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Yamada T, Nakashima T, Masuda T, Sakamoto S, Yamaguchi K, Horimasu Y, Miyamoto S, Iwamoto H, Fujitaka K, Hamada H, Kamada N, Hattori N. Intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans exacerbates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice with dysbiosis. J Pathol 2023; 261:227-237. [PMID: 37565293 DOI: 10.1002/path.6169] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates an interaction between the intestinal microbiota and diseases in distal organs. However, the relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and the intestinal microbiota, especially intestinal fungal microbiota, is poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of changes in the intestinal fungal microbiota on the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Mice with intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans, which was established by oral administration of antibiotics plus C. albicans, showed accelerated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis relative to the control mice (i.e. without C. albicans treatment). In addition, the mice with intestinal overgrowth of C. albicans showed enhanced Th17-type immunity, and treatment with IL-17A-neutralizing antibody alleviated pulmonary fibrosis in these mice but not in the control mice. This result indicates that IL-17A is involved in the pathogenesis of C. albicans-exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis. Even before bleomycin treatment, the expression of Rorc, the master regulator of Th17, was already upregulated in the pulmonary lymphocytes of the mice with intestinal overgrowth of C. albicans. Subsequent administration of bleomycin triggered these Th17-skewed lymphocytes to produce IL-17A, which enhanced endothelial-mesenchymal transition. These results suggest that intestinal overgrowth of C. albicans exacerbates pulmonary fibrosis via IL-17A-mediated endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, it might be a potential therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis. This study may serve as a basis for using intestinal fungal microbiota as novel therapeutic targets in pulmonary fibrosis. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Yamada
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Taku Nakashima
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Masuda
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kakuhiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasushi Horimasu
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shintaro Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazunori Fujitaka
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hironobu Hamada
- Department of Physical Analysis and Therapeutic Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Kamada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Noboru Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Shaikh TB, Kuncha M, Andugulapati SB, Sistla R. Dehydrozingerone alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175820. [PMID: 37245857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), excessive collagen deposition predisposes to irreversible lung function decline, respiratory failure, and ultimately death. Due to the limited therapeutic efficacy of FDA-approved medications, novel drugs are warranted for better treatment outcomes. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is an analogue of curcumin that has been investigated against pulmonary fibrosis using a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model in rats. In in vitro, TGF-β-induced differentiation models (NHLF, LL29, DHLF and A549 cells) were adopted to assess fibrotic markers expression and explored the mechanism of action. DHZ administration attenuated the bleomycin-induced elevation of lung index, inflammatory cell infiltrations, and hydroxyproline levels in lung tissues. Furthermore, treatment with DHZ mitigated the bleomycin-mediated elevation of extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and collagen deposition markers and improved lung mechanics. In addition, treatment with DHZ significantly suppressed the BLM-induced apoptosis and rescued the BLM-induced pathological abnormalities in lung tissues. In-vitro assays revealed that DHZ suppressed the expression of TGF-β-elevated collagen deposition, EMT and ECM markers in both mRNA/protein levels. Our findings showed that DHZ has anti-fibrotic effect against pulmonary fibrosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that DHZ may serve as a potential treatment option for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim B Shaikh
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Madhusudhana Kuncha
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India
| | - Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ramakrishna Sistla
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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3
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Pan L, Meng F, Wang W, Wang XH, Shen H, Bao P, Kang J, Kong D. Nintedanib in an elderly non-small-cell lung cancer patient with severe steroid-refractory checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis: A case report and literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1072612. [PMID: 36703957 PMCID: PMC9872202 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1072612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors tremendously improve cancer prognosis; however, severe-grade immune-related adverse events may cause premature death. Current recommendations for checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) treatment are mainly about immunosuppressive therapy, and anti-fibrotic agents are also needed, especially for patients with poor response to corticosteroids and a longer pneumonitis course. This is because fibrotic changes play an important role in the pathological evolution of CIP. Here, we report a case demonstrating that nintedanib is a promising candidate drug for CIP management or prevention, as it has potent anti-fibrotic efficacy and a safety profile. Moreover, nintedanib could partially inhibit tumor growth in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, and its efficacy can be improved in combination with other anti-tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fanqi Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu-hao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengchen Bao
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Kang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Delei Kong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,*Correspondence: Delei Kong,
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Ortiz-Zapater E, Signes-Costa J, Montero P, Roger I. Lung Fibrosis and Fibrosis in the Lungs: Is It All about Myofibroblasts? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061423. [PMID: 35740444 PMCID: PMC9220162 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the lungs, fibrosis is a growing clinical problem that results in shortness of breath and can end up in respiratory failure. Even though the main fibrotic disease affecting the lung is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which affects the interstitial space, there are many fibrotic events that have high and dangerous consequences for the lungs. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), excessive allergies, clearance of infection or COVID-19, all are frequent diseases that show lung fibrosis. In this review, we describe the different kinds of fibrosis and analyse the main types of cells involved-myofibroblasts and other cells, like macrophages-and review the main fibrotic mechanisms. Finally, we analyse present treatments for fibrosis in the lungs and highlight potential targets for anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ortiz-Zapater
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine-IIS INCLIVA, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Paula Montero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (P.M.); (I.R.)
| | - Inés Roger
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (P.M.); (I.R.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Zheng P, Sun S, Wang J, Cheng ZJ, Lei KC, Xue M, Zhang T, Huang H, Zhang XD, Sun B. Integrative omics analysis identifies biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:66. [PMID: 35015148 PMCID: PMC11075137 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by chronic progressive pulmonary fibrosis and a poor prognosis. Genetic studies, including transcriptomic and proteomics, have provided new insight into revealing mechanisms of IPF. Herein we provided a novel strategy to identify biomarkers by integrative analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of IPF patients. We examined the landscape of IPF patients' gene expression in the transcription and translation phases and investigated the expression and functions of two new potential biomarkers. Differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs were mainly enriched in pathways associated with immune system activities and inflammatory responses, while DE proteins are related to extracellular matrix production and wound repair. The upregulated genes in both phases are associated with wound repair and cell differentiation, while the downregulated genes in both phases are associated with reduced immune activities and the damage of the alveolar tissues. On this basis, we identified thirteen potential marker genes. Among them, we validated the expression changes of butyrophilin-like 9 (BTNL9) and plasmolipin (PLLP) and investigated their functional pathways in the IPF mechanism. Both genes are downregulated in the tissues of IPF patients and Bleomycin-induced mice, and co-expression analysis indicates that they have a protective effect by inhibiting extracellular matrix production and promoting wound repair in alveolar epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Zheng
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Shixue Sun
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jingxian Wang
- National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory for Cell Engineering and Biomedicine Technique, Guizhou Province Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Translational Research (Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Zhangkai Jason Cheng
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Kuan Cheok Lei
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Huimin Huang
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | | | - Baoqing Sun
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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6
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Fatty acid nitroalkene reversal of established lung fibrosis. Redox Biol 2021; 50:102226. [PMID: 35150970 PMCID: PMC8844680 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis occurs in response to dysregulated metabolism, pro-inflammatory signaling and tissue repair reactions. For example, lungs exposed to environmental toxins, cancer therapies, chronic inflammation and other stimuli manifest a phenotypic shift to activated myofibroblasts and progressive and often irreversible lung tissue scarring. There are no therapies that stop or reverse fibrosis. The 2 FDA-approved anti-fibrotic drugs at best only slow the progression of fibrosis in humans. The present study was designed to test whether a small molecule electrophilic nitroalkene, nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA), could reverse established pulmonary fibrosis induced by the intratracheal administration of bleomycin in C57BL/6 mice. After 14 d of bleomycin-induced fibrosis development in vivo, lungs were removed, sectioned and precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) from control and bleomycin-treated mice were cultured ex vivo for 4 d with either vehicle or NO2-OA (5 μM). Biochemical and morphological analyses showed that over a 4 d time frame, NO2-OA significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory mediator and growth factor expression and reversed key indices of fibrosis (hydroxyproline, collagen 1A1 and 3A1, fibronectin-1). Quantitative image analysis of PCLS immunohistology reinforced these observations, revealing that NO2-OA suppressed additional hallmarks of the fibrotic response, including alveolar epithelial cell loss, myofibroblast differentiation and proliferation, collagen and α-smooth muscle actin expression. NO2-OA also accelerated collagen degradation by resident macrophages. These effects occurred in the absence of the recognized NO2-OA modulation of circulating and migrating immune cell activation. Thus, small molecule nitroalkenes may be useful agents for reversing pathogenic fibrosis of lung and other organs. Small molecule electrophiles, pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic drugs. NO2-OA inhibits activated myofibroblasts, induces dedifferentiation to fibroblasts. NO2-OA activates extracellular matrix degradation by macrophages. NO2-OA promotes proliferation of alveolar type 1 and 2 epithelial cells. NO2-OA reverses established lung fibrosis in murine lung slices.
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7
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Li HH, Liu CC, Hsu TW, Lin JH, Hsu JW, Li AFY, Yeh YC, Hung SC, Hsu HS. Upregulation of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 by particulate matter and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a potential role in severe COVID-19. Part Fibre Toxicol 2021; 18:11. [PMID: 33706759 PMCID: PMC7948665 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-021-00404-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cause a poor prognosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the underlying mechanisms are not well explored. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are the keys to the entry of SARS-CoV-2. We therefore hypothesized that air pollution exposure and IPF may increase the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the lung alveolar region. We measured their expression levels in lung tissues of control non-IPF and IPF patients, and used murine animal models to study the deterioration of IPF caused by particulate matter (PM) and the molecular pathways involved in the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. RESULTS In non-IPF patients, cells expressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were limited to human alveolar cells. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were largely upregulated in IPF patients, and were co-expressed by fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP-1) + lung fibroblasts in human pulmonary fibrotic tissue. In animal models, PM exposure increased the severity of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were also expressed in FSP-1+ lung fibroblasts in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and when combined with PM exposure, they were further upregulated. The severity of pulmonary fibrosis and the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 caused by PM exposure were blocked by deletion of KC, a murine homologue of IL-8, or treatment with reparixin, an inhibitor of IL-8 receptors CXCR1/2. CONCLUSIONS These data suggested that risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease severity increased by air pollution exposure and underlying IPF. It can be mediated through upregulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in pulmonary fibroblasts, and prevented by blocking the IL-8/CXCR1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hsien Li
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist., Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chi Liu
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist., Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Division of Traumatology, Emergency Department, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Wei Hsu
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist., Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Han Lin
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist., Taipei, 112, Taiwan.,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyuan-Wei Hsu
- Division of Traumatology, Emergency Department, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Anna Fen-Yau Li
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Yeh
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Hung
- Institute of New Drug Development, Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, 7F, No. 6, Xueshi Rd., North Dist., Taichung, 404, Taiwan. .,Integrative Stem Cell Center, Department of Orthopedics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Han-Shui Hsu
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Beitou Dist., Taipei, 112, Taiwan. .,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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8
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Yun E, Kook Y, Yoo KH, Kim KI, Lee MS, Kim J, Lee A. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Vascular Diseases. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120639. [PMID: 33371458 PMCID: PMC7767472 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis, are life-threatening diseases and have common features of vascular remodeling. During progression, extracellular matrix protein deposition and dysregulation of proteolytic enzymes occurs, which results in vascular stiffness and dysfunction. Although vasodilators or anti-fibrotic therapy have been mainly used as therapy owing to these characteristics, their effectiveness does not meet expectations. Therefore, a better understanding of the etiology and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner walls of blood vessels and maintain vascular homeostasis by protecting vascular cells from pathological stimuli. Chronic stimulation of ECs by various factors, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and hypoxia, leads to ECs undergoing an imbalance of endothelial homeostasis, which results in endothelial dysfunction and is closely associated with vascular diseases. Emerging studies suggest that endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contributes to endothelial dysfunction and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. EndMT is a process by which ECs lose their markers and show mesenchymal-like morphological changes, and gain mesenchymal cell markers. Despite the efforts to elucidate these molecular mechanisms, the role of EndMT in the pathogenesis of lung disease still requires further investigation. Here, we review the importance of EndMT in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular diseases and discuss various signaling pathways and mediators involved in the EndMT process. Furthermore, we will provide insight into the therapeutic potential of targeting EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsik Yun
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Yunjin Kook
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
| | - Kyung Hyun Yoo
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Keun Il Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Myeong-Sok Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Research Institute for Women’s Health, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (A.L.); Tel.: +82-2-710-9553 (J.K. & A.L.); Fax: +82-2-2077-7322 (J.K. & A.L.)
| | - Aram Lee
- Division of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea; (E.Y.); (Y.K.); (K.H.Y.); (K.I.K.); (M.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.K.); (A.L.); Tel.: +82-2-710-9553 (J.K. & A.L.); Fax: +82-2-2077-7322 (J.K. & A.L.)
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9
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Gaikwad AV, Eapen MS, McAlinden KD, Chia C, Larby J, Myers S, Dey S, Haug G, Markos J, Glanville AR, Sohal SS. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:1027-1043. [PMID: 32659128 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1795832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible fibrotic disease associated with respiratory failure. The disease remains idiopathic, but repeated alveolar epithelium injury, disruption of alveolar-capillary integrity, abnormal vascular repair, and pulmonary vascular remodeling are considered possible pathogenic mechanisms. Also, the development of comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension (PH) could further impact disease outcome, quality of life and survival rates in IPF. AREAS COVERED The current review provides a comprehensive literature survey of the mechanisms involved in the development and manifestations of IPF and their links to PH pathology. This review also provides the current understanding of molecular mechanisms that link the two pathologies and will specifically decipher the role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) along with the possible triggers of EndMT. The possibility of targeting EndMT as a therapeutic option in IPF is discussed. EXPERT OPINION With a steady increase in prevalence and mortality, IPF is no longer considered a rare disease. Thus, it is of utmost importance and urgency that the underlying profibrotic pathways and mechanisms are fully understood, to enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Kielan D McAlinden
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Josie Larby
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Stephen Myers
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - James Markos
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Allan R Glanville
- Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital , Sydney, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
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10
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Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in anticancer therapy and normal tissue damage. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:781-792. [PMID: 32467609 PMCID: PMC7272420 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) involves the phenotypic conversion of endothelial-to-mesenchymal cells, and was first discovered in association with embryonic heart development. EndMT can regulate various processes, such as tissue fibrosis and cancer. Recent findings have shown that EndMT is related to resistance to cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and radiation therapy. Based on the known effects of EndMT on the cardiac toxicity of anticancer therapy and tissue damage of radiation therapy, we propose that EndMT can be targeted as a strategy for overcoming tumor resistance while reducing complications, such as tissue damage. In this review, we discuss EndMT and its roles in damaging cardiac and lung tissues, as well as EndMT-related effects on tumor vasculature and resistance in anticancer therapy. Modulating EndMT in radioresistant tumors and radiation-induced tissue fibrosis can especially increase the efficacy of radiation therapy. In addition, we review the role of hypoxia and reactive oxygen species as the main stimulating factors of tissue damage due to vascular damage and EndMT. We consider drugs that may be clinically useful for regulating EndMT in various diseases. Finally, we argue the importance of EndMT as a therapeutic target in anticancer therapy for reducing tissue damage. A process of cellular conversion known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) may offer a valuable target for treating cancer and other diseases. In EndMT, the cells lining blood vessels undergo a striking change in shape and physiology, acquiring features of cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts form the body’s connective tissue, but also produce scar tissue that impairs organ function. Researchers led by Yoon-Jin Lee of the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences in Seoul, South Korea, have reviewed the impact of this transformation on human disease. EndMT is seen as a prelude to heart failure, in lung tissue affected by pulmonary fibrosis, and within tumors, where the process recruits cells that further stimulate cancer progression. The authors highlight the potential of using drugs that target EndMT to bolster the efficacy and safety of tumor therapy.
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11
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Sabbineni H, Verma A, Artham S, Anderson D, Amaka O, Liu F, Narayanan SP, Somanath PR. Pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin prevents EndMT in vitro and vascular remodeling in vivo resulting from endothelial Akt1 suppression. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 164:205-215. [PMID: 30991049 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), where endothelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics has been implicated in several cardiopulmonary, vascular and fibrotic diseases. The most commonly studied molecular mechanisms involved in EndMT include TGFβ, Notch, interleukin, and interferon-γ signaling. As of today, the contributions of Akt1, an important mediator of TGFβ signaling and a key regulator of endothelial barrier function to EndMT remains unclear. By using the ShRNA based gene silencing approach and endothelial-specific inducible Akt1 knockdown (ECKOAkt1) mice, we studied the role of Akt1 in EndMT in vitro and pathological vascular remodeling in vivo. Stable, Akt1 silenced (ShAkt1) human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) indicated increased expression of mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin and α-SMA, phosphorylation of Smad2/3, cellular stress via activation of p38 MAP Kinase and the loss of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) accompanied by a change in the morphology of HMECs in vitro and co-localization of endothelial and mesenchymal markers promoting EndMT in vivo. EndMT as a result of Akt1 loss was associated with increased expression of TGFβ2, a potent inducer of EndMT and mesenchymal transcription factors Snail1, and FoxC2. We observed that hypoxia-induced lung vascular remodeling is exacerbated in ECKOAkt1 mice, which was reversed by pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin. Thus, we provide novel insights into the role of Akt1-mediated β-catenin signaling in EndMT and pathological vascular remodeling, and present β-catenin as a potential target for therapy for various cardiopulmonary diseases involving vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harika Sabbineni
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Arti Verma
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sandeep Artham
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Daniel Anderson
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Oge Amaka
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Fang Liu
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Subhadra P Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30912, United States; Department of Medicine, Vascular Biology Center and Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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12
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Ballester B, Milara J, Cortijo J. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Lung Cancer: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030593. [PMID: 30704051 PMCID: PMC6387034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pulmonary disease with a median survival of 2–4 years after diagnosis. A significant number of IPF patients have risk factors, such as a history of smoking or concomitant emphysema, both of which can predispose the patient to lung cancer (LC) (mostly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)). In fact, IPF itself increases the risk of LC development by 7% to 20%. In this regard, there are multiple common genetic, molecular, and cellular processes that connect lung fibrosis with LC, such as myofibroblast/mesenchymal transition, myofibroblast activation and uncontrolled proliferation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, alterations of growth factors expression, oxidative stress, and large genetic and epigenetic variations that can predispose the patient to develop IPF and LC. The current approved IPF therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are also active in LC. In fact, nintedanib is approved as a second line treatment in NSCLC, and pirfenidone has shown anti-neoplastic effects in preclinical studies. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge on the mechanisms implicated in the development of LC in patients with IPF as well as in current IPF and LC-IPF candidate therapies based on novel molecular advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ballester
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Javier Milara
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain.
- Pharmacy Unit, University Clinic Hospital of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- Institute of Health Research-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain.
- Research and teaching Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain.
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13
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Murugavel S, Bugyei-Twum A, Matkar PN, Al-Mubarak H, Chen HH, Adam M, Jain S, Narang T, Abdin RM, Qadura M, Connelly KA, Leong-Poi H, Singh KK. Valproic Acid Induces Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition-Like Phenotypic Switching. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:737. [PMID: 30050438 PMCID: PMC6050396 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, is a widely used anticonvulsant drug that is currently undergoing clinical evaluation for anticancer therapy due to its anti-angiogenic potential. Endothelial cells (ECs) can transition into mesenchymal cells and this form of EC plasticity is called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which is widely implicated in several pathologies including cancer and organ fibrosis. However, the effect of VPA on EC plasticity and EndMT remains completely unknown. We report herein that VPA-treatment significantly inhibits tube formation, migration, nitric oxide production, proliferation and migration in ECs. A microscopic evaluation revealed, and qPCR, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting data confirmed EndMT-like phenotypic switching as well as an increased expression of pro-fibrotic genes in VPA-treated ECs. Furthermore, our data confirmed important and regulatory role played by TGFβ-signaling in VPA-induced EndMT. Our qPCR array data performed for 84 endothelial genes further supported our findings and demonstrated 28 significantly and differentially regulated genes mainly implicated in angiogenesis, endothelial function, EndMT and fibrosis. We, for the first time report that VPA-treatment associated EndMT contributes to the VPA-associated loss of endothelial function. Our data also suggest that VPA based therapeutics may exacerbate endothelial dysfunction and EndMT-related phenotype in patients undergoing anticonvulsant or anticancer therapy, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoinette Bugyei-Twum
- Division of Cardiology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pratiek N Matkar
- Division of Cardiology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Husain Al-Mubarak
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hao H Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamed Adam
- Division of Cardiology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shubha Jain
- Vascular Surgery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tanya Narang
- Faculty of Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rawand M Abdin
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammad Qadura
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Vascular Surgery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kim A Connelly
- Division of Cardiology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Howard Leong-Poi
- Division of Cardiology, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Krishna K Singh
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Vascular Surgery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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14
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Irradiated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Undergo Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition via the Snail/miR-199a-5p Axis to Promote the Differentiation of Fibroblasts into Myofibroblasts. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4135806. [PMID: 29619372 PMCID: PMC5830288 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4135806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is one of the major side effects of radiotherapy for lung cancer. Previous studies have shown that endothelial cells and activated myofibroblasts play a key role in RIPF. However, the interaction between irradiated endothelial cells and activation of myofibroblasts has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to examine whether irradiated endothelial cells would affect the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts in the process of RIPF. In the current study, we used a coculture system that allowed direct contact between human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and irradiated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). After 24 or 48 h, cells were sorted by flow cytometry. Radiation induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) by significantly increasing the expression of Snail and vimentin and reducing the expression of CD31 in HUVECs. In addition, irradiation of HUVECs induced the expression of collagen type I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in MRC-5 cells. Further investigation indicated that irradiation of HUVECs induced the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts through the Snail/miR-199a-5p axis. We conclude that irradiated endothelial cells undergo EndMT to promote differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts via the Snail/miR-199a-5p axis.
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15
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Zhao Y, Qiao X, Tan TK, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Liu L, Zhang J, Wang L, Cao Q, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang YM, Lee VWS, Alexander SI, Harris DCH, Zheng G. Matrix metalloproteinase 9-dependent Notch signaling contributes to kidney fibrosis through peritubular endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 32:781-791. [PMID: 27566305 PMCID: PMC5427520 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endothelial cells are known to contribute to kidney fibrosis via endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is known to be profibrotic. However, whether MMP-9 contributes to kidney fibrosis via EndoMT is unknown. Methods: Primary mouse renal peritubular endothelial cells (MRPECs) were isolated and treated by recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 1 (rhTGF-β1) with or without MMP-9 inhibitor or by recombinant human MMP-9 (rhMMP-9) alone. Kidney fibrosis was induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in MMP-9 knockout (KO) and wide-type (WT) control mice. The effects of MMP-9 on EndoMT of MRPECs and kidney fibrosis were examined. Results: We showed that MRPECs underwent EndoMT after rhTGF-β1 treatment or in UUO kidney as evidenced by decreased expression of endothelial markers, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and CD31, and increased levels of mesenchymal markers, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin. The expression of fibrosis markers was also up-regulated significantly after rhTGF-β1 treatment in MRPECs. The EndoMT and fibrosis markers were significantly less in rhTGF-β1-treated MMP-9 KO MRPECs, whereas MMP-9 alone was sufficient to induce EndoMT in MRPECs. UUO kidney of MMP-9 KO mice showed significantly less interstitial fibrosis and EndoMT in MRPECs. Notch signaling shown by Notch intracellular domain (NICD) was increased, while Notch-1 was decreased in rhTGF-β1-treated MRPECs of MMP-9 WT but not MMP-9 KO mice. Inhibition of MMP-9 or Notch signaling prevented rhTGF-β1- or rhMMP-9-induced α-SMA and NICD upregulation in MRPECs. UUO kidney of MMP-9 KO mice had less staining of Notch signaling transcription factor Hey-1 in VE-cadherin-positive MRPECs than WT controls. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that MMP-9-dependent Notch signaling plays an important role in kidney fibrosis through EndoMT of MRPECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The School of Biomedical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Qiao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Thian Kui Tan
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hong Zhao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Experimental Centre of Science and Research, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Experimental Centre of Science and Research, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianlin Zhang
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Cao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yiping Wang
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ya Wang
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuan Min Wang
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vincent W S Lee
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David C H Harris
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guoping Zheng
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Matkar PN, Ariyagunarajah R, Leong-Poi H, Singh KK. Friends Turned Foes: Angiogenic Growth Factors beyond Angiogenesis. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7040074. [PMID: 28974056 PMCID: PMC5745456 DOI: 10.3390/biom7040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones is a biological process that ensures an adequate blood flow is maintained to provide the cells with a sufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen within the body. Numerous soluble growth factors and inhibitors, cytokines, proteases as well as extracellular matrix proteins and adhesion molecules stringently regulate the multi-factorial process of angiogenesis. The properties and interactions of key angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and angiopoietins have been investigated in great detail with respect to their molecular impact on angiogenesis. Since the discovery of angiogenic growth factors, much research has been focused on their biological actions and their potential use as therapeutic targets for angiogenic or anti-angiogenic strategies in a context-dependent manner depending on the pathologies. It is generally accepted that these factors play an indispensable role in angiogenesis. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that this is not their only role and it is likely that the angiogenic factors have important functions in a wider range of biological and pathological processes. The additional roles played by these molecules in numerous pathologies and biological processes beyond angiogenesis are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratiek N Matkar
- Division of Cardiology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | | | - Howard Leong-Poi
- Division of Cardiology, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Krishna K Singh
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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17
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Guan S, Zhou J. CXCR7 attenuates the TGF-β-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2017; 13:2116-2124. [PMID: 28820530 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00247e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is a progressive and often fatal lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Guan
- Department of Respiratory
- The First People's Hospital of Changzhou
- Changzhou 213003
- China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Respiratory
- The First People's Hospital of Changzhou
- Changzhou 213003
- China
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18
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Zhao Y, Qiao X, Wang L, Tan TK, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Rao P, Cao Q, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang YM, Lee VWS, Alexander SI, Harris DCH, Zheng G. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition via Notch activation in human kidney glomerular endothelial cells. BMC Cell Biol 2016; 17:21. [PMID: 27130612 PMCID: PMC4850690 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a major source of myofibroblast formation in kidney fibrosis. Our previous study showed a profibrotic role for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in kidney fibrosis via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Inhibition of MMP-9 activity reduced kidney fibrosis in murine unilateral ureteral obstruction. This study investigated whether MMP-9 also plays a role in EndoMT in human glomerular endothelial cells. RESULTS TGF-β1 (10 or 20 ng/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs as shown by morphological changes. In addition, VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly downregulated, whereas α-SMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin were upregulated. RT-PCR revealed that Snail, a known inducer of EMT, was upregulated. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 abrogated TGF-β1-induced EndoMT. Zymography indicated that MMP-9 was also upregulated in TGF-β1-treated HKGECs. Recombinant MMP-9 (2 μg/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs via Notch signaling, as evidenced by increased formation of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and decreased Notch 1. Inhibition of MMP-9 activity by its inhibitor showed a dose-dependent response in preventing TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and NICD in HKGECs, whereas inhibition of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) blocked rMMP-9-induced EndoMT. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results demonstrate that MMP-9 plays an important role in TGF-β1-induced EndoMT via upregulation of Notch signaling in HKGECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.,The School of Biomedical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, PR China
| | - Xi Qiao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, WuYi Road 382, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, WuYi Road 382, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Tian Kui Tan
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian Road 56, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Experimental Centre of Science and Research, the First Clinical Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian Road 382, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jianlin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian Road 56, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Padmashree Rao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Qi Cao
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Yiping Wang
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Ya Wang
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Yuan Min Wang
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, 212 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vincent W S Lee
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, 212 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David C H Harris
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Guoping Zheng
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, the University of Sydney, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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19
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Singh KK, Lovren F, Pan Y, Quan A, Ramadan A, Matkar PN, Ehsan M, Sandhu P, Mantella LE, Gupta N, Teoh H, Parotto M, Tabuchi A, Kuebler WM, Al-Omran M, Finkel T, Verma S. The essential autophagy gene ATG7 modulates organ fibrosis via regulation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:2547-59. [PMID: 25527499 PMCID: PMC4317030 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.604603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation and excess deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Although the origin of fibroblasts is multifactorial, recent data implicate endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as an important source of fibroblasts. We report herein that loss of the essential autophagy gene ATG7 in endothelial cells (ECs) leads to impaired autophagic flux accompanied by marked changes in EC architecture, loss of endothelial, and gain of mesenchymal markers consistent with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Loss of ATG7 also up-regulates TGFβ signaling and key pro-fibrotic genes in vitro. In vivo, EC-specific ATG7 knock-out mice exhibit a basal reduction in endothelial-specific markers and demonstrate an increased susceptibility to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and collagen accumulation. Our findings help define the role of endothelial autophagy as a potential therapeutic target to limit organ fibrosis, a condition for which presently there are no effective available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna K Singh
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Departments of Surgery and
| | - Fina Lovren
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Yi Pan
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Adrian Quan
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Azza Ramadan
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Pratiek N Matkar
- Cardiology, Medicine, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Mehroz Ehsan
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Paul Sandhu
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Laura E Mantella
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Nandini Gupta
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and
| | - Hwee Teoh
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Matteo Parotto
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J7, Canada
| | | | - Wolfgang M Kuebler
- Departments of Surgery and Departments of Surgery and Physiology and Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin Germany
| | - Mohammed Al-Omran
- Vascular Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Departments of Surgery and King Saud University-Li Ka Shing Collaborative Research Program, Riyadh 12372, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and
| | - Toren Finkel
- Center for Molecular Medicine, NHLBI, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Subodh Verma
- From the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Surgery and Departments of Surgery and King Saud University-Li Ka Shing Collaborative Research Program, Riyadh 12372, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and
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20
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Cutolo M. Disease modification in systemic sclerosis. Do integrated approaches offer new challenges? Z Rheumatol 2014; 72:326-8. [PMID: 23552981 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-013-1157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Cutolo
- Research Laboratories and Academic Unit of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova Italy, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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21
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Schindeler A, Kolind M, Little DG. Cellular transitions and tissue engineering. Cell Reprogram 2013; 15:101-6. [PMID: 23550730 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2012.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) describe complex changes in progenitor lineage, cell morphology, and gene expression. Stimulated by environmental cues, these cellular transitions are essential for elements of embryonic development and can be pathologically dysregulated in disease states. EMT occurs in biological processes such as gastrulation, cardiogenesis, and fibrosis. EndMT is involved in development and tissue fibrosis, but recent studies have implicated this process in musculoskeletal biology and pathology. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine typically rely on endogenous progenitors or progenitors expanded ex vivo to repair damaged or impaired tissues or organs. The processes of EMT and EndMT may aid in elucidating new methods for reducing fibrosis and identifying novel plastic progenitor populations for tissue repair. This review will discuss the potential for EMT and EndMT to impact on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Schindeler
- Department of Orthopaedic Research & Biotechnology, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
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22
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Bagnato G, Bitto A, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Sangari D, Cinquegrani M, Roberts WN, Matucci Cerinic M, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bagnato G, Saitta A. Simvastatin attenuates the development of pulmonary and cutaneous fibrosis in a murine model of systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 52:1377-86. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Reactive stroma initiates during early prostate cancer development and coevolves with prostate cancer progression. Previous studies have defined the key markers of reactive stroma and have established that reactive stroma biology influences prostate tumorigenesis and progression. The stem/progenitor cells of origin and the mechanisms that regulate their recruitment and activation to myofibroblasts or carcinoma-associated fibroblasts are essentially unknown. Key regulatory factors have been identified, including transforming growth factor β, interleukin-8, fibroblast growth factors, connective tissue growth factor, wingless homologs-Wnts, and stromal cell-derived factor-1, among others. The biology of reactive stroma in cancer is similar to the more predictable biology of the stroma compartment during wound repair at sites where the epithelial barrier function is breached and a stromal response is generated. The coevolution of reactive stroma and the biology of how reactive stroma-carcinoma interactions regulate cancer progression and metastasis are targets for new therapeutic approaches. Such approaches are strategically designed to inhibit cancer progression by uncoupling the reactive stroma niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Barron
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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24
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Abstract
The pulmonary vasculature comprises a complex network of branching arteries and veins all functioning to reoxygenate the blood for circulation around the body. The cell types of the pulmonary artery are able to respond to changes in oxygen tension in order to match ventilation to perfusion. Stem and progenitor cells in the pulmonary vasculature are also involved, be it in angiogenesis, endothelial dysfunction or formation of vascular lesions. Stem and progenitor cells may be circulating around the body, residing in the pulmonary artery wall or stimulated for release from a central niche like the bone marrow and home to the pulmonary vasculature along a chemotactic gradient. There may currently be some controversy over the pathogenic versus therapeutic roles of stem and progenitor cells and, indeed, it is likely both chains of evidence are correct due to the specific influence of the immediate environmental niche a progenitor cell may be in. Due to their great plasticity and a lack of specific markers for stem and progenitor cells, they can be difficult to precisely identify. This review discusses the methodological approaches used to validate the presence of and subtype of progenitors cells in the pulmonary vasculature while putting it in context of the current knowledge of the therapeutic and pathogenic roles for such progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Firth
- The Salk Institute of Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
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25
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van Meeteren LA, ten Dijke P. Regulation of endothelial cell plasticity by TGF-β. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 347:177-86. [PMID: 21866313 PMCID: PMC3250609 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1222-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence has demonstrated that endothelial cells can have a remarkable plasticity. By a process called Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) endothelial cells convert to a more mesenchymal cell type that can give rise to cells such as fibroblasts, but also bone cells. EndMT is essential during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Interestingly, it also plays a role in pathological conditions like fibrosis of organs such as the heart and kidney. In addition, EndMT contributes to the generation of cancer associated fibroblasts that are known to influence the tumor-microenvironment favorable for the tumor cells. EndMT is a form of the more widely known and studied Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Like EMT, EndMT can be induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Indeed many studies have pointed to the important role of TGF-β receptor/Smad signaling and downstream targets, such as Snail transcriptional repressor in EndMT. By selective targeting of TGF-β receptor signaling pathological EndMT may be inhibited for the therapeutic benefit of patients with cancer and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens A van Meeteren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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26
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Abstract
During wound healing, contractile fibroblasts called myofibroblasts regulate the formation and contraction of granulation tissue; however, pathological and persistent myofibroblast activation, which occurs in hypertrophic scars or tissue fibrosis, results in a loss of function. Many reviews outline the cellular and molecular features of myofibroblasts and their roles in a variety of diseases. This review focuses on the origins of myofibroblasts and the factors that control their differentiation and prolonged survival in fibrotic tissues. Pulmonary fibrosis is used to illustrate many key points, but examples from other tissues and models are also included. Myofibroblasts originate mostly from tissue-resident fibroblasts, and also from epithelial and endothelial cells or other mesenchymal precursors. Their differentiation is influenced by cytokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix composition and stiffness, and cell surface molecules such as proteoglycans and THY1, among other factors. Many of these effects are modulated by cell contraction. Myofibroblasts resist programmed cell death, which promotes their accumulation in fibrotic tissues. The cause of resistance to apoptosis in myofibroblasts is under ongoing investigation, but many of the same stimuli that regulate their differentiation are involved. The contributions of oxidative stress, the WNT-β-catenin pathway and PPARγ to myofibroblast differentiation and survival are increasingly appreciated.
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