1
|
Yan Z, Zhu J, Liu Y, Li Z, Liang X, Zhou S, Hou Y, Chen H, Zhou L, Wang P, Ao X, Gao S, Huang X, Zhou P, Gu Y. DNA-PKcs/AKT1 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition during radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inducing ubiquitination and degradation of Twist1. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1690. [PMID: 38760896 PMCID: PMC11101672 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1690] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a chronic, progressive, irreversible lung interstitial disease that develops after radiotherapy. Although several previous studies have focused on the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung epithelial cells, the essential factors involved in this process remain poorly understood. The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) exhibits strong repair capacity when cells undergo radiation-induced damage; whether DNA-PKcs regulates EMT during RIPF remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of DNA-PKcs in RIPF and provide an important theoretical basis for utilising DNA-PKcs-targeted drugs for preventing RIPF. METHODS DNA-PKcs knockout (DPK-/-) mice were generated via the Cas9/sgRNA technique and subjected to whole chest ionizing radiation (IR) at a 20 Gy dose. Before whole chest IR, the mice were intragastrically administered the DNA-PKcs-targeted drug VND3207. Lung tissues were collected at 1 and 5 months after IR. RESULTS The expression of DNA-PKcs is low in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) patients. DNA-PKcs deficiency significantly exacerbated RIPF by promoting EMT in lung epithelial cells. Mechanistically, DNA-PKcs deletion by shRNA or inhibitor NU7441 maintained the protein stability of Twist1. Furthermore, AKT1 mediated the interaction between DNA-PKcs and Twist1. High Twist1 expression and EMT-associated changes caused by DNA-PKcs deletion were blocked by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), an AKT1 agonist. The radioprotective drug VND3207 prevented IR-induced EMT and alleviated RIPF in mice by stimulating the kinase activity of DNA-PKcs. CONCLUSION Our study clarified the critical role and mechanism of DNA-PKcs in RIPF and showed that it could be a potential target for preventing RIPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jiaojiao Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Yuhao Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xinxin Liang
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Shenghui Zhou
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Yifan Hou
- College of Life SciencesHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Huixi Chen
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Lin Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ping Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xingkun Ao
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangChina
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xin Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ping‐Kun Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Yongqing Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangChina
- College of Life SciencesHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Younesi FS, Miller AE, Barker TH, Rossi FMV, Hinz B. Fibroblast and myofibroblast activation in normal tissue repair and fibrosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0. [PMID: 38589640 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The term 'fibroblast' often serves as a catch-all for a diverse array of mesenchymal cells, including perivascular cells, stromal progenitor cells and bona fide fibroblasts. Although phenotypically similar, these subpopulations are functionally distinct, maintaining tissue integrity and serving as local progenitor reservoirs. In response to tissue injury, these cells undergo a dynamic fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, marked by extracellular matrix secretion and contraction of actomyosin-based stress fibres. Importantly, whereas transient activation into myofibroblasts aids in tissue repair, persistent activation triggers pathological fibrosis. In this Review, we discuss the roles of mechanical cues, such as tissue stiffness and strain, alongside cell signalling pathways and extracellular matrix ligands in modulating myofibroblast activation and survival. We also highlight the role of epigenetic modifications and myofibroblast memory in physiological and pathological processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies for therapeutically interfering with these factors and the associated signal transduction pathways to improve the outcome of dysregulated healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Sadat Younesi
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew E Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas H Barker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Fabio M V Rossi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Souza BK, Freire NH, Monteiro TS, Herlinger AL, Jaeger M, Dalmolin MGS, de Farias CB, Gregianin L, Brunetto AT, Brunetto AL, Thiele CJ, Roesler R. Histone Methyltransferases G9a/ Ehmt2 and GLP/ Ehmt1 Are Associated with Cell Viability and Poorer Prognosis in Neuroblastoma and Ewing Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15242. [PMID: 37894922 PMCID: PMC10607632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015242] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in epigenetic programming have been proposed as being key events in the initiation and progression of childhood cancers. HMT euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (G9a, EHMT2), which is encoded by the G9a (Ehmt2) gene, as well as its related protein GLP, which is encoded by the GLP/Ehmt1 gene, participate in epigenetic regulation by contributing to a transcriptionally repressed chromatin state. G9a/GLP activation has been reported in several cancer types. Herein, we evaluated the role of G9a in two solid pediatric tumors: neuroblastoma (NB) and Ewing sarcoma (ES). Our results show that G9a/Ehmt2 and GLP/Ehmt1 expression is higher in tumors with poorer prognosis, including St4 International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stage, MYCN amplified NB, and metastatic ES. Importantly, higher G9a and GLP levels were associated with shorter patient overall survival (OS) in both NB and ES. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of G9a/GLP reduced cell viability in NB and ES cells. These findings suggest that G9a and GLP are associated with more aggressive NB and ES tumors and should be further investigated as being epigenetic targets in pediatric solid cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Kunzler Souza
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Epigenica Biosciences, Canoas 92035-000, Brazil;
| | - Natalia Hogetop Freire
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Laschuk Herlinger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Mariane Jaeger
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Matheus G. S. Dalmolin
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Lauro Gregianin
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service, Clinical Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - André T. Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Algemir L. Brunetto
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre 90620-110, Brazil
| | - Carol J. Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil (A.T.B.)
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology—INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
You Y, Yuan H, Min H, Li C, Chen J. Fibroblast-derived CXCL14 aggravates crystalline silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by mediating polarization and recruitment of interstitial macrophages. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132489. [PMID: 37688871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to crystalline silica (CS) particles in worksites and dwellings can lead to silicosis due to excessive fibroblast activation. Considering their immuno-regulatory activities, the contribution of pulmonary fibroblasts in the progression of silicosis has not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that exposure of the lung to CS particles leads to the upregulation of fibroblast-derived C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14). By employing an in vitro co-culture system, we demonstrated activated fibroblasts recruited bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and favored alternative macrophage polarization (M2) mediated by CXCL14. Furthermore, in vivo studies echoed that systemic CXCL14 neutralizing or fibroblast-specific Cxcl14 knockout proved CXCL14 was indispensable for the recruitment and phenotype alteration of lung macrophages, especially interstitial macrophages (IMs), under stimulation by CS particles. Mechanistically, we showed that GLI2 and p21-mediated cellular senescence were mediators of CXCL14 production following CS exposure. Accordingly, GLI2 blockage and countering cellular senescence by reviving PINK1-mediated mitophagy may be efficient strategies to reduce CXCL14 expression in activated fibroblasts during silicosis. Our findings emphasize the immuno-regulatory function of fibroblasts in silicosis via CXCL14, providing intervention targets for CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichuan You
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Haoyang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Chao Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gambardella J, Jankauskas SS, Kansakar U, Varzideh F, Avvisato R, Prevete N, Sidoli S, Mone P, Wang X, Lombardi A, Santulli G. Ketone Bodies Rescue Mitochondrial Dysfunction Via Epigenetic Remodeling. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:1123-1137. [PMID: 37791311 PMCID: PMC10543927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic cardiac disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide. However, the exact molecular processes underlying this disorder are not fully known. This study includes a comprehensive and coordinated set of in vivo and in vitro experiments using human cardiac specimens from patients with postischemic heart failure (HF) and healthy control subjects, a murine model of HF, and cellular systems. These approaches identified for the first time a specific pattern of maladaptive chromatin remodeling, namely a double methylation of histone 3 at lysine 27 and a single methylation at lysine 36 (H3_K27me2K36me1) consistently induced by ischemic injury in all these settings: human HF; murine HF; and in vitro models. Mechanistically, this work demonstrates that this histone modification mediates the ischemia-induced transcriptional repression of PPARG coactivator 1α (PGC1α), master regulator of mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Intriguingly, both the augmented H3_K27me2K36me1 and the mitochondrial dysfunction ensued by PGC1α down-regulation were significantly attenuated by the treatment with β-hydroxybutyrate, the most abundant ketone body in humans, revealing a novel pathway coupling metabolism to gene expression. Taken together, these findings establish maladaptive chromatin remodeling as a key mechanism in postischemic heart injury, functionally modulated by ketone bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gambardella
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Naples, Italy
| | - Stanislovas S. Jankauskas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fahimeh Varzideh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roberta Avvisato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nella Prevete
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pasquale Mone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xujun Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
- International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Einstein Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Caporarello N, Ligresti G. Vascular Contribution to Lung Repair and Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:135-146. [PMID: 37126595 PMCID: PMC10399144 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0431tr] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lungs are constantly exposed to environmental perturbations and therefore have remarkable capacity to regenerate in response to injury. Sustained lung injuries, aging, and increased genomic instability, however, make lungs particularly susceptible to disrepair and fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis constitutes a major cause of morbidity and is often relentlessly progressive, leading to death from respiratory failure. The pulmonary vasculature, which is critical for gas exchanges and plays a key role during lung development, repair, and regeneration, becomes aberrantly remodeled in patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Although capillary rarefaction and increased vascular permeability are recognized as distinctive features of fibrotic lungs, the role of vasculature dysfunction in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis has only recently emerged as an important contributor to the progression of this disease. This review summarizes current findings related to lung vascular repair and regeneration and provides recent insights into the vascular abnormalities associated with the development of persistent lung fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Basta MD, Petruk S, Mazo A, Walker JL. Fibrosis-the tale of H3K27 histone methyltransferases and demethylases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193344. [PMID: 37476157 PMCID: PMC10354294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, or excessive scarring, is characterized by the emergence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-expressing myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM). Currently, there is a lack of effective treatment options for fibrosis, highlighting an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets. The acquisition of a fibrotic phenotype is associated with changes in chromatin structure, a key determinant of gene transcription activation and repression. The major repressive histone mark, H3K27me3, has been linked to dynamic changes in gene expression in fibrosis through alterations in chromatin structure. H3K27-specific homologous histone methylase (HMT) enzymes, Enhancer of zeste 1 and 2 (EZH1, EZH2), which are the alternative subunits of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) and demethylase (KDM) enzymes, Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome (UTX), and Lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B), are responsible for regulating methylation status of H3K27me3. In this review, we explore how these key enzymes regulate chromatin structure to alter gene expression in fibrosis, highlighting them as attractive targets for the treatment of fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D. Basta
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Svetlana Petruk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Mazo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Janice L. Walker
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang Y, Zhou Z, Wang L, Gao P, Wu Z. G9a and DNMT1 inhibition modulates CDKN1A promoter methylation and the cell cycle leading to improvement in kidney fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023:130417. [PMID: 37356504 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone and DNA methylation, play a key role in kidney fibrosis, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. Concerted action between histone and DNA-methyltransferases like G9a and DNMT1 is a common theme in gene expression regulation. We investigated the role of G9a and DNMT1 in kidney fibrosis pathogenesis and aimed to elucidate key G9a and DNMT1 targets contributing to kidney fibrosis maintenance. METHODS G9a and DNMT1 were detected in human fibrotic kidneys, UUO mouse kidneys, and TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. G9a and DNMT1 expression was knocked down by siRNA or inhibited with CM272 in HK-2 and UUO mouse, and transcriptomic responses to CM272 were examined. Antifibrogenic activity and safety of CM272 were studied in UUO mouse. Cell cycle were analyzed with flow cytometry. Gene expression regulation was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS G9a and DNMT1 were overexpressed in human fibrotic kidneys, UUO mouse kidneys, and TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. G9a/DNMT1 inhibition potently alleviated fibrosis in vitro and vivo. G9a/DNMT1 inhibition reduced the expression of E2F targets and altered the methylation status of CDKN1A leading to the attenuated cell-cycle arrest. TGFβ1-induced overexpression of G9a or DNMT1 resulted in the enrichment of H3K9me2 and 5-methylcytosine at CDKN1A promoter. CONCLUSIONS Our data link G9a and DNMT1 to CDKN1A regulatory function and kidney fibrosis. Combined targeting G9a and DNMT1 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zijian Zhou
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lujia Wang
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhong Wu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Urology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tiskratok W, Yamada M, Watanabe J, Pengyu Q, Kimura T, Egusa H. Mechanoregulation of Osteoclastogenesis-Inducing Potentials of Fibrosarcoma Cell Line by Substrate Stiffness. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108959. [PMID: 37240303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A micro-physiological system is generally fabricated using soft materials, such as polydimethylsiloxane silicone (PDMS), and seeks an inflammatory osteolysis model for osteoimmunological research as one of the development needs. Microenvironmental stiffness regulates various cellular functions via mechanotransduction. Controlling culture substrate stiffness may help spatially coordinate the supply of osteoclastogenesis-inducing factors from immortalized cell lines, such as mouse fibrosarcoma L929 cells, within the system. Herein, we aimed to determine the effects of substrate stiffness on the osteoclastogenesis-inducing potential of L929 cells via cellular mechanotransduction. L929 cells showed increased expression of osteoclastogenesis-inducing factors when cultured on type I collagen-coated PDMS substrates with soft stiffness, approximating that of soft tissue sarcomas, regardless of the addition of lipopolysaccharide to augment proinflammatory reactions. Supernatants of L929 cells cultured on soft PDMS substrates promoted osteoclast differentiation of the mouse osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 by stimulating the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related gene markers and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. The soft PDMS substrate inhibited the nuclear translocation of YES-associated proteins in L929 cells without reducing cell attachment. However, the hard PDMS substrate hardly affected the cellular response of the L929 cells. Our results showed that PDMS substrate stiffness tuned the osteoclastogenesis-inducing potential of L929 cells via cellular mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Watcharaphol Tiskratok
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
- School of Geriatric Oral Health, Institute of Dentistry, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Rd. Suranaree, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Mueang, Thailand
| | - Masahiro Yamada
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Qu Pengyu
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kimura
- Department of Material-Based Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 101-0062, Chiyoda-ku, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Egusa
- Division of Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nishigaya Y, Takase S, Sumiya T, Kikuzato K, Sato T, Niwa H, Sato S, Nakata A, Sonoda T, Hashimoto N, Namie R, Honma T, Umehara T, Shirouzu M, Koyama H, Yoshida M, Ito A, Shirai F. Discovery of Novel Substrate-Competitive Lysine Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4059-4085. [PMID: 36882960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Identification of structurally novel inhibitors of lysine methyltransferase G9a has been a subject of intense research in cancer epigenetics. Starting with the high-throughput screening (HTS) hit rac-10a obtained from the chemical library of the University of Tokyo Drug Discovery Initiative, the structure-activity relationship of the unique substrate-competitive inhibitors was established with the help of X-ray crystallography and fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations for the ligand-protein interaction. Further optimization of the in vitro characteristics and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) properties led to the identification of 26j (RK-701), which is a structurally distinct potent inhibitor of G9a/GLP (IC50 = 27/53 nM). Compound 26j exhibited remarkable selectivity against other related methyltransferases, dose-dependent attenuation of cellular H3K9me2 levels, and tumor growth inhibition in MOLT-4 cells in vitro. Moreover, compound 26j showed inhibition of tumor initiation and growth in a carcinogen-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo mouse model without overt acute toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Nishigaya
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Shohei Takase
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Tatsunobu Sumiya
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Noriaki Hashimoto
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Namie
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., 1848 Nogi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Minoru Yoshida
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu Y, Wen D, Ho C, Yu L, Zheng D, O'Reilly S, Gao Y, Li Q, Zhang Y. Epigenetics as a versatile regulator of fibrosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:164. [PMID: 36864460 PMCID: PMC9983257 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a process caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a common cause and outcome of organ failure and even death. Researchers have made many efforts to understand the mechanism of fibrogenesis and to develop therapeutic strategies; yet, the outcome remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, including chromatin remodeling, histone modification, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA), have provided more insights into the fibrotic process and have suggested the possibility of novel therapy for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current research on the epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis and their possible clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Liu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dongsheng Wen
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chiakang Ho
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danning Zheng
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | | | - Ya Gao
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Betageri KR, Link PA, Haak AJ, Ligresti G, Tschumperlin DJ, Caporarello N. The matricellular protein CCN3 supports lung endothelial homeostasis and function. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 324:L154-L168. [PMID: 36573684 PMCID: PMC9925165 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00248.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant vascular remodeling contributes to the progression of many aging-associated diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where heterogeneous capillary density, endothelial transcriptional alterations, and increased vascular permeability correlate with poor disease outcomes. Thus, identifying disease-driving mechanisms in the pulmonary vasculature may be a promising strategy to limit IPF progression. Here, we identified Ccn3 as an endothelial-derived factor that is upregulated in resolving but not in persistent lung fibrosis in mice, and whose function is critical for vascular homeostasis and repair. Loss and gain of function experiments were carried out to test the role of CCN3 in lung microvascular endothelial function in vitro through RNAi and the addition of recombinant human CCN3 protein, respectively. Endothelial migration, permeability, proliferation, and in vitro angiogenesis were tested in cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (ECs). Loss of CCN3 in lung ECs resulted in transcriptional alterations along with impaired wound-healing responses, in vitro angiogenesis, barrier integrity as well as an increased profibrotic activity through paracrine signals, whereas the addition of recombinant CCN3 augmented endothelial function. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the matricellular protein CCN3 plays an important role in lung endothelial function and could serve as a promising therapeutic target to facilitate vascular repair and promote lung fibrosis resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana R Betageri
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Patrick A Link
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang J, Yang B, Zhang X, Liu S, Pan X, Ma C, Ma S, Yu D, Wu W. Chromobox proteins in cancer: Multifaceted functions and strategies for modulation (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 62:36. [PMID: 36734270 PMCID: PMC9937689 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromobox (CBX) proteins are important epigenetic regulatory proteins and are widely involved in biological processes, such as embryonic development, the maintenance of stem cell characteristics and the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Disorder and dysfunction of CBXs in cancer usually lead to the blockade or ectoptic activation of developmental pathways, promoting the occurrence, development and progression of cancer. In the present review, the characteristics and functions of CBXs were first introduced. Subsequently, the expression of CBXs in cancers and the relationship between CBXs and clinical characteristics (mainly cancer grade, stage, metastasis and relapse) and prognosis were discussed. Finally, it was described how CBXs regulate cell proliferation and self‑renewal, apoptosis and the acquisition of malignant phenotypes, such as invasion, migration and chemoresistance, through mechanisms involving epigenetic modification, nuclear translocation, noncoding RNA interactions, transcriptional regulation, posttranslational modifications, protein‑protein interactions, signal transduction and metabolic reprogramming. The study also focused on cancer therapies targeting CBXs. The present review provides new insight and a comprehensive basis for follow‑up research on CBXs and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhang Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Pan
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Changkai Ma
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shiqiang Ma
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Dehai Yu
- Department of Public Research Platform, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China,Professor Dehai Yu, Public Research Platform, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China, E-mail:
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Professor Wei Wu, Department of Neurovascular Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 1 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Substrate stiffness controls proinflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1358. [PMID: 36693942 PMCID: PMC9873657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28541-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft gingiva is often compromised in gingival health; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unknown. Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is involved in the progression of various fibroblast-related inflammatory disorders via cellular mechanotransduction. Gingival stiffness might regulate cellular mechanotransduction-mediated proinflammatory responses in gingival fibroblasts. This in vitro study aims to investigate the effects of substrate stiffness on proinflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs). The hGFs isolated from two healthy donors cultured on type I collagen-coated polydimethylsiloxane substrates with different stiffnesses, representing soft (5 kPa) or hard (25 kPa) gingiva. Expression levels of proinflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E2 or interleukin-1β, in hGFs were significantly higher with the soft substrate than with the hard substrate, even without and with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation. Expression levels of gingival ECM and collagen cross-linking agents in hGFs were downregulated more with the soft substrate than with the hard substrate through 14 days of culture. The soft substrate suppressed the expression of mechanotransduction-related transcriptional factors and activated the expression of inflammation-related factors, whereas the hard substrate demonstrated the opposite effects. Soft substrate induced proinflammatory responses and inhibition of ECM synthesis in hGFs by inactivating cellular mechanotransduction. This supports the importance of ECM stiffness in gingival health.
Collapse
|
16
|
CBX5 loss drives EGFR inhibitor resistance and results in therapeutically actionable vulnerabilities in lung cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218118120. [PMID: 36652476 PMCID: PMC9942844 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218118120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFRi) are approved for treating EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), emergence of acquired resistance limits their clinical benefits. Several mechanisms for acquired resistance to EGFRi in LUAD have been identified; however, the molecular basis for this resistance remains unknown in ~30% of LUAD. Chromatin and DNA modifiers and their regulators play important roles in determining response to anticancer therapies. Therefore, to identify nongenetic mechanisms of EGFRi resistance in LUAD, we performed an epigenome-wide shRNA screen targeting 363 human epigenetic regulator genes. This screen identified loss of the transcriptional repressor chromobox homolog 5 (CBX5) as a driver of EGFRi resistance in EGFR-mutant LUAD. Loss of CBX5 confers resistance to multiple EGFRi in both cell culture and mice. We found that CBX5 loss in EGFR-mutant LUAD cells leads to increased expression of the transcription factor E2F1, which in turn stimulates expression of the antiapoptotic gene BIRC5 (survivin). This E2F1-mediated upregulation of BIRC5 in CBX5-knockdown LUAD cells attenuates apoptosis induction following EGFRi treatment. Consistent with these results, knockdown of E2F1 or BIRC5 partly rescues CBX5-knockdown-induced EGFRi resistance in cell culture and mice. EGFRi-resistant LUAD cell lines show reduced CBX5 expression compared to parental lines; however, bromo- and extra-terminal (BET)-domain inhibitors (BETi) restore CBX5 expression in these cells and sensitize them to EGFRi/BETi combination therapy. Similarly, treatment with a BIRC5 inhibitor suppresses growth of EGFRi-resistant LUAD cells. Collectively, these studies identify CBX5 loss as a driver of EGFRi resistance and reveal therapeutic opportunities for treating EGFRi-resistant LUAD.
Collapse
|
17
|
Xiao Z, Xie Y, Huang F, Yang J, Liu X, Lin X, Zhu P, Zheng S. MicroRNA-205-5p plays a suppressive role in the high-fat diet-induced atrial fibrosis through regulation of the EHMT2/IGFBP3 axis. GENES & NUTRITION 2022; 17:11. [PMID: 35858845 PMCID: PMC9297569 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-022-00712-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective MicroRNAs (miRNAs) targeting has been revealed to be an appealing strategy for the treatment and management of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this research, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of miR-205-5p in reducing the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atrial fibrosis through the EHMT2/IGFBP3 axis. Methods Expression levels of miR-205-5p, IGFBP3 and EHMT2 were determined in AF patients, cell fibrosis models and mouse atrial fibrosis models. Luciferase activity and RIP assays were performed to detect the binding between miR-205-5p and EHMT2, and ChIP assays were implemented to detect the enrichment of H3K9me2 and H3K4me3 in the promoter region of IGFBP3 in cells. The related experiments focusing on the inflammatory response, atrial fibrosis, mitochondrial damage, and metabolic abnormalities were performed to figure out the roles of miR-205-5p, IGFBP3, and EHMT2 in cell and mouse atrial fibrosis models. Results Low expression levels of miR-205-5p and IGFBP3 and a high expression of EHMT2 were found in AF patients, cell fibrosis models and mouse atrial fibrosis models. Upregulation of miR-205-5p reduced the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, Col III and other fibrosis-related proteins. miR-205-5p overexpression targeted EHMT2 to regulate the methylation of H3 histones to promote IGFBP3 expression, which in turn affected the fibrosis of atrial muscle cells. In HFD-induced atrial fibrosis mice, upregulated miR-205-5p or elevated IGFBP3 alleviated atrial fibrosis, mitochondrial damage, and metabolic abnormalities. Conclusion This study suggests that miR-205-5p attenuates HFD-induced atrial fibrosis via modulating the EHMT2/IGFBP3 axis. Graphical Abstract miR-205-5p alleviates high-fat diet-induced atrial fibrosis in mice via EHMT2/IGFBP3. ![]()
Collapse
|
18
|
Cheng D, Li Z, Wang Y, Xiong H, Sun W, Zhou S, Liu Y, Ni C. Targeted delivery of ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposomes attenuates experimental pulmonary fibrosis. J Transl Med 2022; 20:523. [PMID: 36371191 PMCID: PMC9652794 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition caused by activated fibroblasts. Increasing evidence shows that matrix stiffness is essential in promoting fibroblast activation and profibrotic changes. Here, we investigated the expression and function of matrix stiffness-regulated ZNF416 in pulmonary fibrotic lung fibroblasts. Methods 1 kappa (soft), 60 kappa (stiff) gel-coated coverslips, or transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-cultured lung fibroblasts and the gain- or loss- of the ZNF416 function assays were performed in vitro. We also established two experimental pulmonary fibrosis mouse models by a single intratracheal instillation with 50 mg/kg silica or 6 mg/kg bleomycin (BLM). ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposomes and TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor SB431542 were administrated in vivo. Results Our study identified that ZNF416 could regulate fibroblast differentiation, proliferation, and contraction by promoting the nuclear accumulation of p-Smad2/3. Besides, ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposome delivery by tail-vein could passively target the fibrotic area in the lung, and co-administration of ZNF416 siRNA-loaded liposomes and SB431542 significantly protects mice against silica or BLM-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Conclusion In this study, our results indicate that mechanosensitive ZNF416 is a potential molecular target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Strategies aimed at silencing ZNF416 could be a promising approach to fight against pulmonary fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03740-w.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang Z, Chen J, Su L, Hong J. Downregulation of miR-761 ameliorates radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating PGC-1α. Exp Lung Res 2022; 48:158-167. [PMID: 35903964 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2022.2104407] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a serious complication in patients treated with transthoracic irradiation. To date, there are no effective drugs for RIPF treatment. In this study, we attempted to explore the function of miR-761 in RIPF, further investigate its potential mechanism and evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of RIPF. Methods: qRT-PCR analysis was used to detect miR-761 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg) coactivator-1 (PGC-1α) expression. Western Blot (WB) assay was applied to verify the regulation of PGC-1α by miR-761 and the expression of fibrosis-related proteins. Gel contraction assay was performed to demonstrate the level of fibroblast activation in vitro. A mouse RIPF model was used to validate the anti-fibrotic effect of Antagomir761. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were utilized to confirm the regulation relationship between miR-761 and PGC-1α. Results: The results showed that miR-761 was significantly elevated in irradiated mice lungs and fibroblasts. Overexpression of miR-761 in vitro promoted fibroblast activation. Whereas inhibition of miR-761 attenuated the degree of RIPF and inhibited fibroblast activation. Mechanistically, PGC-1α was a direct and functional target of miR-761, overexpression of PGC-1α inhibited irradiation-induced fibroblast activation, and knockdown of PGC-1α caused miR-761 inhibitor loses its anti-activation ability in irradiated cells. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that miR-761 regulated RIPF by targeting PGC-1α. Inhibition of miR-761 restored PGC-1α expression and attenuated RIPF damage, and miR-761 was a potential target for preventing the development of RIPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Wang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junying Chen
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Su
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Hong
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mechanical Cues Regulate Histone Modifications and Cell Behavior. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:9179111. [PMID: 35599845 PMCID: PMC9117061 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9179111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Change of biophysical factors in tissue microenvironment is an important step in a chronic disease development process. A mechanical and biochemical factor from cell living microniche can regulate cell epigenetic decoration and, therefore, further induce change of gene expression. In this review, we will emphasize the mechanism that biophysical microenvironment manipulates cell behavior including gene expression and protein decoration, through modifying histone amino acid residue modification. The influence given by different mechanical forces, including mechanical stretch, substrate surface stiffness, and shear stress, on cell fate and behavior during chronic disease development including tumorigenesis will also be teased out. Overall, the recent work summarized in this review culminates on the hypothesis that a mechanical factor stimulates the modification on histone which could facilitate disease detection and potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang Y, Song D, Peng Z, Wang R, Li K, Ren H, Sun X, Du N, Tang SC. Anisodamine enhances macrophage M2 polarization through suppressing G9a-mediated IRF4 silencing to alleviate LPS-induced acute lung injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:247-256. [PMID: 35383125 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.001019] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious inflammatory lung disease. Imbalances in the polarization of classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages are closely related to ALI. Anisodamine has a promising therapeutic effect for septic shock. Nevertheless, the role of Anisodamine in progression of ALI remains to be investigated. Our results showed that Anisodamine significantly reduced lung damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lung wet/dry ratio, total cell number and protein concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and decreased IL-6 level and the levels of M1 phenotypic markers, while increased IL-10 level and the levels of M2 phenotypic markers in mice with a nasal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated or transfected with LPS plus Anisodamine or LPS plus G9a shRNA. Anisodamine and downregulation of G9a both promoted BMDM M2 polarization caused by IL-4 treatment and inhibited M1 polarization resulted from LPS treatment. ChIP assay revealed that Anisodamine inhibited G9a-mediated methylation and expression suppression on IRF4. Overexpression of G9a or silence of IRF4 reversed the improvement effect of Anisodamine on lung tissue injury, evidencing by an increase of MPO activity and the restoration of LPS-induced alterations of M1 and M2 polarization. In conclusion, Anisodamine protected against LPS-induced ALI, during which Anisodamine suppressed the LPS-stimulated alterations of macrophage M1 and M2 polarization through inhibiting G9a mediated methylation of IRF4, suggesting that Anisodamine was a potential therapeutic drug to alleviate ALI. Significance Statement Anisodamine treatment was able to attenuate lung injury and pulmonary edema after the stimulation of LPS, and the specific mechanism was through reversing the LPS-induced alterations of M1 and M2 polarization by inhibiting G9a mediated silencing of IRF4, which suggests the Anisodamine has the potential to alleviate ALI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Dingli Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Ziyang Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Ning Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Shou-Ching Tang
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis, a kind of terminal pathological changes in the lung, is caused by aberrant wound healing, deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and eventually replacement of lung parenchyma by ECM. Pulmonary fibrosis induced by acute lung injury and some diseases is reversible under treatment. While idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is persistent and irreversible even after treatment. Currently, the pathogenesis of irreversible pulmonary fibrosis is not fully elucidated. The known factors associated with the development of irreversible fibrosis include apoptosis resistance of (myo)fibroblasts, dysfunction of pulmonary vessel, cell mitochondria and autophagy, aberrant epithelia hyperplasia and lipid metabolism disorder. In this review, other than a brief introduction of reversible pulmonary fibrosis, we focus on the underlying pathogenesis of irreversible pulmonary fibrosis from the above aspects as well as preclinical disease models, and also suggest directions for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yang Yu
- 1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xiao Tang
- 1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,2Guangzhou Laboratory, Bio-island, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mei Q, Liu Z, Zuo H, Yang Z, Qu J. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Update on Pathogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:797292. [PMID: 35126134 PMCID: PMC8807692 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.797292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, lethal fibrotic lung disease that occurs primarily in middle-aged and elderly adults. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. With an increase in life expectancy, the economic burden of IPF is expected to continuously rise in the near future. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IPF remain not known. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of this devastating disease in last decade. The current paradigm assumes that IPF results from sustained or repetitive lung epithelial injury and subsequent activation of fibroblasts and myofibroblast differentiation. Persistent myofibroblast phenotype contributes to excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and aberrant lung repair, leading to tissue scar formation, distortion of the alveolar structure, and irreversible loss of lung function. Treatments of patients with IPF by pirfenidone and nintedanib have shown significant reduction of lung function decline and slowing of disease progression in patients with IPF. However, these drugs do not cure the disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances on the pathogenesis of IPF and highlight the development of novel therapeutic strategies against the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jing Qu
- *Correspondence: Zhenhua Yang, ; Jing Qu,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fibroblast Memory in Development, Homeostasis and Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112840. [PMID: 34831065 PMCID: PMC8616330 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the major cell population in the connective tissue of most organs, where they are essential for their structural integrity. They are best known for their role in remodelling the extracellular matrix, however more recently they have been recognised as a functionally highly diverse cell population that constantly responds and adapts to their environment. Biological memory is the process of a sustained altered cellular state and functions in response to a transient or persistent environmental stimulus. While it is well established that fibroblasts retain a memory of their anatomical location, how other environmental stimuli influence fibroblast behaviour and function is less clear. The ability of fibroblasts to respond and memorise different environmental stimuli is essential for tissue development and homeostasis and may become dysregulated in chronic disease conditions such as fibrosis and cancer. Here we summarise the four emerging key areas of fibroblast adaptation: positional, mechanical, inflammatory, and metabolic memory and highlight the underlying mechanisms and their implications in tissue homeostasis and disease.
Collapse
|
26
|
Advances in epigenetics in systemic sclerosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2021; 17:596-607. [PMID: 34480165 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypical inflammatory fibrotic disease involving inflammation, vascular abnormalities and fibrosis that primarily affect the skin and lungs. The aetiology of SSc is unknown and its pathogenesis is only partially understood. Of all the rheumatic diseases, SSc carries the highest all-cause mortality rate and represents an unmet medical need. A growing body of evidence implicates epigenetic aberrations in this intractable disease, including specific modifications affecting the three main cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis: immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. In this Review, we discuss the latest insights into the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in SSc and how these epigenetic alterations affect disease features. In particular, histone modifications have a role in the regulation of gene expression pertinent to activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, governing their fate. DNA methyltransferases are crucial in disease pathogenesis by mediating methylation of DNA in specific promoters, regulating expression of specific pathways. We discuss targeting of these enzymes for therapeutic gain. Innovative epigenetic therapy could be targeted to treat the disease in a precision epigenetics approach.
Collapse
|
27
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang WJ, Chen SJ, Zhou SC, Wu SZ, Wang H. Inflammasomes and Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643149. [PMID: 34177893 PMCID: PMC8226128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common pathway of inflammatory diseases in various organs. The inflammasomes play an important role in the progression of fibrosis as innate immune receptors. There are four main members of the inflammasomes, such as NOD-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), NOD-like receptor C4 (NLRC4), and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), among which NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied. NLRP3 inflammasome is typically composed of NLRP3, ASC and pro-caspase-1. The activation of inflammasome involves both "classical" and "non-classical" pathways and the former pathway is better understood. The "classical" activation pathway of inflammasome is that the backbone protein is activated by endogenous/exogenous stimulation, leading to inflammasome assembly. After the formation of "classic" inflammasome, pro-caspase-1 could self-activate. Caspase-1 cleaves cytokine precursors into mature cytokines, which are secreted extracellularly. At present, the "non-classical" activation pathway of inflammasome has not formed a unified model for activation process. This article reviews the role of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2 inflammasome, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-33 in the fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shu-Juan Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shun-Chang Zhou
- Department of Experimental Animals, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Su-Zhen Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li B, Zhao J, Ma J, Chen W, Zhou C, Wei W, Li S, Li G, Xin G, Zhang Y, Liu J, Wang Y, Ma X. Cross-talk Between Histone and DNA Methylation Mediates Bone Loss in Hind Limb Unloading. J Bone Miner Res 2021; 36:956-967. [PMID: 33465813 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bone loss induced by mechanical unloading is a common skeletal disease, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. The current study investigated the role of histone methylation, a key epigenetic marker, and its cross-talk with DNA methylation in bone loss induced by mechanical unloading. The expression of G9a, ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1), and DNA methylation transferase 1 (DNMT1) were increased in hind limb unloading (HLU) rats. This was accompanied by an increased level of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) di-/tri-methylation at lncH19 promoter. Then, alteration of G9a, DNMT1, or UHRF1 expression significantly affected lncH19 level and osteogenic activity in UMR106 cells. Osteogenic gene expression and matrix mineralization were robustly promoted after simultaneous knockdown of G9a, DNMT1, and UHRF1. Furthermore, physical interactions of lncH19 promoter with G9a and DNMT1, as well as direct interactions among DNMT1, G9a, and UHRF1 were detected. Importantly, overexpression of DNMT1, G9a, or UHRF1, respectively, resulted in enrichment of H3K9me2/me3 and 5-methylcytosine at lncH19 promoter. Finally, in vivo rescue experiments indicated that knockdown of DNMT1, G9a, or UHRF1 significantly relieved bone loss in HLU rats. In conclusion, our research demonstrated the critical role of H3K9 methylation and its cross-talk with DNA methylation in regulating lncH19 expression and bone loss in HLU rats. Combined targeting of DNMT1, G9a, and UHRF1 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of bone loss induced by mechanical unloading. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Joint Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Orthopedic Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianxiong Ma
- Tianjin Orthopedic Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Weibo Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ce Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wuzeng Wei
- Joint Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Joint Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guomin Li
- Joint Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guosheng Xin
- Tianjin Orthopedic Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Tianjin Orthopedic Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Joint Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinsong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinlong Ma
- Joint Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Orthopedic Department, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Orthopedic Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
PGC1α Loss Promotes Lung Cancer Metastasis through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081772. [PMID: 33917757 PMCID: PMC8068195 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PGC1α oppositely regulates cancer metastasis in melanoma, breast, and pancreatic cancer; however, little is known about its impact on lung cancer metastasis. Transcriptome and in vivo xenograft analysis show that a decreased PGC1α correlates with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lung cancer metastasis. The deletion of a single Pgc1α allele in mice promotes bone metastasis of KrasG12D-driven lung cancer. Mechanistically, PGC1α predominantly activates ID1 expression, which interferes with TCF4-TWIST1 cooperation during EMT. Bioinformatic and clinical studies have shown that PGC1α and ID1 are downregulated in lung cancer, and correlate with a poor survival rate. Our study indicates that TCF4-TWIST1-mediated EMT, which is regulated by the PGC1α-ID1 transcriptional axis, is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for metastatic lung cancer.
Collapse
|
31
|
Jones DL, Meridew JA, Link PA, Ducharme MT, Lydon KL, Choi KM, Caporarello N, Tan Q, Diaz Espinosa AM, Xiong Y, Lee JH, Ye Z, Yan H, Ordog T, Ligresti G, Varelas X, Tschumperlin DJ. ZNF416 is a pivotal transcriptional regulator of fibroblast mechanoactivation. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:211825. [PMID: 33625469 PMCID: PMC7918622 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202007152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a central regulator of fibroblast function. However, the transcriptional mechanisms linking matrix stiffness to changes in fibroblast phenotype are incompletely understood. Here, we evaluated the effect of matrix stiffness on genome-wide chromatin accessibility in freshly isolated lung fibroblasts using ATAC-seq. We found higher matrix stiffness profoundly increased global chromatin accessibility relative to lower matrix stiffness, and these alterations were in close genomic proximity to known profibrotic gene programs. Motif analysis of these regulated genomic loci identified ZNF416 as a putative mediator of fibroblast stiffness responses. Genome occupancy analysis using ChIP-seq confirmed that ZNF416 occupies a broad range of genes implicated in fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis, with relatively little overlap in genomic occupancy with other mechanoresponsive and profibrotic transcriptional regulators. Using loss- and gain-of-function studies, we demonstrated that ZNF416 plays a critical role in fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis, and contractile function. Together, these observations identify ZNF416 as novel mechano-activated transcriptional regulator of fibroblast biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dakota L Jones
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jeffrey A Meridew
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Patrick A Link
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Merrick T Ducharme
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Katherine L Lydon
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kyoung M Choi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Qi Tan
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Yuning Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jeong-Heon Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Zhenqing Ye
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Huihuang Yan
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
van Wijnen AJ, Bagheri L, Badreldin AA, Larson AN, Dudakovic A, Thaler R, Paradise CR, Wu Z. Biological functions of chromobox (CBX) proteins in stem cell self-renewal, lineage-commitment, cancer and development. Bone 2021; 143:115659. [PMID: 32979540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulatory proteins support mammalian development, cancer, aging and tissue repair by controlling many cellular processes including stem cell self-renewal, lineage-commitment and senescence in both skeletal and non-skeletal tissues. We review here our knowledge of epigenetic regulatory protein complexes that support the formation of inaccessible heterochromatin and suppress expression of cell and tissue-type specific biomarkers during development. Maintenance and formation of heterochromatin critically depends on epigenetic regulators that recognize histone 3 lysine trimethylation at residues K9 and K27 (respectively, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3), which represent transcriptionally suppressive epigenetic marks. Three chromobox proteins (i.e., CBX1, CBX3 or CBX5) associated with the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) complex are methyl readers that interpret H3K9me3 marks which are mediated by H3K9 methyltransferases (i.e., SUV39H1 or SUV39H2). Other chromobox proteins (i.e., CBX2, CBX4, CBX6, CBX7 and CBX8) recognize H3K27me3, which is deposited by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2; a complex containing SUZ12, EED, RBAP46/48 and the methyl transferases EZH1 or EZH2). This second set of CBX proteins resides in PRC1, which has many subunits including other polycomb group factors (PCGF1, PCGF2, PCGF3, PCGF4, PCGF5, PCGF6), human polyhomeotic homologs (HPH1, HPH2, HPH3) and E3-ubiquitin ligases (RING1 or RING2). The latter enzymes catalyze the subsequent mono-ubiquitination of lysine 119 in H2A (H2AK119ub). We discuss biological, cellular and molecular functions of CBX proteins and their physiological and pathological activities in non-skeletal cells and tissues in anticipation of new discoveries on novel roles for CBX proteins in bone formation and skeletal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Leila Bagheri
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Amr A Badreldin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - A Noelle Larson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Amel Dudakovic
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Roman Thaler
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
| | - Christopher R Paradise
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Zhong Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dual Pharmacological Targeting of HDACs and PDE5 Inhibits Liver Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Biliary Inflammation and Fibrosis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123748. [PMID: 33322158 PMCID: PMC7763137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic liver injury and inflammation leads to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, known as liver fibrosis, and the distortion of the hepatic parenchyma. Liver fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis, a condition in which hepatic function is impaired and most cases of liver tumors occur. Currently, there are no effective therapies to inhibit and reverse the progression of liver fibrosis, and therefore, chronic liver disease remains a global health problem. In this study we have tested the efficacy of a new class of molecules that simultaneously target two molecular pathways known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In a clinically relevant mouse model of liver injury and inflammation we show that the combined inhibition of histones deacetylases and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) phosphodiesterase phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) results in potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Our findings open new avenues for the treatment of liver fibrosis and therefore, the prevention of hepatic carcinogenesis. Abstract Liver fibrosis, a common hallmark of chronic liver disease (CLD), is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix secreted by activated hepatic fibroblasts and stellate cells (HSC). Fibrogenesis involves multiple cellular and molecular processes and is intimately linked to chronic hepatic inflammation. Importantly, it has been shown to promote the loss of liver function and liver carcinogenesis. No effective therapies for liver fibrosis are currently available. We examined the anti-fibrogenic potential of a new drug (CM414) that simultaneously inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), more precisely HDAC1, 2, and 3 (Class I) and HDAC6 (Class II) and stimulates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway activity through phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition, two mechanisms independently involved in liver fibrosis. To this end, we treated Mdr2-KO mice, a clinically relevant model of liver inflammation and fibrosis, with our dual HDAC/PDE5 inhibitor CM414. We observed a decrease in the expression of fibrogenic markers and collagen deposition, together with a marked reduction in inflammation. No signs of hepatic or systemic toxicity were recorded. Mechanistic studies in cultured human HSC and cholangiocytes (LX2 and H69 cell lines, respectively) demonstrated that CM414 inhibited pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory responses, including those triggered by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Our study supports the notion that simultaneous targeting of pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic mechanisms controlled by HDACs and PDE5 with a single molecule, such as CM414, can be a new disease-modifying strategy.
Collapse
|
34
|
Song Y, Soto J, Li S. Mechanical regulation of histone modifications and cell plasticity. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2020; 24:100872. [PMID: 33214755 PMCID: PMC7671577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2020.100872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cell plasticity is important in development and tissue remodeling. Cells can sense physical and chemical cues from their local microenvironment and transduce the signals into the nucleus to regulate the epigenetic state and gene expression, resulting in a change in cell phenotype. In this review, we highlight the role of mechanical cues in regulating stem cell differentiation and cell reprogramming through the modulation of histone modifications. The effects of various mechanical cues, including matrix stiffness, mechanical stretch, and shear stress, on cell fate during tissue regeneration and remodeling will be discussed. Taken together, recent work demonstrates that the alterations in histone modifications by mechanical stimuli can facilitate epigenetic changes during cell phenotypic switching, which has potential applications in the development of biomaterials and bioreactors for cell engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jennifer Soto
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang Y, Shi Y, Tao M, Zhuang S, Liu N. Peritoneal fibrosis and epigenetic modulation. Perit Dial Int 2020; 41:168-178. [PMID: 32662737 DOI: 10.1177/0896860820938239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a common complication that ultimately leads to ultrafiltration failure and discontinuation of PD after long-term PD therapy. There is currently no effective therapy to prevent or delay this pathologic process. Recent studies have reported epigenetic modifications involved in PF, and accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic therapies may have the potential to prevent and treat PF clinically. The major epigenetic modifications in PF include DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. The mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in PF are complex, predominantly involving modification of signaling molecules, transcriptional factors, and genes. This review will describe the mechanisms of epigenetic modulation in PF and discuss the possibility of targeting them to prevent and treat this complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yingfeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
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".
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Targeted regulation of fibroblast state by CRISPR-mediated CEBPA expression. Respir Res 2019; 20:281. [PMID: 31829168 PMCID: PMC6907247 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1253-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fibroblasts regulate tissue homeostasis and the balance between tissue repair and fibrosis. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) is a key transcription factor that regulates adipogenesis. CEBPA has been shown to be essential for lung maturation, and deficiency of CEBPA expression leads to abnormal lung architecture. However, its specific role in lung fibroblast regulation and fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. Methods Lung fibroblast CEBPA expression, pro-fibrotic and lipofibroblast gene expression were assessed by qRT-PCR. CEBPA gain and loss of function experiments were carried out to evaluate the role of CEBPA in human lung fibroblast activation with and without TGF-β1 treatment. Adipogenesis assay was used to measure the adiopogenic potential of lung fibroblasts. Finally, CRISPR activation system was used to enhance endogenous CEBPA expression. Results We found that CEBPA gene expression is significantly decreased in IPF-derived fibroblasts compared to normal lung fibroblasts. CEBPA knockdown in normal human lung fibroblasts enhanced fibroblast pro-fibrotic activation and ECM production. CEBPA over-expression by transient transfection in IPF-derived fibroblasts significantly reduced pro-fibrotic gene expression, ECM deposition and αSMA expression and promoted the formation of lipid droplets measured by Oil Red O staining and increased lipofibroblast gene expression. Inhibition of the histone methyl transferase G9a enhanced CEBPA expression, and the anti-fibrotic effects of G9a inhibition were partially mediated by CEBPA expression. Finally, targeted CRISPR-mediated activation of CEBPA resulted in fibroblasts switching from fibrogenic to lipofibroblast states. Conclusions CEBPA expression is reduced in human IPF fibroblasts and its deficiency reduces adipogenic potential and promotes fibrogenic activation. CEBPA expression can be rescued via an inhibitor of epigenetic repression or by targeted CRISPR activation, leading to reduced fibrogenic activation.
Collapse
|
38
|
Jones DL, Haak AJ, Caporarello N, Choi KM, Ye Z, Yan H, Varelas X, Ordog T, Ligresti G, Tschumperlin DJ. TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation requires persistent and targeted HDAC-mediated gene repression. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.233486. [PMID: 31527052 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.233486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is a chronic disease driven by persistent fibroblast activation that has recently been linked to epigenetic modifications. Here, we screened a small library of epigenetic small-molecule modulators to identify compounds capable of inhibiting or reversing TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation. We identified pracinostat, an HDAC inhibitor, as a potent attenuator of lung fibroblast activation and confirmed its efficacy in patient-derived fibroblasts isolated from fibrotic lung tissue. Mechanistically, we found that HDAC-dependent transcriptional repression was an early and essential event in TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation. Treatment of lung fibroblasts with pracinostat broadly attenuated TGFβ-mediated epigenetic repression and promoted fibroblast quiescence. We confirmed a specific role for HDAC-dependent histone deacetylation in the promoter region of the anti-fibrotic gene PPARGC1A (PGC1α) in response to TGFβ stimulation. Finally, we identified HDAC7 as a key factor whose siRNA-mediated knockdown attenuates fibroblast activation without altering global histone acetylation. Together, these results provide novel mechanistic insight into the essential role HDACs play in TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation via targeted gene repression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dakota L Jones
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kyoung M Choi
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Zhenqing Ye
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Huihuang Yan
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|