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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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2
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Liu S, Yao L, Wang Y, Li Y, Jia Y, Yang Y, Li N, Hu Y, Kong D, Dong X, Wang K, Zhu M. Immunomodulatory hybrid micro-nanofiber scaffolds enhance vascular regeneration. Bioact Mater 2023; 21:464-482. [PMID: 36185748 PMCID: PMC9486249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.08.018] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The inertness of synthetic polymer materials and the insufficient mechanical strength of reprocessed decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) limited their promotive efforts on tissue regeneration. Here, we prepared a hybrid scaffold composed of PCL microfibers and human placental extracellular matrix (pECM) nanofibers by co-electrospinning, which was grafted with heparin and further absorbed with IL-4. The hybrid scaffold with improved hemocompatibility firstly switched macrophages to anti-inflammatory phenotype (increased by 18.1%) and then promoted migration, NO production, tube formation of endothelial cells (ECs), and migration and maturation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and ECM deposition in vitro and in vivo. ECs coverage rate increased by 8.6% and the thickness of the smooth muscle layer was 1.8 times more than PCL grafts at 12 wks. Our study realized the complementary advantages of synthetic polymer materials and dECM materials, and opened intriguing perspectives for the design and construction of small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) and immune-regulated materials for other tissue regeneration. The hybrid scaffolds composed of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) nanofiber and synthetic polymer microfiber were fabricated using co-electrospinning. The hybrid scaffolds solved the issues of low bioactivity of synthetic polymer materials and poor mechanical strength of dECM. The hybrid scaffolds processed both flexibility and controllability for bioactive modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Liying Yao
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300199, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yi Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yanju Jia
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300199, China
| | - Yueyue Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Na Li
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300199, China
| | - Yuanjing Hu
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300199, China
| | - Deling Kong
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Xianhao Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Meifeng Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, 300199, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
- Corresponding author. College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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3
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Fernandez RJ, Gardner ZJG, Slovik KJ, Liberti DC, Estep KN, Yang W, Chen Q, Santini GT, Perez JV, Root S, Bhatia R, Tobias JW, Babu A, Morley MP, Frank DB, Morrisey EE, Lengner CJ, Johnson FB. GSK3 inhibition rescues growth and telomere dysfunction in dyskeratosis congenita iPSC-derived type II alveolar epithelial cells. eLife 2022; 11:64430. [PMID: 35559731 PMCID: PMC9200405 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficiencies in telomere maintenance leading to very short telomeres and the premature onset of certain age-related diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PF is thought to derive from epithelial failure, particularly that of type II alveolar epithelial (AT2) cells, which are highly dependent on Wnt signaling during development and adult regeneration. We use human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived AT2 (iAT2) cells to model how short telomeres affect AT2 cells. Cultured DC mutant iAT2 cells accumulate shortened, uncapped telomeres and manifest defects in the growth of alveolospheres, hallmarks of senescence, and apparent defects in Wnt signaling. The GSK3 inhibitor, CHIR99021, which mimics the output of canonical Wnt signaling, enhances telomerase activity and rescues the defects. These findings support further investigation of Wnt agonists as potential therapies for DC-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Jesus Fernandez
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Zachary J G Gardner
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Katherine J Slovik
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Derek C Liberti
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Katrina N Estep
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Wenli Yang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Qijun Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Garrett T Santini
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Javier V Perez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Sarah Root
- College of Arts and Sciences and Vagelos Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Ranvir Bhatia
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - John W Tobias
- Penn Genomic Analysis Core, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Apoorva Babu
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Michael P Morley
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - David B Frank
- Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Edward E Morrisey
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Christopher J Lengner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - F Brad Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
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Targeting Interleukin-10 Restores Graft Microvascular Supply and Airway Epithelium in Rejecting Allografts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031269. [PMID: 35163192 PMCID: PMC8836023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a vital regulatory cytokine, which plays a constructive role in maintaining immune tolerance during an alloimmune inflammation. Our previous study highlighted that IL-10 mediated immunosuppression established the immune tolerance phase and thereby modulated both microvascular and epithelial integrity, which affected inflammation-associated graft malfunctioning and sub-epithelial fibrosis in rejecting allografts. Here, we further investigated the reparative effects of IL-10 on microvasculature and epithelium in a mouse model of airway transplantation. To investigate the IL-10 mediated microvascular and epithelial repair, we depleted and reconstituted IL-10, and monitored graft microvasculature, airway epithelium, and associated repair proteins. Our data demonstrated that both untreated control allografts and IL-10 (−) allografts showed a significant early (d6) increase in microvascular leakiness, drop-in tissue oxygenation, blood perfusion, and denuded airway epithelium, which is associated with loss of adhesion protein Fascin-1 and β-catenin on vascular endothelial cells at d10 post-transplantation. However, IL-10 (+) promotes early microvascular and airway epithelial repair, and a proportional increase in endothelial Fascin-1, and β-catenin at d10 post-transplantation. Moreover, airway epithelial cells also express a significantly higher expression of FOXJ1 and β-catenin in syngrafts and IL-10 (+) allografts as compared to IL-10 (−) and untreated controls at d10 post-transplantation. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that IL-10 mediated microvascular and epithelial changes are associated with the expression of FOXJ1, β-catenin, and Fascin-1 proteins on the airway epithelial and vascular endothelial cells, respectively. These findings establish a potential reparative modulation of IL-10 associated microvascular and epithelial repair, which could provide a vital therapeutic strategy to facilitate graft repair in clinical settings.
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5
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The protective effect of PPARγ in sepsis-induced acute lung injury via inhibiting PTEN/β-catenin pathway. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:224379. [PMID: 32420586 PMCID: PMC7256673 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to reveal the molecular mechanism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). To do that, the rat injury model was established using cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) method, followed by different treatments, and the rats were divided into Sham group, CLP group, CLP + rosiglitazone (PPARγ agonist) group, CLP + GW9662 (PPARγ inhibitor) group, CLP + bpV (phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitor) group, CLP + GW9662 + bpV group. Compared with Sham group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ were down-regulated, the inflammation levels were elevated, and the apoptosis was increased in CLP group. After treatment with rosiglitazone, the protein expression level of PPARγ was significantly up-regulated, the phosphorylation level of PTEN/β-catenin pathway was decreased, the PTEN/β-catenin pathway was inhibited, the lung injury, inflammation and apoptosis were reduced. The opposite effect was observed after treatment with GW9662. Besides, bpV inhibited PTEN/β-catenin pathway, and relieved the lung tissue injury. The overexpression of PPARγ reduced inflammatory response and inhibited apoptosis in sepsis-induced ALI. Furthermore, PPARγ relieved the sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting the PTEN/β-catenin pathway.
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Matsuyama T, Kubli SP, Yoshinaga SK, Pfeffer K, Mak TW. An aberrant STAT pathway is central to COVID-19. Cell Death Differ 2020. [PMID: 33037393 DOI: 10.1038/s41418‐020‐00633‐7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and characterized by diverse clinical symptoms. Type I interferon (IFN-I) production is impaired and severe cases lead to ARDS and widespread coagulopathy. We propose that COVID-19 pathophysiology is initiated by SARS-CoV-2 gene products, the NSP1 and ORF6 proteins, leading to a catastrophic cascade of failures. These viral components induce signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) dysfunction and compensatory hyperactivation of STAT3. In SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, a positive feedback loop established between STAT3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) may lead to an escalating cycle of activation in common with the interdependent signaling networks affected in COVID-19. Specifically, PAI-1 upregulation leads to coagulopathy characterized by intravascular thrombi. Overproduced PAI-1 binds to TLR4 on macrophages, inducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The recruitment and subsequent activation of innate immune cells within an infected lung drives the destruction of lung architecture, which leads to the infection of regional endothelial cells and produces a hypoxic environment that further stimulates PAI-1 production. Acute lung injury also activates EGFR and leads to the phosphorylation of STAT3. COVID-19 patients' autopsies frequently exhibit diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and increased hyaluronan (HA) production which also leads to higher levels of PAI-1. COVID-19 risk factors are consistent with this scenario, as PAI-1 levels are increased in hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and old age. We discuss the possibility of using various approved drugs, or drugs currently in clinical development, to treat COVID-19. This perspective suggests to enhance STAT1 activity and/or inhibit STAT3 functions for COVID-19 treatment. This might derail the escalating STAT3/PAI-1 cycle central to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Matsuyama
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shawn P Kubli
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada
| | | | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tak W Mak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics and Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, 999077, Hong Kong.
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7
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An aberrant STAT pathway is central to COVID-19. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:3209-3225. [PMID: 33037393 PMCID: PMC7545020 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and characterized by diverse clinical symptoms. Type I interferon (IFN-I) production is impaired and severe cases lead to ARDS and widespread coagulopathy. We propose that COVID-19 pathophysiology is initiated by SARS-CoV-2 gene products, the NSP1 and ORF6 proteins, leading to a catastrophic cascade of failures. These viral components induce signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) dysfunction and compensatory hyperactivation of STAT3. In SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, a positive feedback loop established between STAT3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) may lead to an escalating cycle of activation in common with the interdependent signaling networks affected in COVID-19. Specifically, PAI-1 upregulation leads to coagulopathy characterized by intravascular thrombi. Overproduced PAI-1 binds to TLR4 on macrophages, inducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The recruitment and subsequent activation of innate immune cells within an infected lung drives the destruction of lung architecture, which leads to the infection of regional endothelial cells and produces a hypoxic environment that further stimulates PAI-1 production. Acute lung injury also activates EGFR and leads to the phosphorylation of STAT3. COVID-19 patients' autopsies frequently exhibit diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and increased hyaluronan (HA) production which also leads to higher levels of PAI-1. COVID-19 risk factors are consistent with this scenario, as PAI-1 levels are increased in hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and old age. We discuss the possibility of using various approved drugs, or drugs currently in clinical development, to treat COVID-19. This perspective suggests to enhance STAT1 activity and/or inhibit STAT3 functions for COVID-19 treatment. This might derail the escalating STAT3/PAI-1 cycle central to COVID-19.
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8
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Maknitikul S, Luplertlop N, Chaisri U, Maneerat Y, Ampawong S. Featured Article: Immunomodulatory effect of hemozoin on pneumocyte apoptosis via CARD9 pathway, a possibly retarding pulmonary resolution. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:395-407. [PMID: 29402133 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218757458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent malaria parasite species, causes severe symptoms especially acute lung injury (ALI), of which characterized by alveolar epithelium and endothelium destruction and accelerated to blood-gas-barrier breakdown. Parasitized erythrocytes, endothelial cells, monocytes, and cytokines are all involved in this mechanism, but hemozoin (HZ), the parasitic waste from heme detoxification, also mainly contributes. In addition, it is not clear why type II pneumocyte proliferation, alveolar restorative stage, is rare in malaria-associated ALI. To address this, in vitro culture of A549 cells with Plasmodium HZ or with interleukin (IL)-1β triggered by HZ and monocytes (HZ-IL-1β) was conducted to determine their alveolar apoptotic effect using ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining, annexin-V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, and electron mircroscopic study. Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 ( CARD9), the apoptotic regulator gene, and IL-1β were quantified by reverse-transcriptase PCR. Junctional cellular defects were characterized by immunohistochemical staining of E-cadherin. The results revealed that cellular apoptosis and CARD9 expression levels were extremely high 24 h after induction by HZ-IL-1β when compared to the HZ- and non-treated groups. E-cadherin was markedly down-regulated by HZ-IL-1β and HZ treatments. CARD9 expression was positively correlated with IL-1β expression and the number of apoptotic cells. Interestingly, the localization of HZ in the vesicular surfactant of apoptotic pneumocyte was also identified and submitted to be a cause of alveolar resolution abnormality. Thus, HZ triggers monocytes to produce IL-1β and induces pneumocyte type II apoptosis through CARD9 pathway in association with down-regulated E-cadherin, which probably impairs alveolar resolution in malaria-associated ALI. Impact statement The present work shows the physical and immunomodulatory properties of hemozoin on the induction of pneumocyte apoptosis in relation to IL-1β production through the CARD9 pathway. This occurrence may be a possible pathway for the retardation of lung resolution leading to blood-gas-barrier breakdown. Our findings lead to the understanding of the host-parasite relationship focusing on the dysfunction in ALI induced by HZ, a possible pathway of the recovering lung epithelial retardation in malaria-associated ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitang Maknitikul
- 1 Department of Tropical Pathology, 115374 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University , Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Natthanej Luplertlop
- 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 115374 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University , Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Urai Chaisri
- 1 Department of Tropical Pathology, 115374 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University , Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Yaowapa Maneerat
- 1 Department of Tropical Pathology, 115374 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University , Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- 1 Department of Tropical Pathology, 115374 Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University , Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Thiagarajan D, O’ Shea K, Sreejit G, Ananthakrishnan R, Quadri N, Li Q, Schmidt AM, Gabbay K, Ramasamy R. Aldose reductase modulates acute activation of mesenchymal markers via the β-catenin pathway during cardiac ischemia-reperfusion. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188981. [PMID: 29190815 PMCID: PMC5708684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldose reductase (AR: human, AKR1B1; mouse, AKR1B3), the first enzyme in the polyol pathway, plays a key role in mediating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In earlier studies, using transgenic mice broadly expressing human AKR1B1 to human-relevant levels, mice devoid of Akr1b3, and pharmacological inhibitors of AR, we demonstrated that AR is an important component of myocardial I/R injury and that inhibition of this enzyme protects the heart from I/R injury. In this study, our objective was to investigate if AR modulates the β-catenin pathway and consequent activation of mesenchymal markers during I/R in the heart. To test this premise, we used two different experimental models: in vivo, Akr1b3 null mice and wild type C57BL/6 mice (WT) were exposed to acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) followed by recovery for 48 hours or 28 days, and ex-vivo, WT and Akr1b3 null murine hearts were perfused using the Langendorff technique (LT) and subjected to 30 min of global (zero-flow) ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Our in vivo results reveal reduced infarct size and improved functional recovery at 48 hours in mice devoid of Akr1b3 compared to WT mice. We demonstrate that the cardioprotection observed in Akr1b3 null mice was linked to acute activation of the β-catenin pathway and consequent activation of mesenchymal markers and genes linked to fibrotic remodeling. The increased activity of the β-catenin pathway at 48 hours of recovery post-LAD was not observed at 28 days post-infarction, thus indicating that the observed increase in β-catenin activity was transient in the mice hearts devoid of Akr1b3. In ex vivo studies, inhibition of β-catenin blocked the cardioprotection observed in Akr1b3 null mice hearts. Taken together, these data indicate that AR suppresses acute activation of β-catenin and, thereby, blocks consequent induction of mesenchymal markers during early reperfusion after myocardial ischemia. Inhibition of AR might provide a therapeutic opportunity to optimize cardiac remodeling after I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Thiagarajan
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Karen O’ Shea
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gopalkrishna Sreejit
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Radha Ananthakrishnan
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nosirudeen Quadri
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Qing Li
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ann Marie Schmidt
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Gabbay
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ravichandran Ramasamy
- Diabetes Research Program, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Huang L, Jiang J, Guo Q, Yang H. E‑cadherin involvement in human lens epithelial cell transdifferentiation may be associated with N‑cadherin. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:5031-5035. [PMID: 28765930 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin, β-catenin and N‑cadherin serve key roles in the epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) that leads to human lens epithelial cell (LEC) transdifferentiation and subsequent cataract formation. The present study aimed to investigate the role of E‑cadherin in LEC transdifferentiation. SRA01/04 human LECs were transfected with E‑cadherin short interfering (si)RNA (E‑cadherin siRNA group), negative control siRNA (NC group) or the transfection regent Lipofectamine 2000 (blank group). Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin and β‑catenin, and western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression levels in the three groups. SRA01/04 cells transfected with E‑cadherin siRNA exhibited a significant decrease in the mRNA expression level of E‑cadherin (P<0.05) and N‑cadherin (P<0.05), whereas no significant changes were identified for β‑catenin expression (P>0.05). Consistent with the results of RT‑qPCR, western blotting demonstrated that the protein expression levels of E‑cadherin and N‑cadherin were notably decreased in E‑cadherin siRNA‑transfected cells, whereas the protein expression level of β‑catenin remained unchanged. Results from the present study indicated that E‑cadherin may be involved in human LEC transdifferentiation by affecting N‑cadherin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Nangang, Harbin 150001, P.R. China
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11
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Böscke R, Vladar EK, Könnecke M, Hüsing B, Linke R, Pries R, Reiling N, Axelrod JD, Nayak JV, Wollenberg B. Wnt Signaling in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 56:575-584. [PMID: 28059551 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0024oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The signaling pathways that sustain the disease process of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remain poorly understood. We sought to determine the expression levels of Wnt signaling genes in CRSwNP and to study the role of the Wnt pathway in inflammation and epithelial remodeling in the nasal mucosa. Microarrays and real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction comparing gene expression in matched NPs and inferior turbinates revealed that WNT2B, WNT3A, WNT4, WNT7A, WNT7B, and FZD2 were up-regulated and that FZD1, LRP5, LRP6, and WIF1 were down-regulated in NPs. Immunolabeling showed robust expression of Wnt ligands, nuclear β-catenin, and Axin-2 in NP tissue, suggesting that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated in NPs. We used primary human nasal epithelial cell (HNEpC) cultures to test the functional consequences of Wnt pathway activation. Monolayer HNEpCs treated with recombinant human WNT (rhWNT) 3A, but not with rhWNT4, had altered epithelial morphology and decreased adhesion, without loss of viability. We found that neither rhWNT3A nor rhWNT4 treatment induced proliferation. The expression and release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were increased after rhWNT3A exposure of HNEpCs. When differentiated at an air-liquid interface, rhWNT3A- and WNT agonist-, but not rhWNT4-treated HNEpCs, had abnormal epithelial architecture, failed to undergo motile ciliogenesis, and had defective noncanonical Wnt (planar cell polarity) signaling. On the basis of these results, we propose a model in which Wnt/β-catenin signaling sustains mucosal inflammation and leads to a spectrum of changes consistent with those seen during epithelial remodeling in NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Böscke
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,2 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and
| | - Eszter K Vladar
- 3 Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; and
| | - Michael Könnecke
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Birgit Hüsing
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Robert Linke
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralph Pries
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Norbert Reiling
- 4 Division of Microbial Interface Biology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany
| | - Jeffrey D Axelrod
- 3 Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; and
| | | | - Barbara Wollenberg
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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12
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Cong X, Hubmayr RD, Li C, Zhao X. Plasma membrane wounding and repair in pulmonary diseases. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 312:L371-L391. [PMID: 28062486 PMCID: PMC5374305 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00486.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Various pathophysiological conditions such as surfactant dysfunction, mechanical ventilation, inflammation, pathogen products, environmental exposures, and gastric acid aspiration stress lung cells, and the compromise of plasma membranes occurs as a result. The mechanisms necessary for cells to repair plasma membrane defects have been extensively investigated in the last two decades, and some of these key repair mechanisms are also shown to occur following lung cell injury. Because it was theorized that lung wounding and repair are involved in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), in this review, we summarized the experimental evidence of lung cell injury in these two devastating syndromes and discuss relevant genetic, physical, and biological injury mechanisms, as well as mechanisms used by lung cells for cell survival and membrane repair. Finally, we discuss relevant signaling pathways that may be activated by chronic or repeated lung cell injury as an extension of our cell injury and repair focus in this review. We hope that a holistic view of injurious stimuli relevant for ARDS and IPF could lead to updated experimental models. In addition, parallel discussion of membrane repair mechanisms in lung cells and injury-activated signaling pathways would encourage research to bridge gaps in current knowledge. Indeed, deep understanding of lung cell wounding and repair, and discovery of relevant repair moieties for lung cells, should inspire the development of new therapies that are likely preventive and broadly effective for targeting injurious pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Cong
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Rolf D Hubmayr
- Emerius, Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; and
| | - Changgong Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia;
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13
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Beauchemin KJ, Wells JM, Kho AT, Philip VM, Kamir D, Kohane IS, Graber JH, Bult CJ. Temporal dynamics of the developing lung transcriptome in three common inbred strains of laboratory mice reveals multiple stages of postnatal alveolar development. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2318. [PMID: 27602285 PMCID: PMC4991849 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To characterize temporal patterns of transcriptional activity during normal lung development, we generated genome wide gene expression data for 26 pre- and post-natal time points in three common inbred strains of laboratory mice (C57BL/6J, A/J, and C3H/HeJ). Using Principal Component Analysis and least squares regression modeling, we identified both strain-independent and strain-dependent patterns of gene expression. The 4,683 genes contributing to the strain-independent expression patterns were used to define a murine Developing Lung Characteristic Subtranscriptome (mDLCS). Regression modeling of the Principal Components supported the four canonical stages of mammalian embryonic lung development (embryonic, pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular) defined previously by morphology and histology. For postnatal alveolar development, the regression model was consistent with four stages of alveolarization characterized by episodic transcriptional activity of genes related to pulmonary vascularization. Genes expressed in a strain-dependent manner were enriched for annotations related to neurogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, and Wnt signaling. Finally, a comparison of mouse and human transcriptomics from pre-natal stages of lung development revealed conservation of pathways associated with cell cycle, axon guidance, immune function, and metabolism as well as organism-specific expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix organization and protein modification. The mouse lung development transcriptome data generated for this study serves as a unique reference set to identify genes and pathways essential for normal mammalian lung development and for investigations into the developmental origins of respiratory disease and cancer. The gene expression data are available from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) archive (GSE74243). Temporal expression patterns of mouse genes can be investigated using a study specific web resource (http://lungdevelopment.jax.org).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Beauchemin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, The University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
| | | | - Alvin T. Kho
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Daniela Kamir
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Isaac S. Kohane
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Carol J. Bult
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
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14
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Inhibition of β-catenin signaling protects against CTGF-induced alveolar and vascular pathology in neonatal mouse lung. Pediatr Res 2016; 80:136-44. [PMID: 26991260 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common and serious chronic lung disease of premature infants. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays an important role in tissue development and remodeling. We have previously shown that targeted overexpression of CTGF in alveolar type II epithelial cells results in BPD-like pathology and activates β-catenin in neonatal mice. METHODS Utilizing this transgenic mouse model and ICG001, a specific pharmacological inhibitor of β-catenin, we tested the hypothesis that β-catenin signaling mediates the effects of CTGF in the neonatal lung. Newborn CTGF mice and control littermates received ICG001 (10 mg/kg/dose) or placebo (dimethyl sulfoxide, equal volume) by daily i.p. injection from postnatal day 5 to 15. Alveolarization, vascular development, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) were analyzed. RESULTS Administration of ICG001 significantly downregulated expression of cyclin D1, collagen 1a1, and fibronectin, which are the known target genes of β-catenin signaling in CTGF lungs. Inhibition of β-catenin signaling improved alveolar and vascular development and decreased pulmonary vascular remodeling. More importantly, the improved vascular development and vascular remodeling led to a decrease in PH. CONCLUSION β-Catenin signaling mediates the autocrine and paracrine effects of CTGF in the neonatal lung. Inhibition of CTGF-β-catenin signaling may provide a novel therapy for BPD.
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15
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Protective effect of gallic acid against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:1061-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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16
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Platelet-derived Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 is implicated in ICAM-1/VCAM-1-mediated neutrophilic acute lung inflammation. Blood 2015; 126:2220-9. [PMID: 26351298 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-02-622233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil infiltration represents the early acute inflammatory response in acute lung injury. The recruitment of neutrophils from the peripheral blood across the endothelial-epithelial barrier into the alveolar airspace is highly regulated by the adhesion molecules on alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the progression of inflammatory lung diseases including asthma, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis. However, the function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in acute lung inflammation is unknown. Here, we identified platelet-derived Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) as the major Wnt antagonist contributing to the suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AECs during acute lung inflammation. Intratracheal administration of Wnt3a or an antibody capable of neutralizing Dkk1 inhibited neutrophil influx into the alveolar airspace of injured lungs. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in AECs attenuated intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)/vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)-mediated adhesion of both macrophages and neutrophils to AECs. Our results suggest a role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in modulating the inflammatory response, and a functional communication between platelets and AECs during acute lung inflammation. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the communication between platelets and AECs therefore represents potential therapeutic strategies to limit the damage of acute pulmonary inflammation.
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17
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Zhu Y, Wang W, Wang X. Roles of transcriptional factor 7 in production of inflammatory factors for lung diseases. J Transl Med 2015; 13:273. [PMID: 26289446 PMCID: PMC4543455 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0617-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung disease is the major cause of death and hospitalization worldwide. Transcription factors such as transcription factor 7 (TCF7) are involved in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. TCF7 is important for T cell development and differentiation, embryonic development, or tumorogenesis. Multiple TCF7 isoforms can be characterized by the full-length isoform (FL-TCF7) as a transcription activator, or dominant negative isoform (dn-TCF7) as a transcription repressor. TCF7 interacts with multiple proteins or target genes and participates in several signal pathways critical for lung diseases. TCF7 is involved in pulmonary infection, allergy or asthma through promoting T cells differentiating to Th2 or memory T cells. TCF7 also works in tissue repair and remodeling after acute lung injury. The dual roles of TCF7 in lung cancers were discussed and it is associated with the cellular proliferation, invasion or metastasis. Thus, TCF7 plays critical roles in lung diseases and should be considered as a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Zhu
- Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Fenglin Rd 180, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - William Wang
- Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Fenglin Rd 180, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Center for Clinical Bioinformatics, Fenglin Rd 180, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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18
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Alapati D, Rong M, Chen S, Hehre D, Hummler SC, Wu S. Inhibition of β-catenin signaling improves alveolarization and reduces pulmonary hypertension in experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2014; 51:104-13. [PMID: 24484510 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2013-0346oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common and serious chronic lung disease of preterm infants. The development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) significantly increases the mortality and morbidity of this disease. β-Catenin signaling plays an important role in tissue development and remodeling. Aberrant β-catenin signaling is associated with clinical and experiment models of BPD. To test the hypothesis that inhibition of β-catenin signaling is beneficial in promoting alveolar and vascular development and preventing PH in experimental BPD, we examined the effects of ICG001, a newly developed pharmacological inhibitor of β-catenin, in preventing hyperoxia-induced BPD in neonatal rats. Newborn rat pups were randomized at postnatal day (P)2 to room air (RA) + DMSO (placebo), RA + ICG001, 90% FiO2 (O2) + DMSO, or O2 + ICG001. ICG001 (10 mg/kg) or DMSO was given by daily intraperitoneal injection for 14 days during continuous exposure to RA or hyperoxia. Primary human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were cultured in RA or hyperoxia (95% O2) in the presence of DMSO or ICG001 for 24 to 72 hours. Treatment with ICG001 significantly increased alveolarization and reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH during hyperoxia. Furthermore, administering ICG001 decreased PASMC proliferation and expression of extracellular matrix remodeling molecules in vitro under hyperoxia. Finally, these structural, cellular, and molecular effects of ICG001 were associated with down-regulation of multiple β-catenin target genes. These data indicate that β-catenin signaling mediates hyperoxia-induced alveolar impairment and PH in neonatal animals. Targeting β-catenin may provide a novel strategy to alleviate BPD in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Alapati
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Batchelor Children's Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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19
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Kearns MT, Barthel L, Bednarek JM, Yunt ZX, Henson PM, Janssen WJ. Fas ligand-expressing lymphocytes enhance alveolar macrophage apoptosis in the resolution of acute pulmonary inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2014; 307:L62-70. [PMID: 24838751 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00273.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis of alveolar macrophages and their subsequent clearance by neighboring phagocytes are necessary steps in the resolution of acute pulmonary inflammation. We have recently identified that activation of the Fas death receptor on the cell surface of macrophages drives macrophage apoptosis. However, the source of the cognate ligand for Fas (FasL) responsible for induction of alveolar macrophage apoptosis is not defined. Given their known role in the resolution of inflammation and ability to induce macrophage apoptosis ex vivo, we hypothesized that T lymphocytes represented a critical source of FasL. To address this hypothesis, C57BL/6J and lymphocyte-deficient (Rag-1(-/-)) mice were exposed to intratracheal lipopolysaccharide to induce pulmonary inflammation. Furthermore, utilizing mice expressing nonfunctional FasL, we adoptively transferred donor lymphocytes into inflamed lymphocyte-deficient mice to characterize the effect of lymphocyte-derived FasL on alveolar macrophage apoptosis in the resolution of inflammation. Herein, evidence is presented that lymphocytes expressing FasL enhance alveolar macrophage apoptosis during the resolution of LPS-induced inflammation. Moreover, lymphocyte induction of alveolar macrophage apoptosis results in contraction of the alveolar macrophage pool, which occurs in a FasL-dependent manner. Specifically, FasL-expressing CD8(+) T lymphocytes potently induce alveolar macrophage apoptosis and contraction of the alveolar macrophage pool. Together, these studies identify a novel role for CD8(+) T lymphocytes in the resolution of acute pulmonary inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Kearns
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado;
| | - Lea Barthel
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| | | | - Zulma X Yunt
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| | - Peter M Henson
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado; Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - William J Janssen
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
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20
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Hiram-Bab S, Katz LS, Shapira H, Sandbank J, Gershengorn MC, Oron Y. Platelet-derived growth factor BB mimics serum-induced dispersal of pancreatic epithelial cell clusters. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:743-51. [PMID: 24129818 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We showed previously that proliferating human islet-derived de-differentiated cells (DIDs) exhibit many characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. Dispersed DIDs can be induced by serum deprivation to undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and aggregate into epithelial cell clusters (ECCs). Conversely, ECCs can be induced to disperse and undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by re-addition of mammalian sera. In this study, we show that platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) mimics and mediates serum-induced ECCs' dispersal accompanied by accumulation of cytoplasmic β-catenin and a decrease in the levels of insulin and glucagon mRNAs. Moreover, we show that PDGF-BB-induced dispersal of ECCs is a more general phenomenon that occurs also with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and dermal fibroblasts (DFs). In DIDs, BM-MSCs, and DFs, PDGF decreased the levels of DKK1 mRNA, suggesting involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway. PDGF-BB stimulated a significant increase in S473 phosphorylation of Akt and the PI3K specific inhibitor (PIP828) partially inhibited PDGF-BB-induced ECC dispersal. Lastly, the PDGF-receptor (PDGF-R) antagonist JNJ-10198409 inhibited both PDGF-BB--and serum-induced ECC dispersal. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), which shares most of the PDGF signaling pathway, did not induce dispersal and only weakly stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Our data suggest that PDGF-BB mediates serum-induced DIDs dispersal, correlated with the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Hiram-Bab
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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21
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Rims CR, McGuire JK. Matrilysin (MMP-7) catalytic activity regulates β-catenin localization and signaling activation in lung epithelial cells. Exp Lung Res 2014; 40:126-36. [PMID: 24624896 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2014.890681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (matrilysin, MMP-7) expression is increased in epithelium by bacterial infection, inflammation, fibrosis, and in a myriad of carcinomas. It functions to degrade extracellular matrix and other pericellular substrates including the adherens junction protein E-cadherin to promote wound healing and tissue remodeling. β-catenin functions as both a structural component of adherens junctions and as an intracellular signaling molecule. To assess if matrilysin-mediated disassembly of adherens junctions regulates β-catenin function, we assessed effects of matrilysin catalytic activity on β-catenin localization and signaling activity in A549 cells and in bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice. We determined that matrilysin activity releases β-catenin from the cell membrane after which it is degraded in the cytosol. However, in the presence of a β-catenin stabilizing Wnt signal, β-catenin accumulated in the cytosol and activated a β-catenin luciferase promoter. Furthermore, β-catenin nuclear translocation and activation was impaired in matrilysin-null mice when compared to wild-type mice after bleomycin-induced lung injury. These results show identify matrilysin as a regulator of β-catenin function in injured lung epithelium and may link extracellular proteolytic activity to cell junction disassembly and intracellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliff R Rims
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington , USA
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22
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Vyas-Read S, Wang W, Kato S, Colvocoresses-Dodds J, Fifadara NH, Gauthier TW, Helms MN, Carlton DP, Brown LAS. Hyperoxia induces alveolar epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 306:L326-40. [PMID: 24375795 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00074.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblast accumulation is a pathological feature of lung diseases requiring oxygen therapy. One possible source for myofibroblasts is through the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). To study the effects of oxygen on alveolar EMT, we used RLE-6TN and ex vivo lung slices and found that hyperoxia (85% O2, H85) decreased epithelial proteins, presurfactant protein B (pre-SpB), pro-SpC, and lamellar protein by 50% and increased myofibroblast proteins, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and vimentin by over 200% (P < 0.05). In AEC freshly isolated from H85-treated rats, mRNA for pre-SpB and pro-SpC was diminished by ∼50% and α-SMA was increased by 100% (P < 0.05). Additionally, H85 increased H2O2 content, and H2O2 (25-50 μM) activated endogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), as evident by H2DCFDA immunofluorescence and ELISA (P < 0.05). Both hyperoxia and H2O2 increased SMAD3 phosphorylation (260% of control, P < 0.05). Treating cultured cells with TGF-β1 inhibitors did not prevent H85-induced H2O2 production but did prevent H85-mediated α-SMA increases and E-cadherin downregulation. Finally, to determine the role of TGF-β1 in hyperoxia-induced EMT in vivo, we evaluated AEC from H85-treated rats and found that vimentin increased ∼10-fold (P < 0.05) and that this effect was prevented by intraperitoneal TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542. Additionally, SB-431542 treatment attenuated changes in alveolar histology caused by hyperoxia. Our studies indicate that hyperoxia promotes alveolar EMT through a mechanism that is dependent on activation of TGF-β1 signaling.
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23
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McLoughlin P, Keane MP. Physiological and pathological angiogenesis in the adult pulmonary circulation. Compr Physiol 2013; 1:1473-508. [PMID: 23733650 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis occurs during growth and physiological adaptation in many systemic organs, for example, exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle hypertrophy, ovulation, and tissue repair. Disordered angiogenesis contributes to chronic inflammatory disease processes and to tumor growth and metastasis. Although it was previously thought that the adult pulmonary circulation was incapable of supporting new vessel growth, over that past 10 years new data have shown that angiogenesis within this circulation occurs both during physiological adaptive processes and as part of the pathogenic mechanisms of lung diseases. Here we review the expression of vascular growth factors in the adult lung, their essential role in pulmonary vascular homeostasis and the changes in their expression that occur in response to physiological challenges and in disease. We consider the evidence for adaptive neovascularization in the pulmonary circulation in response to alveolar hypoxia and during lung growth following pneumonectomy in the adult lung. In addition, we review the role of disordered angiogenesis in specific lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute adult distress syndrome and both primary and metastatic tumors of the lung. Finally, we examine recent experimental data showing that therapeutic enhancement of pulmonary angiogenesis has the potential to treat lung diseases characterized by vessel loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul McLoughlin
- University College Dublin, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Conway Institute, and St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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24
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Akamatsu T, Arai Y, Kosugi I, Kawasaki H, Meguro S, Sakao M, Shibata K, Suda T, Chida K, Iwashita T. Direct isolation of myofibroblasts and fibroblasts from bleomycin-injured lungs reveals their functional similarities and differences. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2013; 6:15. [PMID: 23927729 PMCID: PMC3751789 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-6-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Myofibroblasts play a crucial role in tissue repair. The functional similarities and differences between myofibroblasts and fibroblasts are not fully understood because they have not been separately isolated from a living body. The purpose of this study was to establish a method for the direct isolation of myofibroblasts and fibroblasts from injured lungs by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and to compare their functions. Results We demonstrated that lineage-specific cell surface markers (lin), such as CD31, CD45, CD146, EpCAM (CD326), TER119, and Lyve-1 were not expressed in myofibroblasts or fibroblasts. Fibroblasts of bleomycin-injured lungs and saline-treated lungs were shown to be enriched in linneg Sca-1high, and myofibroblasts of bleomycin-injured lungs were shown to be enriched in linneg Sca-1low CD49ehigh. Results from in-vitro proliferation assays indicated in-vitro proliferation of fibroblasts but not myofibroblasts of bleomycin-injured lungs and of fibroblasts of saline-treated lungs. However, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts might have a low proliferative capacity in vivo. Analysis of genes for collagen and collagen synthesis enzymes by qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of about half of the genes were significantly higher in fibroblasts and myofibroblasts of bleomycin-injured lungs than in fibroblasts of saline-treated lungs. By contrast, the expression levels of 8 of 11 chemokine genes of myofibroblasts were significantly lower than those of fibroblasts. Conclusions This is the first study showing a direct isolation method of myofibroblasts and fibroblasts from injured lungs. We demonstrated functional similarities and differences between myofibroblasts and fibroblasts in terms of both their proliferative capacity and the expression levels of genes for collagen, collagen synthesis enzymes, and chemokines. Thus, this direct isolation method has great potential for obtaining useful information from myofibroblasts and fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Akamatsu
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1, Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan.
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25
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Volloch V, Olsen BR. Why cellular stress suppresses adipogenesis in skeletal tissue, but is ineffective in adipose tissue: control of mesenchymal cell differentiation via integrin binding sites in extracellular matrices. Matrix Biol 2013; 32:365-71. [PMID: 23792045 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This Perspective addresses one of the major puzzles of adipogenesis in adipose tissue, namely its resistance to cellular stress. It introduces a concept of "density" of integrin binding sites in extracellular matrix, proposes a cellular signaling explanation for the observed effects of matrix elasticity and of cell shape on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, and discusses how specialized integrin binding sites in collagen IV-containing matrices guard two pivotal physiological and evolutionary processes: stress-resistant adipogenesis in adipose tissues and preservation of pluripotency of mesenchymal stem-like cells in their storage niches. Finally, it proposes strategies to suppress adipogenesis in adipose tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Zemans RL, McClendon J, Aschner Y, Briones N, Young SK, Lau LF, Kahn M, Downey GP. Role of β-catenin-regulated CCN matricellular proteins in epithelial repair after inflammatory lung injury. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 304:L415-27. [PMID: 23316072 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00180.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Repair of the lung epithelium after injury is integral to the pathogenesis and outcomes of diverse inflammatory lung diseases. We previously reported that β-catenin signaling promotes epithelial repair after inflammatory injury, but the β-catenin target genes that mediate this effect are unknown. Herein, we examined which β-catenin transcriptional coactivators and target genes promote epithelial repair after inflammatory injury. Transmigration of human neutrophils across cultured monolayers of human lung epithelial cells resulted in a fall in transepithelial resistance and the formation of discrete areas of epithelial denudation ("microinjury"), which repaired via cell spreading by 96 h. In mice treated with intratracheal (i.t.) LPS or keratinocyte chemokine, neutrophil emigration was associated with increased permeability of the lung epithelium, as determined by increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid albumin concentration, which decreased over 3-6 days. Activation of β-catenin/p300-dependent gene expression using the compound ICG-001 accelerated epithelial repair in vitro and in murine models. Neutrophil transmigration induced epithelial expression of the β-catenin/p300 target genes Wnt-induced secreted protein (WISP) 1 and cysteine-rich (Cyr) 61, as determined by real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunostaining. Purified neutrophil elastase induced WISP1 upregulation in lung epithelial cells, as determined by qPCR. WISP1 expression increased in murine lungs after i.t. LPS, as determined by ELISA of the BAL fluid and qPCR of whole lung extracts. Finally, recombinant WISP1 and Cyr61 accelerated repair, and Cyr61-neutralizing antibodies delayed repair of the injured epithelium in vitro. We conclude that β-catenin/p300-dependent expression of WISP1 and Cyr61 is critical for epithelial repair and represents a potential therapeutic target to promote epithelial repair after inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Zemans
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a feature of a number of important lung diseases, and alveolar epithelial injury plays a key role in their pathogenesis. Traditionally, type II alveolar epithelial cells have been viewed as the progenitor cells of the alveolar epithelium; however, recent studies have identified a number of other progenitor and stem cell populations that may participate in alveolar epithelial repair. These studies suggest that the injury microenvironment plays a role in regulation of progenitor cell populations. In human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, epithelial abnormalities including altered cell cycling characteristics, hyperplasia, and metaplasia are observed, suggesting that dysregulation of epithelial progenitor cells contributes to the characteristic aberrant repair process. Reactivation of developmental signaling pathways such as the Wnt-β-catenin pathway is implicated in the dysregulation of these cells, and targeting these pathways may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention. There has been a great deal of interest in the delivery of exogenous stem cells as a therapeutic strategy, and various stem and progenitor cell populations have improved outcomes in animal lung fibrosis models. The contributions of these cells to alveolar epithelial regeneration have been variable, and secretion of soluble mediators has been implicated in the beneficial effects. It remains to be seen whether the promising results seen in the preclinical studies will translate to human disease, and the first studies using mesenchymal stem cells in clinical trials for fibrotic lung disease are underway. Strategies using other stem cell populations hold promise, but currently these are a lot further from the bedside.
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Tian X, Zhang J, Tan TK, Lyons JG, Zhao H, Niu B, Lee SR, Tsatralis T, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Cao Q, Wang C, Wang Y, Lee VWS, Kahn M, Zheng G, Harris DCH. Association of β-catenin with P-Smad3 but not LEF-1 dissociates in vitro profibrotic from anti-inflammatory effects of TGF-β1. J Cell Sci 2012. [PMID: 23203799 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.103036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is known to be both anti-inflammatory and profibrotic. Cross-talk between TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) suggests a specific role for β-catenin in profibrotic effects of TGF-β1. However, no such mechanistic role has been demonstrated for β-catenin in the anti-inflammatory effects of TGF-β1. In the present study, we explored the role of β-catenin in the profibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of TGF-β1 by using a cytosolic, but not membrane, β-catenin knockdown chimera (F-TrCP-Ecad) and the β-catenin/CBP inhibitor ICG-001. TGF-β1 induced nuclear Smad3/β-catenin complex, but not β-catenin/LEF-1 complex or TOP-flash activity, during EMT of C1.1 (renal tubular epithelial) cells. F-TrCP-Ecad selectively degraded TGF-β1-induced cytoplasmic β-catenin and blocked EMT of C1.1 cells. Both F-TrCP-Ecad and ICG-001 blocked TGF-β1-induced Smad3/β-catenin and Smad reporter activity in C1.1 cells, suggesting that TGF-β1-induced EMT depends on β-catenin binding to Smad3, but not LEF-1 downstream of Smad3, through canonical Wnt. In contrast, in J774 macrophages, the β-catenin level was low and was not changed by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without TGF-β1. TGF-β1 inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-α and IFN-γ-stimulated inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression was not affected by F-TrCP-Ecad, ICG-001 or by overexpression of wild-type β-catenin in J774 cells. Inhibition of β-catenin by either F-TrCP-Ecad or ICG-001 abolished LiCl-induced TOP-flash, but not TGF-β1-induced Smad reporter, activity in J774 cells. These results demonstrate for the first time that β-catenin is required as a co-factor of Smad in TGF-β1-induced EMT of C1.1 epithelial cells, but not in TGF-β1 inhibition of macrophage activation. Targeting β-catenin may dissociate the TGF-β1 profibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Tian
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, the University of Sydney at Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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Meuten T, Hickey A, Franklin K, Grossi B, Tobias J, Newman DR, Jennings SH, Correa M, Sannes PL. WNT7B in fibroblastic foci of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2012; 13:62. [PMID: 22838404 PMCID: PMC3479038 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-13-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial pneumonia causing a loss of respiratory surface area due to a proliferative fibrotic response involving hyperplastic, hypertrophic, and metaplastic epithelium, cystic honeycomb change, septal expansion, and variable inflammation. Wnt (wingless) signaling glycoproteins are known to be involved in lung development and tissue repair, and are up-regulated in patients with IPF. Based on previous qRT-PCR data showing increased Wnt7B in lungs of IPF patients, a systematic, quantitative examination of its tissue site distribution was undertaken. Methods Tissue samples from the Lung Tissue Research Consortium (LTRC) of 39 patients diagnosed with mild to severe IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and 19 normal patients were examined for the immunolocalization of Wnt7B. Results In normal lung, moderate Wnt7B reactivity was confined to airway epithelium, smooth muscle of airways and vasculature, and macrophages. IPF lung showed strong Wnt7B reactivity in fibroblastic foci, dysplastic airway and alveolar epithelium, and in highly discrete subepithelial, basement membrane-associated regions. All reactive sites were sized and counted relative to specific microscopic regions. Those in the subepithelial sites were found in significantly greater numbers and larger relative area compared with the others. No reactive sites were present in normal patient controls. Conclusions The results demonstrate Wnt7B to be expressed at high concentrations in regions of active hyperplasia, metaplasia, and fibrotic change in IPF patients. In this context and its previously established biologic activities, Wnt7B would be expected to be of potential importance in the pathogenesis of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Meuten
- Departments of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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Smith RW, Hicks DA, Reynolds SD. Roles for β-catenin and doxycycline in the regulation of respiratory epithelial cell frequency and function. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2012; 46:115-24. [PMID: 21852686 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2011-0099oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of β-catenin-dependent genes can be increased through the Cre recombinase (Cre)-mediated elimination of the exon 3-encoded sequence. This mutant β-catenin is termed DE3, and promotes the expression of β-catenin-dependent genes. Our previous study used the DE3 model to demonstrate that persistent β-catenin activity inhibited bronchiolar Clara-to-ciliated cell differentiation. The present study was designed to evaluate the roles of β-catenin in regulating the tracheal progenitor cell hierarchy. However, initial experiments demonstrated that the tetracycline-responsive element-Cre transgene (TRE-Cre) was active in the absence of a reverse tetracycline transactivator driver or inducer, doxycycline (Dox). This spurious TRE-Cre transgene activity was not detected using the ROSA26-floxed STOP-LacZ reporter. To determine if the phenotype was a consequence of genotype or treatment with Dox, tracheal and lung specimens were evaluated using quantitative histomorphometric techniques. Analyses of uninduced mice demonstrated a significant effect of genotype on tracheal epithelial cell mass, involving basal, Clara-like cell types. The bronchial and bronchiolar Clara cell mass was also decreased. Paradoxically, an effect on ciliated cell mass was not detected. Activation of the β-catenin reporter transgene TOPGal demonstrated that β-catenin-dependent gene expression led to the genotype-dependent tracheal and bronchiolar phenotype. Comparative analyses of wild-type or keratin 14-rtTA(+/0)/TRE-cre(+/0)/DE3(+/+) mice receiving standard or Dox chow demonstrated an effect of treatment with Dox on basal, Clara-like, and Clara cell masses. We discuss these results in terms of cautionary notes and with regard to alterations of progenitor cell hierarchies in response to low-level injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell W Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
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Antonelli M, Bonten M, Chastre J, Citerio G, Conti G, Curtis JR, De Backer D, Hedenstierna G, Joannidis M, Macrae D, Mancebo J, Maggiore SM, Mebazaa A, Preiser JC, Rocco P, Timsit JF, Wernerman J, Zhang H. Year in review in Intensive Care Medicine 2011: I. Nephrology, epidemiology, nutrition and therapeutics, neurology, ethical and legal issues, experimentals. Intensive Care Med 2012; 38:192-209. [PMID: 22215044 PMCID: PMC3291847 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-011-2447-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Antonelli
- Department of Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
In simple terms, inflammation can be defined as a beneficial, nonspecific response of tissues to injury that generally leads to restoration of normal structure and function. In this concept, resolution of the inflammatory response, once it has achieved its protective and pro-immunogenic functions, becomes a critical determinant of what might be considered the paradox of inflammation. On one hand, inflammation is essential to resolve tissue injury and maintain homeostasis. On the other, inflammation is a key participant in the great majority of human diseases. Accordingly, to achieve complete resolution of inflammation, it is necessary to both turn off inflammatory mediator production and inflammatory cell accumulation and to remove inflammatory cells and debris without initiating an autoimmune response. Much of this process involves key activities of the mononuclear phagocyte series of cells, including resident and recruited macrophages. Recognition of activated and dying acute inflammatory cells by mononuclear phagocytes has been shown to (a) enhance macropinocytic activity for removal of debris, (b) enhance uptake of the effete inflammatory cells themselves, (c) induce inflammosuppressive and immunosuppressive mediators such as TGFβ and IL-10 that can down-regulate and limit proinflammatory mediator production, and (d) induce production of growth factors for tissue cells that may play key roles in tissue repair. Defects in these highly regulated processes are associated with persistent inflammation and/or autoimmunity in overaggressive resolution mechanisms such as nonresolving fibrosis or persistent tissue destruction as in emphysema.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Janssen
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Immunology, National Jewish Health and University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA.
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Abstract
Suboptimal intake of Zn is one of the most common nutritional problems worldwide. Previously, we have shown that Zn deficiency (ZD) produces oxidative and nitrosative stress in the lung of rats. We analyse the effect of moderate ZD on the expression of several intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton, as well as the effect of restoring Zn during the refeeding period. Adult male rats were divided into three groups: Zn-adequate control (CO) group; ZD group; Zn-refeeding group. CerbB-2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was increased in the ZD group while the other parameters did not change. During the refeeding time, CerbB-2, cytokeratins, vimentin and PCNA immunostaining was higher than that in the CO group. The present findings indicate that the overexpression of some markers could lead to the fibrotic process in the lung. Perhaps ZD implications must be taken into account in health interventions because an inflammation environment is associated with ZD in the lung.
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Neutrophil transmigration triggers repair of the lung epithelium via beta-catenin signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:15990-5. [PMID: 21880956 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1110144108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Injury to the epithelium is integral to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory lung diseases, and epithelial repair is a critical determinant of clinical outcome. However, the signaling pathways regulating such repair are incompletely understood. We used in vitro and in vivo models to define these pathways. Human neutrophils were induced to transmigrate across monolayers of human lung epithelial cells in the physiological basolateral-to-apical direction. This allowed study of the neutrophil contribution not only to the initial epithelial injury, but also to its repair, as manifested by restoration of transepithelial resistance and reepithelialization of the denuded epithelium. Microarray analysis of epithelial gene expression revealed that neutrophil transmigration activated β-catenin signaling, and this was verified by real-time PCR, nuclear translocation of β-catenin, and TOPFlash reporter activity. Leukocyte elastase, likely via cleavage of E-cadherin, was required for activation of β-catenin signaling in response to neutrophil transmigration. Knockdown of β-catenin using shRNA delayed epithelial repair. In mice treated with intratracheal LPS or keratinocyte chemokine, neutrophil emigration resulted in activation of β-catenin signaling in alveolar type II epithelial cells, as demonstrated by cyclin D1 expression and/or reporter activity in TOPGAL mice. Attenuation of β-catenin signaling by IQ-1 inhibited alveolar type II epithelial cell proliferation in response to neutrophil migration induced by intratracheal keratinocyte chemokine. We conclude that β-catenin signaling is activated in lung epithelial cells during neutrophil transmigration, likely via elastase-mediated cleavage of E-cadherin, and regulates epithelial repair. This pathway represents a potential therapeutic target to accelerate physiological recovery in inflammatory lung diseases.
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Yamashita CM, Dolgonos L, Zemans RL, Young SK, Robertson J, Briones N, Suzuki T, Campbell MN, Gauldie J, Radisky DC, Riches DWH, Yu G, Kaminski N, McCulloch CAG, Downey GP. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 is a mediator of pulmonary fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 179:1733-45. [PMID: 21871427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may be triggered by epithelial injury that results in aberrant production of growth factors, cytokines, and proteinases, leading to proliferation of myofibroblasts, excess deposition of collagen, and destruction of the lung architecture. The precise mechanisms and key signaling mediators responsible for this aberrant repair process remain unclear. We assessed the importance of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the pathogenesis of IPF through i) determination of MMP-3 expression in patients with IPF, ii) in vivo experiments examining the relevance of MMP-3 in experimental models of fibrosis, and iii) in vitro experiments to elucidate possible mechanisms of action. Gene expression analysis, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis of explanted human lungs revealed enhanced expression of MMP-3 in IPF, compared with control. Transient adenoviral vector-mediated expression of recombinant MMP-3 in rat lung resulted in accumulation of myofibroblasts and pulmonary fibrosis. Conversely, MMP-3-null mice were protected against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro treatment of cultured lung epithelial cells with purified MMP-3 resulted in activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway, via cleavage of E-cadherin, and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These processes were inhibited in bleomycin-treated MMP-3-null mice, as assessed by cytosolic translocation of β-catenin and cyclin D1 expression. These observations support a novel role for MMP-3 in the pathogenesis of IPF, through activation of β-catenin signaling and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory M Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Homer RJ, Elias JA, Lee CG, Herzog E. Modern concepts on the role of inflammation in pulmonary fibrosis. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2011; 135:780-8. [PMID: 21631273 DOI: 10.5858/2010-0296-ra.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a uniformly lethal disease with limited biomarkers and no proven therapeutic intervention short of lung transplantation. Pulmonary fibrosis at one time was thought to be a result of inflammation in the lung. Although some forms of pulmonary fibrosis may result from inflammation, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is currently thought to result from cell death primarily and inflammation secondarily. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of inflammation in pulmonary fibrosis in light of our laboratory's published and unpublished research and published literature. DATA SOURCES Review based on our laboratory's published and unpublished experimental data with relevant background and clinical context provided. CONCLUSIONS Although cell death is central to pulmonary fibrosis, the proper cytokine environment leading to macrophage polarization is also critical. Evaluation of this environment is promising both for the development of disease biomarkers and for targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Homer
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8070, USA.
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Kim TH, Kim SH, Seo JY, Chung H, Kwak HJ, Lee SK, Yoon HJ, Shin DH, Park SS, Sohn JW. Blockade of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2011; 223:45-54. [PMID: 21212602 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.223.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease and characterized by abnormal growth of fibroblasts and lung scarring. While the pathogenesis of IPF is not clearly understood, activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and disruption of alveolar basement membrane seem to play important roles in leading to excess disruption of the matrix, which is associated with activated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and aberrant proliferation of myofibroblasts. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is an important regulator of cellular proliferation and differentiation and abnormal activation of Wnt/β-catenin signal was observed in IPF. We examined whether inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6N mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. To inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, small interfering RNA (siRNA) for β-catenin was administered into trachea 2 h before bleomycin instillation and every 48 h afterward until sacrifice on day 14. The level of β-catenin expression was increased in the epithelial cells of bleomycin-administered mice. Intratracheal treatment with β-catenin siRNA significantly reduced β-catenin expression, pulmonary fibrosis and collagen synthesis in bleomycin-administered mice compared with controls, with no significant effect on the inflammatory response. The β-catenin-targeted siRNA also significantly decreased the levels of MMP-2 (P<0.01) and TGF-β (P<0.01) expression in the lung tissue. Blockade of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by β-catenin siRNA decreased bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in the murine model. These findings suggest that targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling may be an effective therapeutic approach in the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Villar J, Cabrera NE, Casula M, Valladares F, Flores C, López-Aguilar J, Blanch L, Zhang H, Kacmarek RM, Slutsky AS. WNT/β-catenin signaling is modulated by mechanical ventilation in an experimental model of acute lung injury. Intensive Care Med 2011; 37:1201-9. [PMID: 21567117 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-011-2234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mechanisms involved in lung injury progression during acute lung injury (ALI) are still poorly understood. Because WNT/β-catenin signaling has been shown to be involved in epithelial cell injury and hyperplasia during inflammation and sepsis, we hypothesized that it would be modulated by mechanical ventilation (MV) in an experimental model of sepsis-induced ALI. METHODS This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled animal study performed using adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and perforation. At 18 h, surviving animals were randomized to spontaneous breathing or two strategies of MV for 4 h: low tidal volume (V (T)) (6 ml/kg) plus 10 cmH2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) versus high (20 ml/kg) tidal volume (V (T)) with zero PEEP. Histological evaluation, measurements of WNT5A, total β-catenin, and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7) protein levels by Western blot, and their immunohistochemical localization in the lungs were analyzed. RESULTS Sepsis and high-V (T) MV caused lung inflammation and perivascular edema with cellular infiltrates and collagen deposition. Protein levels of WNT5A, β-catenin, and MMP7 in the lungs were increased in animals with sepsis-induced ALI. High-V (T) MV was associated with higher levels of WNT5A, β-catenin, and MMP7 protein levels (p < 0.001), compared to healthy control animals. By contrast, low-V (T) MV markedly reduced WNT5A, β-catenin, and MMP7 protein levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is modulated early during sepsis and ventilator-induced lung injury, suggesting that activation of this pathway could play an important role in both lung injury progression and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Villar
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain, jesus.
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Chang EH, Pezzulo AA, Zabner J. Do cell junction protein mutations cause an airway phenotype in mice or humans? Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2011; 45:202-20. [PMID: 21297078 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0498tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell junction proteins connect epithelial cells to each other and to the basement membrane. Genetic mutations of these proteins can cause alterations in some epithelia leading to varied phenotypes such as deafness, renal disease, skin disorders, and cancer. This review examines if genetic mutations in these proteins affect the function of lung airway epithelia. We review cell junction proteins with examples of disease mutation phenotypes in humans and in mouse knockout models. We also review which of these genes are expressed in airway epithelium by microarray expression profiling and immunocytochemistry. Last, we present a comprehensive literature review to find the lung phenotype when cell junction and adhesion genes are mutated or subject to targeted deletion. We found that in murine models, targeted deletion of cell junction and adhesion genes rarely result in a lung phenotype. Moreover, mutations in these genes in humans have no obvious lung phenotype. Our research suggests that simply because a cell junction or adhesion protein is expressed in an organ does not imply that it will exhibit a drastic phenotype when mutated. One explanation is that because a functioning lung is critical to survival, redundancy in the system is expected. Therefore mutations in a single gene might be compensated by a related function of a similar gene product. Further studies in human and animal models will help us understand the overlap in the function of cell junction gene products. Finally, it is possible that the human lung phenotype is subtle and has not yet been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene H Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA
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40
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Kneidinger N, Yildirim AÖ, Callegari J, Takenaka S, Stein MM, Dumitrascu R, Bohla A, Bracke KR, Morty RE, Brusselle GG, Schermuly RT, Eickelberg O, Königshoff M. Activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway attenuates experimental emphysema. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 183:723-33. [PMID: 20889911 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200910-1560oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating disease, for which no causal therapy is available. OBJECTIVES To characterize WNT/β-catenin signaling in COPD in humans and elucidate its potential role as a preventive and therapeutic target in experimental emphysema in mice. METHODS The expression, localization, and activity of WNT/β-catenin signaling was assessed in 12 COPD and 12 transplant donor samples using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling was assessed in elastase- and cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and therapeutic modulation thereof in elastase-induced emphysema in TOPGAL reporter and wild-type mice in vivo. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS No differences in the mRNA expression profile of the main WNT/β-catenin signaling components were observed comparing COPD and donor lung homogenates. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced numbers of nuclear β-catenin-positive alveolar epithelial cells in COPD. Similarly, WNT/β-catenin signaling was down-regulated in both experimental emphysema models. Preventive and therapeutic, WNT/β-catenin activation by lithium chloride attenuated experimental emphysema, as assessed by decreased airspace enlargement, improved lung function, reduced collagen content, and elevated expression of alveolar epithelial cell markers. CONCLUSIONS Decreased WNT/β-catenin signaling is involved in parenchymal tissue destruction and impaired repair capacity in emphysema. These data indicate a crucial role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in lung repair mechanisms in vivo, and highlight WNT/β-catenin activation as a future therapeutic approach for emphysema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Kneidinger
- Department of Medicine, University of Giessen Lung Center, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Abstract
It is becoming evident that failure in the removal of dying cells causes and/or promotes the onset of chronic diseases. Impairment of phagocytosis of apoptotic cells can be due not only to genetic or molecular malfunctioning but also to external/environmental factors. Two of these environmental factors have been recently reported to down regulate the clearance of apoptotic cells: cigarette smoke and static magnetic fields. Cigarette smoke contains highly reactive carbonyls that modify proteins which directly/indirectly affects cellular function. Human macrophages interacting with carbonyl or cigarette smoke modified extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins dramatically down regulated their ability to phagocytose apoptotic neutrophils. It was postulated that changes in the ECM environment as a result of cigarette smoke affect the ability of macrophages to remove apoptotic cells. This decreased phagocytic activity was as a result of sequestration of receptors involved in the uptake of apoptotic cells towards that of recognition of carbonyl adducts on the modified ECM proteins leading to increased macrophage adhesion. Downregulation of the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells was also described when performed in presence of static magnetic fields (SMFs) of moderate intensity. SMFs have been reported to perturb distribution of membrane proteins and glycoproteins, receptors, cytoskeleton and trans-membrane fluxes of different ions, especially calcium [Ca(2+)]i, that in turn, interfere with many different physiological activities, including phagocytosis. The effects of cigarette smoke and SMF on the phagocytosis of dying cells will be here discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Dini
- Department Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of the Salento, Lecce, Italy.
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42
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Foronjy R, Imai K, Shiomi T, Mercer B, Sklepkiewicz P, Thankachen J, Bodine P, D'Armiento J. The divergent roles of secreted frizzled related protein-1 (SFRP1) in lung morphogenesis and emphysema. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:598-607. [PMID: 20595636 PMCID: PMC2913334 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Developmentally expressed genes are believed to play a central role in tissue repair after injury; however, in lung disease their role has not been established. This study demonstrates that SFRP1, an inhibitor of Wnt signaling normally expressed during lung embryogenesis, is induced in the lungs of emphysema patients and in two murine models of the disease. SFRP1 was found to be essential for alveolar formation as Sfrp1(-/-) mice exhibited aberrant Wnt signaling, mesenchymal proliferation, and impaired alveoli formation. In contrast, SFRP1 activated ERK and up-regulated MMP1 and MMP9 without altering TIMP1 production when expressed in human lung epithelial cells. These findings demonstrate that SFRP1 promotes normal alveolar formation in lung development, although its expression in the adult up-regulates proteins that can cause tissue destruction. Thus, SFRP1 induction during tissue injury is unlikely to contribute to the repair response but rather is a participatory factor in the pathogenesis of emphysema and tissue destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Foronjy
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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43
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Kim SHJ, Matthay MA, Mostov K, Hunt CA. Simulation of lung alveolar epithelial wound healing in vitro. J R Soc Interface 2010; 7:1157-70. [PMID: 20236957 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2010.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that enable and regulate alveolar type II (AT II) epithelial cell wound healing in vitro and in vivo remain largely unknown and need further elucidation. We used an in silico AT II cell-mimetic analogue to explore and better understand plausible wound healing mechanisms for two conditions: cyst repair in three-dimensional cultures and monolayer wound healing. Starting with the analogue that validated for key features of AT II cystogenesis in vitro, we devised an additional cell rearrangement action enabling cyst repair. Monolayer repair was enabled by providing 'cells' a control mechanism to switch automatically to a repair mode in the presence of a distress signal. In cyst wound simulations, the revised analogue closed wounds by adhering to essentially the same axioms available for alveolar-like cystogenesis. In silico cell proliferation was not needed. The analogue recovered within a few simulation cycles but required a longer recovery time for larger or multiple wounds. In simulated monolayer wound repair, diffusive factor-mediated 'cell' migration led to repair patterns comparable to those of in vitro cultures exposed to different growth factors. Simulations predicted directional cell locomotion to be critical for successful in vitro wound repair. We anticipate that with further use and refinement, the methods used will develop as a rigorous, extensible means of unravelling mechanisms of lung alveolar repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean H J Kim
- UCSF/UC Berkeley Joint Graduate Group in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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44
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Loss of myeloid cell-derived vascular endothelial growth factor accelerates fibrosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:4329-34. [PMID: 20142499 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0912766107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue injury initiates a complex series of events that act to restore structure and physiological homeostasis. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and vascular remodeling are both keystones of this process. However, the role of inflammation and angiogenesis in general and, more specifically, the significance of inflammatory cell-derived VEGF in this context are unclear. To determine the role of inflammatory cell-derived VEGF in a clinically relevant and chronically inflamed injury, pulmonary fibrosis, we deleted the VEGF-A gene in myeloid cells. In a model of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, deletion of VEGF in myeloid cells resulted in significantly reduced formation of blood vessels; however, it causes aggravated fibrotic tissue damage. This was accompanied by a pronounced decrease in epithelial cell survival and a striking increase in myofibroblast invasion. The drastic increase in fibrosis following loss of myeloid VEGF in the damaged lungs was also marked by increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) expression and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. This demonstrates that the process of angiogenesis, driven by myeloid cell-derived VEGF, is essential for the prevention of fibrotic damage.
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45
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Gosens R, Baarsma HA, Heijink IH, Oenema TA, Halayko AJ, Meurs H, Schmidt M. De novo synthesis of {beta}-catenin via H-Ras and MEK regulates airway smooth muscle growth. FASEB J 2009; 24:757-68. [PMID: 19906679 DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-136325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
beta-Catenin is a component of adherens junctions that also acts as a transcriptional coactivator when expressed in the nucleus. Growth factors are believed to regulate the nuclear expression of beta-catenin via inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) by phosphorylation, resulting in increased beta-catenin protein stability. Here, we report on a novel pathway that regulates the expression and nuclear presence of beta-catenin. In proliferating human airway smooth muscle cells, we observed increased expression of beta-catenin, which was required for proliferation. Interestingly, increased beta-catenin expression was accompanied by an increase in beta-catenin mRNA and was independent of beta-catenin liberation from the plasma membrane, suggesting a role for de novo synthesis. This was confirmed using actinomycin D and cycloheximide, which abrogated the induction and nuclear localization of beta-catenin protein. GSK-3 inhibition using SB216763 failed to regulate beta-catenin mRNA. However, expression of dominant negative H-Ras or pharmacological inhibition of MEK reduced serum and TGF-beta-induced beta-catenin mRNA and protein. Collectively, these data indicate that beta-catenin is an important signaling intermediate in airway smooth muscle growth and that its cellular accumulation and nuclear localization require de novo protein synthesis effected, in part, via H-Ras and MEK.-Gosens, R., Baarsma, H. A., Heijink, I. H., Oenema, T. A., Halayko, A. J., Meurs, H., Schmidt, M. De novo synthesis of beta-catenin via H-Ras and MEK regulates airway smooth muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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46
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Borges VM, Vandivier RW, McPhillips KA, Kench JA, Morimoto K, Groshong SD, Richens TR, Graham BB, Muldrow AM, Van Heule L, Henson PM, Janssen WJ. TNFalpha inhibits apoptotic cell clearance in the lung, exacerbating acute inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2009; 297:L586-95. [PMID: 19648283 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.90569.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient removal of apoptotic cells is essential for resolution of inflammation. Failure to clear dying cells can exacerbate lung injury and lead to persistent inflammation and autoimmunity. Here we show that TNFalpha blocks apoptotic cell clearance by alveolar macrophages and leads to proinflammatory responses in the lung. Compared with mice treated with intratracheal TNFalpha or exogenous apoptotic cells, mice treated with the combination of TNFalpha plus apoptotic cells demonstrated reduced apoptotic cell clearance from the lungs and increased recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes to the air spaces. Treatment with intratracheal TNFalpha had no effect on the removal of exogenous apoptotic cells from the lungs of TNFalpha receptor-1 (p55) and -2 (p75) double mutant mice and no effect on leukocyte recruitment. Bronchoalveolar lavage from mice treated with TNFalpha plus apoptotic cells contained increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, KC, and MCP-1, but exhibited no change in levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta. Administration of TNFalpha plus apoptotic cells during LPS-induced lung injury augmented neutrophil accumulation and proinflammatory cytokine production. These findings suggest that the presence of TNFalpha in the lung can alter the response of phagocytes to apoptotic cells leading to inflammatory cell recruitment and proinflammatory mediator production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria M Borges
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA
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Mauney J, Volloch V. Collagen I matrix contributes to determination of adult human stem cell lineage via differential, structural conformation-specific elicitation of cellular stress response. Matrix Biol 2009; 28:251-62. [PMID: 19375506 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2008] [Revised: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we reported that the conformational transition of collagen I matrix plays, along with differentiation stimuli, a regulatory role in determination of differentiation lineage of bone marrow stromal sells via distinct signaling pathways specific for the structural state of the matrix. The present study addresses mechanisms underlying differential structural conformation-specific effects of collagen matrices on differentiation into diverse lineages. The results obtained suggest that the pivotal player in the observed matrix conformation-mediated regulation is a differential cellular stress response elicited by the exposure to native but not to denatured collagen I matrix. The stress causing such a response appears to be generated by matrix contraction and mediated by Alpha2Beta1 integrins engaged on native but not on denatured collagen I matrix. The principal facet of the observed phenomenon is not the nature of a stress but general stress response: when cells on denatured collagen I matrix are subjected to thermal stress, osteogenic pathway shifts to that seen on native collagen I matrix. Importantly, cellular stress response might be commonly involved in determination of differentiation lineage. Indeed, distinct components of cellular stress response machinery appear to regulate differentiation into diverse lineages. Thus, augmentation of Hsp90 levels enables the operation of efficient Alpha1Beta1/Alpha2Beta1 integrin-driven ERK activation pathways hence facilitating osteogenesis and suppressing adipogenesis, whereas myogenesis of satellite stem cells appears to be promoted by native collagen I matrix-elicited activation and nuclear translocation of another stress response component, Beta-catenin, shown to be essential for skeletal myogenesis, and chondrogenesis may involve stress-mediated elevation of yet another stress response constituent, Hsp70, shown to be an interactive partner of the chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9. The proposed concept of the integral role of cellular stress response in tissue generation and maintenance suggests new therapeutic approaches and indicates novel tissue engineering strategies.
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48
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Königshoff M, Eickelberg O. WNT signaling in lung disease: a failure or a regeneration signal? Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2009; 42:21-31. [PMID: 19329555 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2008-0485tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The WNT family of signaling proteins is essential to organ development in general and lung morphogenesis in particular. Originally identified as a developmentally active signaling pathway, the WNT pathway has recently been linked to the pathogenesis of important lung diseases, in particular lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. This review summarizes our current understanding about WNT signaling in lung development and disease, and is structured into three chapters. The first chapter presents an introduction to WNT signaling, outlining WNT proteins, their receptors and signaling intermediates, as well as the regulation of this complex pathway. The second chapter focuses on the role of WNT signaling in the normal embryonic and adult lung, and highlights recent findings of altered WNT signaling in lung diseases, such as lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary arterial hypertension. In the last chapter, we will discuss novel data and ideas about the biological effects of WNT signaling on the cellular level, highlighting pleiotropic effects induced by WNT ligands on distinct cell types, and how these cellular effects may be relevant to the pathogenesis of the aforementioned diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Königshoff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilians University München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, Munich, Germany.
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Johnson A. TNF-induced activation of pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells: a role for GSK3beta. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2009; 296:L700-9. [PMID: 19218353 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.90566.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis tested was PKCalpha mediates the phosphorylation of glycogen synthetase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) and that the GSK3beta inhibition modulates the response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) in rat pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells (PMEC). PMEC were treated with TNF for 4.0 h (100 ng/ml) or vehicle. First, to assess the role of PKCalpha in the phosphorylation of GSK3beta (i.e., an indicator of GSK3beta inhibition), PMEC were pretreated with 1) nonsense-RNA-PKCalpha, 2) siRNA-PKCalpha, and 3) the PKC inhibitor Gö6983. In the nonsense RNA-PKCalpha+TNF and TNF groups, there was increased phosphorylated GSK3beta-Ser9 that did not occur in the Gö6983+TNF group. In the TNF groups, there was a significant correlation between PKCalpha protein and phosphorylated GSK3beta-Ser9 that did not occur in the groups without TNF. Second, to assess the role of GSK3beta in beta-catenin activity, PMEC were pretreated with 1) wild-type (w) GSK3beta plasmid to enhance GSK3beta activity, 2) kinase dead (kd)-GSK3beta plasmid, and 3) the GSK3beta inhibitor SB-216763. In the TNF group, there was increased unphosphorylated beta-catenin-Ser37/33 compared with the control group. In the GSK3beta-inhibited groups (i.e., SB-216763 and kdGSK3beta) +/- TNF, the unphosphorylated beta-catenin-Ser37/33 was similar to the TNF group. In the GSK3beta-enhanced group +/- TNF, the unphosphorylated beta-catenin-Ser37/33 was similar to the control. Finally, PMEC were also treated with TOPflash, a beta-catenin-dependent promoter luciferase reporter, or the mutant construct FOPflash, 2 days before treatment with TNF. In the TNF group, there was an increased TOPflash/FOPflash activity ratio compared with the control group. In the GSK3beta-inhibited groups (i.e., SB-216763 and kdGSK3beta) +/- TNF, the TOPflash/FOPflash activity ratio was similar to the TNF group. In the GSK3beta-enhanced group +/- TNF, the TOPflash/FOPflash activity ratio was similar to the control. The data indicate that TNF induces endothelial activation that is modulated by a PKCalpha-dependent inhibition of GSK3beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Johnson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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50
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Liu L, Canon B, Yee HT, Yie TA, Hajjou M, Rom WN. Wnt pathway in pulmonary fibrosis in the bleomycin mouse model. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2009; 28:99-108. [PMID: 19817697 PMCID: PMC3704199 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.v28.i2.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation, and polarity. METHODS We used bleomycin to induce lung fibrosis in a transgenic Wnt reporter mouse to characterize the expression pattern of cyclin D1, MMP-7, and TGF-beta in conjunction with the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. LacZ expression reveals the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway through the activated (nuclear) beta-catenin and coactivation of LEF/TCF transcription factors. X-gal staining and immunohistochemical staining of beta-catenin, cyclin D1, MMP-7, and TGF-beta were assessed after bleomycin administration. RESULTS We observed LacZ expression in bronchiolar proliferative lesions and the epithelium in remodeled cystic and fibrotic areas at both 1 and 3 weeks. Nuclear beta-catenin staining was prominent in epithelial cells of remodeled and fibrotic areas at 3 weeks. MMP-7 was faint in basement membranes of airways and matrix zones in fibrotic areas at 3 weeks. Cyclin D1 was observed in alveolar macrophages (AM), alveolar epithelium, and fibrotic areas consistent with rapid cell turnover in these areas at both 1 and 3 weeks. TGF-beta was faintly staining in alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells at 3 weeks. CONCLUSION The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is activated in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, and downstream genes were localized in AM, alveolar epithelium, and interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY10016
| | - Benjamin Canon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY10016
| | - Herman T. Yee
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY10016
| | - Ting An Yie
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY10016
| | - Mustapha Hajjou
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY10016
| | - William N. Rom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave, New York, NY10016
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