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Southard KM, Ardy RC, Tang A, O’Sullivan DD, Metzner E, Guruvayurappan K, Norman TM. Comprehensive transcription factor perturbations recapitulate fibroblast transcriptional states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.31.606073. [PMID: 39131349 PMCID: PMC11312553 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.31.606073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cell atlas projects have nominated recurrent transcriptional states as drivers of biological processes and disease, but their origins, regulation, and properties remain unclear. To enable complementary functional studies, we developed a scalable approach for recapitulating cell states in vitro using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) Perturb-seq. Aided by a novel multiplexing method, we activated 1,836 transcription factors in two cell types. Measuring 21,958 perturbations showed that CRISPRa activated targets within physiological ranges, that epigenetic features predicted activatable genes, and that the protospacer seed region drove an off-target effect. Perturbations recapitulated in vivo fibroblast states, including universal and inflammatory states, and identified KLF4 and KLF5 as key regulators of the universal state. Inducing the universal state suppressed disease-associated states, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Our findings cement CRISPRa as a tool for perturbing differentiated cells and indicate that in vivo states can be elicited via perturbation, enabling studies of clinically relevant states ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaden M. Southard
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rico C. Ardy
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anran Tang
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deirdre D. O’Sullivan
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eli Metzner
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karthik Guruvayurappan
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas M. Norman
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Lu J, Zhao Q, Wang L, Li J, Wang H, Lv L, Yuan M, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Luo D, Sheng S, Yuan K, Liu G, Liu M, Shi Y, Guo Y, Dong Z. MBNL2 promotes aging-related cardiac fibrosis via inhibited SUMOylation of Krüppel-like factor4. iScience 2024; 27:110163. [PMID: 38974966 PMCID: PMC11226984 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110163] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging-related cardiac fibrosis represents the principal pathological progression in cardiovascular aging. The Muscleblind-like splicing regulator 2 (MBNL2) has been unequivocally established as being associated with cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, its role in aging-related cardiac fibrosis remains unexplored. This investigation revealed an elevation of MBNL2 levels in the aged heart and senescent cardiac fibroblasts. Notably, the inhibition of MBNL2 demonstrated a capacity to mitigate H2O2-induced myofibroblast transformation and aging-related cardiac fibrosis. Further mechanistic exploration unveiled that aging heightened the expression of SENP1 and impeded the SUMO1 binding with KLF4, and SUMOylation of KLF4 effectively increased by the inhibition of MBNL2. Additionally, the inhibition of TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling attenuated the impact of over-expression of MBNL2 in inducing senescence and cardiac fibrosis. MBNL2, by orchestrating SUMOylation of KLF4, upregulating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway, emerges as a significant promoter of aging-related cardiac fibrosis. This discovery identifies a novel regulatory target for managing aging-related cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Lu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
- Experimental Animal Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Qiuyu Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Zixin Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Health Care Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Dankun Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Siqi Sheng
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Keying Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Guannan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Mingyu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Yuanqi Shi
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
- Department of Cardiology, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zengxiang Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease Acousto-Optic Electromagnetic Diagnosis and Treatment in Heilongjiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin150001, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, China
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Berg K, Gorham J, Lundt F, Seidman J, Brueckner M. Endocardial primary cilia and blood flow are required for regulation of EndoMT during endocardial cushion development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594405. [PMID: 38798559 PMCID: PMC11118576 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Blood flow is critical for heart valve formation, and cellular mechanosensors are essential to translate flow into transcriptional regulation of development. Here, we identify a role for primary cilia in vivo in the spatial regulation of cushion formation, the first stage of valve development, by regionally controlling endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) via modulation of Kruppel-like Factor 4 (Klf4) . We find that high shear stress intracardiac regions decrease endocardial ciliation over cushion development, correlating with KLF4 downregulation and EndoMT progression. Mouse embryos constitutively lacking cilia exhibit a blood-flow dependent accumulation of KLF4 in these regions, independent of upstream left-right abnormalities, resulting in impaired cushion cellularization. snRNA-seq revealed that cilia KO endocardium fails to progress to late-EndoMT, retains endothelial markers and has reduced EndoMT/mesenchymal genes that KLF4 antagonizes. Together, these data identify a mechanosensory role for endocardial primary cilia in cushion development through regional regulation of KLF4.
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van der Woude H, Phan K, Kenwright DN, Goossens L, Hally KE, Currie MJ, Kokkinos J, Sharbeen G, Phillips PA, Henry CE. Development of a long term, ex vivo, patient-derived explant model of endometrial cancer. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301413. [PMID: 38635728 PMCID: PMC11025966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is rising in the developed world. The current standard of care, hysterectomy, is often infeasible for younger patients and those with high body mass index. There are limited non-surgical treatment options and a lack of biologically relevant research models to investigate novel alternatives to surgery for EC. The aim of the present study was to develop a long-term, patient-derived explant (PDE) model of early-stage EC and demonstrate its use for investigating predictive biomarkers for a current non-surgical treatment option, the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system (LNG-IUS). Fresh tumour specimens were obtained from patients with early-stage endometrioid EC. Tumours were cut into explants, cultured on media-soaked gelatin sponges for up to 21 days and treated with LNG. Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks were generated for each explant after 21 days in culture. Tumour architecture and integrity were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC was additionally performed for the expression of five candidate biomarkers of LNG resistance. The developed ex vivo PDE model is capable of culturing explants from early-stage EC tumours long-term (21 Days). This model can complement existing models and may serve as a tool to validate results obtained in higher-throughput in vitro studies. Our study provides the foundation to validate the extent to which EC PDEs reflect patient response in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah van der Woude
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Khoi Phan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Diane N. Kenwright
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Louise Goossens
- Medical Photography, Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Margaret Jane Currie
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - John Kokkinos
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - George Sharbeen
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phoebe A. Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire Elizabeth Henry
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women’s Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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5
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Fortier SM, Walker NM, Penke LR, Baas JD, Shen Q, Speth JM, Huang SK, Zemans RL, Bennett AM, Peters-Golden M. MAPK phosphatase 1 inhibition of p38α within lung myofibroblasts is essential for spontaneous fibrosis resolution. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172826. [PMID: 38512415 PMCID: PMC11093610 DOI: 10.1172/jci172826] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis following tissue injury is distinguished from normal repair by the accumulation of pathogenic and apoptosis-resistant myofibroblasts (MFs), which arise primarily by differentiation from resident fibroblasts. Endogenous molecular brakes that promote MF dedifferentiation and clearance during spontaneous resolution of experimental lung fibrosis may provide insights that could inform and improve the treatment of progressive pulmonary fibrosis in patients. MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP1) influences the cellular phenotype and fate through precise and timely regulation of MAPK activity within various cell types and tissues, yet its role in lung fibroblasts and pulmonary fibrosis has not been explored. Using gain- and loss-of-function studies, we found that MKP1 promoted lung MF dedifferentiation and restored the sensitivity of these cells to apoptosis - effects determined to be mainly dependent on MKP1's dephosphorylation of p38α MAPK (p38α). Fibroblast-specific deletion of MKP1 following peak bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis largely abrogated its subsequent spontaneous resolution. Such resolution was restored by treating these transgenic mice with the p38α inhibitor VX-702. We conclude that MKP1 is a critical antifibrotic brake whose inhibition of pathogenic p38α in lung fibroblasts is necessary for fibrosis resolution following lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Fortier
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Natalie M. Walker
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Loka R. Penke
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jared D. Baas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Qinxue Shen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jennifer M. Speth
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Steven K. Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Anton M. Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marc Peters-Golden
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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6
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Figueiredo J, Mergny JL, Cruz C. G-quadruplex ligands in cancer therapy: Progress, challenges, and clinical perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 340:122481. [PMID: 38301873 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Guanine-rich sequences can form G-quadruplexes (G4) in living cells, making these structures promising anti-cancer targets. Compounds able to recognize these structures have been investigated as potential anticancer drugs; however, no G4 binder has yet been approved in the clinic. Here, we describe G4 ligands structure-activity relationships, in vivo effects as well as clinical trials. Addressing G4 ligand characteristics, targeting challenges, and structure-activity relationships, this review provides insights into the development of potent and selective G4-targeting molecules for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Figueiredo
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Jean-Louis Mergny
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, CNRS, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau cedex, France; Institute of Biophysics of the CAS, v.v.i., Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Carla Cruz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal.
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7
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Imaduddin UK, Berbudi A, Rohmawaty E. The Effect of Physalis angulata L. Administration on Gene Expressions Related to Lung Fibrosis Resolution in Mice-Induced Bleomycin. J Exp Pharmacol 2024; 16:49-60. [PMID: 38317831 PMCID: PMC10840535 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s439932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the potential therapeutic effects of Physalis angulata L. (Ciplukan) extract on lung fibrosis resolution in a Bleomycin-induced mouse model, researchers conducted a comprehensive study. The study focused on key genes associated with fibrosis progression, including Nox4, Mmp8, Klf4, and FAS, and assessed their mRNA expression levels following the administration of Ciplukan extract. Methods A Bleomycin-induced mice model was divided into seven groups to investigate the effects of ciplukan extract on fibrosis-related gene expressions. Mice were induced with subcutaneously injected Bleomycin to generate lung fibrosis and given different doses of the Ciplukan extract for four weeks. Lung fibrosis mRNA expression was analyzed by semi-quantitative PCR for Nox4, Klf4, Mmp8, and FAS. Results The administration of ciplukan extract resulted in a significant decrease in mRNA expression of Nox4 with p-value=0.000, Mmp8 with p-value =0.002, and Klf4 with p-value =0.007, indicating potential antifibrotic effects. However, FAS expression remained unchanged (p-value=0.127). Conclusion Ciplukan extract exhibited promising effects on fibrosis-related gene expressions, particularly Nox4, Mmp8, and Klf4. This study suggests that the extract has the potential to intervene in fibrosis progression, offering a potential avenue for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummul Khair Imaduddin
- Graduate School of Master Program in Anti Aging and Aesthetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Afiat Berbudi
- Parasitology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Enny Rohmawaty
- Pharmacology & Therapy Division, Departement of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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Wu J, Wang Z, Cai M, Wang X, Lo B, Li Q, He JC, Lee K, Fu J. GPR56 Promotes Diabetic Kidney Disease Through eNOS Regulation in Glomerular Endothelial Cells. Diabetes 2023; 72:1652-1663. [PMID: 37579299 PMCID: PMC10588296 DOI: 10.2337/db23-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although glomerular endothelial dysfunction is well recognized as contributing to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the molecular pathways contributing to DKD pathogenesis in glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) are only partially understood. To uncover pathways that are differentially regulated in early DKD that may contribute to disease pathogenesis, we recently conducted a transcriptomic analysis of isolated GECs from diabetic NOS3-null mice. The analysis identified several potential mediators of early DKD pathogenesis, one of which encoded an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor-56 (GPR56), also known as ADGRG1. Enhanced glomerular expression of GPR56 was observed in human diabetic kidneys, which was negatively associated with kidney function. Using cultured mouse GECs, we observed that GPR56 expression was induced with exposure to advanced glycation end products, as well as in high-glucose conditions, and its overexpression resulted in decreased phosphorylation and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This effect on eNOS by GPR56 was mediated by coupling of Gα12/13-RhoA pathway activation and Gαi-mediated cAMP/PKA pathway inhibition. The loss of GPR56 in mice led to a significant reduction in diabetes-induced albuminuria and glomerular injury, which was associated with reduced oxidative stress and restoration of eNOS expression in GECs. These findings suggest that GPR56 promotes DKD progression mediated, in part, through enhancing glomerular endothelial injury and dysfunction. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Minchao Cai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Benjamin Lo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Qifu Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - John Cijiang He
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- Renal Program, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Bronx, Bronx, NY
| | - Kyung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Chu L, Xie D, Xu D. Epigenetic Regulation of Fibroblasts and Crosstalk between Cardiomyocytes and Non-Myocyte Cells in Cardiac Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1382. [PMID: 37759781 PMCID: PMC10526373 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091382] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms and cell crosstalk have been shown to play important roles in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis. This review article aims to provide a thorough overview of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in fibroblast regulation. During fibrosis, fibroblast epigenetic regulation encompasses a multitude of mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation and methylation, and chromatin remodeling. These mechanisms regulate the phenotype of fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix composition by modulating gene expression, thereby orchestrating the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, cardiac fibrosis disrupts normal cardiac function by imposing myocardial mechanical stress and compromising cardiac electrical conduction. This review article also delves into the intricate crosstalk between cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes in the heart. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing epigenetic regulation and cell crosstalk in cardiac fibrosis is critical for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Further research is warranted to unravel the precise molecular mechanisms underpinning these processes and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dachun Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 315 Yanchang Middle Road, Shanghai 200072, China; (L.C.); (D.X.)
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10
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Wei S, Qi F, Wu Y, Liu X. Overexpression of KLF4 Suppresses Pulmonary Fibrosis through the HIF-1α/Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14008. [PMID: 37762310 PMCID: PMC10530972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814008] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway (HIF-1α/ERS) has a crucial role in the pathogenetic mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, the upstream regulatory mediators of this pathway remain unclear. In the present study, by conducting bioinformatics analysis, we found that Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression was decreased in the lung tissues of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as compared to that in patients with non-IPF. Furthermore, KLF4 expression was significantly reduced (p = 0.0331) in bleomycin-induced fibrotic HFL-1 cells. Moreover, in mice with bleomycin-induced PF, the degree of fibrosis was significantly reduced in mice overexpressing KLF4 as compared to that in wild-type mice. In mice and HFL-1 cells, KLF4 overexpression significantly reduced bleomycin-induced protein expression of HIF-1α (p = 0.0027) and ERS markers, particularly p-IRE1α (p = 0.0255) and ATF6 (p = 0.0002). By using the JASPAR database, we predicted that KLF4 has five binding sites for the HIF-1α promoter. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that KLF4 may inhibit PF through the HIF-1α/ERS pathway. This finding could guide the development of future therapies for PF and facilitate the identification of appropriate biomarkers for routine clinical diagnosis of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanchen Wei
- Department of Geriatric, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China;
| | - Fei Qi
- School Of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical College, Hefei 230032, China;
| | - Yanping Wu
- Department of Chemotherapy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Xinmin Liu
- Department of Geriatric, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China;
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11
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Lee C, Cho S, Jeong D. Inhibition of miR-25 Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis by Restoring Krüppel-like Factor 4 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12434. [PMID: 37569807 PMCID: PMC10418969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512434] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to various pathological insults, including hypertension. However, sustained hypertrophy can cause impaired calcium regulation, cardiac dysfunction, and remodeling, accompanied by cardiac fibrosis. Our previous study identified miR-25 as a regulator of SERCA2a, and found that the inhibition of miR-25 improved cardiac function and reduced fibrosis by restoring SERCA2a expression in a murine heart failure model. However, the precise mechanism underlying the reduction in fibrosis following miR-25 inhibition remains unclear. Therefore, we postulate that miR-25 may have additional targets that contribute to regulating cardiac fibrosis. Using in silico analysis, Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) was identified as an additional target of miR-25. Further experiments confirmed that KLF4 was directly targeted by miR-25 and that its expression was reduced by long-term treatment with Angiotensin II, a major hypertrophic inducer. Subsequently, treatment with an miR-25 inhibitor alleviated the cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, and inflammation induced by Angiotensin II (Ang II). These findings indicate that inhibiting miR-25 not only enhances calcium cycling and cardiac function via SERCA2a restoration but also reduces fibrosis by restoring KLF4 expression. Therefore, targeting miR-25 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hypertensive heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dongtak Jeong
- Department of Medicinal & Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; (C.L.); (S.C.)
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