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Marques-Ramos A, Cervantes R. Expression of mTOR in normal and pathological conditions. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:112. [PMID: 37454139 PMCID: PMC10349476 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01820-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein discovered in 1991, integrates a complex pathway with a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. By comprising two functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2, it is a central cellular hub that integrates intra- and extracellular signals of energy, nutrient, and hormone availability, modulating the molecular responses to acquire a homeostatic state through the regulation of anabolic and catabolic processes. Accordingly, dysregulation of mTOR pathway has been implicated in a variety of human diseases. While major advances have been made regarding the regulators and effectors of mTOR signaling pathway, insights into the regulation of mTOR gene expression are beginning to emerge. Here, we present the current available data regarding the mTOR expression regulation at the level of transcription, translation and mRNA stability and systematize the current knowledge about the fluctuations of mTOR expression observed in several diseases, both cancerous and non-cancerous. In addition, we discuss whether mTOR expression changes can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis, disease progression, prognosis and/or response to therapeutics. We believe that our study will contribute for the implementation of new disease biomarkers based on mTOR as it gives an exhaustive perspective about the regulation of mTOR gene expression in both normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marques-Ramos
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - R Cervantes
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
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2
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Li X, Chen K, Wang Z, Li J, Wang X, Xie C, Tong J, Shen Y. The mTOR signalling in corneal diseases: A recent update. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115620. [PMID: 37217140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115620] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Corneal diseases affect 4.2 million people worldwide and are a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. Current treatments for corneal diseases, such as antibiotics, steroids, and surgical interventions, have numerous disadvantages and challenges. Thus, there is an urgent need for more effective therapies. Although the pathogenesis of corneal diseases is not fully understood, it is known that injury caused by various stresses and postinjury healing, such as epithelial renewal, inflammation, stromal fibrosis, and neovascularization, are highly involved. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and the immune response. Recent studies have revealed that activation of mTOR signalling extensively contributes to the pathogenesis of various corneal diseases, and inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin achieves promising outcomes, supporting the potential of mTOR as a therapeutic target. In this review, we detail the function of mTOR in corneal diseases and how these characteristics contribute to disease treatment using mTOR-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kuangqi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiawei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jianping Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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He Q, Cai Y, Huang J, He X, Han W, Chen W. Impairment of autophagy promotes human conjunctival fibrosis and pterygium occurrence via enhancing the SQSTM1-NF-κB signaling pathway. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 15:mjad009. [PMID: 36792067 PMCID: PMC10320757 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pterygium is a common ocular disease with a high recurrence rate, characterized by hyperplasia of subconjunctival fibrovascular tissue. Autophagy, an important process to maintain cellular homeostasis, participates in the pathogenic fibrosis of different organs. However, the exact role of autophagy in pterygium pathogenesis remains unknown. Here, we found that autophagic activity was decreased in human pterygium tissues compared with adjacent normal conjunctival tissues. The in vitro model of fibrosis was successfully established using human primary conjunctival fibroblasts (ConFB) treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), evidenced by increased fibrotic level and strong proliferative and invasive capabilities. The autophagic activity was suppressed during TGF-β1- or ultraviolet-induced fibrosis of ConFB. Activating autophagy dramatically retarded the fibrotic progress of ConFB, while blocking autophagy exacerbated this process. Furthermore, SQSTM1, the main cargo receptor of selective autophagy, was found to significantly promote the fibrosis of ConFB through activating the PKCι-NF-κB signaling pathway. Knockdown of SQSTM1, PKCι, or p65 in ConFB delayed TGF-β1-induced fibrosis. Overexpression of SQSTM1 drastically abrogated the inhibitory effect of rapamycin or serum starvation on TGF-β1-induced fibrosis. Collectively, our data suggested that autophagy impairment of human ConFB facilitates fibrosis via activating the SQSTM1-PKCι-NF-κB signaling cascades. This work was contributory to elucidating the mechanism of autophagy underlying pterygium occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yiting Cai
- Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiani Huang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xiaoying He
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wei Han
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Cai Y, Zhou T, Chen J, Cai X, Fu Y. Uncovering the role of transient receptor potential channels in pterygium: a machine learning approach. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:589-602. [PMID: 36692516 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01693-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed at identifying the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in pterygium. METHODS Based on microarray data GSE83627 and GSE2513, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and 20 hub genes were selected. After gene correlation analysis, 5 TRP-related genes were obtained and functional analyses of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed. Multifactor regulatory network including mRNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) was constructed. The 5 gene TRP signature for pterygium was validated by multiple machine learning (ML) programs including support vector classifiers (SVC), random forest (RF), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). Additionally, we outlined the immune microenvironment and analyzed the candidate drugs. Finally, in vitro experiments were performed using human conjunctival epithelial cells (CjECs) to confirm the bioinformatics results. RESULTS Five TRP-related genes (MCOLN1, MCOLN3, TRPM3, TRPM6, and TRPM8) were validated by ML algorithms. Functional analyses revealed the participation of lysosome and TRP-regulated inflammatory pathways. A comprehensive immune infiltration landscape and TFs-miRNAs-mRNAs network was studied, which indicated several therapeutic targets (LEF1 and hsa-miR-455-3p). Through correlation analysis, MCOLN3 was proposed as the most promising immune-related biomarker. In vitro experiments further verified the reliability of our in silico results and demonstrated that the 5 TRP-related genes could influence the proliferation and proinflammatory signaling in conjunctival tissue contributing to the pathogenesis of pterygium. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that TRP channels played an essential role in the pathogenesis of pterygium. The identified pivotal biomarkers (especially MCOLN3) and pathways provide novel directions for future mechanistic and therapeutic studies for pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi-Zao-Ju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi-Zao-Ju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi-Zao-Ju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyao Cai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi-Zao-Ju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhi-Zao-Ju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
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Fan J, Wei S, Zhang X, Chen L, Zhang X, Jiang Y, Sheng M, Chen Y. Resveratrol inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrotic effects in human pterygium fibroblasts. Environ Health Prev Med 2023; 28:59. [PMID: 37866886 PMCID: PMC10613557 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00020] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytoalexin which has the properties of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of resveratrol in primary human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHOD Profibrotic activation was induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). The expression of profibrotic markers, including type 1 collagen (COL1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin, were detected by western blot and quantitative real-time-PCR after treatment with various concentrations of resveratrol in HPFs to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects. Relative signaling pathways downstream of TGF-β1 were detected by Western blot to assess the underlying mechanism. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry to evaluate proliferation and drug-induced cytotoxicity. Cell migration and contractile phenotype were detected through wound healing assay and collagen gel contraction assay. RESULTS The expression of α-SMA, FN and COL1 induced by TGF-β1 were suppressed by treatment with resveratrol in dose-dependent manner. The Smad3, mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT) pathways were activated by TGF-β1, while resveratrol attenuated those pathways. Resveratrol also inhibited cellular proliferation, migration and contractile phenotype, and induced apoptosis in HPFs. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol inhibit TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast activation and extra cellular matrix synthesis in HPFs, at least partly, by regulating the TGF-β/Smad3, p38 MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwu Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200090, China
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Yaping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Minjie Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Yihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200090, China
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Wu H, Wei M, Li Y, Ma Q, Zhang H. Research Progress on the Regulation Mechanism of Key Signal Pathways Affecting the Prognosis of Glioma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2022.910543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As is known to all, glioma, a global difficult problem, has a high malignant degree, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. We analyzed and summarized signal pathway of the Hippo/YAP, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, miRNA, WNT/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, TCS/mTORC1 signal pathway, JAK/STAT signal pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, the relationship between BBB and signal pathways and the mechanism of key enzymes in glioma. It is concluded that Yap1 inhibitor may become an effective target for the treatment of glioma in the near future through efforts of generation after generation. Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Shh, Wnt/β-Catenin, and HIF-1α can reduce the migration ability and drug resistance of tumor cells to improve the prognosis of glioma. The analysis shows that Notch1 and Sox2 have a positive feedback regulation mechanism, and Notch4 predicts the malignant degree of glioma. In this way, notch cannot only be treated for glioma stem cells in clinic, but also be used as an evaluation index to evaluate the prognosis, and provide an exploratory attempt for the direction of glioma treatment. MiRNA plays an important role in diagnosis, and in the treatment of glioma, VPS25, KCNQ1OT1, KB-1460A1.5, and CKAP4 are promising prognostic indicators and a potential therapeutic targets for glioma, meanwhile, Rheb is also a potent activator of Signaling cross-talk etc. It is believed that these studies will help us to have a deeper understanding of glioma, so that we will find new and better treatment schemes to gradually conquer the problem of glioma.
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Wu H, Wei M, Li Y, Ma Q, Zhang H. Research Progress on the Regulation Mechanism of Key Signal Pathways Affecting the Prognosis of Glioma. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:910543. [PMID: 35935338 PMCID: PMC9354928 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.910543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As is known to all, glioma, a global difficult problem, has a high malignant degree, high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. We analyzed and summarized signal pathway of the Hippo/YAP, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, miRNA, WNT/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, TCS/mTORC1 signal pathway, JAK/STAT signal pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, the relationship between BBB and signal pathways and the mechanism of key enzymes in glioma. It is concluded that Yap1 inhibitor may become an effective target for the treatment of glioma in the near future through efforts of generation after generation. Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Shh, Wnt/β-Catenin, and HIF-1α can reduce the migration ability and drug resistance of tumor cells to improve the prognosis of glioma. The analysis shows that Notch1 and Sox2 have a positive feedback regulation mechanism, and Notch4 predicts the malignant degree of glioma. In this way, notch cannot only be treated for glioma stem cells in clinic, but also be used as an evaluation index to evaluate the prognosis, and provide an exploratory attempt for the direction of glioma treatment. MiRNA plays an important role in diagnosis, and in the treatment of glioma, VPS25, KCNQ1OT1, KB-1460A1.5, and CKAP4 are promising prognostic indicators and a potential therapeutic targets for glioma, meanwhile, Rheb is also a potent activator of Signaling cross-talk etc. It is believed that these studies will help us to have a deeper understanding of glioma, so that we will find new and better treatment schemes to gradually conquer the problem of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Min Wei
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuping Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hengzhu Zhang
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Yangzhou School of Clinical Medicine of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- *Correspondence: Hengzhu Zhang,
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Zhang X, Jiang Y, Wang Q, An W, Zhang X, Xu M, Chen Y. Atypical U3 snoRNA Suppresses the Process of Pterygium Through Modulating 18S Ribosomal RNA Synthesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:17. [PMID: 35472218 PMCID: PMC9055567 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The progression and recurrence of pterygium mainly occur due to the abnormal proliferation and migration of stromal pterygium fibroblasts. This research explores the aberrant expression of small nucleolar RNA U3 (U3 snoRNA) in pterygium and elucidates the molecular mechanisms of U3 snoRNA in pterygium development. Methods Primary human conjunctival fibroblasts (HCFs) and human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) were separated and cultured from fresh conjunctiva grafts and pterygium tissues. The PLKO.1 lentiviral system and CRISPR/Cas9 recombinant construct were, respectively, used to overexpress and silence U3 snoRNA in HPFs and HCFs for further specific phenotype analysis. RNA-seq and TMT-labeled quantitative protein mass spectrometry were utilized to evaluate the effect of U3 snoRNA on mRNA transcripts and protein synthesis. Results Reduced U3 snoRNA in pterygium promotes HCF or HPF cells’ proliferation, migration, and cell cycle but has no significant effect on apoptosis. U3 snoRNA modulates 18S rRNA synthesis through shearing precursor ribosomal RNA 47S rRNA at the 5′ external transcribed spacer (5′ ETS). Moreover, the altered U3 snoRNA causes mRNA and protein differential expression in HCF or HPF cells. Conclusions The atypical U3 snoRNA regulates the translation of specific proteins to exert a suppressive function in pterygium through modulating the 18S rRNA synthesis. Here, we uncover a novel insight into U3 snoRNA biology in the development of pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weishu An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Fan C, Wang Q, Chen Y, Ye T, Fan Y. Exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells attenuate myocardial fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro via autophagy activation: the key role of miR-199a-3p/mTOR pathway. Hum Cell 2022; 35:817-835. [PMID: 35190954 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy suppression plays key a role during myocardial fibrosis (MF) progression. Exosomes from stem cells attenuate MF. The current study aimed to explain the antifibrosis effects of exosomes by focusing on microRNAs (miRs). MF was induced in rats using transverse aortic constriction (TAC) method and handled with exosomes from bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The results of in vivo assays were verified with H9c2 cells. MiR expression profile was determined using microarray detection. The influence of miR-199a-3p modulation in vivo and in vitro on the antifibrosis effect of exosomes then was assessed. Exosomes attenuated MF by inhibiting inflammation, improving tissue structure, and inhibiting fibrosis-related indicators in TAC rats, and the effects were associated with autophagy activation. In H9c2 cells, exosomes suppressed cell viability, induced cell apoptosis, inhibited fibrosis-related indicators, while and the inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA would block the effect of exosomes. Based on the microarray detection, miR-199a-3p level was selected as therapeutic target. The inhibition of miR-199a-3p impaired the antifibrosis effects of exosomes on H9c2 cells, which was associated with autophagy inhibition. Collectively, exosomes from BMSCs exerted antifibrosis effects via the distant transfer of miR-199a-3p to heart tissues, which induced autophagy by inhibiting mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenrong Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 333 Chuan'an South Road, Chengxi Street, Wenling, 317500, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qizeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 333 Chuan'an South Road, Chengxi Street, Wenling, 317500, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youjin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 333 Chuan'an South Road, Chengxi Street, Wenling, 317500, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Ye
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 333 Chuan'an South Road, Chengxi Street, Wenling, 317500, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuncao Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, No. 333 Chuan'an South Road, Chengxi Street, Wenling, 317500, Zhejiang, China.
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The Role of the Stromal Extracellular Matrix in the Development of Pterygium Pathology: An Update. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245930. [PMID: 34945227 PMCID: PMC8707182 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pterygium is a benign fibrovascular lesion of the bulbar conjunctiva with frequent involvement of the corneal limbus. Its pathogenesis has been mainly attributed to sun exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation. Obtained evidence has shown that it is a complex and multifactorial process which involves multiple mechanisms such as oxidative stress, dysregulation of cell cycle checkpoints, induction of inflammatory mediators and growth factors, angiogenic stimulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) disorders, and, most likely, viruses and hereditary changes. In this review, we aim to collect all authors’ experiences and our own, with respect to the study of fibroelastic ECM of pterygium. Collagen and elastin are intrinsic indicators of physiological and pathological states. Here, we focus on an in-depth analysis of collagen (types I and III), as well as the main constituents of elastic fibers (tropoelastin (TE), fibrillins (FBNs), and fibulins (FBLNs)) and the enzymes (lysyl oxidases (LOXs)) that carry out their assembly or crosslinking. All the studies established that changes in the fibroelastic ECM occur in pterygium, based on the following facts: An increase in the synthesis and deposition of an immature form of collagen type III, which showed the process of tissue remodeling. An increase in protein levels in most of the constituents necessary for the development of elastic fibers, except FBLN4, whose biological roles are critical in the binding of the enzyme LOX, as well as FBN1 for the development of stable elastin. There was gene overexpression of TE, FBN1, FBLN5, and LOXL1, while the expression of LOX and FBLN2 and -4 remained stable. In conclusion, collagen and elastin, as well as several constituents involved in elastic fiber assembly are overexpressed in human pterygium, thus, supporting the hypothesis that there is dysregulation in the synthesis and crosslinking of the fibroelastic component, constituting an important pathogenetic mechanism for the development of the disease.
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Fan J, Zhang X, Jiang Y, Chen L, Sheng M, Chen Y. SPARC knockdown attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibrotic effects through Smad2/3 pathways in human pterygium fibroblasts. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 713:109049. [PMID: 34624278 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a matricellular glycoprotein, has been found to regulate processes involved in fibrotic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of SPARC in primary human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The expression of SPARC in HPFs was knocked down by RNA interference-based approach. Subsequently, we examined the expression of profibrotic markers induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), including type 1 collagen (COL1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin (FN). The changes in signaling pathways and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were also detected by western blotting. The cellular migration ability, proliferation ability, apoptosis, and contractile phenotype were detected using the wound healing assay, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, and collagen gel contraction assay, respectively. The interaction between SPARC and TGF-β RII was detected by Co-IP RESULTS: Silencing of SPARC inhibited the basal and TGF-β1-induced expression of COL1, α-SMA, and FN in HPFs, and suppressed the expression of p-Smad2, p-Smad3, Smad4 and MMP2, MMP9. The downregulation of SPARC also attenuated the cell migration and contractile phenotype of HPFs. SPARC could bind to TGF-βRII under TGF-β1 treatment. However, knockdown of SPARC did not affect the proliferation and apoptosis of HPFs. CONCLUSION SPARC knockdown attenuated the fibrotic effect induced by TGF-β1 at least in part by inactivating the Smad2/3 pathways in HPFs. Therefore, SPARC may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of pterygium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwu Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China; Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Yaping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Minjie Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China.
| | - Yihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200090, China.
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Jana S, Aujla P, Hu M, Kilic T, Zhabyeyev P, McCulloch CA, Oudit GY, Kassiri Z. Gelsolin is an important mediator of Angiotensin II-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts and fibrosis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21932. [PMID: 34549830 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100038rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is a characteristic of various cardiomyopathies, and myocardial fibroblasts play a central role in this process. Gelsolin (GSN) is an actin severing and capping protein that regulates actin assembly and may be involved in fibroblast activation. While the role of GSN in mechanical stress-mediated cardiac fibrosis has been explored, its role in myocardial fibrosis in the absence of mechanical stress is not defined. In this study, we investigated the role of GSN in myocardial fibrosis induced by Angiotensin II (Ang II), a profibrotic hormone that is elevated in cardiovascular disease. We utilized mice lacking GSN (Gsn-/- ) and cultured primary adult cardiac fibroblasts (cFB). In vivo, Ang II infusion in mice resulted in significantly less severe myocardial fibrosis in Gsn-/- compared with Gsn+/+ mice, along with diminished activation of the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway, and reduced expression of cardiac extracellular matrix proteins (collagen, fibronectin, periostin). Moreover, Gsn-deficient hearts exhibited suppressed activity of the AMPK pathway and its downstream effectors, mTOR and P70S6Kinase, which could contribute to the suppressed TGFβ1 activity. In vitro, the Ang II-induced activation of cFBs was reduced in Gsn-deficient fibroblasts evident from decreased expression of αSMA and periostin, diminished actin filament turnover; which also exhibited reduced activity of the AMPK-mTOR pathway, and P70S6K phosphorylation. AMPK inhibition compensated for the loss of GSN, restored the levels of G-actin in Gsn-/- cFBs and promoted activation to myofibroblasts by increasing αSMA and periostin levels. This study reveals a novel role for GSN in mediating myocardial fibrosis by regulating the AMPK-mTOR-P70S6K pathway in cFB activation independent from mechanical stress-induced factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Jana
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Preetinder Aujla
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mei Hu
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tolga Kilic
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pavel Zhabyeyev
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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13
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Mergault C, Lisée F, Tiroille V, Magnien M, Parent C, Lenga Mabonda W, Sizaret D, Jaillet M, Crestani B, Marchand-Adam S, Plantier L. Inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex represses human lung myofibroblast differentiation and attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:125-140. [PMID: 34453744 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Arp2/3 multiprotein complex regulates branched polymerisation of the actin cytoskeleton and may contribute to collagen synthesis and fibrogenesis in the lung. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Expression of Arp2/3 components was assessed in human lung fibroblasts and in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model in mice. The Arp2/3 complex was repressed with the allosteric inhibitor CK666 and with interfering RNAs targeting the ARP2, ARP3 and ARPC2 subunits (siARP2, siARP3 and siARPC2) in CCD-16Lu human lung fibroblasts in vitro. Mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of CK666 from the 7th to the 14th day after tracheal bleomycin instillation. KEY RESULTS Expression of Arp2/3 complex subunits mRNAs was increased in fibroblasts treated with TGF-β1 and in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice compared with controls. In vitro, CK666 and siARPC2 inhibited cell growth and TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and collagen-1 (COL1) expression. CK666 also decreased ACTA2 and COL1 expression in unstimulated cells. CK666 reduced Akt phosphorylation and repressed phospho-GSK3β, β-catenin and MRTF-A levels in unstimulated fibroblasts. In vivo, CK666 reduced levels of both procollagen-1 and insoluble collagen in bleomycin-treated mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Expression of the Arp2/3 complex was increased in profibrotic environments in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex repressed ACTA2 and COL1 expression and repressed an Akt/phospho-GSK3β/β-catenin/MRTF-A pathway in lung fibroblasts. CK666 exerted antifibrotic properties in the lung in vivo. Inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex could represent an interesting new therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Mergault
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fanny Lisée
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Victor Tiroille
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mélia Magnien
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Christelle Parent
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France
| | - Woodys Lenga Mabonda
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Damien Sizaret
- CHRU de Tours, Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Tours, France
| | | | - Bruno Crestani
- Université de Paris, Inserm UMR1152, Labex Inflamex, Paris, France.,Service de Pneumologie A, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Marchand-Adam
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France.,CHRU de Tours, Service de Pneumologie et Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires, Tours, France
| | - Laurent Plantier
- Centre d'Etudes des Pathologies Respiratoires, Inserm UMR1100, Tours, France.,Université de Tours, Tours, France.,CHRU de Tours, Service de Pneumologie et Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires, Tours, France
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14
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Jiménez-Uribe AP, Gómez-Sierra T, Aparicio-Trejo OE, Orozco-Ibarra M, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Backstage players of fibrosis: NOX4, mTOR, HDAC, and S1P; companions of TGF-β. Cell Signal 2021; 87:110123. [PMID: 34438016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The fibrotic process could be easily defined as a pathological excess of extracellular matrix deposition, leading to disruption of tissue architecture and eventually loss of function; however, this process involves a complex network of several signal transduction pathways. Virtually almost all organs could be affected by fibrosis, the most affected are the liver, lung, skin, kidney, heart, and eyes; in all of them, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has a central role. The canonical and non-canonical signal pathways of TGF-β impact the fibrotic process at the cellular and molecular levels, inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the induction of profibrotic gene expression with the consequent increase in proteins such as alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen, and other extracellular matrix proteins. Recently, it has been reported that some molecules that have not been typically associated with the fibrotic process, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), histone deacetylases (HDAC), and sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P); are critical in its development. In this review, we describe and discuss the role of these new players of fibrosis and the convergence with TGF-β signaling pathways, unveiling new insights into the panorama of fibrosis that could be useful for future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tania Gómez-Sierra
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico
| | - Omar Emiliano Aparicio-Trejo
- Departamento de Fisiopatología Cardio-Renal, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Marisol Orozco-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Manuel Velasco Suárez, Av. Insurgentes Sur # 3877, La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, CP 14269 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX 04510, Mexico.
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15
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Xie J, Ning Q, Zhang H, Ni S, Ye J. RhoA/ROCK Signaling Regulates TGF-β1-Induced Fibrotic Effects in Human Pterygium Fibroblasts through MRTF-A. Curr Eye Res 2021; 47:196-205. [PMID: 34323621 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.1962363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) after surgical excision often leads to excessive fibrosis, indicating the recurrence of pterygium. The aims of the present in vitro study were to investigate the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in regulating fibrotic effects of primary human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs), as well as to explore the possible mechanisms of these effects. METHODS Pterygium samples were obtained from surgery, and profibrotic activation was induced by TGF-β1. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay; cell migration was detected by wound healing assay; quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of TGF-β1 and the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in the synthesis of alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), type I and III collagen (COL1 and COL3), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in HPFs. The changes of signaling pathways were detected by Western blot; and pharmaceutical inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling and its downstream MRFT-A/SRF transcription pathway were used to assess their possible mechanism in HPFs fibrosis. RESULTS ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 decreased TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and migration, reduced the TGF-β1-induced expression of profibrotic markers in HPFs, and suppressed TGF-β1-induced nuclear accumulation of Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) as well as accompanied elevation of F/G-actin ratio in HPFs. MRTF-A/Serum response factor (SRF) inhibitor CCG-100602 attenuated the TGF-β1-induced α-SMA expression and reduced myofibroblast activation in HPFs. CONCLUSIONS RhoA/ROCK signaling played a pivotal role in TGF-β1-induced fibrosis and myofibroblast activation in HPFs at least in part by inactivating the downstream MRTF-A/SRF transcriptional pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Xie
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyao Ning
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huina Zhang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Ni
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Liang M, Dang H, Li Q, Huang W, Liu C. Effects of rapamycin and OSI-027 on α-SMA in lung tissue of SD rat pups with hyperoxic lung injury. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 556:39-44. [PMID: 33836346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and significance of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors on the expression of α-SMA in lung injury induced by high volume fraction of inspired oxygen (hyperoxygen) in SD rat pups. METHODS Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rat pups (age: 3 weeks) were randomly divided into air + saline, hyperoxia + saline, hyperoxia + OSI-027, and hyperoxia + rapamycin groups. Animal models were constructed (n = 18). Hyperoxia was induced by continuous administration of 90% oxygen. Normal saline, OSI-027, and rapamycin are administered by intraperitoneal injection on 1d, 3d, 6d, 8d, 10d, 13d of the observation period, respectively. Following assessments were made on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day of modeling: pathological changes in lung tissues, lung injury score, Western Blot to assess the distribution and expressions of mTOR, pS6K1, and α-SMA protein in lung tissues. RESULTS In terms of time factors, the protein expressions of mTOR, pS6K1, and α-SMA increased with time. Except for the air group, the lung injury scores of the other groups increased with time, In terms of grouping factors, lung injury score in the air group was significantly lower than that in the other groups. In the hyperoxia group, the protein expressions of mTOR, PS6K1, and α-SMA were significantly higher than those in the other groups. The lung injury score in the hyperoxia group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. The lung injury score in the hyperoxia OSI group was significantly lower than that in the hyperoxia rapamycin group. CONCLUSION In hyperoxia lung injury, inhibiting the activation of mTOR signaling pathway can effectively reduce the expression of α-SMA; however, only mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor OSI-027 exhibited an anti-proliferative effect, and alleviated hyperoxia-induced lung injury and fibrosis in SD rat pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulin Liang
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxing Dang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghe Li
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiben Huang
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengjun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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17
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Li M, Wu J, Hu G, Song Y, Shen J, Xin J, Li Z, Liu W, Dong E, Xu M, Zhang Y, Xiao H. Pathological matrix stiffness promotes cardiac fibroblast differentiation through the POU2F1 signaling pathway. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:242-254. [PMID: 32617828 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-019-1747-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblast (CF) differentiation into myofibroblasts is a crucial cause of cardiac fibrosis, which increases in the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. The increased stiffness further promotes CF differentiation and fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. We used bioinformatics analysis to find new candidates that regulate the genes involved in stiffness-induced CF differentiation, and found that there were binding sites for the POU-domain transcription factor, POU2F1 (also known as Oct-1), in the promoters of 50 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CFs on the stiffer substrate. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting revealed that pathological stiffness upregulated POU2F1 expression and increased CF differentiation on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates and in mouse myocardial infarction tissue. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that POU2F1 bound to the promoters of fibrosis repressors IL1R2, CD69, and TGIF2. The expression of these fibrosis repressors was inhibited on pathological substrate stiffness. Knockdown of POU2F1 upregulated these repressors and attenuated CF differentiation on pathological substrate stiffness (35 kPa). Whereas, overexpression of POU2F1 downregulated these repressors and enhanced CF differentiation. In conclusion, pathological stiffness upregulates the transcription factor POU2F1 to promote CF differentiation by inhibiting fibrosis repressors. Our work elucidated the crosstalk between CF differentiation and the ECM and provided a potential target for cardiac fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Li
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jimin Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guomin Hu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yao Song
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junzhou Xin
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zijian Li
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Erdan Dong
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Youyi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital; NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides; Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing, 100191, China.
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18
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Migneault F, Hébert MJ. Autophagy, tissue repair, and fibrosis: a delicate balance. Matrix Biol 2021; 100-101:182-196. [PMID: 33454422 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tissue repair and fibrosis, an abnormal form of repair, occur in most human organs in response to injury or inflammation. Fibroblasts play a major role in the normal repair process by differentiating into myofibroblasts that synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) components and favor tissue remodeling to reestablish normal function and integrity. However, their persistent accumulation at the site of injury is a hallmark of fibrosis. Autophagy is a catabolic process that occurs in eukaryotic cells as a stress response to allow cell survival and maintenance of cellular homeostasis by degrading and recycling intracellular components. Recent advances identify autophagy as an important regulator of myofibroblast differentiation, tissue remodeling, and fibrogenesis. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the interactions between autophagy, ECM, and fibrosis, and emphasize the molecular mechanisms involved in myofibroblast differentiation. We also describe the emerging concept of secretory autophagy as a new avenue for intercellular communication at the site of tissue injury and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Migneault
- Centre de recherche, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Hébert
- Centre de recherche, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada; Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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19
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Nuwormegbe SA, Kim SW. AMPK Activation by 5-Amino-4-Imidazole Carboxamide Riboside-1-β-D-Ribofuranoside Attenuates Alkali Injury-Induced Corneal Fibrosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:43. [PMID: 32561924 PMCID: PMC7415321 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.6.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Increased TGF-β1 synthesis after corneal alkali injury is implicated in corneal fibrosis, as it promotes transdifferentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts. The activation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by 5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide riboside-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in other cell types. We investigated the antifibrotic effect of AICAR in corneal fibroblasts after alkali injury. Methods Mouse models of corneal alkali burn, produced by placing 2-mm-diameter filter paper soaked in 0.1-N NaOH on the right cornea for 30 seconds, were treated with the test drugs 4× daily for 21 days. The central cornea was scanned by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Corneal tissues were obtained and processed for western blotting and immunohistochemistry. For in vitro analysis, primary human corneal fibroblasts were treated directly with TGF-β1 to induce fibrosis, with or without AICAR pretreatment. Myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis were detected by western blotting, real-time PCR, and collagen gel contraction assay. Signaling proteins were analyzed by western blotting. Results Alkali injury induced the upregulation of TGF-β1 expression, which led to increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin synthesis and myofibroblast differentiation. AMPK activation by AICAR significantly suppressed TGF-β1 and ECM protein expression. The antifibrotic effect of AICAR was AMPK dependent, as treatment with the AMPK inhibitor Compound C attenuated the antifibrotic response. Conclusions AMPK activation by AICAR suppresses the myofibroblast differentiation and ECM synthesis that occur after alkali injury in corneal fibroblasts.
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20
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Fu W, Hall MN. Regulation of mTORC2 Signaling. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1045. [PMID: 32899613 PMCID: PMC7564249 DOI: 10.3390/genes11091045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase and a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism, forms two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. While mTORC1 signaling is well characterized, mTORC2 is relatively poorly understood. mTORC2 appears to exist in functionally distinct pools, but few mTORC2 effectors/substrates have been identified. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of mTORC2 signaling, with particular emphasis on factors that control mTORC2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Fu
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH4056 Basel, Switzerland;
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21
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Bernard M, Yang B, Migneault F, Turgeon J, Dieudé M, Olivier MA, Cardin GB, El-Diwany M, Underwood K, Rodier F, Hébert MJ. Autophagy drives fibroblast senescence through MTORC2 regulation. Autophagy 2020; 16:2004-2016. [PMID: 31931659 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1713640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained macroautophagy/autophagy favors the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Cellular senescence, another means of responding to long-term cellular stress, has also been linked to myofibroblast differentiation and fibrosis. Here, we evaluate the relationship between senescence and myofibroblast differentiation in the context of sustained autophagy. We analyzed markers of cell cycle arrest/senescence in fibroblasts in vitro, where autophagy was triggered by serum starvation (SS). Autophagic fibroblasts expressed the senescence biomarkers CDKN1A/p21 and CDKN2A/p16 and exhibited increased senescence-associated GLB1/beta-galactosidase activity. Inhibition of autophagy in serum-starved fibroblasts with 3-methyladenine, LY294002, or ATG7 (autophagy related 7) silencing prevented the expression of senescence-associated markers. Similarly, suppressing MTORC2 activation using rapamycin or by silencing RICTOR also prevented senescence hallmarks. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that senescence and myofibroblast differentiation were induced in different cells, suggesting mutually exclusive activation of senescence and myofibroblast differentiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known inducers of senescence and exposing fibroblasts to ROS scavengers decreased ROS production during SS, inhibited autophagy, and significantly reduced the expression of senescence and myofibroblast differentiation markers. ROS scavengers also curbed the AKT1 phosphorylation at Ser473, an MTORC2 target, establishing the importance of ROS in fueling MTORC2 activation. Inhibition of senescence by shRNA to TP53/p53 and shRNA CDKN2A/p16 increased myofibroblast differentiation, suggesting a negative feedback loop of senescence on autophagy-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Collectively, our results identify ROS as central inducers of MTORC2 activation during chronic autophagy, which in turn fuels senescence activation and myofibroblast differentiation in distinct cellular subpopulations. Abbreviations: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ACTA2: actin, alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta; AKT1: AKT serine/threonine kinase 1; p-AKT1: AKT1 Ser473 phosphorylation; t-AKT1: total AKT serine/threonine kinase 1; ATG4A: autophagy related 4A cysteine peptidase; ATG7: autophagy gene 7; C12FDG: 5-dodecanoylaminofluorescein Di-β-D-Galactopyranoside; CDKN1A: cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A; CDKN2A: cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A; Ctl: control; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dilactate; ECM: extracellular matrix; GSH: L-glutathione reduced; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide; HLF: adult human lung fibroblasts; Ho: Hoechst 33342 (2'-[4-ethoxyphenyl]-5-[4-methyl-1-piperazinyl]-2.5'-bi-1H-benzimidazole); HSC: hepatic stellate cells; LY: LY294002; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MTORC1/2: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1/2; N: normal growth medium; NAC: N-acetyl-L-cysteine; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PDGFA: platelet derived growth factor subunit A; PRKCA/PKCα: protein kinase C alpha; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog; R: rapamycin; RICTOR: RPTOR independent companion of MTOR complex 2; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RPTOR: regulatory associated protein of MTOR complex 1; SA-GLB1/β-gal: senescence-associated galactosidase beta 1; SGK1: serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1; shRNA: short hairpin RNA; siCtl: control siRNA; siRNA: small interfering RNA; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; SS: serum-free (serum starvation) medium; TP53: tumor protein p53; TUBA: tubulin alpha; V: vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Bernard
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bing Yang
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Francis Migneault
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julie Turgeon
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mélanie Dieudé
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marc-Alexandre Olivier
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut Du Cancer De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Guillaume B Cardin
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut Du Cancer De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mostafa El-Diwany
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katy Underwood
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Rodier
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut Du Cancer De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département De Radiologie, Radio-oncologie Et Médecine Nucléaire, Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Hébert
- Centre De Recherche, Centre Hospitalier De l'Université De Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada.,Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Département De Médecine, Université De Montréal , Montréal, QC, Canada
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Li H, Rong P, Ma X, Nie W, Chen Y, Zhang J, Dong Q, Yang M, Wang W. Mouse Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Paracrine Alleviates Renal Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy by Reducing Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation and Cell Proliferation and Upregulating MMPs in Mesangial Cells. J Diabetes Res 2020; 2020:3847171. [PMID: 32455132 PMCID: PMC7222483 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3847171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) is currently considered a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the mechanisms by which UC-MSCs ameliorate renal fibrosis in DN are not well understood. Herein, we firstly investigated the therapeutic effects of mouse UC-MSC infusion on kidney structural and functional impairment in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mice. We found that the repeated injection with mUC-MSCs alleviates albuminuria, glomerulus injury, and fibrosis in DN mouse models. Next, mesangial cells were exposed to 5.6 mM glucose, 30 mM glucose, or mUC-MSC-conditioned medium, and then we performed western blotting, immunofluorescence, wound healing assay, and cell proliferation assay to measure extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), myofibroblast transdifferentiation (MFT), and cell proliferation. We demonstrated that mUC-MSC paracrine decreased the deposition of fibronectin and collagen I by inhibiting TGF-β1-triggered MFT and cell proliferation mediated by PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and elevating the levels of MMP2 and MMP9. Importantly, we provided evidence that the antifibrosis role of mUC-MSC paracrine in DN might be determined by exosomes shed by MSCs. Together, these findings reveal the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of UC-MSCs on renal fibrosis in DN and provide the evidence for DN cell-free therapy based on UC-MSCs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongde Li
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Special Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Special Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Nie
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiong Dong
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Yang
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Special Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Xenotransplantation of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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