in MH-S cells. CONCLUSIONS The study results showed that FSTL1 played an important role in allergic airway inflammation by activating NLRP3/IL-1β. Hence, inhibition FSTL1 could be applied as a therapeutic agent against asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Fei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Xiang Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Ping Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Wei Xu
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jin-Tao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Respiratory, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jinan, China.
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Duan XY, Sun Y, Zhao ZF, Shi YQ, Ma XY, Tao L, Liu MW. Baicalin attenuates LPS-induced alveolar type II epithelial cell A549 injury by attenuation of the FSTL1 signaling pathway via increasing miR-200b-3p expression. Innate Immun 2021; 27:294-312. [PMID: 34000873 PMCID: PMC8186156 DOI: 10.1177/17534259211013887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In China, baicalin is the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, which has been used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, such as inflammation-induced acute lung injury. However, its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study examined the protective effect of baicalin on LPS-induced inflammation injury of alveolar epithelial cell line A549 and explored its protective mechanism. Compared with the LPS-induced group, the proliferation inhibition rates of alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549 intervened by different concentrations of baicalin decreased significantly, as did the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, prostaglandin 2 and TNF-α in the supernatant. The expression levels of inflammatory proteins inducible NO synthase (iNOS), NF-κB65, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK1) significantly decreased, as did the protein expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1). In contrast, expression of miR-200b-3p significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that baicalin could significantly inhibit the expression of inflammation-related proteins and improve LPS-induced inflammatory injury in alveolar type II epithelial cells. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK/JNK inflammatory pathway activation by increasing the expression of miR-200b-3p. Thus, FSTL1 is the regulatory target of miR-200b-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ya Duan
- Department of Tuberculosis Diseases, Third People's Hospital of Kunming City, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Zhu-Feng Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Yao-Qing Shi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Xun-Yan Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
| | - Ming-Wei Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China
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12
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FSTL1 aggravates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling by regulating autophagy. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:45. [PMID: 33509151 PMCID: PMC7841997 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoke (CS) is a major risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), a critical factor during embryogenesis particularly in respiratory lung development, is a novel mediator related to inflammation and tissue remodeling. We tried to investigate the role of FSTL1 in CS-induced autophagy dysregulation, airway inflammation and remodeling. METHODS Serum and lung specimens were obtained from COPD patients and controls. Adult female wild-type (WT) mice, FSTL1± mice and FSTL1flox/+ mice were exposed to room air or chronic CS. Additionally, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an inhibitor of autophagy, was applied in CS-exposed WT mice. The lung tissues and serum from patients and murine models were tested for FSTL1 and autophagy-associated protein expression by ELISA, western blotting and immunohistochemical. Autophagosome were observed using electron microscope technology. LTB4, IL-8 and TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice were examined using ELISA. Airway remodeling and lung function were also assessed. RESULTS Both FSTL1 and autophagy biomarkers increased in COPD patients and CS-exposed WT mice. Autophagy activation was upregulated in CS-exposed mice accompanied by airway remodeling and airway inflammation. FSTL1± mice showed a lower level of CS-induced autophagy compared with the control mice. FSTL1± mice can also resist CS-induced inflammatory response, airway remodeling and impaired lung function. CS-exposed WT mice with 3-MA pretreatment have a similar manifestation with CS-exposed FSTL1± mice. CONCLUSIONS FSTL1 promotes CS-induced COPD by modulating autophagy, therefore targeting FSTL1 and autophagy may shed light on treating cigarette smoke-induced COPD.
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Wang HB, Huang R, Yang K, Xu M, Fan D, Liu MX, Huang SH, Liu LB, Wu HM, Tang QZ. Identification of differentially expressed genes and preliminary validations in cardiac pathological remodeling induced by transverse aortic constriction. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:1447-1461. [PMID: 31364721 PMCID: PMC6713409 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodeling predisposes to heart failure if the burden is unresolved, and heart failure is an important cause of mortality in humans. The aim of the present study was to identify the key genes involved in cardiac pathological remodeling induced by pressure overload. Gene expression profiles of the GSE5500, GSE18224, GSE36074 and GSE56348 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), defined as |log2FC|>1 (FC, fold change) and an adjusted P‑value of <0.05, were screened using the R software with the limma package. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was performed and a protein‑protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs was constructed. A cardiac remodeling model induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was established. Furthermore, consistent DEGs were further validated using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) analysis, western blotting and immunohistochemistry in the ventricular tissue samples after TAC or sham operation. A total of 24 common DEGs were identified (23 significantly upregulated and 1 downregulated), of which 9 genes had been previously confirmed to be directly involved in cardiac remodeling. Hence, the level of expression of the other 15 genes was detected in subsequent studies via RT‑PCR. Based on the results of the PPI network analysis and RT‑PCR, we further detected the protein levels of Itgbl1 and Asporin, which were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis and RT‑PCR. The expression of Itgbl1, Aspn, Fstl1, Mfap5, Col8a1, Ltbp2, Mfap4, Pamr1, Cnksr1, Aqp8, Meox1, Gdf15 and Srpx was found to be upregulated in a mouse model of cardiac remodeling, while that of Retnla was downregulated. Therefore, the present study identified the key genes implicated in cardiac remodeling, aiming to provide new insight into the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Bo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Man Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Di Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Xin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Si-Hui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Li-Bo Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Ming Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qi-Zhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Mattiotti A, Prakash S, Barnett P, van den Hoff MJB. Follistatin-like 1 in development and human diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2339-2354. [PMID: 29594389 PMCID: PMC5986856 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a secreted glycoprotein displaying expression changes during development and disease, among which cardiovascular disease, cancer, and arthritis. The cardioprotective role of FSTL1 has been intensively studied over the last years, though its mechanism of action remains elusive. FSTL1 is involved in multiple signaling pathways and biological processes, including vascularization and regulation of the immune response, a feature that complicates its study. Binding to the DIP2A, TLR4 and BMP receptors have been shown, but other molecular partners probably exist. During cancer progression and rheumatoid arthritis, controversial data have been reported with respect to the proliferative, apoptotic, migratory, and inflammatory effects of FSTL1. This controversy might reside in the extensive post-transcriptional regulation of FSTL1. The FSTL1 primary transcript also encodes for a microRNA (miR-198) in primates and multiple microRNA-binding sites are present in the 3'UTR. The switch between expression of the FSTL1 protein and miR-198 is an important regulator of tumour metastasis and wound healing. The glycosylation state of FSTL1 is a determinant of biological activity, in cardiomyocytes the glycosylated form promoting proliferation and the non-glycosylated working anti-apoptotic. Moreover, the glycosylation state shows differences between species and tissues which might underlie the differences observed in in vitro studies. Finally, regulation at the level of protein secretion has been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mattiotti
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stuti Prakash
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice J B van den Hoff
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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