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Gałdyszyńska M, Zwoliński R, Piera L, Szymański J, Jaszewski R, Drobnik J. Stiff substrates inhibit collagen accumulation via integrin α2β1, FAK and Src kinases in human atrial fibroblast and myofibroblast cultures derived from patients with aortal stenosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114289. [PMID: 36696802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114289] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to confirm whether cell substrate stiffness may participate in the regulation of fibrosis. The involvement of integrin α2β1, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src kinase in signal transmission was investigated. Human atrial fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were cultured in both soft (2.23 ± 0.8 kPa) and stiff (8.28 ± 1.06 kPa) polyacrylamide gels. The cells were derived from the right atrium of patients with aortal stenosis undergoing surgery. The isolated cells, identified as fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, were stained positively with α smooth muscle actin, vimentin and desmin. The cultures settled on stiff gel demonstrated lower intracellular collagen and collagen type I telopeptide (PICP) levels; however, no changes in α1 chain of procollagen type I and III expression were noted. Inhibition of α2β1 integrin by TC-I 15 (10-7 and 10-8 M) or α2 integrin subunit silencing augmented intracellular collagen level. Moreover, FAK or Src kinase inhibitors increased collagen content within the culture. Lower TIMP4 secretion was reported within the stiff gel cultures but neither MMP 2 nor TIMP-1, 2 or 3 release was altered. The stiff substrate cultures also demonstrated lower interleukin-6 release. Substrate stiffness modified collagen deposition within the atrial fibroblast and myofibroblast cultures. The elasticity of the cellular environment exerts a regulatory influence on both synthesis and breakdown of collagen. Integrin α2β1, FAK and Src kinase activity participates in signal transmission, which may influence fibrosis in the atria of the human heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gałdyszyńska
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue Metabolism, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - R Zwoliński
- Department of Cardiosurgery, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - L Piera
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue Metabolism, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - J Szymański
- Research Laboratory CoreLab, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - R Jaszewski
- Department of Cardiosurgery, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - J Drobnik
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue Metabolism, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland.
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2
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Shi X, Chen Y, Liu Q, Mei X, Liu J, Tang Y, Luo R, Sun D, Ma Y, Wu W, Tu W, Zhao Y, Xu W, Ke Y, Jiang S, Huang Y, Zhang R, Wang L, Chen Y, Xia J, Pu W, Zhu H, Zuo X, Li Y, Xu J, Gao F, Wei D, Chen J, Yin W, Wang Q, Dai H, Yang L, Guo G, Cui J, Song N, Zou H, Zhao S, Distler JH, Jin L, Wang J. LDLR dysfunction induces LDL accumulation and promotes pulmonary fibrosis. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e711. [PMID: 35083881 PMCID: PMC8792399 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatments for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) are ineffective because its molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic targets are unclear. Here, we show that the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was significantly decreased in alveolar type II (ATII) and fibroblast cells, whereas it was increased in endothelial cells from systemic sclerosis-related PF (SSc-PF) patients and idiopathic PF (IPF) patients compared with healthy controls. However, the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) increased in SSc-PF and IPF patients. The disrupted LDL-LDLR metabolism was also observed in four mouse PF models. Upon bleomycin (BLM) treatment, Ldlr-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mice exhibited remarkably higher LDL levels, abundant apoptosis, increased fibroblast-like endothelial and ATII cells and significantly earlier and more severe fibrotic response compared to wild-type mice. In vitro experiments revealed that apoptosis and TGF-β1 production were induced by LDL, while fibroblast-like cell accumulation and ET-1 expression were induced by LDLR knockdown. Treatment of fibroblasts with LDL or culture medium derived from LDL-pretreated endothelial or epithelial cells led to obvious fibrotic responses in vitro. Similar results were observed after LDLR knockdown operation. These results suggest that disturbed LDL-LDLR metabolism contributes in various ways to the malfunction of endothelial and epithelial cells, and fibroblasts during pulmonary fibrogenesis. In addition, pharmacological restoration of LDLR levels by using a combination of atorvastatin and alirocumab inhibited BLM-induced LDL elevation, apoptosis, fibroblast-like cell accumulation and mitigated PF in mice. Therefore, LDL-LDLR may serve as an important mediator in PF, and LDLR enhancing strategies may have beneficial effects on PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangguang Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yahui Chen
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Qingmei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xueqian Mei
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Division of RheumatologyHuashan hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yulong Tang
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Ruoyu Luo
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Dayan Sun
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute for Six‐sector EconomyFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wenzhen Tu
- Division of RheumatologyShanghai TCM‐Integrated HospitalShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yinhuan Zhao
- Division of RheumatologyShanghai TCM‐Integrated HospitalShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Weihong Xu
- The Clinical Laboratory of Tongren HosipitalShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuehai Ke
- Department of Pathology and PathophysiologyZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute for Six‐sector EconomyFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Division of RheumatologyShanghai TCM‐Integrated HospitalShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Division of RheumatologyShanghai TCM‐Integrated HospitalShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Weilin Pu
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of ErlangenNurembergGermany
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Yisha Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- Wuxi Lung Transplant CenterWuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiP. R. China
| | - Dong Wei
- Wuxi Lung Transplant CenterWuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiP. R. China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Wuxi Lung Transplant CenterWuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiP. R. China
| | - Wenguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory HealthThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Rheumatology and Immunology DepartmentPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Huaping Dai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China‐Japan Friendship Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijingP. R. China
| | - Libing Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China‐Japan Friendship Hospital; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijingP. R. China
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingP. R. China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyYiling Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Jimin Cui
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyYiling Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebei ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Nana Song
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan UniversityFudan Zhangjiang InstituteShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of RheumatologyHuashan hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and AllergyFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shimin Zhao
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of ErlangenNurembergGermany
| | - Li Jin
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058)Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Human Phenome Institute and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and DevelopmentFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and AllergyFudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058)Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesShanghaiP. R. China
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Merkt W, Zhou Y, Han H, Lagares D. Myofibroblast fate plasticity in tissue repair and fibrosis: Deactivation, apoptosis, senescence and reprogramming. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:678-691. [PMID: 34117675 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts differentiate into professional repair cells called myofibroblasts, which orchestrate many aspects of the normal tissue repair programme including synthesis, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to wound closure. Successful tissue repair responses involve termination of myofibroblast activities in order to prevent pathologic fibrotic scarring. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms limiting myofibroblast activities during physiological tissue repair, including myofibroblast deactivation, apoptosis, reprogramming and immune clearance of senescent myofibroblasts. In addition, we summarize pathological mechanisms leading to myofibroblast persistence and survival, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Finally, we discuss emerging anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at targeting myofibroblast fate such as senolytics, gene therapy, cellular immunotherapy and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yan Zhou
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Sawant M, Hinz B, Schönborn K, Zeinert I, Eckes B, Krieg T, Schuster R. A story of fibers and stress: Matrix-embedded signals for fibroblast activation in the skin. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:515-530. [PMID: 34081361 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our skin is continuously exposed to mechanical challenge, including shear, stretch, and compression. The extracellular matrix of the dermis is perfectly suited to resist these challenges and maintain integrity of normal skin even upon large strains. Fibroblasts are the key cells that interpret mechanical and chemical cues in their environment to turnover matrix and maintain homeostasis in the skin of healthy adults. Upon tissue injury, fibroblasts and an exclusive selection of other cells become activated into myofibroblasts with the task to restore skin integrity by forming structurally imperfect but mechanically stable scar tissue. Failure of myofibroblasts to terminate their actions after successful repair or upon chronic inflammation results in dysregulated myofibroblast activities which can lead to hypertrophic scarring and/or skin fibrosis. After providing an overview on the major fibrillar matrix components in normal skin, we will interrogate the various origins of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the skin. We then examine the role of the matrix as signaling hub and how fibroblasts respond to mechanical matrix cues to restore order in the confusing environment of a healing wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugdha Sawant
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katrin Schönborn
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabel Zeinert
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ronen Schuster
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,PhenomicAI, MaRS Centre, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada
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5
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Hua HS, Wen HC, Weng CM, Lee HS, Chen BC, Lin CH. Histone deacetylase 7 mediates endothelin-1-induced connective tissue growth factor expression in human lung fibroblasts through p300 and activator protein-1 activation. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:38. [PMID: 34011384 PMCID: PMC8135160 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00735-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition was reported to ameliorate lung fibrosis in animal models. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of HDAC7 in the regulation of CTGF production in lung fibroblasts. Methods The role of HDAC7 in CTGF production caused by ET-1 stimulation in WI-38 cells (human lung fibroblast) was examined. We also evaluated the expression of HDAC7 in the lung of ovalbumin-induced airway fibrosis model. Statistical data were shown as mean ± standard error. Results ET-1-stimulated CTGF and α-SMA expression was attenuated by small interfering (si)RNA interference of HDAC7. ET-1 promoted HDAC7 translocation from the cytosol to nucleus. ET-1-stimulated CTGF expression was reduced by the transfection of p300 siRNA. ET-1 induced an increase in p300 activity. Furthermore, the acetylation of c-Jun was time-dependently induced by ET-1 stimulation, which was reduced by transfection of either HDAC7 or p300 siRNA. Both transfection of HDAC7 and p300 siRNA suppressed the ET-1-increased activity of AP-1-luciferase. Moreover, the presence of HDAC7 was required for ET-1-stimulated formation of HDAC7, p300, and AP-1 complex and recruitment to the CTGF promoter region. In an ovalbumin-induced airway fibrosis model, the protein level of HDAC7 was increased in the lung tissue, and the distribution of HDAC7 was colocalized with α-SMA-positive cells in the subepithelial layer of the airway. Conclusions ET-1 activates HDAC7 to initiate AP-1 transcriptional activity by recruiting p300 and eventually promotes the production of CTGF. HDAC7 might play a vital role in airway fibrosis and have the potential to be developed as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Sheng Hua
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Ching Wen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Weng
- School of Respiratory Therapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Sheng Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,School of Respiratory Therapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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6
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Tschumperlin DJ, Lagares D. Mechano-therapeutics: Targeting Mechanical Signaling in Fibrosis and Tumor Stroma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107575. [PMID: 32437826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activated myofibroblasts is a hallmark of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. Activation of myofibroblasts occurs in response to fibrogenic tissue injury as well as in tumor-associated fibrotic reactions. The molecular determinants of myofibroblast activation in fibrosis and tumor stroma have traditionally been viewed to include biochemical agents, such as dysregulated growth factor and cytokine signaling, which profoundly alter the biology of fibroblasts, ultimately leading to overexuberant matrix deposition and fibrosis. More recently, compelling evidence has shown that altered mechanical properties of the ECM such as matrix stiffness are major drivers of tissue fibrogenesis by promoting mechano-activation of fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss new insights into the role of the biophysical microenvironment in the amplified activation of fibrogenic myofibroblasts during the development and progression of fibrotic diseases and desmoplastic tumors. We also summarize novel therapeutic targets for anti-fibrotic therapy based on the mechanobiology of tissue fibrosis and tumor stroma, a class of drugs known as "mechano-therapeutics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Tissue Repair and Mechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, 200 1(st) St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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7
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Huang C, Liang Y, Zeng X, Yang X, Xu D, Gou X, Sathiaseelan R, Senavirathna LK, Wang P, Liu L. Long Noncoding RNA FENDRR Exhibits Antifibrotic Activity in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:440-453. [PMID: 31697569 PMCID: PMC7110975 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2018-0293oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of lung fibroblasts contributes to the initiation and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of fetal-lethal noncoding developmental regulatory RNA (FENDRR) in the activation of lung fibroblasts. Dysregulated long noncoding RNAs in IPF lungs were identified by next-generation sequencing analysis from the two online datasets. FENDRR expression in lung tissues from patients with IPF and mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. IRP1 (iron-responsive element-binding protein 1), a protein partner of FENDRR, was identified by RNA pulldown-coupled mass spectrometric analysis and confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation. The interaction region between FENDRR and IRP1 was determined by cross-linking immunoprecipitation. The in vivo role of FENDRR in pulmonary fibrosis was studied using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in mice. The expression of FENDRR was downregulated in fibrotic human and mouse lungs as well as in primary lung fibroblasts isolated from bleomycin-treated mice. TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1)-SMAD3 signaling inhibited FENDRR expression in lung fibroblasts. FENDRR was preferentially localized in the cytoplasm of adult lung fibroblasts and bound IRP1, suggesting its role in iron metabolism. FENDRR reduced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast activation by reducing iron concentration and acting as a competing endogenous RNA of the profibrotic microRNA-214. Adenovirus-mediated FENDRR gene transfer in the mouse lung attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and improved lung function. Our data suggest that FENDRR is an antifibrotic long noncoding RNA and a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Huang
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Yurong Liang
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Xiangming Zeng
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Dao Xu
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Xuxu Gou
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Roshini Sathiaseelan
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Lakmini Kumari Senavirathna
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, and
- Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
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8
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Hinz B, Lagares D. Evasion of apoptosis by myofibroblasts: a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:11-31. [PMID: 31792399 PMCID: PMC7913072 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is a lethal outcome of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis. Myofibroblasts are scar-forming cells that are ultimately responsible for the excessive synthesis, deposition and remodelling of extracellular matrix proteins in fibrosis. Advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms that keep myofibroblasts in an activated state and control myofibroblast functions. However, the mechanisms that help myofibroblasts to persist in fibrotic tissues remain poorly understood. Myofibroblasts evade apoptosis by activating molecular mechanisms in response to pro-survival biomechanical and growth factor signals from the fibrotic microenvironment, which can ultimately lead to the acquisition of a senescent phenotype. Growing evidence suggests that myofibroblasts and senescent myofibroblasts, rather than being resistant to apoptosis, are actually primed for apoptosis owing to concomitant activation of cell death signalling pathways; these cells are poised to apoptose when survival pathways are inhibited. This knowledge of apoptotic priming has paved the way for new therapies that trigger apoptosis in myofibroblasts by blocking pro-survival mechanisms, target senescent myofibroblast for apoptosis or promote the reprogramming of myofibroblasts into scar-resolving cells. These novel strategies are not only poised to prevent progressive tissue scarring, but also have the potential to reverse established fibrosis and to regenerate chronically injured tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Rajshankar D, Wang B, Worndl E, Menezes S, Wang Y, McCulloch CA. Focal adhesion kinase regulates tractional collagen remodeling, matrix metalloproteinase expression, and collagen structure, which in turn affects matrix‐induced signaling. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3096-3111. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Baiyu Wang
- Faculty of Dentistry University of Toronto Toronto Ontario
| | | | - Sara Menezes
- Faculty of Dentistry University of Toronto Toronto Ontario
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Faculty of Dentistry University of Toronto Toronto Ontario
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10
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Korman B. Evolving insights into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Transl Res 2019; 209:77-89. [PMID: 30876809 PMCID: PMC6545260 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex multisystem disease characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and most notably, fibrosis. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate a variety of emerging cellular and molecular pathways which are relevant to fibrosis in SSc. The myofibroblast remains the key effector cell in SSc. Understanding the development, differentiation, and function of the myofibroblast is therefore crucial to understanding the fibrotic phenotype of SSc. Studies now show that (1) multiple cell types give rise to myofibroblasts, (2) fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are heterogeneous, and (3) that a large number of (primarily immune) cells have important influences on the transition of fibroblasts to an activated myofibroblasts. In SSc, this differentiation process involves multiple pathways, including well known signaling cascades such as TGF-β and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling, as well as epigenetic reprogramming and a number of more recently defined cellular pathways. After reviewing the major and emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSc, this article looks to identify clinical applications where this new molecular knowledge may allow for targeted treatment and personalized medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Korman
- Division of Allergy/Immunology & Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
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Labram B, Namvar S, Hussell T, Herrick SE. Endothelin-1 mediates Aspergillus fumigatus-induced airway inflammation and remodelling. Clin Exp Allergy 2019; 49:861-873. [PMID: 30737857 PMCID: PMC6563189 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways and patients sensitized to airborne fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus have more severe asthma. Thickening of the bronchial subepithelial layer is a contributing factor to asthma severity for which no current treatment exists. Airway epithelium acts as an initial defence barrier to inhaled spores, orchestrating an inflammatory response and contributing to subepithelial fibrosis. OBJECTIVE We aimed to analyse the production of pro-fibrogenic factors by airway epithelium in response to A fumigatus, in order to propose novel anti-fibrotic strategies for fungal-induced asthma. METHODS We assessed the induction of key pro-fibrogenic factors, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, periostin and endothelin-1, by human airway epithelial cells and in mice exposed to A fumigatus spores or secreted fungal factors. RESULTS Aspergillus fumigatus specifically caused production of endothelin-1 by epithelial cells in vitro but not any of the other pro-fibrogenic factors assessed. A fumigatus also induced endothelin-1 in murine lungs, associated with extensive inflammation and airway remodelling. Using a selective endothelin-1 receptor antagonist, we demonstrated for the first time that endothelin-1 drives many features of airway remodelling and inflammation elicited by A fumigatus. CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that elevated endothelin-1 levels contribute to subepithelial thickening and highlight this factor as a possible therapeutic target for difficult-to-treat fungal-induced asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Labram
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative MedicineFaculty of Biology Medicine and HealthSchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
| | - Sara Namvar
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative MedicineFaculty of Biology Medicine and HealthSchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
- Environment and Life SciencesUniversity of SalfordGreater ManchesterUK
| | - Tracy Hussell
- Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (MCCIR)University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Sarah E. Herrick
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative MedicineFaculty of Biology Medicine and HealthSchool of Biological SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
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12
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Du Y, Liu P, Chen Z, He Y, Zhang B, Dai G, Xia W, Liu Y, Chen X. PTEN improve renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo through inhibiting FAK/AKT signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:17887-17897. [PMID: 31144376 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongchao Du
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Peihua Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Yao He
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Guoyu Dai
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Weiping Xia
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan PR China
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Abstract
Fibrosis is a dynamic process with the potential for reversibility and restoration of near-normal tissue architecture and organ function. Herein, we review mechanisms for resolution of organ fibrosis, in particular that involving the lung, with an emphasis on the critical roles of myofibroblast apoptosis and clearance of deposited matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Victor J Thannickal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
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van Caam A, Vonk M, van den Hoogen F, van Lent P, van der Kraan P. Unraveling SSc Pathophysiology; The Myofibroblast. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2452. [PMID: 30483246 PMCID: PMC6242950 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe auto-immune disease, characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of connective tissues. SSc has a high morbidity and mortality and unfortunately no disease modifying therapy is currently available. A key cell in the pathophysiology of SSc is the myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are fibroblasts with contractile properties that produce a large amount of pro-fibrotic extracellular matrix molecules such as collagen type I. In this narrative review we will discuss the presence, formation, and role of myofibroblasts in SSc, and how these processes are stimulated and mediated by cells of the (innate) immune system such as mast cells and T helper 2 lymphocytes. Furthermore, current novel therapeutic approaches to target myofibroblasts will be highlighted for future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan van Caam
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Madelon Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter van Lent
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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15
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Cutolo M, Ruaro B, Montagna P, Brizzolara R, Stratta E, Trombetta AC, Scabini S, Tavilla PP, Parodi A, Corallo C, Giordano N, Paolino S, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Soldano S. Effects of selexipag and its active metabolite in contrasting the profibrotic myofibroblast activity in cultured scleroderma skin fibroblasts. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:77. [PMID: 29720235 PMCID: PMC5932791 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1577-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myofibroblasts contribute to fibrosis through the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, primarily type I collagen (COL-1) and fibronectin (FN), a process which is mediated in systemic sclerosis (SSc) by the activation of fibrogenic intracellular signaling transduction molecules, including extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt). Selexipag is a prostacyclin receptor agonist synthesized for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The study investigated the possibility for selexipag and its active metabolite (ACT-333679) to downregulate the profibrotic activity in primary cultures of SSc fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and the fibrogenic signaling molecules involved. Methods Fibroblasts from skin biopsies obtained with Ethics Committee (EC) approval from patients with SSc, after giving signed informed consent, were cultured until the 3rd culture passage and then either maintained in normal growth medium (untreated cells) or independently treated with different concentrations of selexipag (from 30 μM to 0.3 μM) or ACT-333679 (from 10 μM to 0.1 μM) for 48 h. Protein and gene expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast specific protein-1 (S100A4), COL-1, and FN were investigated by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation was investigated in untreated and ACT-333679-treated cells by western botting. Results Selexipag and ACT-333679 significantly reduced protein synthesis and gene expression of α-SMA, S100A4, and COL-1 in cultured SSc fibroblasts/myofibroblasts compared to untreated cells, whereas FN was significantly downregulated at the protein level. Interestingly, ACT-333679 significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt in cultured SSc fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. Conclusions Selexipag and mainly its active metabolite ACT-333679 were found for the first time to potentially interfere with the profibrotic activity of cultured SSc fibroblasts/myofibroblasts at least in vitro, possibly through the downregulation of fibrogenic Erk1/2 and Akt signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Montagna
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Renata Brizzolara
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Stratta
- Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Amelia Chiara Trombetta
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Scabini
- Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Tavilla
- Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aurora Parodi
- Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Corallo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Scleroderma Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Scleroderma Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Polyclinic San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
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16
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Horowitz JC. Releasing Tensin. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2018; 56:417-418. [PMID: 28362149 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0417ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Horowitz
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, Michigan
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17
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Organ fibrosis is a lethal component of scleroderma. The hallmark of scleroderma fibrosis is extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by activated myofibroblasts, specialized hyper-contractile cells that promote ECM remodeling and matrix stiffening. The purpose of this review is to discuss novel mechanistic insight into myofibroblast activation in scleroderma. RECENT FINDINGS Matrix stiffness, traditionally viewed as an end point of organ fibrosis, is now recognized as a critical regulator of tissue fibrogenesis that hijacks the normal physiologic wound-healing program to promote organ fibrosis. Here, we discuss how matrix stiffness orchestrates fibrosis by controlling three fundamental pro-fibrotic mechanisms: (a) mechanoactivation of myofibroblasts, (b) integrin-mediated latent transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) activation, and (c) activation of non-canonical TGF-β1 signaling pathways. We also summarize novel therapeutic targets for anti-fibrotic therapy based on the mechanobiology of scleroderma. Future research on mechanobiology of scleroderma may lead to important clinical applications such as improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with scleroderma and other fibrotic-related diseases.
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18
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Lagares D, Santos A, Grasberger PE, Liu F, Probst CK, Rahimi RA, Sakai N, Kuehl T, Ryan J, Bhola P, Montero J, Kapoor M, Baron M, Varelas X, Tschumperlin DJ, Letai A, Tager AM. Targeted apoptosis of myofibroblasts with the BH3 mimetic ABT-263 reverses established fibrosis. Sci Transl Med 2017; 9:eaal3765. [PMID: 29237758 PMCID: PMC8520471 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal3765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Persistent myofibroblast activation distinguishes pathological fibrosis from physiological wound healing, suggesting that therapies selectively inducing myofibroblast apoptosis could prevent progression and potentially reverse established fibrosis in diseases such as scleroderma, a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by multiorgan fibrosis. We demonstrate that fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation driven by matrix stiffness increases the mitochondrial priming (proximity to the apoptotic threshold) of these activated cells. Mitochondria in activated myofibroblasts, but not quiescent fibroblasts, are primed by death signals such as the proapoptotic BH3-only protein BIM, which creates a requirement for tonic expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-XL to sequester BIM and ensure myofibroblast survival. Myofibroblasts become particularly susceptible to apoptosis induced by "BH3 mimetic" drugs inhibiting BCL-XL such as ABT-263. ABT-263 displaces BCL-XL binding to BIM, allowing BIM to activate apoptosis on stiffness-primed myofibroblasts. Therapeutic blockade of BCL-XL with ABT-263 (navitoclax) effectively treats established fibrosis in a mouse model of scleroderma dermal fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis. Using a BH3 profiling assay to assess mitochondrial priming in dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with scleroderma, we demonstrate that the extent of apoptosis induced by BH3 mimetic drugs correlates with the extent of their mitochondrial priming, indicating that BH3 profiling could predict apoptotic responses of fibroblasts to BH3 mimetic drugs in patients with scleroderma. Together, our findings elucidate the potential efficacy of targeting myofibroblast antiapoptotic proteins with BH3 mimetic drugs in scleroderma and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Alba Santos
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Paula E Grasberger
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Clemens K Probst
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rod A Rahimi
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Norihiko Sakai
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Division of Blood Purification, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tobias Kuehl
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeremy Ryan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick Bhola
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joan Montero
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network and Department of Surgery and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Anthony Letai
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Planas-Rigol E, Terrades-Garcia N, Corbera-Bellalta M, Lozano E, Alba MA, Segarra M, Espígol-Frigolé G, Prieto-González S, Hernández-Rodríguez J, Preciado S, Lavilla R, Cid MC. Endothelin-1 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration across the artery wall: a mechanism contributing to vascular remodelling and intimal hyperplasia in giant-cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1624-1634. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundGiant-cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory disease of large/medium-sized arteries, frequently involving the temporal arteries (TA). Inflammation-induced vascular remodelling leads to vaso-occlusive events. Circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) is increased in patients with GCA with ischaemic complications suggesting a role for ET-1 in vascular occlusion beyond its vasoactive function.ObjectiveTo investigate whether ET-1 induces a migratory myofibroblastic phenotype in human TA-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) leading to intimal hyperplasia and vascular occlusion in GCA.Methods and resultsImmunofluorescence/confocal microscopy showed increased ET-1 expression in GCA lesions compared with control arteries. In inflamed arteries, ET-1 was predominantly expressed by infiltrating mononuclear cells whereas ET receptors, particularly ET-1 receptor B (ETBR), were expressed by both mononuclear cells and VSMC. ET-1 increased TA-derived VSMC migration in vitro and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression and migration from the media to the intima in cultured TA explants. ET-1 promoted VSMC motility by increasing activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a crucial molecule in the turnover of focal adhesions during cell migration. FAK activation resulted in Y397 autophosphorylation creating binding sites for Src kinases and the p85 subunit of PI3kinases which, upon ET-1 exposure, colocalised with FAK at the focal adhesions of migrating VSMC. Accordingly, FAK or PI3K inhibition abrogated ET-1-induced migration in vitro. Consistently, ET-1 receptor A and ETBR antagonists reduced αSMA expression and delayed VSMC outgrowth from cultured GCA-involved artery explants.ConclusionsET-1 is upregulated in GCA lesions and, by promoting VSMC migration towards the intimal layer, may contribute to intimal hyperplasia and vascular occlusion in GCA.
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Targeted inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis and Preserves Heart Function in Adverse Cardiac Remodeling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43146. [PMID: 28225063 PMCID: PMC5320468 DOI: 10.1038/srep43146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis in post-myocardial infarction (MI), seen in both infarcted and non-infarcted myocardium, is beneficial to the recovery of heart function. But progressively pathological fibrosis impairs ventricular function and leads to poor prognosis. FAK has recently received attention as a potential mediator of fibrosis, our previous study reported that pharmacological inhibition of FAK can attenuate cardiac fibrosis in post MI models. However, the long-term effects on cardiac function and adverse cardiac remodelling were not clearly investigated. In this study, we tried to determine the preliminary mechanisms in regulating CF transformation to myofibroblasts and ECM synthesis relevant to the development of adverse cardiac remolding in vivo and in vitro. Our study provides even more evidence that FAK is directly related to the activation of CF in hypoxia condition in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of FAK significantly reduces myofibroblast differentiation; our in vivo data demonstrated that a FAK inhibitor significantly decreases fibrotic score, and preserves partial left ventricular function. Both PI3K/AKT signalling and ERK1/2 are necessary for hypoxia-induced CF differentiation and ECM synthesis; this process also involves lysyl oxidase (LOX). These findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of FAK may become an effective therapeutic strategy against adverse fibrosis.
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21
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Strobel B, Duechs MJ, Schmid R, Stierstorfer BE, Bucher H, Quast K, Stiller D, Hildebrandt T, Mennerich D, Gantner F, Erb KJ, Kreuz S. Modeling Pulmonary Disease Pathways Using Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus 6.2. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 53:291-302. [PMID: 25845025 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0338ma] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been applied successfully to generate disease-related animal models and to functionally characterize target genes in vivo. However, broader application is still limited by complex vector production, biosafety requirements, and vector-mediated immunogenic responses, possibly interfering with disease-relevant pathways. Here, we describe adeno-associated virus (AAV) variant 6.2 as an ideal vector for lung delivery in mice, overcoming most of the aforementioned limitations. In a proof-of-concept study using AAV6.2 vectors expressing IL-13 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), we were able to induce hallmarks of severe asthma and pulmonary fibrosis, respectively. Phenotypic characterization and deep sequencing analysis of the AAV-IL-13 asthma model revealed a characteristic disease signature. Furthermore, suitability of the model for compound testing was also demonstrated by pharmacological intervention studies using an anti-IL-13 antibody and dexamethasone. Similarly, the AAV-TGF-β1 fibrosis model showed several disease-like pathophenotypes monitored by micro-computed tomography imaging and lung function measurement. Most importantly, analyses using stuffer control vectors demonstrated that in contrast to a common adenovirus-5 vector, AAV6.2 vectors did not induce any measurable inflammation and therefore carry a lower risk of altering relevant readouts. In conclusion, we propose AAV6.2 as an ideal vector system for the functional characterization of target genes in the context of pulmonary diseases in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Florian Gantner
- 4 Translational Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH and Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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Luzina IG, Todd NW, Sundararajan S, Atamas SP. The cytokines of pulmonary fibrosis: Much learned, much more to learn. Cytokine 2015; 74:88-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Sisson TH, Ajayi IO, Subbotina N, Dodi AE, Rodansky ES, Chibucos LN, Kim KK, Keshamouni VG, White ES, Zhou Y, Higgins PDR, Larsen SD, Neubig RR, Horowitz JC. Inhibition of myocardin-related transcription factor/serum response factor signaling decreases lung fibrosis and promotes mesenchymal cell apoptosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:969-86. [PMID: 25681733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are crucial to the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. Their formation of stress fibers results in the release of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF). MRTF-A (Mkl1)-deficient mice are protected from lung fibrosis. We hypothesized that the SRF/MRTF pathway inhibitor CCG-203971 would modulate myofibroblast function in vitro and limit lung fibrosis in vivo. Normal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung fibroblasts were treated with/without CCG-203971 (N-[4-chlorophenyl]-1-[3-(2-furanyl)benzoyl]-3-piperidine carboxamide) and/or Fas-activating antibody in the presence/absence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and apoptosis was assessed. In vivo studies examined the effect of therapeutically administered CCG-203971 on lung fibrosis in two distinct murine models of fibrosis induced by bleomycin or targeted type II alveolar epithelial injury. In vitro, CCG-203971 prevented nuclear localization of MRTF-A; increased the apoptotic susceptibility of normal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts; blocked TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation; and inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of fibronectin, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. TGF-β1 did not protect fibroblasts or myofibroblasts from apoptosis in the presence of CCG-203971. In vivo, CCG-203971 significantly reduced lung collagen content in both murine models while decreasing alveolar plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and promoting myofibroblast apoptosis. These data support a central role of the SRF/MRTF pathway in the pathobiology of lung fibrosis and suggest that its inhibition can help resolve lung fibrosis by promoting fibroblast apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Sisson
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Iyabode O Ajayi
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Natalya Subbotina
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Amos E Dodi
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Eva S Rodansky
- Division of Gastroenterology, Medical School, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren N Chibucos
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kevin K Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Venkateshwar G Keshamouni
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Eric S White
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peter D R Higgins
- Division of Gastroenterology, Medical School, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Scott D Larsen
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Division of Pulmonary and Crucial Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Zhou Q, Chen T, Bozkanat M, Ibe JCF, Christman JW, Raj JU, Zhou G. Intratracheal instillation of high dose adenoviral vectors is sufficient to induce lung injury and fibrosis in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e116142. [PMID: 25551570 PMCID: PMC4281082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Replication deficient adenoviruses (Ad) vectors are common tools in gene therapy. Since Ad vectors are known to activate innate and adaptive immunity, we investigated whether intratracheal administration of Ad vectors alone is sufficient to induce lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS We instilled Ad viruses ranging from 107 to 1.625×109 ifu/mouse as well as the same volume of PBS and bleomycin. 14 and 21 days after administration, we collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and mouse lung tissues. We measured the protein concentration, total and differential cell counts, and TGF-β1 production, performed Trichrome staining and Sircol assay, determined gene and protein levels of profibrotic cytokines, MMPs, and Wnt signaling proteins, and conducted TUNEL staining and co-immunofluorescence for GFP and α-SMA staining. RESULTS Instillation of high dose Ad vectors (1.625×109 ifu/mouse) into mouse lungs induced high levels of protein content, inflammatory cells, and TGF-β1 in BALF, comparable to those in bleomycin-instilled lungs. The collagen content and mRNA levels of Col1a1, Col1a2, PCNA, and α-SMA were also increased in the lungs. Instillation of both bleomycin and Ad vectors increased expression levels of TNFα and IL-1β but not IL-10. Instillation of bleomycin but not Ad increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-13 and IL-16. Treatment with bleomycin or Ad vectors increased expression levels of integrin α1, α5, and αv, MMP9, whereas treatment with bleomycin but not Ad vectors induced MMP2 expression levels. Both bleomycin and Ad vectors induced mRNA levels of Wnt2, 2b, 5b, and Lrp6. Intratracheal instillation of Ad viruses also induced DNA damages and Ad viral infection-mediated fibrosis is not limited to the infection sites. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that administration of Ad vectors induces an inflammatory response, lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis in a dose dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyuan Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tianji Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Melike Bozkanat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Joyce Christina F. Ibe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Children’s Hospital University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John W. Christman
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - J. Usha Raj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Children’s Hospital University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Guofei Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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The profibrotic role of endothelin-1: is the door still open for the treatment of fibrotic diseases? Life Sci 2013; 118:156-64. [PMID: 24378671 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The endothelin (ET) system consists of two G-protein-coupled receptors (ETA and ETB), three peptide ligands (ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3), and two activating peptidases (endothelin-converting enzyme-, ECE-1 and ECE-2). While initially described as a vasoregulatory factor, shown to influence several cardiovascular diseases, from hypertension to heart failure, ET-1, the predominant form in most cells and tissues, has expanded its pathophysiological relevance by recent evidences implicating this factor in the regulation of fibrosis. In this article, we review the current knowledge of the role of ET-1 in the development of fibrosis, with particular focus on the regulation of its biosynthesis and the molecular mechanisms involved in its profibrotic actions. We summarize also the contribution of ET-1 to fibrotic disorders in several organs and tissues. The development and availability of specific ET receptor antagonists have greatly stimulated a number of clinical trials in these pathologies that unfortunately have so far given negative or inconclusive results. This review finally discusses the circumstances underlying these disappointing results, as well as provides basic and clinical researchers with arguments to keep exploring the complex physiology of ET-1 and its therapeutic potential in the process of fibrosis.
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Lazarini M, Traina F, Machado-Neto JA, Barcellos KSA, Moreira YB, Brandão MM, Verjovski-Almeida S, Ridley AJ, Saad STO. ARHGAP21 is a RhoGAP for RhoA and RhoC with a role in proliferation and migration of prostate adenocarcinoma cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2013; 1832:365-74. [PMID: 23200924 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several Rho GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs) are implicated in tumor progression through their effects on Rho GTPase activity. ARHGAP21 is a RhoGAP with increased expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and with a possible role in glioblastoma tumor progression, yet little is known about the function of ARHGAP21 in cancer cells. Here we studied the role of ARHGAP21 in two prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines, LNCaP and PC3, which respectively represent initial and advanced stages of prostate carcinogenesis. RESULTS ARHGAP21 is located in the nucleus and cytoplasm of both cell lines and its depletion resulted in decreased proliferation and increased migration of PC3 cells but not LNCaP cells. In PC3 cells, ARHGAP21 presented GAP activity for RhoA and RhoC and induced changes in cell morphology. Moreover, its silencing altered the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and cytoskeleton organization, as well as the endothelin-1 canonical pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal new functions and signaling pathways regulated by ARHGAP21, and indicate that it could contribute to prostate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lazarini
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas/Hemocentro-Unicamp, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia do Sangue, INCTS, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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