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Livingston MJ, Zhang M, Kwon SH, Chen JK, Li H, Manicassamy S, Dong Z. Autophagy activates EGR1 via MAPK/ERK to induce FGF2 in renal tubular cells for fibroblast activation and fibrosis during maladaptive kidney repair. Autophagy 2024; 20:1032-1053. [PMID: 37978868 PMCID: PMC11135847 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2281156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy contributes to maladaptive kidney repair by inducing pro-fibrotic factors such as FGF2 (fibroblast growth factor 2), but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we show that EGR1 (early growth response 1) was induced in injured proximal tubules after ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) and this induction was suppressed by autophagy deficiency in inducible, renal tubule-specific atg7 (autophagy related 7) knockout (iRT-atg7 KO) mice. In cultured proximal tubular cells, TGFB1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) induced EGR1 and this induction was also autophagy dependent. Egr1 knockdown in tubular cells reduced FGF2 expression during TGFB1 treatment, leading to less FGF2 secretion and decreased paracrine effects on fibroblasts. ChIP assay detected an increased binding of EGR1 to the Fgf2 gene promoter in TGFB1-treated tubular cells. Both Fgf2 and Egr1 transcription was inhibited by FGF2 neutralizing antibody, suggesting a positive feedback for EGR1-mediated FGF2 autoregulation. This feedback was confirmed using fgf2-deficient tubular cells and fgf2-deficient mice. Upstream of EGR1, autophagy deficiency in mice suppressed MAPK/ERK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) activation in post-ischemic renal tubules. This inhibition correlated with SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1) aggregation and its sequestration of MAPK/ERK. SQSTM1/p62 interacted with MAPK/ERK and blocked its activation during TGFB1 treatment in autophagy-deficient tubular cells. Inhibition of MAPK/ERK suppressed EGR1 and FGF2 expression in maladaptive tubules, leading to the amelioration of renal fibrosis and improvement of renal function. These results suggest that autophagy activates MAPK/ERK in renal tubular cells, which induces EGR1 to transactivate FGF2. FGF2 is then secreted into the interstitium to stimulate fibroblasts for fibrogenesis.Abbreviation: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ACTA2/α-SMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta; ACTB/β-actin: actin, beta; AKI: acute kidney injury; aa: amino acid; ATG/Atg: autophagy related; BUN: blood urea nitrogen; ChIP: chromatin immunoprecipitation; CKD: chronic kidney disease; CM: conditioned medium; COL1A1: collagen, type I, alpha 1; COL4A1: collagen, type IV, alpha 1; CQ: chloroquine; DBA: dolichos biflorus agglutinin; EGR1: early growth response 1; ELK1: ELK1, member of ETS oncogene family; FGF2: fibroblast growth factor 2; FN1: fibronectin 1; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HAVCR1/KIM-1: hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1; IP: immunoprecipitation; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MAP2K/MEK: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; NFKB: nuclear factor kappa B; PB1: Phox and Bem1; PFT: pifithrin α; PPIB/cyclophilin B: peptidylprolyl isomerase B; RT-qPCR: real time-quantitative PCR; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TGFB1/TGF-β1: transforming growth factor beta 1; VIM: vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man J. Livingston
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sang-Ho Kwon
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jian-Kang Chen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Honglin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Santhakumar Manicassamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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Zhao S, Zhou J, Chen R, Zhou W, Geng H, Huang Y, Shi S, Yuan L, Wang Z, Wang D. Decreased FGF23 inhibits placental angiogenesis via the ERK1/2-EGR-1 signaling pathway in preeclampsia. Cytokine 2024; 176:156508. [PMID: 38266461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156508] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in pregnant women with preeclampsia and elucidate its role in promoting placental angiogenesis through the ERK1/2-EGR-1 signaling pathway. METHODS Serum FGF23 levels were measured by ELISA in healthy pregnant women and patients with preeclampsia during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Wound healing, Transwell, and tube formation assays were performed to investigate the effects of FGF23 on cell migration, invasion and tube formation. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and its upstream signaling molecules, p-ERK, and EGR-1, in placental tissues was detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Additionally, the effect of FGF23 on VEGF-A, p-ERK, and EGR-1 expression was further explored in vitro. RESULTS Serum FGF23 levels increased with gestational age. During the third trimester, the control group exhibited a more pronounced increase in FGF23 levels than the preeclampsia group. Administering exogenous FGF23 promoted trophoblast cell migration, invasion and enhanced tube formation in vascular endothelial cells. The expression levels of VEGF-A, p-ERK, and EGR-1 in the placental tissues were significantly lower in the preeclampsia group than in the control group. In vitro experiments confirmed that FGF23 up-regulated VEGF-A expression through the p-ERK/EGR-1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The serum level of FGF23 decreased in pregnant women with preeclampsia, inhibiting the ERK1/2-EGR-1 pathway and resulting in decreased expression of VEGF-A, thereby inhibiting placental angiogenesis. This could be a potential mechanism involved in the progression of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Junling Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Run Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Huizhen Geng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yihong Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shaole Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lemin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zilian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dongyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
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Qian C, Liu C, Liu W, Zhou R, Zhao L. Targeting vascular normalization: a promising strategy to improve immune-vascular crosstalk in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291530. [PMID: 38193080 PMCID: PMC10773740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels are a key target for cancer therapy. Compared with the healthy vasculature, tumor blood vessels are extremely immature, highly permeable, and deficient in pericytes. The aberrantly vascularized tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, low pH, high interstitial pressure, and immunosuppression. The efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy is affected by abnormal blood vessels. Some anti-angiogenic drugs show vascular normalization effects in addition to targeting angiogenesis. Reversing the abnormal state of blood vessels creates a normal microenvironment, essential for various cancer treatments, specifically immunotherapy. In addition, immune cells and molecules are involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. Therefore, combining vascular normalization with immunotherapy may increase the efficacy of immunotherapy and reduce the risk of adverse reactions. In this review, we discussed the structure, function, and formation of abnormal vessels. In addition, we elaborated on the role of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in the formation of abnormal vessels. Finally, we described the clinical challenges associated with the combination of immunotherapy with vascular normalization, and highlighted future research directions in this therapeutic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Khachigian LM. The MEK-ERK-Egr-1 axis and its regulation in cardiovascular disease. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 153:107232. [PMID: 37734428 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107232] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Multiple molecular and cellular processes underpinning the pathogenesis of CVD are regulated by the zinc finger transcription factor and product of an immediate-early gene, early growth response-1 (Egr-1). Egr-1 regulates multiple pro-inflammatory processes that underpin the manifestation of CVD. The activity of Egr-1 itself is influenced by a range of post-translational modifications including sumoylation, ubiquitination and acetylation. Egr-1 also undergoes phosphorylation by protein kinases, such as extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) which is itself phosphorylated by MEK. This article reviews recent progress on the MEK-ERK-Egr-1 cascade, notably regulation in conjunction with factors and agents such as TET2, TRIB2, MIAT, SphK1, cAMP, teneligliptin, cholinergic drugs, red wine and flavonoids, wogonin, febuxostat, docosahexaenoic acid and AT1R blockade. Such insights should provide new opportunity for therapeutic intervention in CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Xie Y, Li Y, Chen J, Ding H, Zhang X. Early growth response-1: Key mediators of cell death and novel targets for cardiovascular disease therapy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1162662. [PMID: 37057102 PMCID: PMC10086247 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1162662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceCardiovascular diseases are seen to be a primary cause of death, and their prevalence has significantly increased across the globe in the past few years. Several studies have shown that cell death is closely linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, many molecular and cellular mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of the cardiac cell death mechanism. One of the factors that played a vital role in the pathogenesis of cardiac cell death mechanisms included the early growth response-1 (Egr-1) factor.Recent AdvancesStudies have shown that abnormal Egr-1 expression is linked to different animal and human disorders like heart failure and myocardial infarction. The biosynthesis of Egr-1 regulates its activity. Egr-1 can be triggered by many factors such as serum, cytokines, hormones, growth factors, endotoxins, mechanical injury, hypoxia, and shear stress. It also displays a pro-apoptotic effect on cardiac cells, under varying stress conditions. EGR1 mediates a broad range of biological responses to oxidative stress and cell death by combining the acute changes occurring in the cellular environment with sustained changes in gene expression.Future DirectionsThe primary regulatory role played by the Egr-1-targeting DNAzymes, microRNAs, and oligonucleotide decoy strategies in cardiovascular diseases were identified to provide a reference to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongnan Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianshu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Correspondence: Xiaowei Zhang
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Khachigian LM, Black BL, Ferdinandy P, De Caterina R, Madonna R, Geng YJ. Transcriptional regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, differentiation and senescence: Novel targets for therapy. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 146:107091. [PMID: 35896140 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) possess a unique cytoplasticity, regulated by transcriptional, translational and phenotypic transformation in response to a diverse range of extrinsic and intrinsic pathogenic factors. The mature, differentiated SMC phenotype is physiologically typified transcriptionally by expression of genes encoding "contractile" proteins, such as SMα-actin (ACTA2), SM-MHC (myosin-11) and SM22α (transgelin). When exposed to various pathological conditions (e.g., pro-atherogenic risk factors, hypertension), SMC undergo phenotypic modulation, a bioprocess enabling SMC to de-differentiate in immature stages or trans-differentiate into other cell phenotypes. As recent studies suggest, the process of SMC phenotypic transformation involves five distinct states characterized by different patterns of cell growth, differentiation, migration, matrix protein expression and declined contractility. These changes are mediated via the action of several transcriptional regulators, including myocardin and serum response factor. Conversely, other factors, including Kruppel-like factor 4 and nuclear factor-κB, can inhibit SMC differentiation and growth arrest, while factors such as yin yang-1, can promote SMC differentiation whilst inhibiting proliferation. This article reviews recent advances in our understanding of regulatory mechanisms governing SMC phenotypic modulation. We propose the concept that transcription factors mediating this switching are important biomarkers and potential pharmacological targets for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Brian L Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raffaele De Caterina
- Cardiovascular Division, Pisa University Hospital & University of Pisa, Via Paradisa, 2, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Cardiovascular Division, Pisa University Hospital & University of Pisa, Via Paradisa, 2, Pisa 56124, Italy; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Atherosclerosis Research, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Yong-Jian Geng
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Atherosclerosis Research, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
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Deshpande N, Wilkins MR, Khachigian LM. RNA sequencing identifies genes reliant upon Ser26 in early growth response-1 in vascular endothelial cells exposed to fibroblast growth factor-2. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 143:106952. [PMID: 35041980 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.106952] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is an inducible master regulatory transcription factor that orchestrates gene expression in vascular endothelial cells. We recently determined that Ser26 in Egr-1 undergoes phosphorylation and plays a critical functional role in a range of pro-angiogenic processes. To better understand the effect of Ser26 on Egr-1-dependent gene expression, in this study, we performed RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis on human microvascular endothelial cells bearing a germline mutation (M) in Ser26 to Ala (M26 cells) exposed to the mitogen and chemoattractant fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) as compared with wildtype (WT) cells. In WT cells, FGF2 increased the expression of numerous growth factors and hormones cytokines, signaling molecules and transcriptional regulators. Comparison of FGF2-inducible WT and M26 cells enabled identification of differentially expressed genes, including genes reliant or not reliant upon Ser26. For example, Ser26 in Egr-1 was required for FGF2 inducible LIF expression but not for FGF2 inducible IL11. Ser26 was also required for FGF2 inducible NKX2-8 and RIPK2 expression but not for FGF2 inducible CREB5 or ALPK2 expression. Conversely, FGF2 inhibited genes such as TIE1, GPR146 and EPHB3, and Ser26 was required for FGF2's effect on TIE1 and GPR146 but not for EPHB3. Enrichment analysis also identified a range of gene ontologies upregulated and downregulated by FGF2. These findings demonstrate the importance of Ser26 in Egr-1 in programs of endothelial gene expression modulated by FGF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandan Deshpande
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences & UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Abstract
Early growth response‐1 (Egr‐1) is a master regulator and transcriptional sensor in vascular dysfunction and disease. This article reviews recent developments in our understanding of the regulatory roles this zinc finger protein and product of an immediate‐early gene plays in a range of cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Egr‐1 can amplify pathologic signals from the extracellular environment by serving as a molecular conduit in the inducible expression of proliferative, migratory and proinflammatory genes driving disease progression. Strategies targeting Egr‐1 may provide therapeutic benefit in cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research School of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
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