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Sunata K, Miyata J, Kawashima Y, Konno R, Ishikawa M, Hasegawa Y, Onozato R, Otsu Y, Matsuyama E, Sasaki H, Okuzumi S, Mochimaru T, Masaki K, Kabata H, Kawana A, Arita M, Fukunaga K. Multiomics analysis identified IL-4-induced IL1RL1 high eosinophils characterized by prominent cysteinyl leukotriene metabolism. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024:S0091-6749(24)00741-3. [PMID: 39067484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.07.012] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical studies have demonstrated that IL-4, a type 2 cytokine, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis and eosinophilic asthma. However, the direct effect of IL-4 on eosinophils remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate the inflammatory effects of IL-4 on the functions of human eosinophils. METHODS A multiomics analysis comprising transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, quantitative RT-PCR, and flow cytometry was performed by using blood eosinophils from healthy subjects stimulated with IL-4, IL-5, or a combination thereof. RESULTS Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that both IL-4 and IL-5 upregulate the expression of γ-gultamyl transferase 5, a fatty acid-metabolizing enzyme that converts leukotriene C4 into leukotriene D4. In addition, IL-4 specifically upregulates the expression of IL-1 receptor-like 1 (IL1RL1), a receptor for IL-33 and transglutaminase-2. Additional transcriptomic analysis of cells stimulated with IL-13 revealed altered gene expression profiles, characterized by the upregulation of γ-gultamyl transferase 5, transglutaminase-2, and IL1RL1. The IL-13-induced changes were not totally different from the IL-4-induced changes. Lipidomic analysis revealed that IL-5 and IL-4 additively increased the extracellular release of leukotriene D4. In vitro experiments revealed that STAT6 and IL-4 receptor-α control the expression of these molecules in the presence of IL-4 and IL-13. Analysis of eosinophils derived from patients with allergic disorders indicated the involvement of IL-4 and IL-13 at the inflamed sites. CONCLUSIONS IL-4 induces the proallergic phenotype of IL1RL1high eosinophils, with prominent cysteinyl leukotriene metabolism via STAT6. These cellular changes represent potential therapeutic targets for chronic rhinosinusitis and eosinophilic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeya Sunata
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jun Miyata
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan; Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Kawashima
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryo Konno
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishikawa
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hasegawa
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryuta Onozato
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yo Otsu
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emiko Matsuyama
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisashi Sasaki
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Okuzumi
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Mochimaru
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsunori Masaki
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kabata
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kawana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan
| | - Makoto Arita
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan; Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Kanagawa, Japan; Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan; Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Fukunaga
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Howes AM, Dea NC, Ghosh D, Krishna K, Wang Y, Li Y, Morrison B, Toussaint KC, Dawson MR. Fibroblast senescence-associated extracellular matrix promotes heterogeneous lung niche. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026119. [PMID: 38855444 PMCID: PMC11161856 DOI: 10.1063/5.0204393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Senescent cell accumulation in the pulmonary niche is associated with heightened susceptibility to age-related disease, tissue alterations, and ultimately a decline in lung function. Our current knowledge of senescent cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics is limited, and our understanding of how senescent cells influence spatial ECM architecture changes over time is incomplete. Herein is the design of an in vitro model of senescence-associated extracellular matrix (SA-ECM) remodeling using a senescent lung fibroblast-derived matrix that captures the spatiotemporal dynamics of an evolving senescent ECM architecture. Multiphoton second-harmonic generation microscopy was utilized to examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of fibroblast SA-ECM remodeling, which revealed a biphasic process that established a disordered and heterogeneous architecture. Additionally, we observed that inhibition of transforming growth factor-β signaling during SA-ECM remodeling led to improved local collagen fiber organization. Finally, we examined patient samples diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis to further tie our results of the in vitro model to clinical outcomes. Moreover, we observed that the senescence marker p16 is correlated with local collagen fiber disorder. By elucidating the temporal dynamics of SA-ECM remodeling, we provide further insight on the role of senescent cells and their contributions to pathological ECM remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nova C. Dea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 029012, USA
| | - Deepraj Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 029012, USA
| | - Krishangi Krishna
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Yihong Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Yanxi Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 029012, USA
| | - Braxton Morrison
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 029012, USA
| | - Kimani C. Toussaint
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
| | - Michelle R. Dawson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 029012, USA
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3
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Huang L, Bon H, Maamra M, Holmes T, Atkinson J, Cain K, Kennedy J, Kettleborough C, Matthews D, Twomey B, Ni J, Song Z, Watson PF, Johnson TS. The effect of TG2-inhibitory monoclonal antibody zampilimab on tissue fibrosis in human in vitro and primate in vivo models of chronic kidney disease. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298864. [PMID: 38753630 PMCID: PMC11098434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic remodeling is the primary driver of functional loss in chronic kidney disease, with no specific anti-fibrotic agent available for clinical use. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a wound response enzyme that irreversibly crosslinks extracellular matrix proteins causing dysregulation of extracellular matrix turnover, is a well-characterized anti-fibrotic target in the kidney. We describe the humanization and characterization of two anti-TG2 monoclonal antibodies (zampilimab [hDC1/UCB7858] and BB7) that inhibit crosslinking by TG2 in human in vitro and rabbit/cynomolgus monkey in vivo models of chronic kidney disease. Determination of zampilimab half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against recombinant human TG2 was undertaken using the KxD assay and determination of dissociation constant (Kd) by surface plasmon resonance. Efficacy in vitro was established using a primary human renal epithelial cell model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, to assess mature deposited extracellular matrix proteins. Proof of concept in vivo used a cynomolgus monkey unilateral ureteral obstruction model of chronic kidney disease. Zampilimab inhibited TG2 crosslinking transamidation activity with an IC50 of 0.25 nM and Kd of <50 pM. In cell culture, zampilimab inhibited extracellular TG2 activity (IC50 119 nM) and dramatically reduced transforming growth factor-β1-driven accumulation of multiple extracellular matrix proteins including collagens I, III, IV, V, and fibronectin. Intravenous administration of BB7 in rabbits resulted in a 68% reduction in fibrotic index at Day 25 post-unilateral ureteral obstruction. Weekly intravenous administration of zampilimab in cynomolgus monkeys with unilateral ureteral obstruction reduced fibrosis at 4 weeks by >50%, with no safety signals. Our data support the clinical investigation of zampilimab for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghong Huang
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Helene Bon
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Mabrouka Maamra
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Holmes
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - John Atkinson
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine Cain
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Jeff Kennedy
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Matthews
- Drug Discovery Biology, LifeArc, Stevenage, United Kingdom
- Immunology and Ophthalmology, Mogrify Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Breda Twomey
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Jia Ni
- Research and Development, Prisys Biotechnologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhan Song
- Research and Development, Prisys Biotechnologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Philip F. Watson
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy S. Johnson
- Immunology Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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4
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Burgess JK, Gosens R. Mechanotransduction and the extracellular matrix: Key drivers of lung pathologies and drug responsiveness. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116255. [PMID: 38705536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116255] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The lung is a biomechanically active organ, with multiscale mechanical forces impacting the organ, tissue and cellular responses within this microenvironment. In chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and others, the structure of the lung is drastically altered impeding gas exchange. These changes are, in part, reflected in alterations in the composition, amount and organization of the extracellular matrix within the different lung compartments. The transmission of mechanical forces within lung tissue are broadcast by this complex mix of extracellular matrix components, in particular the collagens, elastin and proteoglycans and the crosslinking of these components. At both a macro and a micro level, the mechanical properties of the microenvironment have a key regulatory role in ascertaining cellular responses and the function of the lung. Cells adhere to, and receive signals from, the extracellular matrix through a number of different surface receptors and complexes which are important for mechanotransduction. This review summarizes the multiscale mechanics in the lung and how the mechanical environment changes in lung disease and aging. We then examine the role of mechanotransduction in driving cell signaling events in lung diseases and finish with a future perspective of the need to consider how such forces may impact pharmacological responsiveness in lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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5
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Lei Y, Xu J, Xiao M, Wu D, Xu H, Yang J, Mao X, Pan H, Yu X, Shi S. Pirfenidone alleviates fibrosis by acting on tumour-stroma interplay in pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1505-1516. [PMID: 38454166 PMCID: PMC11058874 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02631-9] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 12%. The abundant mesenchyme is partly responsible for the malignancy. The antifibrotic therapies have gained attention in recent research. However, the role of pirfenidone, an FDA-approved drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, remains unclear in PDAC. METHODS Data from RNA-seq of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models treated with pirfenidone were integrated using bioinformatics tools to identify the target of cell types and genes. Using confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR and western blotting, we validated the signalling pathway in tumour cells to regulate the cytokine secretion. Further cocultured system demonstrated the interplay to regulate stroma fibrosis. Finally, mouse models demonstrated the potential of pirfenidone in PDAC. RESULTS Pirfenidone can remodulate multiple biological pathways, and exerts an antifibrotic effect through inhibiting the secretion of PDGF-bb from tumour cells by downregulating the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB pathway. Thus, leading to a subsequent reduction in collagen X and fibronectin secreted by CAFs. Moreover, the mice orthotopic pancreatic tumour models demonstrated the antifibrotic effect and potential to sensitise gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS Pirfenidone may alter the pancreatic milieu and alleviate fibrosis through the regulation of tumour-stroma interactions via the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB signalling pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in PDAC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Lei
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Xiao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoqi Pan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Ha KS. Transglutaminase 2 in diabetes mellitus: Unraveling its multifaceted role and therapeutic implications for vascular complications. Theranostics 2024; 14:2329-2344. [PMID: 38646650 PMCID: PMC11024853 DOI: 10.7150/thno.95742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes, a severe metabolic disease characterized by chronic hypoglycemia, poses debilitating and life-threatening risks of microvascular and macrovascular complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, and limb amputation. Addressing these complications is paramount, urging the development of interventions targeting diabetes-associated vascular dysfunctions. To effectively combat diabetes, a comprehensive understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying complications and identification of precise therapeutic targets are imperative. Transglutaminase 2 (TGase2) is a multifunctional enzyme implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, fibrosis, and inflammatory conditions. TGase2 has recently emerged as a key player in both the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of diabetic complications. This review highlights TGase2 as a therapeutic target for diabetic complications and explores TGase2 inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach in their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do 24341, Korea
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Kadam AH, Schnitzer JE. Insights into Disease Progression of Translational Preclinical Rat Model of Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis through Endpoint Analysis. Cells 2024; 13:515. [PMID: 38534359 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial lung disease characterized by the relentless deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), causing lung distortions and dysfunction. Animal models of human IPF can provide great insight into the mechanistic pathways underlying disease progression and a means for evaluating novel therapeutic approaches. In this study, we describe the effect of bleomycin concentration on disease progression in the classical rat bleomycin model. In a dose-response study (1.5, 2, 2.5 U/kg i.t), we characterized lung fibrosis at day 14 after bleomycin challenge using endpoints including clinical signs, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen content, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid-soluble profibrotic mediators. Furthermore, we investigated fibrotic disease progression after 2 U/kg i.t. bleomycin administration at days 3, 7, and 14 by quantifying the expression of clinically relevant signaling molecules and pathways, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers, ECM components, and histopathology of the lung. A single bleomycin challenge resulted in a progressive fibrotic response in rat lung tissue over 14 days based on lung collagen content, histopathological changes, and modified Ashcroft score. The early fibrogenesis phase (days 3 to 7) is associated with an increase in profibrotic mediators including TGFβ1, IL6, TNFα, IL1β, CINC1, WISP1, VEGF, and TIMP1. In the mid and late fibrotic stages, the TGFβ/Smad and PDGF/AKT signaling pathways are involved, and clinically relevant proteins targeting galectin-3, LPA1, transglutaminase-2, and lysyl oxidase 2 are upregulated on days 7 and 14. Between days 7 and 14, the expressions of vimentin and α-SMA proteins increase, which is a sign of EMT activation. We confirmed ECM formation by increased expressions of procollagen-1Aα, procollagen-3Aα, fibronectin, and CTGF in the lung on days 7 and 14. Our data provide insights on a complex network of several soluble mediators, clinically relevant signaling pathways, and target proteins that contribute to drive the progressive fibrotic phenotype from the early to late phase (active) in the rat bleomycin model. The framework of endpoints of our study highlights the translational value for pharmacological interventions and mechanistic studies using this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil H Kadam
- Proteogenomics Research Institute for Systems Medicine (PRISM), 505 Coast Blvd. South, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jan E Schnitzer
- Proteogenomics Research Institute for Systems Medicine (PRISM), 505 Coast Blvd. South, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Wodtke R, Laube M, Hauser S, Meister S, Ludwig FA, Fischer S, Kopka K, Pietzsch J, Löser R. Preclinical evaluation of an 18F-labeled N ε-acryloyllysine piperazide for covalent targeting of transglutaminase 2. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:1. [PMID: 38165538 PMCID: PMC10761660 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-023-00231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is a multifunctional protein and has a prominent role in various (patho)physiological processes. In particular, its transamidase activity, which is rather latent under physiological conditions, gains importance in malignant cells. Thus, there is a great need of theranostic probes for targeting tumor-associated TGase 2, and targeted covalent inhibitors appear to be particularly attractive as vector molecules. Such an inhibitor, equipped with a radionuclide suitable for noninvasive imaging, would be supportive for answering the general question on the possibility for functional characterization of tumor-associated TGase 2. For this purpose, the recently developed 18F-labeled Nε-acryloyllysine piperazide [18F]7b, which is a potent and selective irreversible inhibitor of TGase 2, was subject to a detailed radiopharmacological characterization herein. RESULTS An alternative radiosynthesis of [18F]7b is presented, which demands less than 300 µg of the respective trimethylammonio precursor per synthesis and provides [18F]7b in good radiochemical yields (17 ± 7%) and high (radio)chemical purities (≥ 99%). Ex vivo biodistribution studies in healthy mice at 5 and 60 min p.i. revealed no permanent enrichment of 18F-activity in tissues with the exception of the bone tissue. In vivo pretreatment with ketoconazole and in vitro murine liver microsome studies complemented by mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that bone uptake originates from metabolically released [18F]fluoride. Further metabolic transformations of [18F]7b include mono-hydroxylation and glucuronidation. Based on blood sampling data and liver microsome experiments, pharmacokinetic parameters such as plasma and intrinsic clearance were derived, which substantiated the apparently rapid distribution of [18F]7b in and elimination from the organisms. A TGase 2-mediated uptake of [18F]7b in different tumor cell lines could not be proven. Moreover, evaluation of [18F]7b in melanoma tumor xenograft models based on A375-hS100A4 (TGase 2 +) and MeWo (TGase 2 -) cells by ex vivo biodistribution and PET imaging studies were not indicative for a specific targeting. CONCLUSION [18F]7b is a valuable radiometric tool to study TGase 2 in vitro under various conditions. However, its suitability for targeting tumor-associated TGase 2 is strongly limited due its unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties as demonstrated in rodents. Consequently, from a radiochemical perspective [18F]7b requires appropriate structural modifications to overcome these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wodtke
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Markus Laube
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Meister
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Friedrich-Alexander Ludwig
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Fischer
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Reik Löser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany.
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany.
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Diwan R, Bhatt HN, Beaven E, Nurunnabi M. Emerging delivery approaches for targeted pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 204:115147. [PMID: 38065244 PMCID: PMC10787600 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115147] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive, and life-threatening interstitial lung disease which causes scarring in the lung parenchyma and thereby affects architecture and functioning of lung. It is an irreversible damage to lung functioning which is related to epithelial cell injury, immense accumulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, and irregular recruitment of extracellular matrix. The inflammatory cytokines trigger the differentiation of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts, which further increase the production and deposition of collagen at the injury sites in the lung. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with PF, there is no available treatment that efficiently and effectively treats the disease by reversing their underlying pathologies. In recent years, many therapeutic regimens, for instance, rho kinase inhibitors, Smad signaling pathway inhibitors, p38, BCL-xL/ BCL-2 and JNK pathway inhibitors, have been found to be potent and effective in treating PF, in preclinical stages. However, due to non-selectivity and non-specificity, the therapeutic molecules also result in toxicity mediated severe side effects. Hence, this review demonstrates recent advances on PF pathology, mechanism and targets related to PF, development of various drug delivery systems based on small molecules, RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, exosomes, and stem cells for the treatment of PF and the progress of various therapeutic treatments in clinical trials to advance PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
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10
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Soltani F, Kaartinen MT. Transglutaminases in fibrosis-overview and recent advances. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C885-C894. [PMID: 37642242 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00322.2023] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminases (TGs) are a family of protein cross-linking enzymes that are capable of stiffening and insolubilizing proteins and creating protein networks, and thereby altering biological functions of proteins. Their role in fibrosis progression has been widely investigated with a focus on kidney, lung, liver, and heart where activity is triggered by various stimuli including hypoxia, inflammation, and hyperglycemia. TG2 has been considered one of the key enzymes in the pathogenesis of fibrosis mainly through transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling and matrix cross-linking mechanisms. Although TG2 has been most widely studied in this context, the involvement of other TGs, TG1 and Factor XIII-A (FXIII-A), is beginning to emerge. This mini-review highlights the major steps taken in the TG and fibrosis research and summarizes the most recent advances and contributions of TG2, TG1, and FXIII-A to the progression of fibrosis in various animal models. Also, their mechanisms of action as well as therapeutic prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Soltani
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mari T Kaartinen
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Ezzo M, Hinz B. Novel approaches to target fibroblast mechanotransduction in fibroproliferative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108528. [PMID: 37708995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to sense and respond to changes in mechanical environment is vital in conditions of organ injury when the architecture of normal tissues is disturbed or lost. Among the various cellular players that respond to injury, fibroblasts take center stage in re-establishing tissue integrity by secreting and organizing extracellular matrix into stabilizing scar tissue. Activation, activity, survival, and death of scar-forming fibroblasts are tightly controlled by mechanical environment and proper mechanotransduction ensures that fibroblast activities cease after completion of the tissue repair process. Conversely, dysregulated mechanotransduction often results in fibroblast over-activation or persistence beyond the state of normal repair. The resulting pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is called fibrosis, a condition that has been associated with over 40% of all deaths in the industrialized countries. Consequently, elements in fibroblast mechanotransduction are scrutinized for their suitability as anti-fibrotic therapeutic targets. We review the current knowledge on mechanically relevant factors in the fibroblast extracellular environment, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion structures, stretch-activated membrane channels, stress-regulated cytoskeletal structures, and co-transcription factors. We critically discuss the targetability of these elements in therapeutic approaches and their progress in pre-clinical and/or clinical trials to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Ezzo
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, and Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Zhou X, Trinh-Minh T, Matei AE, Györfi AH, Hong X, Bergmann C, Schett G, Atkinson J, Bowcutt R, Patel J, Johnson TS, Distler JHW. Amelioration of Fibrotic Remodeling of Human 3-Dimensional Full-Thickness Skin by Transglutamase 2 Inhibition. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:1619-1627. [PMID: 37057394 DOI: 10.1002/art.42518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibrotic tissues are characterized by excessive crosslinking between extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, rendering them more resistant to degradation. Although increased crosslinking of ECM is thought to play an important role for progression of tissue fibrosis, enhanced ECM crosslinking has not yet been targeted therapeutically in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here, we investigated the role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a central crosslinking enzyme, in the activation of SSc fibroblasts. METHODS We assessed TG2 expression and activity using TG2 staining, Western blotting, and TG2 activity assays. We inhibited TG2 in fibroblasts cultured under standard 2-dimensional conditions and in a 3-dimensional full-thickness equivalent skin model using monoclonal inhibitory anti-TG2 antibodies. RESULTS TG2 expression was increased in the skin of patients with SSc compared with healthy controls, with levels particularly high in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease. TG2 expression and TG2 activity were also increased in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, the levels of circulating TG2 in the plasma samples from SSc patients were increased versus samples from healthy controls. Anti-TG2 antibodies did not show consistent antifibrotic effects across different fibroblast cell lines under 2-dimensional culture conditions; however, anti-TG2 antibodies effectively reduced transforming growth factor β-induced dermal thickening, myofibroblast differentiation, and collagen accumulation in the 3-dimensional full-thickness model of human skin. CONCLUSION We provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that inhibition of TG2 might be a potential antifibrotic approach in SSc. Our findings have translational potential as anti-TG2 antibodies are currently evaluated in a phase II clinical trial in chronic allograft injury and would thus be available for clinical studies in SSc (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04335578).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- Clinic for Rheumatology University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, and Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thuong Trinh-Minh
- Clinic for Rheumatology University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, and Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandru-Emil Matei
- Clinic for Rheumatology University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, and Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrea-Hermina Györfi
- Clinic for Rheumatology University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, and Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xuezhi Hong
- Clinic for Rheumatology University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, and Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jörg H W Distler
- Clinic for Rheumatology University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, and Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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13
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Gates EWJ, Calvert ND, Cundy NJ, Brugnoli F, Navals P, Kirby A, Bianchi N, Adhikary G, Shuhendler AJ, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Cell-Impermeable Inhibitors Confirm That Intracellular Human Transglutaminase 2 Is Responsible for the Transglutaminase-Associated Cancer Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12546. [PMID: 37628729 PMCID: PMC10454375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional enzyme primarily responsible for crosslinking proteins. Ubiquitously expressed in humans, TG2 can act either as a transamidase by crosslinking two substrates through formation of an Nε(ɣ-glutaminyl)lysine bond or as an intracellular G-protein. These discrete roles are tightly regulated by both allosteric and environmental stimuli and are associated with dramatic changes in the conformation of the enzyme. The pleiotropic nature of TG2 and multi-faceted activities have resulted in TG2 being implicated in numerous disease pathologies including celiac disease, fibrosis, and cancer. Targeted TG2 therapies have not been selective for subcellular localization, such that currently no tools exist to selectively target extracellular over intracellular TG2. Herein, we have designed novel TG2-selective inhibitors that are not only highly potent and irreversible, but also cell impermeable, targeting only extracellular TG2. We have also further derivatized the scaffold to develop probes that are intrinsically fluorescent or bear an alkyne handle, which target both intra- and extracellular TG2, in order to facilitate cellular labelling and pull-down assays. The fluorescent probes were internalized and imaged in cellulo, and provide the first implicit experimental evidence that by comparison with their cell-impermeable analogues, it is specifically intracellular TG2, and presumably its G-protein activity, that contributes to transglutaminase-associated cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. J. Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas D. Calvert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas J. Cundy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Federica Brugnoli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44021 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Pauline Navals
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Alexia Kirby
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44021 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (G.A.); (R.L.E.)
| | - Adam J. Shuhendler
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (G.A.); (R.L.E.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
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14
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Barathi VA, Ho CEH, Tong L. Molecular Basis of Transglutaminase-2 and Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors in Experimental Myopia: A Target for Myopia Treatment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1045. [PMID: 37509081 PMCID: PMC10377462 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myopia, a prevalent refractive error disorder worldwide, is characterized by the elongation of the eye, leading to visual abnormalities. Understanding the genetic factors involved in myopia is crucial for developing therapeutic and preventive measures. Unfortunately, only a limited number of genes with well-defined functionality have been associated with myopia. In this study, we found that the homozygous TGM2-deleted gene in mice protected against the development of myopia by slowing down the elongation of the eye. The effectiveness of gene knockdown was confirmed by achieving a 60 percent reduction in TGM-2 transcript levels through the use of TGM-2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in human scleral fibroblasts (SFs). Furthermore, treating normal mouse SFs with various transglutaminase inhibitors led to the down-regulation of TGM-2 expression, with the most significant reduction observed with specific TGM-2 inhibitors. Additionally, the study found that the pharmacological blockade of muscarinic receptors also slowed the progression of myopia in mice, and this effect was accompanied by a decrease in TGM-2 enzyme expression. Specifically, mice with homozygous mAChR5, mAChR1, and/or mAChR4 and knockout mice exhibited higher levels of TGM-2 mRNA compared to mice with homozygous mAChR2 and three knockout mice (fold changes of 5.8, 2.9, 2.4, -2.2, and -4.7, respectively; p < 0.05). These findings strongly suggest that both TGM-2 and muscarinic receptors play central roles in the development of myopia, and blocking these factors could potentially be useful in interfering with the progression of this condition. In conclusion, targeting TGM-2 may have a beneficial effect regarding myopia, and this may also be at least partially be the mechanism of anti-muscarinic drugs in myopia. Further studies should investigate the interaction between TGM-2 and muscarinic receptors, as well as the changes in other extracellular matrix genes associated with growth during the development of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Translational Preclinical Model Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital System, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Eye-Academic Clinical Program, DUKE-National University of Singapore Gr Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Candice E H Ho
- Translational Preclinical Model Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Louis Tong
- Eye-Academic Clinical Program, DUKE-National University of Singapore Gr Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ocular Surface Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, 20 College Road, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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15
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Fertala J, Wang ML, Rivlin M, Beredjiklian PK, Abboud J, Arnold WV, Fertala A. Extracellular Targets to Reduce Excessive Scarring in Response to Tissue Injury. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050758. [PMID: 37238628 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive scar formation is a hallmark of localized and systemic fibrotic disorders. Despite extensive studies to define valid anti-fibrotic targets and develop effective therapeutics, progressive fibrosis remains a significant medical problem. Regardless of the injury type or location of wounded tissue, excessive production and accumulation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix is the common denominator of all fibrotic disorders. A long-standing dogma was that anti-fibrotic approaches should focus on overall intracellular processes that drive fibrotic scarring. Because of the poor outcomes of these approaches, scientific efforts now focus on regulating the extracellular components of fibrotic tissues. Crucial extracellular players include cellular receptors of matrix components, macromolecules that form the matrix architecture, auxiliary proteins that facilitate the formation of stiff scar tissue, matricellular proteins, and extracellular vesicles that modulate matrix homeostasis. This review summarizes studies targeting the extracellular aspects of fibrotic tissue synthesis, presents the rationale for these studies, and discusses the progress and limitations of current extracellular approaches to limit fibrotic healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mark L Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael Rivlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Pedro K Beredjiklian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph Abboud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - William V Arnold
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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16
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Uehara R, Yamada E, Okada S, Bastie CC, Maeshima A, Ikeuchi H, Horiguchi K, Yamada M. Fyn Phosphorylates Transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2) and Modulates Autophagy and p53 Expression in the Development of Diabetic Kidney Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081197. [PMID: 37190106 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is involved in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The Fyn tyrosine kinase (Fyn) suppresses autophagy in the muscle. However, its role in kidney autophagic processes is unclear. Here, we examined the role of Fyn kinase in autophagy in proximal renal tubules both in vivo and in vitro. Phospho-proteomic analysis revealed that transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2), a protein involved in the degradation of p53 in the autophagosome, is phosphorylated on tyrosine 369 (Y369) by Fyn. Interestingly, we found that Fyn-dependent phosphorylation of Tgm2 regulates autophagy in proximal renal tubules in vitro, and that p53 expression is decreased upon autophagy in Tgm2-knockdown proximal renal tubule cell models. Using streptozocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic mice, we confirmed that Fyn regulated autophagy and mediated p53 expression via Tgm2. Taken together, these data provide a molecular basis for the role of the Fyn-Tgm2-p53 axis in the development of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Uehara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15, Showa, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Eijiro Yamada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15, Showa, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shuichi Okada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15, Showa, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Claire C Bastie
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Akito Maeshima
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, 1981 Kamoda, Kawagoe 350-1298, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Ikeuchi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Horiguchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15, Showa, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Masanobu Yamada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15, Showa, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
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17
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Cundy NJ, Arciszewski J, Gates EWJ, Acton SL, Passley KD, Awoonor-Williams E, Boyd EK, Xu N, Pierson É, Fernandez-Ansieta C, Albert MR, McNeil NMR, Adhikary G, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Novel irreversible peptidic inhibitors of transglutaminase 2. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:378-385. [PMID: 36846375 PMCID: PMC9945859 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00417h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), also referred to as tissue transglutaminase, plays crucial roles in both protein crosslinking and cell signalling. It is capable of both catalysing transamidation and acting as a G-protein, these activities being conformation-dependent, mutually exclusive, and tightly regulated. The dysregulation of both activities has been implicated in numerous pathologies. TG2 is expressed ubiquitously in humans and is localized both intracellularly and extracellularly. Targeted TG2 therapies have been developed but have faced numerous hurdles including decreased efficacy in vivo. Our latest efforts in inhibitor optimization involve the modification of a previous lead compound's scaffold by insertion of various amino acid residues into the peptidomimetic backbone, and derivatization of the N-terminus with substituted phenylacetic acids, resulting in 28 novel irreversible inhibitors. These inhibitors were evaluated for their ability to inhibit TG2 in vitro and their pharmacokinetic properties, and the most promising candidate 35 (k inact/K I = 760 × 103 M-1 min-1) was tested in a cancer stem cell model. Although these inhibitors display exceptional potency versus TG2, with k inact/K I ratios nearly ten-fold higher than their parent compound, their pharmacokinetic properties and cellular activity limit their therapeutic potential. However, they do serve as a scaffold for the development of potent research tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Cundy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Jane Arciszewski
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Eric W J Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Sydney L Acton
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Kyle D Passley
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Ernest Awoonor-Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Elizabeth K Boyd
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Nancy Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Élise Pierson
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | | | - Marie R Albert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Nicole M R McNeil
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland 21201 USA
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland 21201 USA
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
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18
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The TGM2 inhibitor cysteamine hydrochloride does not impact corneal epithelial and stromal wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109338. [PMID: 36470430 PMCID: PMC10120528 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Corneal wound healing is integral for resolution of corneal disease or for post-operative healing. However, corneal scarring that may occur secondary to this process can significantly impair vision. Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) inhibition has shown promising antifibrotic effects and thus holds promise to prevent or treat corneal scarring. The commercially available ocular solution for treatment of ocular manifestations of Cystinosis, Cystaran®, contains the TGM2 inhibitor cysteamine hydrochloride (CH). The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of CH on corneal epithelial and stromal wounds, its effects on corneal wound healing, and its efficacy against corneal scarring following wounding. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were first used to quantify and localize TGM2 expression in the cornea. Subsequently, (i) the in vitro effects of CH at 0.163, 1.63, and 16.3 mM on corneal epithelial cell migration was assessed with an epithelial cell migration assay, and (ii) the in vivo effects of application of 1.63 mM CH on epithelial and stromal wounds was assessed in a rabbit model with ophthalmic examinations, inflammation scoring, color and fluorescein imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and confocal biomicroscopy. Post-mortem assessment of corneal tissue post-stromal wounding included biomechanical characterization (atomic force microscopy (AFM)), histology (H&E staining), and determining incidence of myofibroblasts (immunostaining against α-SMA) in wounded corneal tissue. TGM2 expression was highest in corneal epithelial cells. Application of the TGM2 inhibitor CH did not affect in vitro epithelial cell migration at the two lower concentrations tested. At 16.3 mM, decreased cell migration was observed. In vivo application of CH at 57 mM was well tolerated and did not adversely affect wound healing. No difference in corneal scarring was found between CH treated and vehicle control eyes. This study shows that the TGM2 inhibitor CH, at the FDA-approved dose, is well tolerated in a rabbit model of corneal wound healing and does not adversely affect epithelial or stromal wound healing. This supports the safe use of this medication in Cystinosis patients with open corneal wounds. CH did not have an effect on corneal scarring in this study, suggesting that Cystaran® administration to patients with corneal wounds is unlikely to decrease corneal fibrosis.
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Cheng D, Li Z, Wang Y, Xiong H, Sun W, Zhou S, Liu Y, Ni C. Targeted delivery of ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposomes attenuates experimental pulmonary fibrosis. J Transl Med 2022; 20:523. [PMID: 36371191 PMCID: PMC9652794 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition caused by activated fibroblasts. Increasing evidence shows that matrix stiffness is essential in promoting fibroblast activation and profibrotic changes. Here, we investigated the expression and function of matrix stiffness-regulated ZNF416 in pulmonary fibrotic lung fibroblasts. Methods 1 kappa (soft), 60 kappa (stiff) gel-coated coverslips, or transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-cultured lung fibroblasts and the gain- or loss- of the ZNF416 function assays were performed in vitro. We also established two experimental pulmonary fibrosis mouse models by a single intratracheal instillation with 50 mg/kg silica or 6 mg/kg bleomycin (BLM). ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposomes and TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor SB431542 were administrated in vivo. Results Our study identified that ZNF416 could regulate fibroblast differentiation, proliferation, and contraction by promoting the nuclear accumulation of p-Smad2/3. Besides, ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposome delivery by tail-vein could passively target the fibrotic area in the lung, and co-administration of ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposomes and SB431542 significantly protects mice against silica or BLM-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Conclusion In this study, our results indicate that mechanosensitive ZNF416 is a potential molecular target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Strategies aimed at silencing ZNF416 could be a promising approach to fight against pulmonary fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03740-w.
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20
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Nakamura R, Bing R, Gartling GJ, Branski RC. Macrophages alter inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression in human vocal fold fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2022; 419:113301. [PMID: 35931141 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage phenotypes are simplistically classified as pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic (M2). Phenotypically different macrophages are putatively involved in vocal fold (VF) fibrosis. The current study investigated interactions between macrophages and VF fibroblasts. THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages were treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/IFN-γ, interleukin-10 (IL10), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β), or interleukin-4 (IL4) for 24 h (M(IFN), M(IFN/LPS), M(IL10), M(TGF), and M(IL4), respectively; M(-) denotes untreated macrophages). Differentially activated macrophages and human VF fibroblasts were co-cultured ± direct contact. Expression of CXCL10, CCN2, ACTA2, FN1, TGM2, and LOX was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Type I collagen and smooth muscle actin (SMA) were observed by immunofluorescence. CXCL10 and PTGS2 were upregulated in fibroblasts indirectly co-cultured with M(IFN) and M(IFN/LPS). M(TGF) stimulated CCN2, ACTA2, and FN1 in fibroblasts. Enzymes involved in extracellular matrix crosslinking (TGM2, LOX) were increased in monocultured M(IL4) compared to M(-). Direct co-culture with all macrophages increased type I collagen and SMA in fibroblasts. Macrophage phenotypic shift was consistent with stimulation and had downstream differential effects on VF fibroblasts. Direct contact with macrophages, regardless of phenotype, stimulated a pro-fibrotic response in VF fibroblasts. Collectively, these data suggest meaningful interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts mediate fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Nakamura
- Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renjie Bing
- Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gary J Gartling
- Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryan C Branski
- Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Steiner CA, Cartwright IM, Taylor CT, Colgan SP. Hypoxia-inducible factor as a bridge between healthy barrier function, wound healing, and fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C866-C878. [PMID: 35912990 PMCID: PMC9467472 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00227.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The healthy mammalian intestine is lined by a single layer of epithelial cells. These cells provide a selectively permeable barrier to luminal contents and normally do so in an efficient and effective manner. Barrier function in the healthy mucosa is provided via several mechanisms including epithelial junctional complexes, mucus production, as well as mucosal-derived antimicrobial proteins. As tissue metabolism is central to the maintenance of homeostasis in the mucosa, intestinal [Formula: see text] levels are uniquely low due to counter-current blood flow and the presence of the microbiota, resulting in the stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Ongoing studies have revealed that HIF molds normal intestinal metabolism and is central to the coordination of barrier regulation during both homeostasis and active disease. During acute inflammation, HIF is central to controlling the rapid restitution of the epithelium consistent with normal wound healing responses. In contrast, HIF may also contribute to the fibrostenotic response associated with chronic, nonresolving inflammation. As such, HIF may function as a double-edged sword in the overall course of the inflammatory response. Here, we review recent literature on the contribution of HIF to mucosal barrier function, wound healing, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen A Steiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Medicine and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ian M Cartwright
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Medicine and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cormac T Taylor
- School of Medicine, Conway Institute and Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean P Colgan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Medicine and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
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22
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Dooling LJ, Saini K, Anlaş AA, Discher DE. Tissue mechanics coevolves with fibrillar matrisomes in healthy and fibrotic tissues. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:153-188. [PMID: 35764212 PMCID: PMC9990088 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrillar proteins are principal components of extracellular matrix (ECM) that confer mechanical properties to tissues. Fibrosis can result from wound repair in nearly every tissue in adults, and it associates with increased ECM density and crosslinking as well as increased tissue stiffness. Such fibrotic tissues are a major biomedical challenge, and an emerging view posits that the altered mechanical environment supports both synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts in a state of persistent activation. Here, we review the matrisome in several fibrotic diseases, as well as normal tissues, with a focus on physicochemical properties. Stiffness generally increases with the abundance of fibrillar collagens, the major constituent of ECM, with similar mathematical trends for fibrosis as well as adult tissues from soft brain to stiff bone and heart development. Changes in expression of other core matrisome and matrisome-associated proteins or proteoglycans contribute to tissue stiffening in fibrosis by organizing collagen, crosslinking ECM, and facilitating adhesion of myofibroblasts. Understanding how ECM composition and mechanics coevolve during fibrosis can lead to better models and help with antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Dooling
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karanvir Saini
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alişya A Anlaş
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis E Discher
- Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Lab, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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23
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Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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24
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Moon JJ, Choi Y, Kim KH, Seo A, Kwon S, Kim YC, Kim DK, Kim YS, Yang SH. Inhibiting Transglutaminase 2 Mediates Kidney Fibrosis via Anti-Apoptosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061345. [PMID: 35740367 PMCID: PMC9220123 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061345] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a calcium-dependent transamidating acyltransferase enzyme of the protein-glutamine γ-glutamyltransferase family implicated in kidney injury. In this study, we identified associations between TG2 and chronic kidney disease (CKD) identified by visualizing TG2 in kidney biopsy samples derived from CKD patients using immunohistochemistry and measuring the plasma TG2 concentrations. Our study revealed a connection between TG2 and the pathological markers of kidney disease. We showed high plasma TG2 levels in samples from patients with advanced CKD. In addition, we observed an increase in TG2 expression in tissues concomitant with advanced CKD in human samples. Moreover, we investigated the effect of TG2 inhibition on kidney injury using cystamine, a well-known competitive inhibitor of TG2. TG2 inhibition reduced apoptosis and accumulation of extracellular molecules (ECM) such as fibronectin and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8. Collectively, the increased expression of TG2 that was observed in advanced CKD, hence inhibiting TG2 activity, could protect kidney cells from ECM molecule accumulation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses, thereby preventing kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Joo Moon
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.-J.M.); (Y.C.); (K.-H.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Yejin Choi
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.-J.M.); (Y.C.); (K.-H.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Kyu-Hyeon Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.-J.M.); (Y.C.); (K.-H.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Areum Seo
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.-J.M.); (Y.C.); (K.-H.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Soie Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (S.K.); (Y.-C.K.); (D.-K.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Yong-Chul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (S.K.); (Y.-C.K.); (D.-K.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Dong-Ki Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (S.K.); (Y.-C.K.); (D.-K.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yon-Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (S.K.); (Y.-C.K.); (D.-K.K.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Yang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.-J.M.); (Y.C.); (K.-H.K.); (A.S.)
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2072-1724
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25
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Nho RS, Ballinger MN, Rojas MM, Ghadiali SN, Horowitz JC. Biomechanical Force and Cellular Stiffness in Lung Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:750-761. [PMID: 35183510 PMCID: PMC9088200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is characterized by the continuous accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins produced by apoptosis-resistant (myo)fibroblasts. Lung epithelial injury promotes the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, which are necessary for tissue repair and restoration of homeostasis. However, under pathologic conditions, a vicious cycle generated by profibrotic growth factors/cytokines, multicellular interactions, and matrix-associated signaling propagates the wound repair response and promotes lung fibrosis characterized not only by increased quantities of ECM proteins but also by changes in the biomechanical properties of the matrix. Importantly, changes in the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the matrix itself can serve to perpetuate fibroblast activity and propagate fibrosis, even in the absence of the initial stimulus of injury. The development of novel experimental models and methods increasingly facilitates our ability to interrogate fibrotic processes at the cellular and molecular levels. The goal of this review is to discuss the impact of ECM conditions in the development of lung fibrosis and to introduce new approaches to more accurately model the in vivo fibrotic microenvironment. This article highlights the pathologic roles of ECM in terms of mechanical force and the cellular interactions while reviewing in vitro and ex vivo models of lung fibrosis. The improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to lung fibrosis holds promise for identification of new therapeutic targets and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Nho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Megan N Ballinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mauricio M Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Samir N Ghadiali
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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26
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Zhang Z, Chen H, Yu P, Ge C, Fang M, Zhao X, Geng Q, Wang H. Inducible factors and interaction of pulmonary fibrosis induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure in offspring rats. Toxicol Lett 2022; 359:65-72. [PMID: 35143883 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.02.001] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) and susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis in offspring. Healthy female Wistar rats were given dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg.d) or an equal volume of normal saline subcutaneously from 9 to 20 days after conception. Some of their female offspring underwent ovariectomy (OV) at 22 weeks after birth. All animals were euthanized at 28 weeks after birth. The morphological changes related to pulmonary fibrosis and extracellular matrix-related gene expression were detected, and Two-way ANOVA analyzed the interaction between PDE and OV. The results showed that adult offspring rats in FD group (female rats with PDE treatment) had early pulmonary fibrosis changes, such as pulmonary interstitial thickening, and increased expression of type IV collagen (COL4), α -smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN) in lung tissues compared with those in FC group (female rats with saline treatment). In addition, adult offspring rats in FDO group (female rats with PDE and OV treatment) showed signs of pulmonary fibrosis, including apparent extracellular matrix deposition, increased lung injury scores (P<0.01, P<0.05), and extracellular matrix related gene expression (P<0.01, P<0.05), compared with rats in FDS (female rats with PDE treatment alone) or rats in FCO group (female rats with OV treatment alone). Moreover, PDE and OV had an interactive effect on the development of pulmonary fibrosis in female adult offspring. This study first reported the correlation between PDE and susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis in female offspring rats, as well as the synergistic effect of PDE and OV in this pathological event, which provided a basis for further understanding of the pathogenesis of fetal originated pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Rd, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Pengxia Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Caiyun Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Man Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Rd, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Diseases, 185 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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27
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Link PA, Choi KM, Diaz Espinosa AM, Jones DL, Gao AY, Haak AJ, Tschumperlin DJ. Combined control of the fibroblast contractile program by YAP and TAZ. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L23-L32. [PMID: 34755530 PMCID: PMC8721907 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00210.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcription cofactors implicated in the contractile and profibrotic activation of fibroblasts. Fibroblast contractile function is important in alveologenesis and in lung wound healing and fibrosis. As paralogs, YAP and TAZ may have independent or redundant roles in regulating transcriptional programs and contractile function. Using IMR-90 lung fibroblasts, microarray analysis, and traction microscopy, we tested whether independent YAP or TAZ knockdown alone was sufficient to limit transcriptional activation and contraction in vitro. Our results demonstrate limited effects of knockdown of either YAP or TAZ alone, with more robust transcriptional and functional effects observed with combined knockdown, consistent with cooperation or redundancy of YAP and TAZ in transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced fibroblast activation and contractile force generation. The transcriptional responses to combined YAP/TAZ knockdown were focused on a relatively small subset of genes with prominent overrepresentation of genes implicated in contraction and migration. To explore potential disease relevance of our findings, we tested primary human lung fibroblasts isolated from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and confirmed that YAP and TAZ combined knockdown reduced the expression of three cytoskeletal genes, ACTA2, CNN1, and TAGLN. We then compared the contribution of these genes, along with YAP and TAZ, to contractile function. Combined knockdown targeting YAP/TAZ was more effective than targeting any of the individual cytoskeletal genes in reducing contractile function. Together, our results demonstrate that YAP and TAZ combine to regulate a multigene program that is essential to fibroblast contractile function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A. Link
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kyoung Moo Choi
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ana M. Diaz Espinosa
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Dakota L. Jones
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ashley Y. Gao
- 2Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Andrew J. Haak
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J. Tschumperlin
- 1Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
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28
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Rayavara K, Kurosky A, Hosakote YM. Respiratory syncytial virus infection induces the release of transglutaminase 2 from human airway epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L1-L12. [PMID: 34704843 PMCID: PMC8721898 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00013.2021] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important human pathogen that causes severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, yet no effective treatments or vaccines are available. The precise mechanism underlying RSV-induced acute airway disease and associated sequelae are not fully understood; however, early lung inflammatory and immune events are thought to play a major role in the outcome of the disease. Moreover, oxidative stress responses in the airways play a key role in the pathogenesis of RSV. Oxidative stress has been shown to elevate cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) levels, which in turn activate Ca2+-dependent enzymes, including transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Transglutaminase 2 is a multifunctional cross-linking enzyme implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions; however, its involvement in respiratory virus-induced airway inflammation is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that RSV-induced oxidative stress promotes enhanced activation and release of TG2 from human lung epithelial cells as a result of its translocation from the cytoplasm and subsequent release into the extracellular space, which was mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and NF-κB pathways. Antioxidant treatment significantly inhibited RSV-induced TG2 extracellular release and activation via blocking viral replication. Also, treatment of RSV-infected lung epithelial cells with TG2 inhibitor significantly reduced RSV-induced matrix metalloprotease activities. These results suggested that RSV-induced oxidative stress activates innate immune receptors in the airways, such as TLRs, that can activate TG2 via the NF-κB pathway to promote cross-linking of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in enhanced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kempaiah Rayavara
- 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Alexander Kurosky
- 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Yashoda M. Hosakote
- 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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29
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Maamra M, Benayad OM, Matthews D, Kettleborough C, Atkinson J, Cain K, Bon H, Brand H, Parkinson M, Watson PF, Johnson TS. Transglutaminase 2: Development of therapeutic antibodies reveals four inhibitory epitopes and confirms extracellular function in fibrotic remodelling. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2697-2712. [PMID: 34879432 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) catalyses formation of ε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine bonds between proteins, including those of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Elevated extracellular TG2 leads to accelerated ECM deposition and reduced clearance that underlies tissue scarring and fibrosis. Many transglutaminase inhibitors exist and allowed for proof-of-concept studies in disease models, but their lack of specificity for the TG2 isoform, and/or poor pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties have limited their clinical application. We hypothesised that a high affinity TG2-specific antibody could be developed to specifically inhibit extracellular TG2 activity, with characteristics suitable for therapeutic development. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Individual human TG2 domains were used to immunise mice and generate hybridomas. Supernatants were screened for inhibition of recombinant human TG2 activity, with TG2 specificity determined by ELISA. KEY RESULTS Thirteen TG2-specific supernatants inhibited human transamidation activity. Each hybridoma was cloned and antibody mapped to an epitope in the TG2 core domain, using phage display panning of a TG2 fragment library. Four distinct inhibitory epitopes were determined. The most effective antibodies (AB1, DC1 and BB7) bound to amino acids 313-327 (catalytic core), with an IC50 of approximately 10 nM. The antibodies inhibit TG2 in human cells and block ECM accumulation in a primary human proximal tubular epithelial cell model of fibrosis, only 7 antibodies inhibited rat TG2, and all with higher IC50 values. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We identified a preferred inhibitory epitope in human TG2, developed antibodies with required characteristics for clinical development, and established that targeted inhibition of extracellular TG2 transamidation activity is sufficient to modify fibrotic remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabrouka Maamra
- Department of Oncology and Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Osama Mehdi Benayad
- Academic Nephrology Unit (Sheffield Kidney Institute), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - John Atkinson
- Academic Nephrology Unit (Sheffield Kidney Institute), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip F Watson
- Department of Oncology and Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Timothy S Johnson
- Academic Nephrology Unit (Sheffield Kidney Institute), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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30
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Kim YC, Kim J, Kim S, Bae B, Kim RL, Jeong EM, Cho SH, Kang HR. Transglutaminase 2 mediates lung inflammation and remodeling by transforming growth factor beta 1 via alveolar macrophage modulation. Exp Lung Res 2021; 47:465-475. [PMID: 34818962 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2021.1998733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) induces pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing epithelial apoptosis and affects the enzymatic activity of transglutaminase 2 (TG2). The aim of this study was to determine the role of TG2 in TGF-β1-induced lung remodeling and alveolar macrophage modulation. We characterized the in vivo effects of TGF-β1 and TG2 on lung inflammation, fibrosis, and macrophage activity using transgenic C57BL/6 mice with wild and null TG2 loci. The effect of TG2 inhibition on in vitro TGF-β1-stimulated alveolar macrophages was assessed through mRNA analysis. TG2 was remarkably upregulated in the lungs of TGF-β1 transgenic (TGF-β1 Tg) mice, especially in alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells. In the absence of TG2, TGF-β1-induced inflammation was suppressed, decreasing the number of macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, the alveolar destruction and peribronchial fibrosis induced by TGF-β1 overexpression were significantly reduced, which correlated with decreases in the expression of fibroblast growth factor and matrix metallopeptidase 12, respectively. However, TG2 deficiency did not compromise the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages in TGF-β1 Tg mice. At the same time, TG2 contributed to the regulation of TGF-β1-induced macrophage activation. Inhibition of TG2 did not affect the TGF-β1-induced expression of CD86, an M1 marker, in macrophages, but it did reverse the TGF-β1-induced expression of CD206. This result suggests that TG2 mediates TGF-β1-induced M2-like polarization but does not contribute to TGF-β1-induced M1 polarization. In conclusion, TG2 regulates macrophage modulation and plays an important role in TGF-β1-induced lung inflammation, destruction, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Chan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeonghyeon Kim
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Subin Kim
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boram Bae
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ruth Lee Kim
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eui-Man Jeong
- Department of Pharmacy, Jeju National University College of Pharmacy, Jeju, Korea
| | - Sang-Heon Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye-Ryun Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Lee S, Islam MN, Boostanpour K, Aran D, Jin G, Christenson S, Matthay MA, Eckalbar WL, DePianto DJ, Arron JR, Magee L, Bhattacharya S, Matsumoto R, Kubota M, Farber DL, Bhattacharya J, Wolters PJ, Bhattacharya M. Molecular programs of fibrotic change in aging human lung. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6309. [PMID: 34728633 PMCID: PMC8563941 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is increasingly detected with aging and has been associated with poor outcomes in acute lung injury or infection. However, the molecular programs driving this pro-fibrotic evolution are unclear. Here we profile distal lung samples from healthy human donors across the lifespan. Gene expression profiling by bulk RNAseq reveals both increasing cellular senescence and pro-fibrotic pathway activation with age. Quantitation of telomere length shows progressive shortening with age, which is associated with DNA damage foci and cellular senescence. Cell type deconvolution analysis of the RNAseq data indicates a progressive loss of lung epithelial cells and an increasing proportion of fibroblasts with age. Consistent with this pro-fibrotic profile, second harmonic imaging of aged lungs demonstrates increased density of interstitial collagen as well as decreased alveolar expansion and surfactant secretion. In this work, we reveal the transcriptional and structural features of fibrosis and associated functional impairment in normal lung aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeon Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Naimul Islam
- Lung Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kaveh Boostanpour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dvir Aran
- Lorry I. Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences & Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Guangchun Jin
- Lung Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Christenson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Matthay
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Walter L Eckalbar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daryle J DePianto
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Arron
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Liam Magee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sunita Bhattacharya
- Lung Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rei Matsumoto
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masaru Kubota
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donna L Farber
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jahar Bhattacharya
- Lung Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Paul J Wolters
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Mallar Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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32
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Semkova ME, Hsuan JJ. Mass Spectrometric Identification of a Novel Factor XIIIa Cross-Linking Site in Fibrinogen. Proteomes 2021; 9:proteomes9040043. [PMID: 34842803 PMCID: PMC8628943 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes9040043] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the formation of a protein:protein cross-link between a lysine and a glutamine residue. These cross-links play important roles in diverse biological processes. Analysis of cross-linking sites in target proteins is required to elucidate their molecular action on target protein function and the molecular specificity of different transglutaminase isozymes. Mass-spectrometry using settings designed for linear peptide analysis and software designed for the analysis of disulfide bridges and chemical cross-links have previously been employed to identify transglutaminase cross-linking sites in proteins. As no control peptide with which to assess and improve the mass spectrometric analysis of TG cross-linked proteins was available, we developed a method for the enzymatic synthesis of a well-defined transglutaminase cross-linked peptide pair that mimics a predicted tryptic digestion product of collagen I. We then used this model peptide to determine optimal score thresholds for correct peptide identification from y- and b-ion series of fragments produced by collision-induced dissociation. We employed these settings in an analysis of fibrinogen cross-linked by the transglutaminase Factor XIIIa. This approach resulted in identification of a novel cross-linked peptide in the gamma subunit. We discuss the difference in behavior of ions derived from different cross-linked peptide sequences and the consequent demand for a more tailored mass spectrometry approach for cross-linked peptide identification compared to that routinely used for linear peptide analysis.
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33
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Yeh CF, Chou C, Yang KC. Mechanotransduction in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment targets. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:279-314. [PMID: 34696888 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
To perceive and integrate the environmental cues, cells and tissues sense and interpret various physical forces like shear, tensile, and compression stress. Mechanotransduction involves the sensing and translation of mechanical forces into biochemical and mechanical signals to guide cell fate and achieve tissue homeostasis. Disruption of this mechanical homeostasis by tissue injury elicits multiple cellular responses leading to pathological matrix deposition and tissue stiffening, and consequent evolution toward pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes, leading to tissue/organ fibrosis. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms linking mechanotransduction to fibrosis and uncovers the potential therapeutic targets to halt or resolve fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Fan Yeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Caroline Chou
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Kai-Chien Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center for Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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34
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Kong W, Lyu C, Liao H, Du Y. Collagen crosslinking: effect on structure, mechanics and fibrosis progression. Biomed Mater 2021; 16. [PMID: 34587604 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac2b79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as matrix stiffness, viscoelasticity and matrix fibrous structure, are emerging as important factors that regulate progression of fibrosis and other chronic diseases. The biophysical properties of the ECM can be rapidly and profoundly regulated by crosslinking reactions in enzymatic or non-enzymatic manners, which further alter the cellular responses and drive disease progression. In-depth understandings of crosslinking reactions will be helpful to reveal the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis progression and put forward new therapeutic targets, whereas related reviews are still devoid. Here, we focus on the main crosslinking mechanisms that commonly exist in a plethora of chronic diseases (e.g. fibrosis, cancer, osteoarthritis) and summarize current understandings including the biochemical reaction, the effect on ECM properties, the influence on cellular behaviors, and related studies in disease model establishment. Potential pharmaceutical interventions targeting the crosslinking process and relevant clinical studies are also introduced. Limitations of pharmaceutical development may be due to the lack of systemic investigations related to the influence on crosslinking mechanism from micro to macro level, which are discussed in the last section. We also propose the unclarified questions regarding crosslinking mechanisms and potential challenges in crosslinking-targeted therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Kong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongen Liao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Y Sanders
- Department of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama
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36
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Modeling Extracellular Matrix-Cell Interactions in Lung Repair and Chronic Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082145. [PMID: 34440917 PMCID: PMC8394761 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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37
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Probing tissue transglutaminase mediated vascular smooth muscle cell aging using a novel transamidation-deficient Tgm2-C277S mouse model. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:197. [PMID: 34326316 PMCID: PMC8322091 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00543-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2), a multifunctional protein of the transglutaminase family, has putative transamidation-independent functions in aging-associated vascular stiffening and dysfunction. Developing preclinical models will be critical to fully understand the physiologic relevance of TG2's transamidation-independent activity and to identify the specific function of TG2 for therapeutic targeting. Therefore, in this study, we harnessed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to introduce a mutation at cysteine 277 in the active site of the mouse Tgm2 gene. Heterozygous and homozygous Tgm2-C277S mice were phenotypically normal and were born at the expected Mendelian frequency. TG2 protein was ubiquitously expressed in the Tgm2-C277S mice at levels similar to those of wild-type (WT) mice. In the Tgm2-C277S mice, TG2 transglutaminase function was successfully obliterated, but the transamidation-independent functions ascribed to GTP, fibronectin, and integrin binding were preserved. In vitro, a remodeling stimulus led to the significant loss of vascular compliance in WT mice, but not in the Tgm2-C277S or TG2-/- mice. Vascular stiffness increased with age in WT mice, as measured by pulse-wave velocity and tensile testing. Tgm2-C277S mice were protected from age-associated vascular stiffening, and TG2 knockout yielded further protection. Together, these studies show that TG2 contributes significantly to overall vascular modulus and vasoreactivity independent of its transamidation function, but that transamidation activity is a significant cause of vascular matrix stiffening during aging. Finally, the Tgm2-C277S mice can be used for in vivo studies to explore the transamidation-independent roles of TG2 in physiology and pathophysiology.
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38
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Tatsukawa H, Hitomi K. Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Cell Death, Survival, and Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071842. [PMID: 34360011 PMCID: PMC8307792 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme catalyzing the crosslinking between Gln and Lys residues and involved in various pathophysiological events. Besides this crosslinking activity, TG2 functions as a deamidase, GTPase, isopeptidase, adapter/scaffold, protein disulfide isomerase, and kinase. It also plays a role in the regulation of hypusination and serotonylation. Through these activities, TG2 is involved in cell growth, differentiation, cell death, inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrosis. Depending on the cell type and stimulus, TG2 changes its subcellular localization and biological activity, leading to cell death or survival. In normal unstressed cells, intracellular TG2 exhibits a GTP-bound closed conformation, exerting prosurvival functions. However, upon cell stimulation with Ca2+ or other factors, TG2 adopts a Ca2+-bound open conformation, demonstrating a transamidase activity involved in cell death or survival. These functional discrepancies of TG2 open form might be caused by its multifunctional nature, the existence of splicing variants, the cell type and stimulus, and the genetic backgrounds and variations of the mouse models used. TG2 is also involved in the phagocytosis of dead cells by macrophages and in fibrosis during tissue repair. Here, we summarize and discuss the multifunctional and controversial roles of TG2, focusing on cell death/survival and fibrosis.
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39
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Takeuchi T, Tatsukawa H, Shinoda Y, Kuwata K, Nishiga M, Takahashi H, Hase N, Hitomi K. Spatially Resolved Identification of Transglutaminase Substrates by Proteomics in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 65:319-330. [PMID: 34264172 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0012oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the invariably progressive deposition of fibrotic tissue in the lungs and overall poor prognosis. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an enzyme that crosslinks glutamine and lysine residues and is involved in IPF pathogenesis. Despite the accumulating evidence implicating TG2 as a critical enzyme, the causative function and direct target of TG2 relating to this pathogenesis remain unelucidated. Here, we clarified the distributions of TG2 protein/activity and conducted quantitative proteomics analyses of possible substrates crosslinked by TG2 on unfixed lung sections in a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. We identified 126 possible substrates as markedly increased TG2-dependently in fibrotic lung. Gene ontology analysis revealed that these identified proteins were mostly enriched in the lipid metabolic process, immune system process, and protein transport. In addition, these proteins enriched in the 21 pathways including phagosome, lipid metabolism, several immune responses, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, the network analyses screened out the 6 clusters and top 20 hub proteins with higher scores, which are related to ER stress and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signals. Several enriched pathways and categories were identified, and some of which were the same terms based on transcription analysis in IPF. Our results provide novel pathological molecular networks driven by protein crosslinking via TG2, which can lead to the development of new therapeutic targets for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishu Takeuchi
- Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Tatsukawa
- Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan;
| | - Yoshiki Shinoda
- Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keiko Kuwata
- Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Kiyotaka Hitomi
- Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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40
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Franklin RA. Fibroblasts and macrophages: Collaborators in tissue homeostasis. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:86-103. [PMID: 34101202 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts and macrophages are universal cell types across all mammalian tissues. These cells differ in many ways including their cellular origins; dynamics of renewal, recruitment, and motility within tissues; roles in tissue structure and secretion of signaling molecules; and contributions to the activation and progression of immune responses. However, many of the features that make these two cell types unique are not opposing, but instead complementary. This review will present cell-cell communication in this context and discuss how complementarity makes fibroblasts and macrophages highly compatible partners in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth A Franklin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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41
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Chen L, Liu S, Xiao L, Chen K, Tang J, Huang C, Luo W, Ferrandon D, Lai K, Li Z. An initial assessment of the involvement of transglutaminase2 in eosinophilic bronchitis using a disease model developed in C57BL/6 mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11946. [PMID: 34099759 PMCID: PMC8184915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The detailed pathogenesis of eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) remains unclear. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been implicated in many respiratory diseases including asthma. Herein, we aim to assess preliminarily the relationship of TG2 with EB in the context of the development of an appropriate EB model through ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge in the C57BL/6 mouse strain. Our data lead us to propose a 50 μg dose of OVA challenge as appropriate to establish an EB model in C57BL/6 mice, whereas a challenge with a 400 μg dose of OVA significantly induced asthma. Compared to controls, TG2 is up-regulated in the airway epithelium of EB mice and EB patients. When TG2 activity was inhibited by cystamine treatment, there were no effects on airway responsiveness; in contrast, the lung pathology score and eosinophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased whereas the cough frequency was significantly decreased. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-6, mast cell protease7 and the transient receptor potential (TRP) ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) were significantly decreased. These data open the possibility of an involvement of TG2 in mediating the increased cough frequency in EB through the regulation of TRPA1 and TRPV1 expression. The establishment of an EB model in C57BL/6 mice opens the way for a genetic investigation of the involvement of TG2 and other molecules in this disease using KO mice, which are often generated in the C57BL/6 genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyan Liu
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linzhuo Xiao
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kanyao Chen
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Chuqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dominique Ferrandon
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Université de Strasbourg, M3I UPR9022 du CNRS, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kefang Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zi Li
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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42
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Qu J, Yang SZ, Zhu Y, Guo T, Thannickal VJ, Zhou Y. Targeting mechanosensitive MDM4 promotes lung fibrosis resolution in aged mice. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20202033. [PMID: 33688918 PMCID: PMC7953267 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20202033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a strong risk factor and an independent prognostic factor for progressive human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Aged mice develop nonresolving pulmonary fibrosis following lung injury. In this study, we found that mouse double minute 4 homolog (MDM4) is highly expressed in the fibrotic lesions of human IPF and experimental pulmonary fibrosis in aged mice. We identified MDM4 as a matrix stiffness-regulated endogenous inhibitor of p53. Reducing matrix stiffness down-regulates MDM4 expression, resulting in p53 activation in primary lung myofibroblasts isolated from IPF patients. Gain of p53 function activates a gene program that sensitizes lung myofibroblasts to apoptosis and promotes the clearance of apoptotic myofibroblasts by macrophages. Destiffening of the fibrotic lung matrix by targeting nonenzymatic cross-linking or genetic ablation of Mdm4 in lung (myo)fibroblasts activates the Mdm4-p53 pathway and promotes lung fibrosis resolution in aged mice. These findings suggest that mechanosensitive MDM4 is a molecular target with promising therapeutic potential against persistent lung fibrosis associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shan-Zhong Yang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Ting Guo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Victor J. Thannickal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Markvardsen LK, Sønderskov LD, Wandall-Frostholm C, Pinilla E, Prat-Duran J, Aalling M, Mogensen S, Andersen CU, Simonsen U. Cystamine Treatment Fails to Prevent the Development of Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Hypoxic Rats. J Vasc Res 2021; 58:237-251. [PMID: 33910208 DOI: 10.1159/000515511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by vasoconstriction and remodeling of pulmonary arteries, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy and failure. We have previously found upregulation of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in the right ventricle of chronic hypoxic rats. The hypothesis of the present study was that treatment with the transglutaminase inhibitor, cystamine, would inhibit the development of pulmonary arterial remodeling, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular hypertrophy. METHODS Effect of cystamine on transamidase activity was investigated in tissue homogenates. Wistar rats were exposed to chronic hypoxia and treated with vehicle, cystamine (40 mg/kg/day in mini-osmotic pumps), sildenafil (25 mg/kg/day), or the combination for 2 weeks. RESULTS Cystamine concentration-dependently inhibited TG2 transamidase activity in liver and lung homogenates. In contrast to cystamine, sildenafil reduced right ventricular systolic pressure and hypertrophy and decreased pulmonary vascular resistance and muscularization in chronic hypoxic rats. Fibrosis in the lung tissue decreased in chronic hypoxic rats treated with cystamine. TG2 expression was similar in the right ventricle and lung tissue of drug and vehicle-treated hypoxic rats. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Cystamine inhibited TG2 transamidase activity, but cystamine failed to prevent pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary arterial muscularization in the chronic hypoxic rat.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arterial Pressure/drug effects
- Cystamine/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Female
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/enzymology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/etiology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/prevention & control
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/enzymology
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/etiology
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/physiopathology
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/prevention & control
- Hypoxia/complications
- Hypoxia/drug therapy
- Hypoxia/enzymology
- Hypoxia/physiopathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2/metabolism
- Pulmonary Artery/drug effects
- Pulmonary Artery/enzymology
- Pulmonary Artery/physiopathology
- Pulmonary Fibrosis/enzymology
- Pulmonary Fibrosis/etiology
- Pulmonary Fibrosis/physiopathology
- Pulmonary Fibrosis/prevention & control
- Rats, Wistar
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
- Ventricular Function, Right/drug effects
- Ventricular Remodeling/drug effects
- Mice
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars K Markvardsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene D Sønderskov
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christine Wandall-Frostholm
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Estéfano Pinilla
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Judit Prat-Duran
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mathilde Aalling
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susie Mogensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotte U Andersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Kim HJ, Lee JH, Cho SY, Jeon JH, Kim IG. Transglutaminase 2 mediates transcriptional regulation through BAF250a polyamination. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:333-342. [PMID: 33555506 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) mediates protein modifications by crosslinking or by incorporating polyamine in response to oxidative or DNA-damaging stress, thereby regulating apoptosis, extracellular matrix formation, and inflammation. The regulation of transcriptional activity by TG2-mediated histone serotonylation or by Sp1 crosslinking may also contribute to cellular stress responses. OBJECTIVE In this study, we attempted to identify TG2-interacting proteins to better understand the role of TG2 in transcriptional regulation. METHODS Using a yeast two-hybrid assay to screen a HeLa cell cDNA library, we found that TG2 bound BAF250a, a core subunit of the cBAF chromatin remodeling complex, through an interaction between the TG2 barrel 1 and BAF250a C-terminal domains. RESULTS TG2 was pulled down with a GST-BAF250a C-term fusion protein. Moreover, TG2 and BAF250a were co-fractionated using P11 chromatography, and co-immunoprecipitated. A transamidation reaction showed that TG2 mediated incorporation of polyamine into BAF250a. In glucocorticoid response-element reporter-expressing cells, TG2 overexpression increased the luciferase reporter activity in a transamidation-dependent manner. In addition, a comparison of genome-wide gene expression between wild-type and TG2-deficient primary hepatocytes in response to dexamethasone treatment showed that TG2 further enhanced or suppressed the expression of dexamethasone-regulated genes that were identified by a gene ontology enrichment analysis. CONCLUSION Thus, our results indicate that TG2 regulates transcriptional activity through BAF250a polyamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Jun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Jin-Haeng Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Sung-Yup Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju-Hong Jeon
- Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Kamaraj Y, Dhayalan S, Chinnaiyan U, Kumaresan V, Subramaniyan S, Kumar D, Muniyandi K, Punamalai G. Triterpenoid compound betulin attenuates allergic airway inflammation by modulating antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines and tissue transglutaminase in ovalbumin-induced asthma mice model. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:968-978. [PMID: 33769499 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study hypothesized that to analyse the anti-inflammatory effect of triterpenoid compound betulin in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice. METHODS In this study, betulin was intraperitoneally administered in OVA-challenged and sensitized mice. The effect of betulin on inflammatory cells, lung function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidants status, oxidative stress markers, serum IgE level and inflammatory cytokines status in BALF was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of tTG, TGF-β1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue was scrutinized by RT-qPCR analysis, and the expression of TREM-1, p-IκB-α and NF-κBp65 proteins in lung tissue was examined by western blot analysis. KEY FINDINGS We found that the betulin treatment has effectively attenuated the proliferation of inflammatory cells, reduced the ROS generation, elevated the antioxidant enzymes and attenuated the level of oxidative markers in asthma induced mice. Moreover, reduced the level of serum IgE and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Betulin treatment down-regulated the expression of MMP-9, tTG and TGF-β1 genes; moreover, betulin treatment effectively down-regulated the TREM-1, p-IκB-α and NF-κBp65 proteins level in lung. CONCLUSION Betulin exhibited effective anti-asthmatic activity by attenuating the accumulation of inflammatory cells, expression of tTG, TGF-β1 and MMP-9 genes in lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoganathan Kamaraj
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sangeetha Dhayalan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uma Chinnaiyan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Veenayohini Kumaresan
- Division of Plant Pathology, UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Valparai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satheeshkumar Subramaniyan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kokila Muniyandi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ganesh Punamalai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
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Fell S, Wang Z, Blanchard A, Nanthakumar C, Griffin M. Transglutaminase 2: a novel therapeutic target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using selective small molecule inhibitors. Amino Acids 2021; 53:205-217. [PMID: 33474654 PMCID: PMC7910249 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-020-02938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of a site-directed TG2-selective inhibitor on the lung myofibroblast phenotype and ECM deposition to elucidate TG2 as a novel therapeutic target in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)-an incurable progressive fibrotic disease. IPF fibroblasts showed increased expression of TG2, α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin (FN) with increased extracellular TG2 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) compared to normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) which do not express αSMA and express lower levels of FN. The myofibroblast phenotype shown by IPF fibroblasts could be reversed by selective TG2 inhibition with a reduction in matrix FN and TGFβ1 deposition. TG2 transduction or TGFβ1 treatment of NHLFs led to a comparable phenotype to that of IPF fibroblasts which was reversible following selective TG2 inhibition. Addition of exogenous TG2 to NHLFs also induced the myofibroblast phenotype by a mechanism involving TGFβ1 activation which could be ameliorated by selective TG2 inhibition. SMAD3-deleted IPF fibroblasts via CRISPR-cas9 genome editing, showed reduced TG2 protein levels following TGFβ1 stimulation. This study demonstrates a key role for TG2 in the induction of the myofibroblast phenotype and shows the potential for TG2-selective inhibitors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of fibrotic lung diseases like IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Fell
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Andy Blanchard
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R and D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Carmel Nanthakumar
- Fibrosis Discovery Performance Unit, Respiratory Therapy Area, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R and D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Martin Griffin
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
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TGFβ-1 Induced Cross-Linking of the Extracellular Matrix of Primary Human Dermal Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030984. [PMID: 33498156 PMCID: PMC7863744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive cross-linking is a major factor in the resistance to the remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during fibrotic progression. The role of TGFβ signalling in impairing ECM remodelling has been demonstrated in various fibrotic models. We hypothesised that increased ECM cross-linking by TGFβ contributes to skin fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Proteomics was used to identify cross-linking enzymes in the ECM of primary human dermal fibroblasts, and to compare their levels following treatment with TGFβ-1. A significant upregulation and enrichment of lysyl-oxidase-like 1, 2 and 4 and transglutaminase 2 were found. Western blotting confirmed the upregulation of lysyl hydroxylase 2 in the ECM. Increased transglutaminase activity in TGFβ-1 treated ECM was revealed from a cell-based assay. We employed a mass spectrometry-based method to identify alterations in the ECM cross-linking pattern caused by TGFβ-1. Cross-linking sites were identified in collagens I and V, fibrinogen and fibronectin. One cross-linking site in fibrinogen alpha was found only in TGFβ-treated samples. In conclusion, we have mapped novel cross-links between ECM proteins and demonstrated that activation of TGFβ signalling in cultured dermal fibroblasts upregulates multiple cross-linking enzymes in the ECM.
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Bellaye PS, Burgy O, Bonniaud P, Kolb M. HSP47: a potential target for fibrotic diseases and implications for therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:49-62. [PMID: 33287600 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1861249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic fibrotic disorders are challenging clinical problems. The major challenge is the identification of specific targets expressed selectively in fibrotic tissues. Collagen accumulation is the hallmark fibrosis. HSP47 is a collagen-specific chaperon with critical role in collagen folding. This review discusses the anti-fibrotic potential of HSP47. Areas covered: This review compiles data retrieved from the PubMed database with keywords 'HSP47+fibrosis' from 01/2005 to 06/2020. We examined 1) collagen biology and its role in fibrotic diseases, 2) HSP47 role in fibrosis, 3) HSP47 inhibition strategies and 4) clinical investigations. The identification of the HSP47-collagen binding site led to the development of methods to screen HSP47 inhibitors with anti-fibrotic potential. Specific in vivo delivery systems of HSP47 siRNA to fibrotic tissue reduced collagen production/secretion associated with fibrosis inhibition in preclinical models. This strategy is about to be tested in clinical trials. Expert opinion: As a collagen-specific chaperon, HSP47 is a promising therapeutic target in fibrosis. Preclinical models have shown encouraging anti-fibrotic results. Anti-HSP47 strategies need to be further evaluated in clinical trials. The increase in circulating-HSP47 in lung fibrosis patients highlights the potential of HSP47 as a noninvasive biomarker and may represent an important step toward personalized medicine in fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Simon Bellaye
- Centre George-Franrçois Leclerc, Nuclear Medicine department, Plateforme d'imagerie et de radiothérapie préclinique, 1 rue du professeur Marion, Dijon, France.,Centre de Référence Constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares de l'Adultes de Dijon, Réseau OrphaLung, Filère RespiFil, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bourgogne , Dijon,France
| | - Olivier Burgy
- Centre de Référence Constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares de l'Adultes de Dijon, Réseau OrphaLung, Filère RespiFil, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bourgogne , Dijon,France.,INSERM U1231 Department HSP-pathies 7 Boulevard Jeanne d'Arc ,Dijon France
| | - Philippe Bonniaud
- Centre de Référence Constitutif des Maladies Pulmonaires Rares de l'Adultes de Dijon, Réseau OrphaLung, Filère RespiFil, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bourgogne , Dijon,France
| | - Martin Kolb
- McMaster University, Department of medicine, FIRH, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton , Ontario, Canada
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Kang MH, Yu HY, Kim GT, Lim JE, Jang S, Park TS, Park JK. Near-infrared-emitting nanoparticles activate collagen synthesis via TGFβ signaling. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13309. [PMID: 32764617 PMCID: PMC7410846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research efforts towards developing near-infrared (NIR) therapeutics to activate the proliferation of human keratinocytes and collagen synthesis in the skin microenvironment have been minimal, and the subject has not been fully explored. Herein, we describe the novel synthesis Ag2S nanoparticles (NPs) by using a sonochemical method and reveal the effects of NIR irradiation on the enhancement of the production of collagen through NIR-emitting Ag2S NPs. We also synthesized Li-doped Ag2S NPs that exhibited significantly increased emission intensity because of their enhanced absorption ability in the UV-NIR region. Both Ag2S and Li-doped Ag2S NPs activated the proliferation of HaCaT (human keratinocyte) and HDF (human dermal fibroblast) cells with no effect on cell morphology. While Ag2S NPs upregulated TIMP1 by only twofold in HaCaT cells and TGF-β1 by only fourfold in HDF cells, Li-doped Ag2S NPs upregulated TGF-β1 by tenfold, TIMP1 by 26-fold, and COL1A1 by 18-fold in HaCaT cells and upregulated TGF-β1 by fivefold and COL1A1 by fourfold in HDF cells. Furthermore, Ag2S NPs activated TGF-β1 signaling by increasing the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. The degree of activation was notably higher in cells treated with Li-doped Ag2S NPs, mainly caused by the higher PL intensity from Li-doped Ag2S NPs. Ag2S NPs NIR activates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in skin keratinocytes and HDF cells, which can be applied to clinical light therapy and the development of anti-wrinkle agents for cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Hyun Kang
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Taejon, 34114, Korea
| | - Han Young Yu
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Sungnam, 1342, Korea
| | - Goon-Tae Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Sungnam, 1342, Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lim
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Taejon, 34114, Korea
| | - Seunghun Jang
- Center for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Taejon, 34114, Korea
| | - Tae-Sik Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Sungnam, 1342, Korea.
| | - Joung Kyu Park
- Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Taejon, 34114, Korea.
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Kang K, Kim HH, Choi Y. Tiotropium is Predicted to be a Promising Drug for COVID-19 Through Transcriptome-Based Comprehensive Molecular Pathway Analysis. Viruses 2020; 12:E776. [PMID: 32698440 PMCID: PMC7412475 DOI: 10.3390/v12070776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects almost everyone in the world in many ways. We previously predicted antivirals (atazanavir, remdesivir and lopinavir/ritonavir) and non-antiviral drugs (tiotropium and rapamycin) that may inhibit the replication complex of SARS-CoV-2 using our molecular transformer-drug target interaction (MT-DTI) deep-learning-based drug-target affinity prediction model. In this study, we dissected molecular pathways upregulated in SARS-CoV-2-infected normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells by analyzing an RNA-seq data set with various bioinformatics approaches, such as gene ontology, protein-protein interaction-based network and gene set enrichment analyses. The results indicated that the SARS-CoV-2 infection strongly activates TNF and NFκB-signaling pathways through significant upregulation of the TNF, IL1B, IL6, IL8, NFKB1, NFKB2 and RELB genes. In addition to these pathways, lung fibrosis, keratinization/cornification, rheumatoid arthritis, and negative regulation of interferon-gamma production pathways were also significantly upregulated. We observed that these pathologic features of SARS-CoV-2 are similar to those observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Intriguingly, tiotropium, as predicted by MT-DTI, is currently used as a therapeutic intervention in COPD patients. Treatment with tiotropium has been shown to improve pulmonary function by alleviating airway inflammation. Accordingly, a literature search summarized that tiotropium reduced expressions of IL1B, IL6, IL8, RELA, NFKB1 and TNF in vitro or in vivo, and many of them have been known to be deregulated in COPD patients. These results suggest that COVID-19 is similar to an acute mode of COPD caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and therefore tiotropium may be effective for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keunsoo Kang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Hoo Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science & Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Yoonjung Choi
- Deargen Inc., Daejeon, Yuseong-gu, Munji-dong 103-6, Korea
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