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Stocks M, Walter AS, Akova E, Gauglitz G, Aszodi A, Boecker W, Saller MM, Volkmer E. RNA-seq unravels distinct expression profiles of keloids and Dupuytren's disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23681. [PMID: 38187218 PMCID: PMC10770622 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Keloid scars and Dupuytren's disease are two common, chronic, and incurable fibroproliferative disorders that, among other shared clinical features, may induce joint contractures. We employed bulk RNA sequencing to discern potential shared gene expression patterns and underlying pathological pathways between these two conditions. Our aim was to uncover potential molecular targets that could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were functionally annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways with the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The protein-protein-interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape. The Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plugin was used for downstream analysis of the PPI networks. A total of 1922 DEGs were identified within Dupuytren's and keloid samples, yet no overlapping gene expression profiles were detected. Significantly enriched GO terms were related to skin development and tendon formation in keloid scars and Dupuytren's disease, respectively. The PPI network analysis revealed 10 genes and the module analysis provided six protein networks, which might play an integral part in disease development. These genes, including CDH1, ERBB2, CASP3 and RPS27A, may serve as new targets for future research to develop biomarkers and/or therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Stocks
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Annika S. Walter
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Elif Akova
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerd Gauglitz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU, Thalkirchnerstr. 48, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Attila Aszodi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Boecker
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian M. Saller
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Elias Volkmer
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximillians-University (LMU), Frauenhoferstr. 12, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Clinic of Hand Surgery, Helios Klinikum Muenchen West, Steinerweg 5, 81241 Munich, Germany
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Mohan S, Hakami MA, Dailah HG, Khalid A, Najmi A, Zoghebi K, Halawi MA. The emerging role of noncoding RNAs in the EGFR signaling pathway in lung cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155016. [PMID: 38070221 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Noncoding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) have surfaced as essential orchestrators within the intricate system of neoplastic biology. Specifically, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling cascade shows a central role in the etiological underpinnings of pulmonary carcinoma. Pulmonary malignancy persists as a preeminent contributor to worldwide mortality attributable to malignant neoplasms, with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) emerging as the most predominant histopathological subcategory. EGFR is a key driver of NSCLC, and its dysregulation is frequently associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Over the past decade, researchers have unveiled a complex network of ncRNAs, encompassing microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, which intricately regulate EGFR signalling. MicroRNAs, as versatile post-transcriptional regulators, have been shown to target various components of the EGFR pathway, influencing cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Additionally, ncRNAs have emerged as critical modulators of EGFR signalling, with their potential to act as scaffolds, decoys, or guides for EGFR-related proteins. Circular RNAs, a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have also been implicated in EGFR signalling regulation. The clinical implications of ncRNAs in EGFR-driven lung cancer are substantial. These molecules exhibit diagnostic potential as robust biomarkers for early cancer detection and personalized treatment. Furthermore, their predictive value extends to predicting disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. Targeting ncRNAs in the EGFR pathway represents a novel therapeutic approach with promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. This review explores the increasing evidence supporting the significant role of ncRNAs in modulating EGFR signalling in lung cancer, shedding light on their potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syam Mohan
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; Center for Global health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India.
| | - Mohammed Ageeli Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Ghaleb Dailah
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Zoghebi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam A Halawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang J, Shi M, Wang J, Li F, Du C, Su G, Xie X, Li S. Novel Strategies for Angiogenesis in Tissue Injury: Therapeutic Effects of iPSCs-Derived Exosomes. Angiology 2023:33197231213192. [PMID: 37933764 DOI: 10.1177/00033197231213192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration after tissue injury is a dynamic and complex process, and angiogenesis is necessary for normal physiological activities and tissue repair. Induced pluripotent stem cells are a new approach in regenerative medicine, which provides good model for the study of difficult-to-obtain human tissues, patient-specific therapy, and tissue repair. As an innovative cell-free therapeutic strategy, the main advantages of the treatment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived exosomes are low in tumorigenicity and immunogenicity, which become an important pathway for tissue injury. This review focuses on the mechanism of the angiogenic effect of iPSCs-derived exosomes on wound repair in tissue injury and their potential therapeutic targets, with a view to providing a theoretical basis for the use of iPSCs-derived exosomes in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Maoning Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Gansu Province Medical Genetics Center, Gansu Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenxu Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gang Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shiweng Li
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, China
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Jiang S, Gu L, Hu Y, Ren Y, Yang Z, Chai C, Yu B, Ge H, Cao Z, Zhao F. Inhibition of TRPC6 suppressed TGFβ-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in renal interstitial NRK-49F cells. Exp Cell Res 2022; 421:113374. [PMID: 36206825 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a global health concern with limited curative treatment. Canonical transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6), a nonselective cation channel, has been shown to regulate the renal fibrosis in murine models. However, the molecular mechanism is unclear. Fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation is one of the critical steps in the progression of renal fibrosis. In the present study, we demonstrate that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 exposure significantly increases the TRPC6 expression in renal interstitial fibroblast NRK-49F cells. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPC6 and knockdown of Trpc6 by siRNA alleviate TGF-β1-increased expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, two key markers of myofibroblasts. Although direct activation of TRPC6 by 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) does not affect the expression of α-SMA and collagen I, OAG potentiates TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Further study demonstrates that TGF-β1 exposure increases the phosphorylation level of p38 and Yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation into the nuclei. Inhibition of p38 and YAP decreases TGF-β1-enhanced TRPC6 and α-SMA expression. In conclusion, we demonstrate that TRPC6 is a key regulator of TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and provides the mechanism of how TGF-β1 exposure regulates TRPC6 expression in NRK-49F fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Lifei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China
| | - Yixin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Younan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Chengzhi Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Boyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Haitao Ge
- Jiangsu Suzhong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Taizhou, Jiangsu, 225500, China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Fang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation and Translational Development, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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Peng L, Chen Y, Li Y, Feng P, Zheng Y, Dong Y, Yang Y, Wang R, Li A, Yan J, Shang F, Tang P, Chen D, Gao Y, Huang W. Chemerin Regulates the Proliferation and Migration of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells via the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:767705. [PMID: 35370637 PMCID: PMC8971604 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.767705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease with high mortality. Chemerin has been found to be associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the specific role of chemerin in mediating PH development remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory effects and the underlying mechanism of chemerin on PH and to investigate the expression levels of chemerin protein in plasma in PAH patients. In vivo, two animal models of PH were established in rats by monocrotaline (MCT) injection and hypoxia. We found that the expression levels of chemerin and its receptor, chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), were significantly upregulated in the lungs of PH rats. Primary cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells [(PASMCs) (isolated from pulmonary arteries of normal healthy rats)] were exposed to hypoxia or treated with recombinant human chemerin, we found that CMKLR1 expression was upregulated in PASMCs in response to hypoxia or chemerin stimulation, whereas the exogenous chemerin significantly promoted the migration and proliferation of PASMCs. Notably, the regulatory effects of chemerin on PASMCs were blunted by PD98059 (a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor). Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found that the protein level of chemerin was also markedly increased in plasma from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients compared to that from healthy controls. Moreover, the diagnostic value of chemerin expression in IPAH patients was determined through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the result revealed that area under ROC curve (AUC) for plasma chemerin was 0.949. Taken together, these results suggest that chemerin exacerbates PH progression by promoting the proliferation and migration of PASMCs via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and chemerin is associated with pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqian Peng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunwei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Panpan Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongjie Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunjing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruiyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianghong Yan
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feifei Shang
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Tang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dewei Chen
- Institute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuqi Gao
- Institute of Medicine and Equipment for High Altitude Region, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Jiang J, Wang J, Li C, Mo L, Huang D. Hyperoxia induces alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial function through small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (SMAD3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Bioengineered 2021; 13:242-252. [PMID: 34898379 PMCID: PMC8805928 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2012953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation are widely used to treat and manage neonatal emergencies in critically ill newborns. However, they are often associated with adverse effects and result in conditions such as chronic lung disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Hence, aclear understanding of the mechanisms underlying hyperoxia-induced lung damage is crucial in order to mitigate the side effects of oxygen-based therapy. Here, we have established an in vitro model of hyperoxia-induced lung damage in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECIIs) and delineated the molecular basis of oxygen therapy-induced impaired alveolar development. Thus, AECIIs were exposed to a hyperoxic environment and their cell viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, mitochondrial integrity and dynamics, and energy metabolism were assessed. The results showed that hyperoxia has no significant effect as an inhibitor of SMAD3 and ERK1/2 in AECIIs, but leads to significant inhibition of cell viability. Further, hyperoxia was found to promote AECII apoptosis and mitochondrial, whereas chemical inhibition of SMAD3 or ERK1/2 further exacerbated the detrimental effects of hyperoxia in AECIIs. Overall, these findings presented herein demonstrate the critical role of SMAD/ERK signaling in the regulation of AECII behavior in varying oxygen environments. Thus, this study offers novel insights for the prevention of neonatal lung dysfunction in premature infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Cen Li
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Lianqin Mo
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Dong Huang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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The Pathogenic Role of Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Wnt5a in a Murine Model of Lung Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080755. [PMID: 34451852 PMCID: PMC8401301 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease characterized by extensive fibrosis of the lung tissue. Wnt5a expression was observed to be upregulated in IPF and suggested to be involved in the progression of the disease. Interestingly, smooth muscle cells (SMC) are a major source of Wnt5a in IPF patients. However, no study has been conducted until now to investigate the precise role of smooth muscle-derived Wnt5a in IPF. Here, we used the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model in a conditional gene-deficient mouse, where the Wnt5a gene was excised from SMC. We show here that the excision of the Wnt5a gene in SMC led to significantly improved health conditions with minimized weight loss and improved lung function. This improvement was based on a significantly lower deposition of collagen in the lung with a reduced number of fibrotic foci in lung parenchyma. Furthermore, the bleomycin-induced cellular infiltration into the airways was not altered in the gene-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Thus, we demonstrate that the Wnt5a expression of SMC of the airways leads to aggravated fibrosis of the lung with poor clinical conditions. This aggravation was not an influence in the bleomycin-induced inflammatory processes but on the development of fibrotic foci in lung parenchyma and the deposition of collagen.
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Procyanidin B2 Reduces Vascular Calcification through Inactivation of ERK1/2-RUNX2 Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060916. [PMID: 34198832 PMCID: PMC8228429 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification is strongly associated with atherosclerotic plaque burden and plaque instability. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) increases runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression to promote vascular calcification. Procyanidin B2 (PB2), a potent antioxidant, can inhibit ERK1/2 activation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). However, the effects and involved mechanisms of PB2 on atherosclerotic calcification remain unknown. In current study, we fed apoE-deficient (apoE−/−) mice a high-fat diet (HFD) while treating the animals with PB2 for 18 weeks. At the end of the study, we collected blood and aorta samples to determine atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. We found PB2 treatment decreased lesions in en face aorta, thoracic, and abdominal aortas by 21.4, 24.6, and 33.5%, respectively, and reduced sinus lesions in the aortic root by 17.1%. PB2 also increased α-smooth muscle actin expression and collagen content in lesion areas. In the aortic root, PB2 reduced atherosclerotic calcification areas by 75.8%. In vitro, PB2 inhibited inorganic phosphate-induced osteogenesis in HASMCs and aortic rings. Mechanistically, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and RUNX2 were markedly downregulated by PB2 treatment. Additionally, PB2 inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the aortic root plaques of apoE−/− mice and calcified HASMCs. Reciprocally, the activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by C2-MEK1-mut or epidermal growth factor can partially restore the PB2-inhibited RUNX2 expression or HASMC calcification. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that PB2 inhibits vascular calcification through the inactivation of the ERK1/2-RUNX2 pathway. Our study also suggests that PB2 can be a potential option for vascular calcification treatment.
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Ameliorating Fibrotic Phenotypes of Keloid Dermal Fibroblasts through an Epidermal Growth Factor-Mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042198. [PMID: 33672186 PMCID: PMC7926382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Keloid and hypertrophic scars are skin fibrosis-associated disorders that exhibit an uncontrollable proliferation of fibroblasts and their subsequent contribution to the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the dermis. In this study, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the pivotal roles of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in modulating fibrotic phenotypes of keloid and hypertrophic dermal fibroblasts. Our initial findings revealed the molecular signatures of keloid dermal fibroblasts and showed the highest degree of skin fibrosis markers, ECM remodeling, anabolic collagen-cross-linking enzymes, such as lysyl oxidase (LOX) and four LOX-like family enzymes, migration ability, and cell–matrix traction force, at cell–matrix interfaces. Furthermore, we observed significant EGF-mediated downregulation of anabolic collagen-cross-linking enzymes, resulting in amelioration of fibrotic phenotypes and a decrease in cell motility measured according to the cell–matrix traction force. These findings offer insight into the important roles of EGF-mediated cell–matrix interactions at the cell–matrix interface, as well as ECM remodeling. Furthermore, the results suggest their contribution to the reduction of fibrotic phenotypes in keloid dermal fibroblasts, which could lead to the development of therapeutic modalities to prevent or reduce scar tissue formation.
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