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She Z, Chen H, Lin X, Li C, Su J. POSTN Regulates Fibroblast Proliferation and Migration in Laryngotracheal Stenosis Through the TGF-β/RHOA Pathway. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:4078-4087. [PMID: 38771155 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of periostin (POSTN) and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway in the formation of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) scar fibrosis and to explore the specific signaling mechanism of POSTN-regulated TGF-β pathway in tracheal fibroblasts. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was performed on scar data sets from the GEO database to preliminarily analyze the involvement of POSTN and TGF-β pathways in fibrosis diseases. Expression of POSTN and TGF-β pathway-related molecules was analyzed in LTS scar tissue at the mRNA and protein levels. The effect of POSTN on the biological behavior of tracheal fibroblasts was studied using plasmid DNA overexpression and siRNA silencing techniques to regulate POSTN expression and observe the activation of TGF-β1 and the regulation of cell proliferation and migration via the TGF-β/RHOA pathway. RESULTS The bioinformatics analysis revealed that POSTN and the TGF-β pathway are significantly involved in fibrosis diseases. High expression of POSTN and TGF-β/RHOA pathway-related molecules (TGFβ1, RHOA, CTGF, and COL1) was observed in LTS tissue at both mRNA and protein levels. In tracheal fibroblasts, overexpression or silencing of POSTN led to the activation of TGF-β1 and regulation of cell proliferation and migration through the TGF-β/RHOA pathway. CONCLUSION POSTN is a key molecule in scar formation in LTS, and it regulates the TGF-β/RHOA pathway to mediate the formation of cicatricial LTS by acting on TGF-β1. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying LTS and suggests potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 134:4078-4087, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang She
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huiying Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiping Su
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1095-1116. [PMID: 38602594 PMCID: PMC11300527 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
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Choi I, Han IH, Cha N, Kim HY, Bae H. Therapeutic effects of MEL-dKLA by targeting M2 macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117246. [PMID: 39096617 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117246] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and myofibroblast proliferation with limited treatment options available. M2 macrophages are pivotal in pulmonary fibrosis, where they induce the epithelial-to-mesenchymal and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transitions. In this study, we evaluated whether MEL-dKLA, a hybrid peptide that can eliminate M2 macrophages, could attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in a cell co-culture system and in a bleomycin-induced mouse model. Our findings demonstrated that the removal of M2 macrophages using MEL-dKLA stimulated reprogramming to an antifibrotic environment, which effectively suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition responses in lung epithelial and fibroblast cells and reduced extracellular matrix accumulation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, MEL-dKLA exhibited antifibrotic efficacy without damaging tissue-resident macrophages in the bleomycin-induced mouse model. Collectively, our findings suggest that MEL-dKLA may be a new therapeutic option for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilseob Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Hwan Han
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Nari Cha
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang M, Xue X, Lou Z, Lin Y, Li Q, Huang C. Exosomes from senescent epithelial cells activate pulmonary fibroblasts via the miR-217-5p/Sirt1 axis in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:310. [PMID: 38532482 PMCID: PMC10964553 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05094-x] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used and highly toxic herbicide that poses a significant risk to human health. The main consequence of PQ poisoning is pulmonary fibrosis, which can result in respiratory failure and potentially death. Our research aims to uncover a crucial mechanism in which PQ poisoning induces senescence in epithelial cells, ultimately regulating the activation of pulmonary fibroblasts through the exosomal pathway. METHODS Cellular senescence was determined by immunohistochemistry and SA-β-Gal staining. The expression of miRNAs was measured by qPCR. Pulmonary fibroblasts treated with specific siRNA of SIRT1 or LV-SIRT1 were used to analysis senescent exosomes-mediated fibroblasts activation. Luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of miR-217-5p antagomir on pulmonary fibrosis were assessed in PQ-poisoned mice models. RESULTS Impairing the secretion of exosomes effectively mitigates the harmful effects of senescent epithelial cells on pulmonary fibroblasts, offering protection against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Additionally, we have identified a remarkable elevation of miR-217-5p expression in the exosomes of PQ-treated epithelial cells, which specifically contributes to fibroblasts activation via targeted inhibition of SIRT1, a protein involved in cellular stress response. Remarkably, suppression of miR-217-5p effectively impaired senescent epithelial cells-induced fibroblasts activation. Further investigation has revealed that miR-217-5p attenuated SIRT1 expression and subsequently resulted in enhanced acetylation of β-catenin and Wnt signaling activation. CONCLUSION These findings highlight a potential strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ poisoning. Disrupting the communication between senescent epithelial cells and pulmonary fibroblasts, particularly by targeting the miR-217-5p/SIRT1/β-catenin axis, may be able to alleviate the effects of PQ poisoning on the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Xue
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenshuai Lou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Changbao Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Y, Wang X, Zhang J. Pirfenidone and nintedanib attenuate pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the expression of JAK2. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:1128-1140. [PMID: 38505034 PMCID: PMC10944717 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1057] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Pirfenidone and nintedanib were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These two drugs can slow the progression of the disease, but the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. In the current study, bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice was accompanied by high p-JAK2 expression in lung tissue, mainly in the nucleus. The expression of p-JAK2 significantly decreased after intragastric administration of pirfenidone and nintedanib. p-JAK2 is reportedly expressed mainly in the cytoplasm and exerts its effect by activating downstream p-STAT3 in the nucleus. Methods In vivo experiments, pulmonary fibrosis was induced in mice with BLM and then treated with pirfenidone and nintedanib. The levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological staining was performed to assess lung fibrosis in mice, Western blot was performed to detect the expression levels of relevant proteins, and immunofluorescence was performed to observe the fluorescence expression of p-JAK2. In cellular experiments, MLE12 was stimulated with TGF-β1 and intervened with TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor and si-JAK2, pirfenidone and nintedanib, respectively, and the related protein expression levels were detected by Western blot. Results In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, pirfenidone and nintedanib were found to attenuate the expression of lung fibrosis markers by inhibiting the expression of JAK2, which may reduce the entry of p-JAK2 into the nucleus by downregulating JAK2 phosphorylation through inhibition of the TGF-β receptor. In contrast, inhibition of JAK2 expression greatly reduced the expression of TGF-β receptor and α-smooth muscles actin (a myofibroblast activation marker). Conclusions In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, the present study demonstrated that TGF-β1 promotes JAK2 phosphorylation through a non-classical pathway, and conversely, inhibition of JAK2 expression affects the TGF-β1 signalling pathway. Therefore, we speculate that TGF-β1 and JAK2 signaling pathways interact with each other and participate in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinmeng Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
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Guo S, Chen P, Yang Y, Wei W, Pan Y, Zeng F, Fan L, Wang W. Tumor-to-stroma cd8 + t cells ratio combined with cancer-associated fibroblasts: an innovative approach to predicting lymph node metastases of cervical cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:93. [PMID: 38369672 PMCID: PMC10874907 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05578-1] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Precise identification of lymph node metastases is vital for the management of cervical cancer. However, the existing diagnostic methods for lymph node metastases have certain drawbacks. In this study, we aim to explore the expression of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-to-stroma CD8+ T cells ratio (CD8+ T cells T:S ratio) and its association with lymph node metastases of cervical cancer. METHODS Hundred and ten cervical cancer tissues and 39 biopsy tissues from patients were investigated immunocytochemically for the expression of CAFs and CD8+ T cells. The statistical correlation analysis was carried out using the SPSS system. RESULTS A strong and statistically significant negative correlation (r= - 0.690; P < 0.001) was observed between CAF density and CD8+ T cells T:S ratio. Not only were CAFs density and CD8+ T cells T:S ratio correlated with lymph node metastases respectively (P < 0.001), but the combination of them also significantly correlated with lymph node metastases (P < 0.001). Then, we constructed the combined diagnosis model (Logit (P) = - 4.446 + 0.300 × CAFs + 0.752 × CD8+ T cells T:S Ratio) of cervical cancer lymph node metastases. ROC curves analysis showed that the ROC curves areas for CAFs, CD8+ T cells T:S ratio, and a combination of both are 0.879, 0.747, and 0.951. Then, the prediction model was verified by biopsy specimens and consistent results were obtained. CONCLUSIONS The combination of CAF density and CD8+ T cells T:S ratio has a significant predictive value for lymph node metastases in patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- The Six Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, 511518, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenfei Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - YuHua Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Fanke Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangsheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Huang Y, Liu R, Meng T, Zhang B, Ma J, Liu X. The TGFβ1/SMADs/Snail1 signaling axis mediates pericyte-derived fibrous scar formation after spinal cord injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111482. [PMID: 38237223 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111482] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The deposition of fibrous scars after spinal cord injury (SCI) affects axon regeneration and the recovery of sensorimotor function. It has been reported that microvascular pericytes in the neurovascular unit are the main source of myofibroblasts after SCI, but the specific molecular targets that regulate pericyte participation in the formation of fibrous scars remain to be clarified. METHODS In this study, a rat model of spinal cord dorsal hemisection injury was used. After SCI, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was intraperitoneally injected to block the TGFβ1 signaling pathway or LV-Snail1-shRNA was immediately injected near the core of the injury using a microsyringe to silence Snail1 expression. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to analyze protein expression and transcription levels in tissues. Nissl staining and immunofluorescence analysis were used to analyze neuronal cell viability, scar tissue, and axon regeneration after SCI. Finally, the recovery of hind limb function after SCI was evaluated. RESULTS The results showed that targeted inhibition of Snail1 could block TGFβ1-induced pericyte-myofibroblast differentiation in vitro. In vivo experiments showed that timely blockade of Snail1 could reduce fibrous scar deposition after SCI, promote axon regeneration, improve neuronal survival, and facilitate the recovery of lower limb motor function. CONCLUSION In summary, Snail1 promotes the deposition of fibrous scars and inhibits axonal regeneration after SCI by inducing the differentiation of pericytes into myofibroblasts. Snail1 may be a promising therapeutic target for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Orthopedic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People 's Republic of China
| | - Renzhong Liu
- Orthopedic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People 's Republic of China
| | - Tingyang Meng
- Orthopedic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People 's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Orthopedic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People 's Republic of China
| | - Jingxing Ma
- Orthopedic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People 's Republic of China.
| | - Xuqiang Liu
- Orthopedic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, People 's Republic of China.
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Gao C, Bai Y, Zhou H, Meng H, Wu T, Bai W, Wang J, Fan L, Yang Y, Chang H, Shi S. Effects of N-butanol extract of Amygdalus mongolica on rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis based on metabolomics. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e13045. [PMID: 37937603 PMCID: PMC10695158 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e13045] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a major public health issue with limited treatment options. As the active ingredient of the n-butanol extract of Amygdalus mongolica (BUT), amygdalin inhibits PF. However, its mechanisms of action are unclear and need further verification. Therefore, the purpose of the present studies was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of BUT on PF by serum metabolomics and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, untreated PF, prednisone-treated (5 mg/kg), and BUT-treated (1.75, 1.25, 0.75 g/kg) groups, and the respective drugs were administered intragastrically for 21 days. The serum metabolomics profiles were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) and metabolism network analysis. The expression of TGF-β1, Smad-3, Smad-7, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction in the lung tissue. BUT significantly alleviated fibrosis by reducing the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1 (from 1.73 to 1.13), Smad-3 (from 2.01 to 1.19), and α-SMA (from 2.14 to 1.19) and increasing that of Smad7 (from 0.17 to 0.62). Twenty-eight potential biomarkers associated with PF were identified. In addition, four key biomarkers were restored to baseline levels following BUT treatment, with the lowest dose showing optimal effect. Furthermore, A. mongolica BUT was found to improve PF by the pentose phosphate pathway and by taurine, hypotaurine, and arachidonic acid metabolism. These findings revealed the mechanism of A. mongolica BUT antifibrotic effects and metabolic activity in PF rats and provided the experimental basis for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Yingchun Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Hongbing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Hongyu Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Wanfu Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Liya Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Yuxi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Songli Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Institute of Bioactive Substance and Function of Mongolian Medicine and Chinese Materia Medica, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
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Ye F, Xie L, Liang L, Zhou Z, He S, Li R, Lin L, Zhu K. Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to combat the recurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma after thermal ablation. J Interv Med 2023; 6:160-169. [PMID: 38312128 PMCID: PMC10831380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jimed.2023.10.004] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thermal ablation (TA), including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA), has become the main treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to advantages such as safety and minimal invasiveness. However, HCC is prone to local recurrence, with more aggressive malignancies after TA closely related to TA-induced changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME). According to many studies, various components of the TME undergo complex changes after TA, such as the recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells, the release of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and various cytokines, the formation of a hypoxic microenvironment, and tumor angiogenesis. Changes in the TME after TA can partly enhance the anti-tumor immune response; however, this response is weak to kill the tumor completely. Certain components of the TME can induce an immunosuppressive microenvironment through complex interactions, leading to tumor recurrence and progression. How the TME is remodeled after TA and the mechanism by which the TME promotes HCC recurrence and progression are unclear. Thus, in this review, we focused on these issues to highlight potentially effective strategies for reducing and preventing the recurrence and progression of HCC after TA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhimei Zhou
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 East Changgang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510260, China
| | - Siqin He
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 East Changgang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510260, China
| | - Rui Li
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 East Changgang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510260, China
| | - Liteng Lin
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 East Changgang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510260, China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 250 East Changgang Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510260, China
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11
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Alenchery RG, Ajalik RE, Jerreld K, Midekksa F, Zhong S, Alkatib B, Awad HA. PAI-1 mediates TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast activation in tenocytes via mTOR signaling. J Orthop Res 2023; 41:2163-2174. [PMID: 37143206 PMCID: PMC10524825 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) induces plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) to effect fibrotic pathologies in several organs including tendon. Recent data implicated PAI-1 with inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) suggesting that PAI-1-induced adhesions involves phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Ergo, we investigated effects of TGF-β1, PAI-1, and mTOR signaling crosstalk on myofibroblast activation, senescence, and proliferation in primary flexor tenocytes from wild-type (WT) and PAI-1 knockout (KO) mice. PAI-1 deletion blunted TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast activation in murine flexor tenocytes and increased the gene expression of Mmp-2 to confer protective effects against fibrosis. While TGF-β1 significantly reduced phosphorylation of PTEN in WT cells, PAI-1 deletion rescued the activation of PTEN. Despite that, there were no differences in TGF-β1-induced activation of mTOR signaling (AKT, 4EBP1, and P70S6K) in WT or KO tenocytes. Phenotypic changes in distinct populations of WT or KO tenocytes exhibiting high or low mTOR activity were then examined. TGF-β1 increased alpha-smooth muscle actin abundance in WT cells exhibiting high mTOR activity, but this increase was blunted in KO cells exhibiting high 4EBP1 activity but not in cells exhibiting high S6 activity. DNA damage (γH2AX) was increased with TGF-β1 treatment in WT tenocytes but was blunted in KO cells exhibiting high mTOR activity. Increased mTOR activity enhanced proliferation (Ki67) in both WT and KO tenocytes. These findings point to a complex nexus of TGF-β1, PAI-1, and mTOR signaling in regulating proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, and senescence in tenocytes, which could define therapeutic targets for chronic tendon adhesions and other fibrotic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul G Alenchery
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Raquel E Ajalik
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kyle Jerreld
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
| | - Firaol Midekksa
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Sylvia Zhong
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Bashar Alkatib
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
| | - Hani A. Awad
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester Rochester, NY, United States
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12
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Cano A, Eraso P, Mazón MJ, Portillo F. LOXL2 in Cancer: A Two-Decade Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14405. [PMID: 37762708 PMCID: PMC10532419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814405] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl Oxidase Like 2 (LOXL2) belongs to the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, which comprises five lysine tyrosylquinone (LTQ)-dependent copper amine oxidases in humans. In 2003, LOXL2 was first identified as a promoter of tumour progression and, over the course of two decades, numerous studies have firmly established its involvement in multiple cancers. Extensive research with large cohorts of human tumour samples has demonstrated that dysregulated LOXL2 expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients. Moreover, investigations have revealed the association of LOXL2 with various targets affecting diverse aspects of tumour progression. Additionally, the discovery of a complex network of signalling factors acting at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels has provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the aberrant expression of LOXL2 in tumours. Furthermore, the development of genetically modified mouse models with silenced or overexpressed LOXL2 has enabled in-depth exploration of its in vivo role in various cancer models. Given the significant role of LOXL2 in numerous cancers, extensive efforts are underway to identify specific inhibitors that could potentially improve patient prognosis. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of two decades of research on the role of LOXL2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Cano
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Eraso
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J. Mazón
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Portillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (P.E.); (M.J.M.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz—IdiPAZ, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Área de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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13
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Xu Y, Li W, Lin S, Liu B, Wu P, Li L. Fibroblast diversity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment: roles in immunity and relevant therapies. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:234. [PMID: 37723510 PMCID: PMC10506315 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), enriched in the tumor stroma, have received increasing attention because of their multifaceted effects on tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and treatment resistance in malignancies. CAFs contributed to suppressive microenvironment via different mechanisms, while CAFs also exerted some antitumor effects. Therefore, CAFs have been considered promising therapeutic targets for their remarkable roles in malignant tumors. However, patients with malignancies failed to benefit from current CAFs-targeted drugs in many clinical trials, which suggests that further in-depth investigation into CAFs is necessary. Here, we summarize and outline the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mainly by exploring their origin and activation, highlighting the regulation of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment during tumor evolution, as well as the critical roles performed by CAFs in tumor immunity. In addition, we summarize the current immunotherapies targeting CAFs, and conclude with a brief overview of some prospects for the future of CAFs research in the end. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binghan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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14
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Massagué J, Sheppard D. TGF-β signaling in health and disease. Cell 2023; 186:4007-4037. [PMID: 37714133 PMCID: PMC10772989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The TGF-β regulatory system plays crucial roles in the preservation of organismal integrity. TGF-β signaling controls metazoan embryo development, tissue homeostasis, and injury repair through coordinated effects on cell proliferation, phenotypic plasticity, migration, metabolic adaptation, and immune surveillance of multiple cell types in shared ecosystems. Defects of TGF-β signaling, particularly in epithelial cells, tissue fibroblasts, and immune cells, disrupt immune tolerance, promote inflammation, underlie the pathogenesis of fibrosis and cancer, and contribute to the resistance of these diseases to treatment. Here, we review how TGF-β coordinates multicellular response programs in health and disease and how this knowledge can be leveraged to develop treatments for diseases of the TGF-β system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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15
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Li M, Wu B, Li L, Lv C, Tian Y. Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188945. [PMID: 37356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Mammary Gland, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center(Group), No. 1 Dunhuang Road, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
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16
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Poe A, Martinez Yus M, Wang H, Santhanam L. Lysyl oxidase like-2 in fibrosis and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C694-C707. [PMID: 37458436 PMCID: PMC10635644 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00176.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important and essential reparative response to injury that, if left uncontrolled, results in the excessive synthesis, deposition, remodeling, and stiffening of the extracellular matrix, which is deleterious to organ function. Thus, the sustained activation of enzymes that catalyze matrix remodeling and cross linking is a fundamental step in the pathology of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have implicated the amine oxidase lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) in this process and established significantly elevated expression of LOXL2 as a key component of profibrotic conditions in several organ systems. Understanding the relationship between LOXL2 and fibrosis as well as the mechanisms behind these relationships can offer significant insights for developing novel therapies. Here, we summarize the key findings that demonstrate the link between LOXL2 and fibrosis and inflammation, examine current therapeutics targeting LOXL2 for the treatment of fibrosis, and discuss future directions for experiments and biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Poe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Marta Martinez Yus
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Huilei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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17
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Cohen ML, Brumwell AN, Che Ho T, Montas G, Golden JA, Jones KD, Wolters PJ, Wei Y, Chapman HA, Le Saux CJ. A fibroblast-dependent TGFβ1/sFRP2 noncanonical Wnt signaling axis underlies epithelial metaplasia in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551383. [PMID: 37577522 PMCID: PMC10418166 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between alveolar fibroblasts and epithelial cells are crucial for lung homeostasis, injury repair, and fibrogenesis, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this, we administered the fibroblast-selective TGFβ1 signaling inhibitor, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) patients undergoing diagnostic lung biopsy and conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on spare tissue. Unexposed biopsy samples showed higher fibroblast TGFβ1 signaling compared to non-disease donor or end-stage ILD tissues. In vivo, EGCG significantly downregulated TGFβ1 signaling and several pro-inflammatory and stress pathways in biopsy samples. Notably, EGCG reduced fibroblast secreted Frizzle-like Receptor Protein 2 (sFRP2), an unrecognized TGFβ1 fibroblast target gene induced near type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s). In human AEC2-fibroblast coculture organoids, sFRP2 was essential for AEC2 trans-differentiation to basal cells. Precision cut lung slices (PCLS) from normal donors demonstrated that TGFβ1 promoted KRT17 expression and AEC2 morphological change, while sFRP2 was necessary for KRT5 expression in AEC2-derived basaloid cells. Wnt-receptor Frizzled 5 (Fzd5) expression and downstream calcineurin-related signaling in AEC2s were required for sFRP2-induced KRT5 expression. These findings highlight stage-specific TGFβ1 signaling in ILD, the therapeutic potential of EGCG in reducing IPF-related transcriptional changes, and identify the TGFβ1-non-canonical Wnt pathway crosstalk via sFRP2 as a novel mechanism for dysfunctional epithelial signaling in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Alexis N. Brumwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Tsung Che Ho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Genevieve Montas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jeffrey A. Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kirk D. Jones
- Department of Pathology; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul J. Wolters
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Harold A. Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Claude J. Le Saux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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18
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Anderson R, Rapoport BL, Steel HC, Theron AJ. Pro-Tumorigenic and Thrombotic Activities of Platelets in Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11927. [PMID: 37569299 PMCID: PMC10418868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511927] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aside from their key protective roles in hemostasis and innate immunity, platelets are now recognized as having multifaceted, adverse roles in the pathogenesis, progression and outcome of many types of human malignancy. The most consistent and compelling evidence in this context has been derived from the notable association of elevated circulating platelet counts with the onset and prognosis of various human malignancies, particularly lung cancer, which represents the primary focus of the current review. Key topics include an overview of the association of lung cancer with the circulating platelet count, as well as the mechanisms of platelet-mediated, pro-tumorigenic immunosuppression, particularly the role of transforming growth factor beta 1. These issues are followed by a discussion regarding the pro-tumorigenic role of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), the most abundant type of microparticles (MPs) in human blood. In this context, the presence of increased levels of PMPs in the blood of lung cancer patients has been associated with tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis, which correlate with disease progression and decreased survival times. The final section of the review addresses, firstly, the role of cancer-related platelet activation and thrombosis in the pathogenesis of secondary cardiovascular disorders and the associated mortality, particularly in lung cancer, which is second only to disease progression; secondly, the review addresses the potential role of antiplatelet agents in the adjunctive therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (B.L.R.); (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.)
| | - Bernardo L. Rapoport
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (B.L.R.); (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.)
- The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
| | - Helen C. Steel
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (B.L.R.); (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.)
| | - Annette J. Theron
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; (B.L.R.); (H.C.S.); (A.J.T.)
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19
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Safaei S, Sajed R, Shariftabrizi A, Dorafshan S, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Dehghan Manshadi M, Madjd Z, Ghods R. Tumor matrix stiffness provides fertile soil for cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:143. [PMID: 37468874 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a mechanical characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that increases from the tumor core to the tumor periphery in a gradient pattern in a variety of solid tumors and can promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation capabilities. CSCs are thought to be responsible for metastasis, tumor recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and consequently poor clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that matrix stiffness can activate receptors and mechanosensor/mechanoregulator proteins such as integrin, FAK, and YAP, modulating the characteristics of tumor cells as well as CSCs through different molecular signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics could lead to development of innovative cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss how the stiffness of the ECM is sensed by the cells and how the cells respond to this environmental change as well as the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics and also the key malignant processes such as proliferation and EMT. Then, we specifically focus on how increased matrix stiffness affects CSCs in breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss how the molecules responsible for increased matrix stiffness and the signaling pathways activated by the enhanced stiffness can be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Safaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Roya Sajed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shariftabrizi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shima Dorafshan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Leili Saeednejad Zanjani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
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20
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Li P, Hao X, Liu J, Zhang Q, Liang Z, Li X, Liu H. miR-29a-3p Regulates Autophagy by Targeting Akt3-Mediated mTOR in SiO 2-Induced Lung Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11440. [PMID: 37511199 PMCID: PMC10380316 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a refractory pneumoconiosis of unknown etiology that is characterized by diffuse lung fibrosis, and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is connected to silicosis. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNAs modulate pulmonary fibrosis through autophagy; however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In agreement with miRNA microarray analysis, the qRT-PCR results showed that miR-29a-3p was significantly decreased in the pulmonary fibrosis model both in vitro and in vivo. Increased autophagosome was observed via transmission electron microscopy in lung epithelial cell models and lung tissue of silicosis mice. The expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3α/β and Beclin1 were upregulated. The results from using 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, or rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, together with TGF-β1, indicated that autophagy attenuates fibrosis by protecting lung epithelial cells. In TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells, transfection with miR-29a-3p mimics activated protective autophagy and reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen I expression. miRNA TargetScan predicted, and dual-luciferase reporter experiments identified Akt3 as a direct target of miR-29a-3p. Furthermore, Akt3 expression was significantly elevated in the silicosis mouse model and TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of the autophagy process. Silencing Akt3 inhibited the transduction of the mTOR signaling pathway and activated autophagy in TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells. These results show that miR-29a-3p overexpression can partially reverse the fibrotic effects by activating autophagy of the pulmonary epithelial cells regulated by the Akt3/mTOR pathway. Therefore, targeting miR-29a-3p may provide a new therapeutic strategy for silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaohui Hao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Qinxin Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Zixuan Liang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinran Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
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21
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Alexova R, Alexandrova S, Dragomanova S, Kalfin R, Solak A, Mehan S, Petralia MC, Fagone P, Mangano K, Nicoletti F, Tancheva L. Anti-COVID-19 Potential of Ellagic Acid and Polyphenols of Punica granatum L. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093772. [PMID: 37175181 PMCID: PMC10180134 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a rich source of polyphenols, including ellagitannins and ellagic acid. The plant is used in traditional medicine, and its purified components can provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and support of host defenses during viral infection and recovery from disease. Current data show that pomegranate polyphenol extract and its ellagitannin components and metabolites exert their beneficial effects by controlling immune cell infiltration, regulating the cytokine secretion and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production, and by modulating the activity of the NFκB pathway. In vitro, pomegranate extracts and ellagitannins interact with and inhibit the infectivity of a range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. In silico docking studies show that ellagitannins bind to several SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins, including a number of proteases. This warrants further exploration of polyphenol-viral and polyphenol-host interactions in in vitro and in vivo studies. Pomegranate extracts, ellagitannins and ellagic acid are promising agents to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to restrict the host inflammatory response to viral infections, as well as to supplement the depleted host antioxidant levels during the stage of recovery from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralitza Alexova
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Medical University-Sofia, Zdrave Str. 2, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Simona Alexandrova
- Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stela Dragomanova
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Marin Drinov Str. 55, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Reni Kalfin
- Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Healthcare, South-West University "Neofit Rilski", Ivan Mihailov Str. 66, 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
| | - Ayten Solak
- Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technologies, Cherni Vrah Blvd. 5, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Neuroscience, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga 142001, India
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lyubka Tancheva
- Department of Biological Effects of Natural and Synthetic Substances, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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22
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Zhang Y, Xiao WH, Huang YX, Yang YY, Ouyang SX, Liang YM, Liu KH. miR-128-3p inhibits high-glucose-induced peritoneal mesothelial cells fibrosis via PAK2/SyK/TGF-β1 axis. Ther Apher Dial 2023; 27:343-352. [PMID: 35900049 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To elucidate the mechanism of miR-128-3p in peritoneal fibrosis (PF). METHODS Peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) were dealt with high glucose (HG) for 3 days. The expressions of miR-128-3p, p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2), spleen tyrosine kinase (SyK), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were detected with quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in supernatant were measured by ELISA. Proteins of TGF-β1, SyK, PAK2, α-SMA, collagen I, vimentin, ERK/AP-1, and IκBα/NF-κB pathway related proteins were measured by Western blot. The correlation between miR-128-3p and PAK2 was found by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene analysis. RESULTS miR-128-3p was decreased while PAK2, SyK, and TGF-β1 were increased in HG-induced PMCs. Moreover, miR-128-3p inhibited HG-induced fibrosis and inflammation in PMCs by targeting PAK2. PAK2 activated SyK, which induced TGF-β1 expression through ERK/AP-1 and IκBα/NF-κB pathways to promote HG-induced fibrosis of PMCs. CONCLUSION miR-128-3p inhibited HG-induced PMCs fibrosis via PAK2/SyK/TGF-β1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wu-Hao Xiao
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Xiong Huang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Ya Yang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sha-Xi Ouyang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu-Mei Liang
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kang-Han Liu
- Department of Nephrology and Laboratory of Kidney Disease, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Hunan Clinical Research Center for Chronic Kidney Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
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23
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Chemparathy DT, Sil S, Callen S, Chand HS, Sopori M, Wyatt TA, Acharya A, Byrareddy SN, Fox HS, Buch S. Inflammation-Associated Lung Tissue Remodeling and Fibrosis in Morphine-Dependent SIV-Infected Macaques. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:380-391. [PMID: 37003622 PMCID: PMC10116601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, improved survival of people with HIV (PWH) is accompanied with increased prevalence of HIV-associated comorbidities. Chronic lung anomalies are recognized as one of the most devastating sequelae in PWH. The limited available data describing the lung complications in PWH with a history of opioid abuse warrants more research to better define the course of disease pathogenesis. The current study was conducted to investigate the progression of lung tissue remodeling in a morphine (Mor)-exposed rhesus macaque model of SIV infection. Pathologic features of lung remodeling, including histopathologic changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and proliferation of fibroblasts, were investigated in archival lung tissues of SIVmac-251/macaque model with or without Mor dependence. Lungs of Mor-exposed, SIV-infected macaques exhibited significant fibrotic changes and collagen deposition in the alveolar and the bronchiolar region. There was increased oxidative stress, profibrotic transforming growth factor-β, fibroblast proliferation and trans-differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and matrix degradation in SIV-infected macaques, which was further exacerbated in the lungs of Mor-exposed macaques. Interestingly, there was decreased inflammation-associated remodeling in Mor-dependent SIV-infected macaques compared with SIV-infected macaques that did not receive Mor. Thus, the current findings suggest that SIV independently induces fibrotic changes in macaque lungs, which is further aggravated by Mor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya T Chemparathy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Susmita Sil
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Shannon Callen
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Hitendra S Chand
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Mohan Sopori
- Respiratory Immunology Division, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Todd A Wyatt
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska; Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Howard S Fox
- Department of Neurological Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
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24
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Hazimeh D, Massoud G, Parish M, Singh B, Segars J, Islam MS. Green Tea and Benign Gynecologic Disorders: A New Trick for An Old Beverage? Nutrients 2023; 15:1439. [PMID: 36986169 PMCID: PMC10054707 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Green tea is harvested from the tea plant Camellia sinensis and is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. It is richer in antioxidants than other forms of tea and has a uniquely high content of polyphenolic compounds known as catechins. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major green tea catechin, has been studied for its potential therapeutic role in many disease contexts, including pathologies of the female reproductive system. As both a prooxidant and antioxidant, EGCG can modulate many cellular pathways important to disease pathogenesis and thus has clinical benefits. This review provides a synopsis of the current knowledge on the beneficial effects of green tea in benign gynecological disorders. Green tea alleviates symptom severity in uterine fibroids and improves endometriosis through anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. Additionally, it can reduce uterine contractility and improve the generalized hyperalgesia associated with dysmenorrhea and adenomyosis. Although its role in infertility is controversial, EGCG can be used as a symptomatic treatment for menopause, where it decreases weight gain and osteoporosis, as well as for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - James Segars
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women’s Health Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Md Soriful Islam
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women’s Health Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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25
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Chiou WC, Huang GJ, Chang TY, Hsia TL, Yu HY, Lo JM, Fu PK, Huang C. Ovatodiolide inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis through suppression of the TGF-β/TβRs signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114481. [PMID: 36906971 PMCID: PMC9998303 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114481] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to pose threats to public health. The clinical manifestations of lung pathology in COVID-19 patients include sustained inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. The macrocyclic diterpenoid ovatodiolide (OVA) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, and analgesic activities. Here, we investigated the pharmacological mechanism of OVA in suppressing SARS-CoV-2 infection and pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that OVA was an effective SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitor and showed remarkable inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. On the other hand, OVA ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-induced mice, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the lung. OVA decreased the levels of pulmonary hydroxyproline and myeloperoxidase, as well as lung and serum TNF-ɑ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrotic mice. Meanwhile, OVA reduced the migration and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion of TGF-β1-induced fibrotic human lung fibroblasts. Consistently, OVA downregulated TGF-β/TβRs signaling. In computational analysis, OVA resembles the chemical structures of the kinase inhibitors TβRI and TβRII and was shown to interact with the key pharmacophores and putative ATP-binding domains of TβRI and TβRII, showing the potential of OVA as an inhibitor of TβRI and TβRII kinase. In conclusion, the dual function of OVA highlights its potential for not only fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection but also managing injury-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chung Chiou
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112304, Taiwan.
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City 404333, Taiwan; Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung City 413305, Taiwan.
| | - Tein-Yao Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, New Taipei City 237010, Taiwan.
| | - Tzu-Lan Hsia
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112304, Taiwan.
| | - Hao-You Yu
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112304, Taiwan.
| | - Jir-Mehng Lo
- Industrial Technology Research Institute, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Hsinchu City 310401, Taiwan.
| | - Pin-Kuei Fu
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402010, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407219, Taiwan; Integrated Care Center of Interstitial Lung Disease, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407219, Taiwan; College of Human Science and Social Innovation, Hungkuang University, Taichung City 433304, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112304, Taiwan.
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26
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Li S, Ye Q, Wei J, Taleb SJ, Wang H, Zhang Y, Kass DJ, Horowitz JC, Zhao J, Zhao Y. Nedd4L suppression in lung fibroblasts facilitates pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. Transl Res 2023; 253:1-7. [PMID: 36257596 PMCID: PMC10167741 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation is associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. We and others have shown that Nedd4L plays anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic roles by targeting lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1), p-Smad2/3, and β-catenin, and other molecules for their degradation in lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts. However, the molecular regulation of Nedd4L expression in lung fibroblasts has not been studied. In this study, we find that Nedd4L levels are significantly suppressed in lung myofibroblasts in IPF patients and in experimental pulmonary fibrosis, and in TGF-β1-treated lung fibroblasts. Nedd4L knockdown promotes TGF-β1-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and lung myofibroblast differentiation. Mechanistically, Nedd4L targets TGF-β receptor II (TβRII), the first key enzyme of TGF-β1-mediated signaling, for its ubiquitination and degradation. Further, we show that inhibition of transcriptional factor E2F rescues Nedd4L levels and mitigates experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Together, our data reveal insight into mechanisms by which E2F-mediated Nedd4L suppression contributes to the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. This study provides evidence showing that upregulation of Nedd4L is a potential therapeutic strategy to treat fibrotic disorders including lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Qinmao Ye
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jianxin Wei
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sarah J Taleb
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Heather Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jeffrey C Horowitz
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; The Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; The Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; The Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
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27
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The Function and Therapeutic Potential of lncRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020154. [PMID: 36829433 PMCID: PMC9952806 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in cardiovascular diseases. Fibrosis of the myocardium plays a key role in the clinical outcomes of patients with heart injuries. Moderate fibrosis is favorable for cardiac structure maintaining and contractile force transmission, whereas adverse fibrosis generally progresses to ventricular remodeling and cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are multifactorial and complex. Several molecular mechanisms, such as TGF-β signaling pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, and non-coding RNAs, positively or negatively regulate myocardial fibrosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant mediators in gene regulation in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are crucial in genetic programming and gene expression during myocardial fibrosis. We summarize the function of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis and their contributions to miRNA expression, TGF-β signaling, and ECMs synthesis, with a particular attention on the exosome-derived lncRNAs in the regulation of adverse fibrosis as well as the mode of action of lncRNAs secreted into exosomes. We also discuss how the current knowledge on lncRNAs can be applied to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse cardiac fibrosis.
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28
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Wang F, Stappenbeck F, Parhami F. Oxy210, a Semi-Synthetic Oxysterol, Inhibits Profibrotic Signaling in Cellular Models of Lung and Kidney Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 36678611 PMCID: PMC9862207 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010114] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxy210, a semi-synthetic oxysterol derivative, displays cell-selective inhibition of Hedgehog (Hh) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages as well as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in models of liver fibrosis. In the present report, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in cellular models of lung and kidney fibrosis, such as human lung fibroblast cell lines IMR-90, derived from healthy lung tissue, and LL97A, derived from an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patient. In addition, we examine the effects of Oxy210 in primary human renal fibroblasts, pericytes, mesangial cells, and renal tubular epithelial cells, known for their involvement in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney fibrosis. We demonstrate in fibroblasts that the expression of several profibrotic TGF-β target genes, including fibronectin (FN), collagen 1A1 (COL1A1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are inhibited by Oxy210, both at the basal level and following TGF-β stimulation in a statistically significant manner. The inhibition of COL1A1 gene expression translated directly to significantly reduced COL1A1 protein expression. In human primary small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) and renal tubular epithelial cells, Oxy210 significantly inhibited TGF-β target gene expression associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Oxy210 also inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts, pericytes, and mesangial cells in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farhad Parhami
- MAX BioPharma, Inc., 2870 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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Staab-Weijnitz CA, Onursal C, Nambiar D, Vanacore R. Assessment of Collagen in Translational Models of Lung Research. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1413:213-244. [PMID: 37195533 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26625-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in lung health and disease. Collagen is the main component of the lung ECM, widely used for the establishment of in vitro and organotypic models of lung disease, and as scaffold material of general interest for the field of lung bioengineering. Collagen also is the main readout for fibrotic lung disease, where collagen composition and molecular properties are drastically changed and ultimately result in dysfunctional "scarred" tissue. Because of the central role of collagen in lung disease, quantification, determination of molecular properties, and three-dimensional visualization of collagen is important for both development and characterization of translational models of lung research. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview on the various methodologies currently available for quantification and characterization of collagen including their detection principles, advantages, and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Staab-Weijnitz
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ceylan Onursal
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Deepika Nambiar
- Center for Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roberto Vanacore
- Center for Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Wu Y, Luo J, Song X, Gu W, Wang S, Hao S, Dong Z, Ning Z. Irisin attenuates angiotensin II-induced atrial fibrillation and atrial fibrosis via LOXL2 and TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:717-724. [PMID: 37275755 PMCID: PMC10237168 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68639.14967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Irisin was reported as a cardioprotective and anti-oxidative effector, while the effect on atrial fibrosis is unknown. The current research examined irisin's function in atrial fibrillation (AF); atrial fibrosis brought on by Ang II can be suppressed, thus lessening the risk of developing AF. Materials and Methods 246 individuals were enrolled in the present case-control study. Chinese AF patients (n=126), 83 of whom were paroxysmal AF (PAF), 43 patients with persistent AF (PeAF), and 120 healthy controls. Saline or Ang II (2.0 mg/kg/day) was subcutaneously injected into healthy male C57BL/6 mice for four weeks. Once daily for four weeks, intraperitoneal injections of exogenous irisin (500 g/kg/day) were administered. Results In comparison to PAF patients and healthy controls (all P<0.05), PeAF patients had significantly higher rates of heart failure (HF), large left atrial size (LAD), hypertrophic protein B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), while superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was low. Expression of irisin was decreased in AF patients' serum and Ang II-infused mice. Exogenous irisin dramatically reduced apoptosis, atrial fibrosis, atrial inflammation, and the susceptibility to AF caused by Ang II. In the atrial tissue, irisin inhibited Ang II-induced fibroblast transdifferentiation, LOXL2, TGF-β1, collagen production, and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Conclusion The study results speculated that irisin could be a potential AF target, and it inhibited atrial fibrosis and significantly impaired increased AF susceptibility through inactivation of LOXL2 and the TGF-β/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbiao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Xiang Song
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Saihua Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Shuwen Hao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Zhiwu Dong
- Department of Cardiology, People’s Hospital of Shache County, Xinjiang, 844700, China
| | - Zhongping Ning
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai 201318, China
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Zulaziz N, Chai SJ, Lim KP. The origins, roles and therapies of cancer associated fibroblast in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151373. [PMID: 37035187 PMCID: PMC10076538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151373] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. It is often preceded by chronic inflammation such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Different cell types are believed to give rise to liver-specific cancer associated fibroblast (CAF), these include resident fibroblast, hepatic stellate cell, liver cancer cell, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell and mesenchymal stromal cell. The abundance of fibroblasts has contributed to the cancer progression, immune modulation and treatment resistance in HCC. In this review, we discussed the origins, subtypes and roles of cancer associated fibroblasts in HCC. Their specific roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment, facilitating cancer growth, and modulating different immune cell types to confer a permissive environment for cancer growth. CAF is now an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, however specific therapeutic development in HCC is still lacking. Hence, we have included preclinical and clinical development of CAF-specific interventions for other cancer types in this review. However, most CAF-specific therapies have resulted in disappointing clinical outcomes, likely due to the difficulties in differentiating CAF from normal fibroblast. A thorough understanding of the characteristics and functionalities of CAF is warranted to further improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CAF therapies.
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Serra-Bardenys G, Peiró S. Enzymatic lysine oxidation as a posttranslational modification. FEBS J 2022; 289:8020-8031. [PMID: 34535954 PMCID: PMC10078733 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Oxidoreductases catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions and comprise a very large and diverse group of enzymes, which can be subclassified depending on the catalytic mechanisms of the enzymes. One of the most prominent oxidative modifications in proteins is carbonylation, which involves the formation of aldehyde and keto groups in the side chain of lysines. This modification can alter the local macromolecular structure of proteins, thereby regulating their function, stability, and/or localization, as well as the nature of any protein-protein and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions. In this review, we focus on copper-dependent amine oxidases, which catalyze oxidative deamination of amines to aldehydes. In particular, we discuss oxidation reactions that involve lysine residues and that are regulated by members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of proteins. We summarize what is known about the newly identified substrates and how this posttranslational modification regulates protein function in different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Peiró
- Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
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PEAR1 regulates expansion of activated fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix in pulmonary fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7114. [PMID: 36402779 PMCID: PMC9675736 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34870-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic interstitial lung disease that causes irreversible and progressive lung scarring and respiratory failure. Activation of fibroblasts plays a central role in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Here we show that platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1) in fibroblasts may serve as a target for pulmonary fibrosis therapy. Pear1 deficiency in aged mice spontaneously causes alveolar collagens accumulation. Mesenchyme-specific Pear1 deficiency aggravates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, confirming that PEAR1 potentially modulates pulmonary fibrosis progression via regulation of mesenchymal cell function. Moreover, single cell and bulk tissue RNA-seq analysis of pulmonary fibroblast reveals the expansion of Activated-fibroblast cluster and enrichment of marker genes in extracellular matrix development in Pear1-/- fibrotic lungs. We further show that PEAR1 associates with Protein Phosphatase 1 to suppress fibrotic factors-induced intracellular signalling and fibroblast activation. Intratracheal aerosolization of monoclonal antibodies activating PEAR1 greatly ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in both WT and Pear1-humanized mice, significantly improving their survival rate.
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Lysyl Oxidase Family Proteins: Prospective Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012270. [PMID: 36293126 PMCID: PMC9602794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The lysyl oxidase (LOX) family, consisting of LOX and LOX-like proteins 1–4 (LOXL1–4), is responsible for the covalent crosslinking of collagen and elastin, thus maintaining the stability of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and functioning in maintaining connective tissue function, embryonic development, and wound healing. Recent studies have found the aberrant expression or activity of the LOX family occurs in various types of cancer. It has been proved that the LOX family mainly performs tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling function and is extensively involved in tumor invasion and metastasis, immunomodulation, proliferation, apoptosis, etc. With relevant translational research in progress, the LOX family is expected to be an effective target for tumor therapy. Here, we review the research progress of the LOX family in tumor progression and therapy to provide novel insights for future exploration of relevant tumor mechanism and new therapeutic targets.
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Alpinetin Suppresses Effects of TGF-β1 on Stimulating the Production and Organization of Fibrotic Markers in Human Primary Dermal Fibroblasts. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172731. [PMID: 36078140 PMCID: PMC9455016 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172731] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Overgrowths of dermal fibroblasts and myofibroblast phenoconversion in response to TGF-β stimulation are the hallmarks of skin fibrosis. Constitutive activation of dermal fibroblasts by TGF-β induces the excessive production of extracellular matrix as well as certain key intracellular proteins which form a complex interaction network. Current therapies include monoclonal anti-bodies against TGF-β and surgery, but these treatments generally elicit a limited effect on certain kinds of skin fibrosis. In the current study, we investigated the effects of alpinetin (AP) on human primary dermal fibroblasts (HPDFs) stimulated with TGF-β1. Results demonstrated that AP exhibited strong inhibitory effects on TGF-β1-induced proliferation and migration of HPDFs. AP also inhibited TGF-β1-induced morphological changes of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, and these were found to be from its effects on blocking actin stress fiber formation and organization. The expression of major fibrotic molecules including α-SMA and type I collagen upon TGF-β1 stimulation was also inhibited by AP. In addition, AP attenuated TGF-β1-induced production and organization of vimentin, β-catenin, and N-cadherin, important for the pathophysiology of skin fibrosis. In conclusion, we revealed that AP has an ability to reverse the fibrotic effects of TGF-β1 at the cellular level, and this discovery suggests the therapeutic potential of AP for skin fibrosis.
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Duan W, Zhang B, Li X, Chen W, Jia S, Xin Z, Jian Q, Jian F, Chou D, Chen Z. Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals intra-tumoral heterogeneity in human chordomas. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2185-2195. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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TGF-β1/Smad3 upregulates UCA1 to promote liver fibrosis through DKK1 and miR18a. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:1465-1478. [PMID: 36001113 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
TGF-β1 is the strongest cytokine known to promote liver fibrosis. It has been previously demonstrated that the activation of TGF-β1 initiates a temporary collagen accumulation program, which is important for wound repair in several organs. Furthermore, temporary extracellular matrix enhancement often leads to progressive fibrosis, which is accountable for cases of severe morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, its action mechanism has not been fully explored. It was previously reported that UCA1 could promote its occurrence and development in various tumors. Importantly, it was reported that TGF-β1 could activate the expression of UCA1 in liver cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. However, the role of UCA1 in organ fibrosis, including liver fibrosis, remains unreported. The present study reported for the first time that TGF-β1/Smad3 could promote liver fibrosis by upregulating UCA1, which further affected DKK1 and collagen, such as COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1. Meanwhile, UCA1 could competitively bind with miR18a to stabilize Smad3 to constitute a positive feedback pathway, which played a significant role in the promotion of liver fibrosis. Altogether, the present study provides a theoretical basis for devising promising treatment strategies for liver fibrosis. KEY MESSAGES : UCA1 was found to promote the progression of liver fibrosis in vitro. UCA1 is regulated by TGF-β1 and promotes liver fibrosis through the canonical Smad pathway. UCA1 can competitively bind with miR18a, promote liver fibrosis by stabilizing Smad3, and form a UCA1-miR18a/Smad3 positive feedback. UCA1 binds EZH2 to inhibit the DKK1 expression and promote liver fibrosis.
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Zhu Y, Li X, Wang L, Hong X, Yang J. Metabolic reprogramming and crosstalk of cancer-related fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:988295. [PMID: 36046791 PMCID: PMC9421293 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.988295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is notorious that cancer cells alter their metabolism to adjust to harsh environments of hypoxia and nutritional starvation. Metabolic reprogramming most often occurs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). TME is defined as the cellular environment in which the tumor resides. This includes surrounding blood vessels, fibroblasts, immune cells, signaling molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is increasingly recognized that cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells within TME can regulate tumor progression through metabolic reprogramming. As the most significant proportion of cells among all the stromal cells that constitute TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. Multitudinous studies have shown that CAFs participate in and promote tumor metabolic reprogramming and exert regulatory effects via the dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that curbing the substance exchange between CAFs and tumor cells can dramatically restrain tumor growth. Emerging studies suggest that CAFs within the TME have emerged as important determinants of metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming also occurs in the metabolic pattern of immune cells. In the meanwhile, immune cell phenotype and functions are metabolically regulated. Notably, immune cell functions influenced by metabolic programs may ultimately lead to alterations in tumor immunity. Despite the fact that multiple previous researches have been devoted to studying the interplays between different cells in the tumor microenvironment, the complicated relationship between CAFs and immune cells and implications of metabolic reprogramming remains unknown and requires further investigation. In this review, we discuss our current comprehension of metabolic reprogramming of CAFs and immune cells (mainly glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolism) and crosstalk between them that induces immune responses, and we also highlight their contributions to tumorigenesis and progression. Furthermore, we underscore potential therapeutic opportunities arising from metabolism dysregulation and metabolic crosstalk, focusing on strategies targeting CAFs and immune cell metabolic crosstalk in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Hong
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of General surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
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Identification of an Amino Acid Metabolism Signature Participating in Immunosuppression in Ovarian Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4525540. [PMID: 35783506 PMCID: PMC9242802 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4525540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most fatal gynecologic cancer types, and its heterogeneity in the microenvironment limited the efficacy of the current treatment. In this study, we aimed at building a risk score to predict patient survival based on the amino acid metabolic genes and TCGA RNA-seq dataset (n = 376). We first used univariate analysis and PCA to select and test the survival-related genes, and the LASSO regression was applied to build the risk score signature with prediction accuracy estimation by survival analysis and ROC. We then conducted GSEA and GSVA to investigate the biological roles of the signature and run ESTIMATE and 4 different immunocyte infiltration algorithms to investigate the immunological diversity between the risk groups. Furthermore, the immune checkpoint expression was compared. We finally explored the cMap and PRISM database to screen out sensitive drugs for high-risk patients and analyzed the oncogenic role of TPH1 by clone formation and transwell migration assays. As a result, the risk score predicted patients' survival and stage with high accuracy. We found that the signature mainly affected the extracellular activities and cancer immunity by functional enrichment. We further discovered that the high-risk OV harbored a high level of stromal cell infiltration and was associated with highly infiltrated fibroblasts and decreased CD8+ T cells. The immune checkpoint analyses showed that TGFB1 and CD276 were upregulated. Finally, we screened out 4 PRISM drugs with lower IC50 in the high-risk group and validated the oncogenic role of TPH1 in OV cancers. We believe this research offered a novel understanding of the interplay between amino acid metabolism and immunity in OV and will benefit patients with better prognostic management and therapeutic strategy development.
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Luo Z, Yao X, Li M, Fang D, Fei Y, Cheng Z, Xu Y, Zhu B. Modulating tumor physical microenvironment for fueling CAR-T cell therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114301. [PMID: 35439570 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved unprecedented clinical success against hematologic malignancies. However, the transition of CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors is limited by heterogenous antigen expression, immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME), immune adaptation of tumor cells and impeded CAR-T-cell infiltration/transportation. Recent studies increasingly reveal that tumor physical microenvironment could affect various aspects of tumor biology and impose profound impacts on the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this review, we discuss the critical roles of four physical cues in solid tumors for regulating the immune responses of CAR-T cells, which include solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, stiffness and microarchitecture. We highlight new strategies exploiting these features to enhance the therapeutic potency of CAR-T cells in solid tumors by correlating with the state-of-the-art technologies in this field. A perspective on the future directions for developing new CAR-T therapies for solid tumor treatment is also provided.
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Loureirin B Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting PAI-1/TGF- β1/Smad Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9128210. [PMID: 35535157 PMCID: PMC9078770 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9128210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury is a common clinical problem after myocardial infarction without effective therapy. Loureirin B (LrB) is a kind of flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities. However, the effect of LrB on MI/R and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, a mouse model of MI/R was established by coronary artery occlusion. Administration of LrB (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks effectively improved left ventricular (LV) function and reduced myocardial infarction in MI/R mice. MI/R-induced expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the hearts was reduced by LrB treatment. Histological analysis showed that LrB attenuated myocardial collagen deposition. LrB downregulated fibronectin, collagen I, collagen III, and α-SMA expression. Notably, LrB inhibited the expression of profibrotic plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β1R, and p-Smad2/3. Consistently, LrB inhibited the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in angiotensin (Ang) II-treated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Overexpression of PAI-1 abolished the effects of LrB on Ang II-treated CFs, suggesting that LrB may function through regulating PAI-1. These results indicated that LrB may alleviate MI/R-induced myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting PAI-1/TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Thus, LrB may be a potential drug in the treatment of MI/R injury.
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Signaling cascades in the failing heart and emerging therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:134. [PMID: 35461308 PMCID: PMC9035186 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure is the end stage of cardiac diseases. With a high prevalence and a high mortality rate worldwide, chronic heart failure is one of the heaviest health-related burdens. In addition to the standard neurohormonal blockade therapy, several medications have been developed for chronic heart failure treatment, but the population-wide improvement in chronic heart failure prognosis over time has been modest, and novel therapies are still needed. Mechanistic discovery and technical innovation are powerful driving forces for therapeutic development. On the one hand, the past decades have witnessed great progress in understanding the mechanism of chronic heart failure. It is now known that chronic heart failure is not only a matter involving cardiomyocytes. Instead, chronic heart failure involves numerous signaling pathways in noncardiomyocytes, including fibroblasts, immune cells, vascular cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells, and crosstalk among these cells. The complex regulatory network includes protein-protein, protein-RNA, and RNA-RNA interactions. These achievements in mechanistic studies provide novel insights for future therapeutic targets. On the other hand, with the development of modern biological techniques, targeting a protein pharmacologically is no longer the sole option for treating chronic heart failure. Gene therapy can directly manipulate the expression level of genes; gene editing techniques provide hope for curing hereditary cardiomyopathy; cell therapy aims to replace dysfunctional cardiomyocytes; and xenotransplantation may solve the problem of donor heart shortages. In this paper, we reviewed these two aspects in the field of failing heart signaling cascades and emerging therapeutic strategies based on modern biological techniques.
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Fu X, Li T, Yao Q. The Effect of Ophiopogonin C in Ameliorating Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in C57BL/6 Mice: An Update Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811183. [PMID: 35433490 PMCID: PMC9007236 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess and update the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Ophiopogonin C (OP-C), a biologically active component separated and purified from Ophiopogon japonicus, in ameliorating radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice administered thoracic radiation. Methods and Materials We randomly divided 75 mice into five groups and administered a dose of 12-Gy whole thoracic radiation to establish a pulmonary fibrosis animal model. Mice were treated with OP-C or dexamethasone combined with or without cephalexin by daily gavage for 4 weeks. All mice were sacrificed after the completion of thoracic irradiation at 28 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were evaluated. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in lung tissue were measured. The severity of fibrosis was evaluated using the hydroxyproline content of the lung tissue. The pathological changes in the five groups were detected by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining. Smooth muscle actin expression was detected using immunohistochemical staining. Matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases-2 (TIMP-2) were examined by immunohistochemical staining of the lung sections, and semiquantitative analysis was used to calculate the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2. Results Irradiated mice treated with OP-C or DXE combined with or without cephalexin significantly reduced mortality in mice and fibrosis levels by 1) reducing the deposition of collagen and accumulation of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, 2) downgrading levels of the promote-fibrosis cytokine TGF-β1, and 3) increasing SOD activity in the lung tissue compared with that of irradiated mice without treatment. However, there were no statistical differences in fibrosis levels among the irradiated mice treated with OP-C or DXE combined with or without cephalexin. Conclusion OP-C significantly ameliorates radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis and may be a promising therapeutic strategy for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Fu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiwei Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital & Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Ramis J, Middlewick R, Pappalardo F, Cairns JT, Stewart ID, John AE, Naveed SUN, Krishnan R, Miller S, Shaw DE, Brightling CE, Buttery L, Rose F, Jenkins G, Johnson SR, Tatler AL. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 is increased in asthma and contributes to asthmatic airway remodelling. Eur Respir J 2022; 60:13993003.04361-2020. [PMID: 34996828 PMCID: PMC9260127 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.04361-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are fundamental to asthma pathogenesis, influencing bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodelling. The extracellular matrix (ECM) can influence tissue remodelling pathways; however, to date no study has investigated the effect of ASM ECM stiffness and cross-linking on the development of asthmatic airway remodelling. We hypothesised that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activation by ASM cells is influenced by ECM in asthma and sought to investigate the mechanisms involved. Methods This study combines in vitro and in vivo approaches: human ASM cells were used in vitro to investigate basal TGF-β activation and expression of ECM cross-linking enzymes. Human bronchial biopsies from asthmatic and nonasthmatic donors were used to confirm lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) expression in ASM. A chronic ovalbumin (OVA) model of asthma was used to study the effect of LOXL2 inhibition on airway remodelling. Results We found that asthmatic ASM cells activated more TGF-β basally than nonasthmatic controls and that diseased cell-derived ECM influences levels of TGF-β activated. Our data demonstrate that the ECM cross-linking enzyme LOXL2 is increased in asthmatic ASM cells and in bronchial biopsies. Crucially, we show that LOXL2 inhibition reduces ECM stiffness and TGF-β activation in vitro, and can reduce subepithelial collagen deposition and ASM thickness, two features of airway remodelling, in an OVA mouse model of asthma. Conclusion These data are the first to highlight a role for LOXL2 in the development of asthmatic airway remodelling and suggest that LOXL2 inhibition warrants further investigation as a potential therapy to reduce remodelling of the airways in severe asthma. Novel role for matrix cross-linking enzyme LOXL2 in asthmatic airway remodelling: LOXL2 is increased in #asthma but LOXL2 inhibition reduces matrix stiffness in airway smooth muscle cells and reduces remodelling in vivohttps://bit.ly/3FnzGb3
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Affiliation(s)
- Jopeth Ramis
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Philippines
| | - Robert Middlewick
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Jennifer T Cairns
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Iain D Stewart
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Alison E John
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Shams-Un-Nisa Naveed
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Ramaswamy Krishnan
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Suzanne Miller
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK.,Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Dominick E Shaw
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Lee Buttery
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Felicity Rose
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.,Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Simon R Johnson
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, UK.,Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Amanda L Tatler
- Centre for Respiratory Research/ NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
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45
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Lu S, Hua J, Xu J, Wei M, Liang C, Meng Q, Liu J, Zhang B, Wang W, Yu X, Shi S. Turning towards nonimmunoreactive tumors: Evaluation of cancer-associated fibroblasts enables prediction of the immune microenvironment and treatment sensitivity in pancreatic cancer. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3911-3923. [PMID: 35950187 PMCID: PMC9334218 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified FGFR4 as a potential oncogene and CAFs target in pancreatic cancer. The study firstly utilized the fusion dataset to improve the prediction accuracy. Our CAF score exhibited ideal predictive competence for immunotherapy.
Increasing evidence has confirmed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) recruit and induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) and macrophages but inhibit cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration to a certain extent, indicating that CAFs have a significant influence on the immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, the effect of CAFs on the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. Our research identified remarkable variation in CAF-associated molecules in multiple cancer types at the genetic and transcriptome levels. Two phenotypes were identified for 476 pancreatic cancer samples, and the different phenotypes exhibited significant variation in immune and inflammatory characteristics. Phenotype 1 exhibited higher levels of immune infiltration and lower expression of tumor-associated gene signatures than phenotype 2. We used a multipart approach to assess the prognostic value of CAF-associated molecules and constructed a CAF score model that could accurately predict patient prognosis. The CAF score accurately predicted infiltrating immune cell abundance, chemosensitivity, and the response to immunotherapy. Additionally, we found that the CAF-associated molecule FGFR4 may promote the proliferation and migration and inhibit the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells and is correlated with immune infiltration, suggesting its potential role as an oncogene. CAFs may promote the malignant biological behavior of pancreatic cancer through FGFR4. In summary, our research highlights potential relationships of the dysregulation of CAF-associated molecules with genome alterations and carcinogenesis in multiple malignancies. Our CAF-associated phenotypes and scoring system may enhance the understanding of pancreatic cancer chemotherapy sensitivity and immunotherapy response, providing new insights for personalized chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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46
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Li H, Dong H, Xu B, Xiong QP, Li CT, Yang WQ, Li J, Huang ZX, Zeng QY, Wang ED, Liu RJ. A dual role of human tRNA methyltransferase hTrmt13 in regulating translation and transcription. EMBO J 2021; 41:e108544. [PMID: 34850409 PMCID: PMC8922252 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since numerous RNAs and RBPs prevalently localize to active chromatin regions, many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) may be potential transcriptional regulators. RBPs are generally thought to regulate transcription via noncoding RNAs. Here, we describe a distinct, dual mechanism of transcriptional regulation by the previously uncharacterized tRNA-modifying enzyme, hTrmt13. On one hand, hTrmt13 acts in the cytoplasm to catalyze 2'-O-methylation of tRNAs, thus regulating translation in a manner depending on its tRNA-modification activity. On the other hand, nucleus-localized hTrmt13 directly binds DNA as a transcriptional co-activator of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition factors, thereby promoting cell migration independent of tRNA-modification activity. These dual functions of hTrmt13 are mutually exclusive, as it can bind either DNA or tRNA through its CHHC zinc finger domain. Finally, we find that hTrmt13 expression is tightly associated with poor prognosis and survival in diverse cancer patients. Our discovery of the noncatalytic roles of an RNA-modifying enzyme provides a new perspective for understanding epitranscriptomic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Qing-Ping Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Cai-Tao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Qing Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Xuan Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Yu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - En-Duo Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Juan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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Li Y, Sun Y, Wu N, Ma H. GRK2 promotes activation of lung fibroblast cells and contributes to pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis through increasing Smad3 expression. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 322:C63-C72. [PMID: 34852209 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00347.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible interstitial lung disease. Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) plays a major role in lung fibroblast cell differentiation to myofibroblast cells and production of extracellular matrix, which are hallmarks of pulmonary fibrosis. G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) has been shown to play controversial roles in TGF-β1-induced signal transduction in different cell types; however, the roles of GRK2 in TGF-β1-induced activation of lung fibroblast cells and development of pulmonary fibrosis have not been revealed. In this study, we found that GRK2 levels were induced in lungs and isolated fibroblast cells in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis, as well as TGF-β1-treated lung fibroblasts. GRK2 levels were not changed in lungs in the injury phase of pulmonary fibrosis. Post-treatment with GRK2 inhibitor reduced ECM accumulation in lungs in bleomycin-challenged mice, suggesting that GRK2 activation contributes to the progressive phase of pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition or downregulation of GRK2 attenuates fibronectin, collagen, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast cells or myofibroblast cells isolated from pulmonary fibrosis patients. Further, we showed that GRK2 regulates Smad3 expression, indicating that inhibition of GRK2 attenuates ECM accumulation through downregulation of Smad3 expression. This study reveals that GRK2 is a therapeutic target in treating pulmonary fibrosis and inhibition of GRK2 dampens pulmonary fibrosis by suppression of Smad3 expression, eventually attenuating TGF-β1 signal pathway and ECM accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Li
- Department of Anesthesia, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Anesthesia, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Haichun Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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48
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Jung SY, Kim GD, Choi DW, Shin DU, Eom JE, Kim SY, Chai OH, Kim HJ, Lee SY, Shin HS. Epilobiumpyrricholophum Extract Suppresses Porcine Pancreatic Elastase and Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Inflammatory response in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model. Foods 2021; 10:foods10122929. [PMID: 34945480 PMCID: PMC8700438 DOI: 10.3390/foods10122929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic airway exposure to harmful substances, such as deleterious gases, cigarette smoke (CS), and particulate matter, triggers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by impaired lung function and unbridled immune responses. Emerging epigenomic and genomic evidence suggests that excessive recruitment of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils contributes to COPD pathogenesis by producing various inflammatory mediators, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutrophil elastase, interleukin (IL) 6, and IL8. Recent studies showed that Epilobium species attenuated ROS, myeloperoxidase, and inflammatory cytokine production in murine and human innate immune cells. Although the Epilobium genus exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, the question of whether the Epilobium species regulate lung inflammation and innate immune response in COPD has not been investigated. In this study, Epilobium pyrricholophum extract (EPE) suppressed inflammatory cell recruitment and clinical symptoms in porcine pancreatic elastase and CS extract-induced COPD mice. In addition, EPE attenuated inflammatory gene expression by suppressing MAPKs and NFκB activity. Furthermore, UPLC-Q-TOF MS analyses revealed the anti-inflammatory effects of the identified phytochemical constituents of EPE. Collectively, our studies revealed that EPE represses the innate immune response and inflammatory gene expression in COPD pathogenesis in mice. These findings provide insights into new therapeutic approaches for treating COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Jung
- Research Division of Food Functionality, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea; (S.Y.J.); (G.-D.K.); (D.W.C.)
- Department of Food Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea;
| | - Gun-Dong Kim
- Research Division of Food Functionality, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea; (S.Y.J.); (G.-D.K.); (D.W.C.)
| | - Dae Woon Choi
- Research Division of Food Functionality, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea; (S.Y.J.); (G.-D.K.); (D.W.C.)
- Department of Food Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea;
| | - Dong-Uk Shin
- Department of Food Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea;
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Eom
- Food Functional Evaluation Support Team, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea;
| | - Seung Yong Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea;
| | - Ok Hee Chai
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
| | - Hyun-Jin Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Department of Food Science and Technology, and Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinjudaero, Jinju 52828, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
- EZmass. Co. Ltd., 501 Jinjudaero, Jinju 55365, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
| | - So-Young Lee
- Department of Food Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea;
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-Y.L.); (H.S.S.); Tel.: +82-63-219-9348 (S.-Y.L.); +82-63-219-9296 (H.S.S.)
| | - Hee Soon Shin
- Research Division of Food Functionality, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju 55365, Korea; (S.Y.J.); (G.-D.K.); (D.W.C.)
- Department of Food Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea;
- Correspondence: (S.-Y.L.); (H.S.S.); Tel.: +82-63-219-9348 (S.-Y.L.); +82-63-219-9296 (H.S.S.)
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49
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Tong X, Zhang S, Wang D, Zhang L, Huang J, Zhang T, Fan H. Azithromycin Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Partly by Inhibiting the Expression of LOX and LOXL-2. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:709819. [PMID: 34803671 PMCID: PMC8602210 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.709819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive process of tissue repair. Azithromycin (AZM) may be beneficial for the treatment of PF because AZM has anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory roles and inhibits remodeling, but the mechanism is not entirely clear. In this study, we established a mouse PF model induced by bleomycin (BLM) and primary mouse lung fibroblasts stimulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to explore the possible mechanisms of AZM in PF. Results showed that AZM reduces mortality and lung inflammation and attenuates BLM-induced PF in mice. AZM effectively reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and type I collagen. Meanwhile, expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like protein (LOXL)-2 in the lung tissue of mice after AZM treatment was significantly lower than in the BLM group. In addition, this study found that AZM significantly inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathways in vivo, and expression of a-SMA, type I collagen, LOX and LOXL-2 in the lung tissue of mice treated with AZM was significantly lower than that in the BLM group. In vitro, AZM also effectively inhibited type I collagen, LOX, LOXL-2 and JNK-c-Jun signaling pathways in TGF-β1-stimulated primary mouse fibroblasts, and this effect was similar to that of a JNK-specific inhibitor (SP600125). In conclusion, AZM effectively attenuated BLM-induced PF in mice, which may play a role by partially inhibiting the JNK/c-Jun and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathways and reducing production of LOX and LOXL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Tong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongguang Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jizheng Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianli Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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50
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Liu J, Li F, Liu B, Yao Z, Li L, Liu G, Peng L, Wang Y, Huang J. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes inhibit transforming growth factor-β1-induced collagen synthesis in oral mucosal fibroblasts. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1419. [PMID: 34707701 PMCID: PMC8543178 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant oral disorder that requires the further development of advanced treatment strategies. TGF-β1 has been reported to be the main trigger for the increased collagen production and reduced activity of matrix degradation pathways in OSF. Exosomes are key mediators of paracrine signaling that have been proposed for direct use as therapeutic agents for tissue repair and regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) exosomes (ADSC-Exos) on TGF-β1-treated oral fibroblasts in vitro and to unravel the potential underlying mechanism of action. Oral mucosal fibroblasts were obtained from the buccal tissues of patients without OSF during extraction of the third molar. ADSCs were obtained from three healthy female individuals during liposuction procedures. ADSC-Exos were isolated by ultracentrifugation and identified by electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking and western blotting. Immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry staining were performed to measure the expression levels of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin in the fibroblasts. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins associated with collagen production. The p38 MAPK activator anisomycin was used to identify the underlying mechanisms of the effects of ADSC-Exos on TGF-β1-induced collagen synthesis in oral mucosal fibroblasts. The results of the present study revealed that ADSC-Exos exhibited a cup- or sphere-shaped morphology, with a mean diameter of 58.01±16.17 nm. ADSC-Exos were also found to be positive for CD63 and tumor susceptibility 101 expression. ADSC-Exos treatment reversed the TGF-β1-induced upregulation of collagen I and III protein expression. In addition, in the presence of TGF-β1, the expression levels of collagen type I α 1 chain and collagen type III α 1 chain mRNA were downregulated, whilst the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1 and MMP3 were upregulated following ADSC-Exos treatment. The TGF-β1-induced upregulation in the phosphorylation of p38 in addition to the increased protein expression of collagens I and III were also reversed in fibroblasts following ADSC-Exos treatment. However, anisomycin treatment alleviated these ADSC-Exos-induced changes. In conclusion, findings from the present study suggest that ADSC-Exos may represent a promising strategy for OSF treatment by targeting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China.,Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Fuxingzi Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Binjie Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Yao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Long Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Gui Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China.,Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Urban Palliative Home Care, Grey Nuns Community Hospital, Edmonton, AB T5J3E4, Canada
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410018, P.R. China
| | - Junhui Huang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China.,Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center, Hunan Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
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