IL-27 inhibits the TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial cells

Hsa_circ_0004214 involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by beryllium sulfate through modulating JAK-STAT signaling pathway

Background

Chronic beryllium disease is characterized by granulomas and pulmonary fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases. However, the role of miRNAs and circRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis induced by beryllium sulfate (BeSO4) has not been elucidated.

Methods

Previous studies demonstrated hsa-miR-663b was down-regulated in the 150 μmol/L BeSO4-treated 16HBE cells, while hsa_circ_ 0004214 was up-regulated. Here we found epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involved in pulmonary fibrosis induced by BeSO4 (4, 8, and 12 mg/kg·BW) in SD rats.

Results

Elevated expression of hsa-miR-663b blocked the EMT progression of 16HBE cells induced by 150 μmol/L BeSO4. Notably, the overexpression of hsa-miR-663b decreased the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which was predicted as a target gene of hsa-miR-663b by bioinformatics tools. Furthermore, elevated miR-663b inhibited the activation of the downstream Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway induced by BeSO4 in 16HBE cells. Previous study suggested that hsa_circ_0004214 had binding sites for hsa-miR-663b. The results indicated hsa_circ_0004214 alleviated the BeSO4-induced EMT via JAK-STAT pathway in 16HBE cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, the overexpression of hsa-miR-663b and knockdown of hsa_circ_0004214 attenuated the EMT induced by BeSO4 through the inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling pathway. The aberrant expressed hsa-miR-663b and hsa_circ_0004214 stimulated by BeSO4 may exert an important function in the toxic mechanism of beryllium exposure to 16HBE cells, providing the potential therapeutic targets in chronic beryllium disease.

The Kruppel-like factor 4-signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A axis promotes pancreatic fibrosis in mice with caerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatic fibrosis (PF) is a hallmark of chronic pancreatitis (CP), but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore the role of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in PF in CP mice. The CP mouse model was established using caerulein. After KLF4 interference, pathological changes in pancreatic tissues and fibrosis degree were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining, and levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, and alpha-smooth muscle actin, inflammatory cytokines, KLF4, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5) in pancreatic tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot assay, and immunofluorescence. The enrichment of KLF4 on the STAT5 promoter and the binding of KLF4 to the STAT5 promoter were analyzed. The rescue experiments were performed by co-injection of sh-STAT5 and sh-KLF4 to confirm the regulatory mechanism of KLF4. KLF4 was upregulated in CP mice. Inhibition of KLF4 effectively attenuated pancreatic inflammation and PF in mice. KLF4 was enriched on the STAT5 promoter and enhanced the transcriptional and protein levels of STAT5. Overexpression of STAT5 reversed the inhibitory role of silencing KLF4 in PF. In summary, KLF4 promoted the transcription and expression of STAT5, which further facilitated PF in CP mice.

RSV infection does not induce EMT

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection does not cause severe disease in most of us despite suffering from multiple RSV infections in our lives. However, infants, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised patients are unfortunately vulnerable to RSV-associated severe diseases. A recent study suggested that RSV infection causes cell expansion, resulting in bronchial wall thickening in vitro. Whether the virus-induced changes in the lung airway resemble epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is still unknown. Here, we report that RSV does not induce EMT in three different in vitro lung models: the epithelial A549 cell line, primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells, and pseudostratified airway epithelium. We found that RSV increases the cell surface area and perimeter in the infected airway epithelium, which is distinct from the effects of a potent EMT inducer, TGF-β1-driven cell elongation-indicative of cell motility. A genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed that both RSV and TGF-β1 have distinct modulation patterns of the transcriptome, which suggests that RSV-induced changes are distinct from EMT.

Alterations in plasma miR-21, miR-590, miR-192 and miR-215 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and their clinical importance

BACKGROUND

Many studies have revealed that microRNA (miRNA) molecules may take part in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). But, the role of miRNAs in the development of IPF is not yet clear.

METHODS

We investigated the plasma levels of miR-21, miR-590, miR-192, and miR-215 in IPF (n = 88) and healthy control (n = 20) groups in this study. We compared the expression levels of target miRNAs in patients with IPF and healthy participants. We grouped the patients with IPF according to age, forced vital capacity, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO), gender-Age-pulmonary physiology (GAP) score, the presence of honeycombing and compared the expression levels of target miRNAs in these clinical subgroups.

RESULTS

82 (93.18%) of the patients with IPF were male and the mean age was 66.6 ± 8.6 years. There was no significant difference between the gender and age distributions of IPF and the control group. The mean plasma miR-21 and miR-590 levels in IPF group were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was no significant difference between the miR-192 and miR-215 expression levels of the IPF and control group. Both miR-21 and miR-590 correlated positively with age (p = 0.041, p = 0.007, respectively) while miR-192 and miR-215 displayed a negative correlation with age (p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001, respectively). The levels of miR-192 and miR-215 increased as the GAP score decreased. The levels of miR-192 in patients with honeycombing were significantly lower than in those without honeycombing (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that both miR-21 and miR-590 were overexpressed in IPF. The miR-21 and miR-590 were associated with DLCO, while miR-192 and miR-215 were associated with the GAP score and honeycombing.

The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression

Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.

Signaling Pathways Involved in Diabetic Renal Fibrosis

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is the major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal interstitial fibrosis is a crucial metabolic change in the late stage of DKD, which is always considered to be complex and irreversible. In this review, we discuss the pathological mechanisms of diabetic renal fibrosis and discussed some signaling pathways that are closely related to it, such as the TGF-β, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, and Notch pathways. The cross-talks among these pathways were then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind the tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Finally, we summarized the new drugs with potential therapeutic effects on renal fibrosis and listed related clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms and related pathways of renal fibrosis in DKD and to provide novel therapeutic intervention insights for clinical research to delay the progression of renal fibrosis.

Interleukin-27 Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovalbumin-Induced Mice Bronchial Epithelial Cells

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of bronchial epithelial cells is a critical mechanism involved in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) induced asthma airway remodeling. Previous study has shown that interleukin 27 (IL-27) attenuates EMT in alveolar epithelial cells, but its effects on the BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cell line EMT remain unknown. Herein, we explored the effects of IL-27 on BEAS-2B EMT in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo experiments, we found that IL-27 nose-drip therapy alleviated airway remodeling, increased the epithelial phenotypic marker epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin), and decreased the mesenchymal phenotypic marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) compared with the asthmatic control group. We also found that IL-27 suppressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice. in vitro, TGF-β1-induced EMT changes, including downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of α-SMA, were suppressed by IL-27 treatment. Additionally, STAT3 phosphorylation was activated by TGF-β1, whereas IL-27 inhibited the activation of TGF-β1 induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Our findings indicated that IL-27 could inhibit airway remodeling by attenuating bronchial epithelial cell EMT in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, IL-27 may be a beneficial therapeutic option targeting asthmatic airway remodeling.

Demethyleneberberine promotes apoptosis and suppresses TGF-β/Smads induced EMT in the colon cancer cells HCT-116

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumours in the world. Recent reports have revealed natural products displayed inhibition on colon cancer potential by suppressing transforming growth factor-β/Smads induced epidermal-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this article, 12 kinds of natural berberine analogues were screened for their effects on the inhibition of the colon cancer cells, the results showed that demethyleneberberine (DM-BBR) exhibited an interesting and potential effect on inducing the apoptosis of HCT-116 cells with drug concentrations of 6, 12 and 18 μM. Particularly, DM-BBR reversed the EMT process by inhibiting the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 in the transforming growth factor-β/Smads signal pathway, up-regulated pro-apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-9, and blocked cell cycle at the S phase and increasing the expression of cyclin proteins P27 and P21. Taken together, these findings suggested that DM-BBR could promote apoptosis and suppress TGF-β/Smads induced EMT in the colon cancer cells HCT-116.

Inflammatory mediators in various molecular pathways involved in the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of interstitial lung disease (ILD) that is marked by scarring of lung tissue, ultimately leading to respiratory failure. The survival rate of IPF is disappointing and to date demonstrates a clinical quandary. The exact etiology of the disease remains under discussion. According to the recent hypothesis, inflammatory mediators cause severe damage to the alveolar epithelium leading to the impairment of the alveolar structure. The role of inflammation in the development of the IPF has been controversial for years. There are two schools of thought regarding the role of inflammation. One group of researchers claims that cell death and fibroblast dysfunction are the primary causes and inflammation is just a secondary cause of IPF. The other group claims inflammation to be the primary cause. Studies using human subjects have also reported inflammation as a critical element in IPF. Inflammatory cytokinesserve amajor rolein commencing theinflammatoryresponse in the lungs. Several cytokines are reported to be involved in different molecular mechanisms underlying IPF, someof which alsocontribute additionally by acting as growth factors. The present review addressed to explore the contribution of various inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and various other inflammatory molecules activating the major molecular pathways involved during the development of IPF.

Responsiveness of human bronchial fibroblasts and epithelial cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors to the transforming growth factor-β1 in epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit model

BACKGROUND

The asthma-related airway wall remodeling is associated i.a. with a damage of bronchial epithelium and subepithelial fibrosis. Functional interactions between human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts are known as the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) and are necessary for a proper functioning of lung tissue. However, a high concentration of the transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) in the asthmatic bronchi drives the structural disintegrity of epithelium with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the bronchial epithelial cells, and of subepithelial fibrosis with the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) of the bronchial fibroblasts. Since previous reports indicate different intrinsic properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts which affect their EMT/FMT potential beetween cells derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients, cultured separatelly in vitro, we were interested to see whether corresponding effects could be obtained in a co-culture of the bronchial epithelial cells and bronchial fibroblasts. In this study, we investigate the effects of the TGF-β₁ on the EMT markers of the bronchial epithelial cells cultured in the air-liquid-interface and effectiveness of FMT in the bronchial fibroblast populations in the EMTU models.

RESULTS

Our results show that the asthmatic co-cultures are more sensitive to the TGF-β₁ than the non-asthmatic ones, which is associated with a higher potential of the asthmatic bronchial cells for a profibrotic response, analogously to be observed in '2D' cultures. They also indicate a noticeable impact of human bronchial epithelial cells on the TGF-β₁-induced FMT, stronger in the asthmatic bronchial fibroblast populations in comparison to the non-asthmatic ones. Moreover, our results suggest the protective effects of fibroblasts on the structure of the TGF-β₁-exposed mucociliary differentiated bronchial epithelial cells and their EMT potential.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data are the first to demonstrate a protective effect of the human bronchial fibroblasts on the properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells, which suggests that intrinsic properties of not only epithelium but also subepithelial fibroblasts affect a proper condition and function of the EMTU in both normal and asthmatic individuals.

The Effects of Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia in Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury on Pulmonary Fibrosis via Regulating the NF-κB/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is considered to be a surrogate of OSA. However, its exact role in pulmonary fibrosis remains uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism underlying CIH-induced pulmonary fibrosis and the role of the anti-fibrotic agent in bleomycin (BLE) induced lung injury.

Methods

Mice were divided into eight groups: the normoxia (NOR), CIH, NOR plus BLE, CIH plus BLE, NOR plus pirfenidone (PF), CIH plus PF, NOR plus BLE and PF, and CIH plus BLE and PF groups. BLE was administered intratracheally on day 14 following CIH or NOR exposure. Subsequently, the mice were exposed to CIH or NOR for an additional 4 weeks. PF was administered orally on day 5 after BLE instillation once daily for 3 weeks.

Results

In the BLE-treated groups, CIH-induced more collagen deposition in lung tissues than NOR, and significantly increased hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor-β expression. The CIH and BLE-treated groups showed increased lung inflammation compared to NOR or CIH groups. Following CIH with BLE treatment, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein expression was significantly increased, whereas nuclear factor-erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 protein levels were decreased. After PF treatment, NF-κB and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression were suppressed, and Nrf2 expression was increased.

Conclusion

CIH accelerated lung fibrosis in BLE-induced lung injury in mice, potentially by regulating the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our results implicate PF as a potential therapeutic agent for treating pulmonary fibrosis in individuals with OSA and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

IL-27 Rα+ cells promoted allorejection via enhancing STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation

Recently, emerging evidence strongly suggested that the activation of interleukin-27 Receptor α (IL-27Rα) could modulate different inflammatory diseases. However, whether IL-27Rα affects allotransplantation rejection is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of IL-27Rα on allorejection both in vivo and in vitro. The skin allotransplantation mice models were established, and the dynamic IL-27Rα/IL-27 expression was detected, and IL-27Rα⁺ spleen cells adoptive transfer was performed. STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with recombinant IL-27 (rIL-27) stimulation. Finally, IFN-γ/ IL-10 in graft/serum from model mice was detected. Results showed higher IL-27Rα/IL-27 expression in allografted group compared that syngrafted group on day 10 (top point of allorejection). IL-27Rα⁺ spleen cells accelerated allograft rejection in vivo. rIL-27 significantly promoted proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and increased STAT1/3/5 phosphorylation of alloreactive splenocytes, and these effects of rIL-27 could be almost totally blocked by JAK/ STAT inhibitor and anti-IL-27 p28 Ab. Finally, higher IL-27Rα⁺ IFN-γ⁺ cells and lower IL-27Rα⁺ IL-10⁺ cells within allografts, and high IFN-γ/low IL-10 in serum of allorejecting mice were detected. In conclusion, these data suggested that IL-27Rα⁺ cells apparently promoted allograft rejection through enhancing alloreactive proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis and up-regulating IFN-γ via enhancing STAT pathway. Blocking IL-27 pathway may favour to prevent allorejection, and IL-27Rα may be as a high selective molecule for targeting diagnosis and therapy for allotransplantation rejection.

IL-17A-producing T cells exacerbate fine particulate matter-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR-mediated autophagy

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary air pollutant that is able to induce airway injury. Compelling evidence has shown the involvement of IL-17A in lung injury, while its contribution to PM2.5-induced lung injury remains largely unknown. Here, we probed into the possible role of IL-17A in mouse models of PM2.5-induced lung injury. Mice were instilled with PM2.5 to construct a lung injury model. Flow cytometry was carried out to isolate γδT and Th17 cells. ELISA was adopted to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of lavage fluid. Primary bronchial epithelial cells (mBECs) were extracted, and the expression of TGF signalling pathway-, autophagy- and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway-related proteins in mBECs was detected by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot analysis. The mitochondrial function was also evaluated. PM2.5 aggravated the inflammatory response through enhancing the secretion of IL-17A by γδT/Th17 cells. Meanwhile, PM2.5 activated the TGF signalling pathway and induced EMT progression in bronchial epithelial cells, thereby contributing to pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, PM2.5 suppressed autophagy of bronchial epithelial cells by up-regulating IL-17A, which in turn activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, IL-17A impaired the energy metabolism of airway epithelial cells in the PM2.5-induced models. This study suggested that PM2.5 could inhibit autophagy of bronchial epithelial cells and promote pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis by inducing the secretion of IL-17A in γδT and Th17 cells and regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.

The impact of vitamin D3 intake on inflammatory markers in multiple sclerosis patients and their first-degree relatives

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In our previous study, a Seesaw model was proposed for the fluctuation of crucial anti- (IL-10) and pro-inflammatory (Il-6 & IL-17A) cytokines through vitamin D3. In this paper, however, it is intended to extend the mentioned model by assessing the expression mRNA levels of IL-27 and TGF-β1 as well as the changes of plasma levels of IL-27, TGF-β1, IL-17A, IL-10, and IL-6 after treatment by vitamin D3.

METHOD

Venous blood samples were drawn from Healthy Participants (HP, n = 25) and First-Degree Relative Participants (FDRP, n = 25) as control groups and Multiple Sclerosis Participants (MSP, n = 25) before and after eight weeks of supplementation with 50000 IU vitamin D3. The mRNA expression and plasma concentrations were gauged by using Real-Time PCR and ELISA assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The mRNA surfaces of IL-27, as well as TGF-β1, were up-regulated. However, the plasma levels of TGF-β1, IL-17A, and IL-6 were significantly different among the three groups. In addition, the plasma levels of IL-27, TGF-β1, IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-6 significantly changed following the administration of vitamin D3.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this paper illustrate that anti-inflammatory cytokines could have a key role in immunomodulatory functions due to their anti-inflammatory functions. To conclude, this might contribute to preventing the pathophysiological process of MS. Also, the proposed model could be used as a preventive way on disposed people to multiple sclerosis, particularly in first degree relatives of these patients.

A Novel Biomarker Based on miRNA to Predict the Prognosis of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma

Muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (MIBC) is characteristic of high mortality and high recurrence. Distinguishing the prognostic risk of MIBC at the molecular level of miRNA expression is rarely performed and thus of great significance for the management and treatment of MIBC in clinics. Adaptive lasso Cox's proportional hazards model was used to explore the relationship between differential expression miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and MIBC survival. Furthermore, we evaluated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) score and immune infiltration abundance by exploring EMT signature genes and TIMER database, respectively. A total of 8 DEmiRNAs were detected to be associated with the survival rate of MIBC by using the lasso Cox algorithm. Through the linear combination of these 8 DEmiRNAs, we constructed a calculated marker, which could be used to distinguish the prognosis risk in both TCGA dataset (HR = 2.03, 95% CI = (1.47, 2.83)) and independent validation dataset (HR = 7.74, 95% CI = (1.05, 56.93)). Meanwhile, the constructed marker had reasonably high predictive values of the AUC (area under the curve) in the TCGA dataset and validation dataset being 0.73 and 0.63, respectively. In addition, we observed that the expression values of let-7c, miR-100, and miR-145 were associated with EMT score and the abundance of macrophage in tumor tissue as well. This newly identified risk score signature based on the combination of 8 miRNAs could significantly predict the prognostic risk of MIBC and might provide insight into immunotherapy and targeted therapy of MIBC.

Berberine inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes apoptosis of tumour-associated fibroblast-induced colonic epithelial cells through regulation of TGF-β signalling

Tumour-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) mediate the differentiation of adjacent stromal cells. Berberine (BBR), a monomer of traditional Chinese herbs, exhibits a potent therapeutic effect against cancer. However, the effects of BBR on the differentiation of normal colonic epithelial cells induced by TAFs have not been determined. In the present study, we selected the TAF-like myofibroblast cell line CCD-18Co. CCD-18Co-derived conditioned medium (CM) and co-culture induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) changes in colonic epithelial HCoEpiC cells with decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and α-SMA expression. In addition, CCD-18Co stimulated the expression of ZEB1 and Snail and promoted motility. We used LY364947, a TGF-β receptor kinase type I (TβRI) inhibitor, and BBR. Our results showed that LY364947 and BBR inhibited these phenomena. BBR decreased the expression of ZEB1 and Snail, and this effect was concentration dependent. BBR also downregulated the expression of TβRI, TβRII, Smad2/p-Smad2 and Smad3/p-Smad3. In addition, BBR induced apoptosis in EMT-like HCoEpiC cells in a concentration-dependent manner with upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. However, VX-702, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, significantly suppressed the apoptosis rate. BBR promoted the expression of p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK. In conclusion, berberine inhibits EMT and promotes apoptosis in TAF-induced colonic epithelial cells through mediation of the Smad-dependent and SMAD-independent TGF-β signalling pathways.

Difference of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of normal colonic epithelial cells induced by tumor-associated fibroblasts and colon cancer cells

Tumor microenvironment (TME) crucially functions in tumor initiation and progression. Stroma-tumor interactions and cellular transdifferentiation are the prerequisite for tumor formation. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a major cytokine secreted by tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) and cancer cells, is a crucial player involving cell transdifferentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that these TAFs and cancer cells also affect normal colon epithelium. In our study, we found for the first time that colon cancer cells HCT116 and TAF-like CCD-18Co cells induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like transdifferentiation in colon epithelial cells HCoEpiCs, with enhanced migratio. Dysfunction of TGF-β/Smads signal was also observed in the EMT-transformed HCoEpiCs. We wondered whether these phenomena were regulated by TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway. A TGFβ receptor kinase I (TβRI) inhibitor LY364947 was used. We found that the EMT induced by the HCT116- and CCD-18Co-derived CM was suppressed by the LY364947. Besides, different expression profiles for the components of TGF-β/Smads pathway were found in the EMT-like HCoEpiCs, but high expression of p-Smad2/3 and Smad4 was the common feature. Our observations suggest that the mechanisms of phenotypic transition of colon epithelial cells are cellular environment-dependent, which maybe a basis of potential therapy targeting TME.

Yangyin Yiqi Mixture Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats through Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad Pathway and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Objective

The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of Yangyin Yiqi Mixture (YYYQ) on Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats based on TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Methods

120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, BLM group, BLM + Pred group, BLM+YYYQ-L group, BLM+YYYQ-M group, and BLM+YYYQ-H group. Rats were given an intratracheal instillation of 3 mg/kg BLM to establish the pulmonary fibrosis model and followed by different dosages of YYYQ (11, 22, 44g/kg, via intragastric gavage) or prednisone soluble (4.2mg/kg, via intragastric gavage) or water. After 14 days and 28 days, tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome to observe histopathological changes. Protein levels of TGF-β1, CTGF, Interleukin 18, and hydroxyproline were detected by ELISA method, and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII, Smad3, Smad7, α-SMA, E-cadherin, laminin, and collagen I were detected by RT-PCR.

Results

TGF-β1, CTGF, Interleukin 18, and hydroxyproline levels and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII, Smad3, α-SMA, laminin, and collagen I were significantly increased (p <0.01), while Smad7 and E-cadherin levels were significantly decreased in BLM group (p <0.01). YYYQ-M and YYYQ-H group had downregulated the TGF-β1, CTGF, hydroxyproline contents, and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII, Smad3, α-SMA, laminin, and collagen I and upregulated mRNA levels of Smad7 and E-cadherin significantly (p <0.01 or p <0.05). The result from the present study, which was also supported by histological evidence, suggested that YYYQ-M group and YYYQ-H group exhibited better treatment effect on Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrotic rats when compared to that of BLM + Pred group (p <0.01). Meanwhile, the effect of YYYQ, in three different dosages, on the level of interleukin 18 was not significant.

Conclusion

These results showed that YYYQ has the potential of ameliorating the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, and the mechanism may be related to suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway and EMT in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats.

miR-16 inhibits hyperoxia-induced cell apoptosis in human alveolar epithelial cells

The identification and development of novel therapeutic strategies for acute lung injury is urgently required. It has been previously demonstrated that microRNA (miR)‑16 suppresses the level of transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β in acute lung injury (ALI). Therefore, the present study investigated the role of miR‑16 in the phenotype, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the involvement of TGF‑β/Smad family member 2 (Smad2) and JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling, of primary human alveolar type II epithelial cells (AECII). Following transfection with miR‑16 mimics, AECII cells were exposed to hyperoxia for 24 h. Subsequently, immunofluorescence staining of surfactant protein‑A (SP‑A) was performed, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated by Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays and annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, respectively. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR‑16, TGF‑β, Smad2, phosphorylated‑Smad2, JAK and STAT3 were detected by western blotting and/or reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that miR‑16 levels and SP‑A fluorescence were markedly inhibited by hyperoxia. Furthermore, transfection of AECII cells with miR‑16 mimics increased SP‑A fluorescence in hyperoxia‑treated AECII cells, significantly reversed hyperoxia‑induced reductions in cell proliferation and inhibited hyperoxia‑induced apoptosis. Finally, miR‑16 mimics modulated the mRNA and protein expression of components of the TGF‑β/Smad2 and JAK/STAT3 pathways in AECII cells following hyperoxia. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that overexpression of miR‑16 may exert a protective effect in AECII cells against cell apoptosis and ALI, which may be associated with TGF‑β/Smad2 and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways. This may also represent a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies for acute lung injury.

Therapeutic effects of conditioned medium from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disease. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been shown to be a modulator of the molecular aspects of the fibrosis pathway. However, it is still unknown as to whether the conditioned medium from BMSCs (BMSCs-CM) inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. This study confirmed the hypothesis that BMSCs-CM exerts an anti-fibrotic effect on human type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549) by suppressing the phosphorylation of Smad3. We used the A549 cells in vitro to detect morphological evidence of EMT by phase-contrast microscopy. These cells were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: the control group, the TGF-β1 group, the SIS3 (specific inhibitor of Smad3) group and the BMSCs-CM group. The immunofluorescence method was used to determined the location of E-cadherin (E-calcium mucins; E-cad), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and p-Smad3. The expression levels of E-cad, CK8, α-SMA, vimentin, p-Smad3, Snail1, collagen I (COLI) and collagen III (COLIII) were detected by western blot analysis. Following exposure to TGF-β1, the A549 cells displayed a spindle-shaped fibroblast-like morphology. In accordance with these morphological changes, the expression levels of E-cad and CK8 were downregulated, while the expression levels of α-SMA and vimentin were upregulated. Along with this process, the expression levels of p-Smad3, Snail1, COLI and COLIII were increased. However, the cells in the BMSCs-CM group and SIS3 group exhibited a decrease in the levels of α-SMA and vimentin (which had been upregulated by TGF-β1), and an increase in the levels of E-cad and CK8 expression (which had been downregulated by TGF-β1). On the whole, these results indicated that BMSCs-CM suppressed the EMT which might be associated with TGF-β1/Smad3. This study provides the theoretical basis for the research of the mechanisms responsible for pulmonary disease.

Interleukin-27 Exerts Its Antitumor Effects by Promoting Differentiation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells to M1 Macrophages

The interleukin IL27 promotes expansion and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into myeloid progenitor cells. Many tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells exert immunosuppressive effects, but we hypothesized that the myeloid cells induced by IL27 would have antitumor activity. In this study, we corroborated this hypothesis as investigated in two distinct mouse transplantable tumor models. Malignant mouse cells engineered to express IL27 exhibited reduced tumor growth in vivo Correlated with this effect was a significant increase in the number of tumor-infiltrating CD11b⁺ myeloid cells exhibiting a reduced immunosuppressive activity. Notably, these CD11b⁺ cells were characterized by an activated M1 macrophage phenotype, on the basis of increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and other M1 biomarkers. In vivo depletion of these cells by administering anti-Gr-1 eradicated the antitumor effects of IL27. When admixed with parental tumors, CD11b⁺ cells inhibited tumor growth and directly killed the tumor in a nitric oxide-dependent manner. Mechanistically, IL27 expanded Lineage^-Sca-1⁺c-Kit⁺ cells in bone marrow. Transplant experiments in Ly5.1/5.2 congenic mice revealed that IL27 directly acted on these cells and promoted their differentiation into M1 macrophages, which mobilized into tumors. Overall, our results illustrated how IL27 exerts antitumor activity by enhancing the generation of myeloid progenitor cells that can differentiate into antitumorigenic M1 macrophages.Significance: These findings show how the interleukin IL27 exerts potent antitumor activity by enhancing the generation of myeloid progenitor cells that can differentiate into antitumorigenic M1 macrophages.Cancer Res; 78(1); 182-94. ©2017 AACR.

Interleukin-17 induces human alveolar epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition via the TGF-β1 mediated Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 activation

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and usually progressive lung disease and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine which promotes EMT profiles in lung inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of IL-17 on EMT in alveolar epithelial cell line A549 and the role of TGFβ1-Smad and ERK signaling pathways in the process. Morphological observation on the cells was performed under inverted microscope. The mRNA and protein expressions of E-cad and α-SMA were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. The mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1 were analyzed via quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. Expressions of Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK were examined by western blotting. The results indicated that IL-17 can induce A549 cells to undergo morphological changes and phenotypic markers changes, such as down-regulated E-cad expression and up-regulated α-SMA expression. Additionally, IL-17 enhanced TGF-β1 expression and stimulated Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in A549 cells. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of phosphorylated JNK in A549 cells with or without IL-17 treatment. SB431542 or U0126 treated cells showed inhibited morphological changes and phenotypic markers expression, such as up-regulated E-cad expression and down-regulated α-SMA expression. In summary, our results suggest that IL-17 can induce A549 alveolar epithelial cells to undergo EMT via the TGF-β1 mediated Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 activation.

Thrombospondin-1 and microRNA-1 expression in response to multiwalled carbon nanotubes in alveolar epithelial cells

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a glycoprotein that plays a role in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Previously, we have shown that multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) regulate ECM components TGFβ and its target Col3A1 in alveolar epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of MWCNT on TSP-1 and microRNA-1 (miR-1) in the regulation of TGFβ in ECM remodeling using alveolar epithelial A549 cells. A549 cells were treated with MWCNT (20 or 50 µg/mL) for 6 or 24 h and the expression of TSP-1 and miR-1, and the exogenous miR-1 effect on cell morphology were analyzed. MWCNT induced in a time- and dose-dependent manner the expression of TSP-1. miR-1 was suppressed by MWCNT after 6 or 24 h of treatment regardless of the dose. TSP-1 and miR-1 negatively correlated with each other, r = -0.58. Exogenous administration of miR-1 induced alveolar epithelial cell morphology changes including cell clustering, whereas inhibition of miR-1 induced less cell to cell contact, cell rounding, and cellular projections. IntAct molecular network interactions analysis revealed that TSP-1 interacts with 21 molecular factors including ECM genes, and molecules. These results indicate a relationship between that TSP-1, MWCNT, and TGFβ, and suggest TSP-1 may play a role in MWCNT-induced TGFβ and ECM remodeling. Moreover, these data also suggest an inverse relationship between TSP-1 and miR-1 and a potential role of miR-1 in MWCNT-induced fibrotic signaling. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1596-1606, 2017.

Atrial natriuretic peptide: A novel mediator for TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 16HBE-14o and A549 cells

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is increasingly expressed on airway and inhibits pulmonary arterial remodeling. However, the role of ANP in remodeling of respiratory system is still unclear. The role of ANP on airway remodeling and the possible mechanism was explored in this study. Both human bronchial epithelial 16HBE-14o cells and alveolar epithelial A549 cells were stimulated by TGF-β1, ANP, cGMP inhibitor, PKG inhibitor, and cGMP analogue. The expressions of epithelial markers, mesenchymal markers, and Smad3 were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to assess Smad3 expression once it was silenced by siRNA in 16HBE-14o or A549 cells. Our results showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of E-Cadherin were decreased, whereas α-SMA expressions were increased after induction by TGF-β1 in 16HBE-14o and A549 cells. The E-Cadherin expressions were increased and α-SMA expressions were decreased after ANP stimulation. Inhibition of cGMP or PKG decreased E-Cadherin expression but increased α-SMA expression, which could be reversed by cGMP analogue. Moreover, the phosphorylated Smad3 expression was consistent with α-SMA expression. After smad3 was silenced, Smad3 was mostly expressed in cytoplasm instead of nucleus as non-silenced cells during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In conclusion, ANP inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT in 16HBE-14o and A549 cells through cGMP/PKG signaling, by which it targets TGF-β1/Smad3 via attenuating phosphorylation of Smad3. These findings suggest the potential of ANP in the treatment on pulmonary diseases with airway remodeling.

Dual Roles of IL-27 in Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy

IL-27 is a pleiotropic two-chain cytokine, composed of EBI3 and IL-27p28 subunits, which is structurally related to both IL-12 and IL-6 cytokine families. IL-27 acts through a heterodimer receptor consisting of IL-27Rα (WSX1) and gp130 chains, which mediate signaling predominantly through STAT1 and STAT3. IL-27 was initially reported as an immune-enhancing cytokine that supports CD4+ T cell proliferation, T helper (Th)1 cell differentiation, and IFN-γ production, acting in concert with IL-12. However, subsequent studies demonstrated that IL-27 displays complex immune-regulatory functions, which may result in either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects in relationship to the biological context and experimental models considered. Several pieces of evidence, obtained in preclinical tumor models, indicated that IL-27 has a potent antitumor activity, related not only to the induction of tumor-specific Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses but also to direct inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasiveness, and angiogenic potential. Nonetheless, given its immune-regulatory functions, the effects of IL-27 on cancer may be dual and protumor effects may also occur. Here, we will summarize IL-27 biological activities and its functional overlaps with the IFNs and discuss its dual role in tumors in the light of potential applications to cancer immunotherapy.

Association between IL-27 gene polymorphisms and risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma

AIM

IL-27 has potent antitumor effects. We aimed to examine the contribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-27 to the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

MATERIALS & METHODS

 IL-27 rs153109 and rs17855750 were analyzed in 496 PTC patients and 629 controls, using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

The rs153109 AG and AG/GG genotypes were significantly associated with increased risks for PTC. Significantly increased PTC risk was also associated with rs17855750 GT and GT/GG genotypes. Combined genotypes of rs153109 AG/GG and rs17855750 GT/GG increased the risk of PTC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings showed that IL-27 rs153109 and rs17855750 might be related to the tumorigenesis of PTC.

PEG10 is imperative for TGF-β1-induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma

Substantial evidence indicates that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a vital role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PEG10 has been shown involved in invasion and metastasis of tumors. The present study investigated the role of PEG10 in TGF-β1-triggered EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were used to measure the expression level of PEG10 in clinical HCC tissues with or without lymph node metastasis, and normal tissues. The results showed that PEG10 expression is higher in HCC tissues and associated with overall survival (OS) and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, PEG10 expression level was remarkably higher in hepatic cancer cells than the normal hepatic cell line L02. In the present study, we constructed an adenovirus vector containing the coding area of PEG10 (Ad-PEG10) and infected HepG2 cells and found that overexpression of PEG10 promoted the cell migration, invasion ability and EMT of HepG2 cells. TGF-β1 acted on HepG2 cells by enhancing cell migration, invasion, EMT and upregulating PEG10 expression level. However, cells pretreated with adenovirus vector of PEG10 shRNAs (Ad-shRNA1 and Ad-shRNA2) did not occur EMT prior to TGF-β1 stimulation. Moreover, TGF-β1 did not increase the migration and invasion of cells with PEG10 knockdown and overexpression of PEG10 confers chemoresistance to HepG2 cells. Accordingly, sufficient PEG10 expression level is essential for TGF-β1 induced EMT and associated with the chemoresistance in HepG2 cells.

STAT3-mediated SMAD3 activation underlies Oncostatin M-induced Senescence

Cytokines in the developing tumor microenvironment (TME) can drive transformation and subsequent progression toward metastasis. Elevated levels of the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) family cytokine Oncostatin M (OSM) in the breast TME correlate with aggressive, metastatic cancers, increased tumor recurrence, and poor patient prognosis. Paradoxically, OSM engages a tumor-suppressive, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent senescence response in normal and non-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Here, we identify a novel link between OSM-activated STAT3 signaling and the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway that engages senescence in HMEC. Inhibition of functional TGF-β/SMAD signaling by expressing a dominant-negative TGF-β receptor, treating with a TGF-β receptor inhibitor, or suppressing SMAD3 expression using a SMAD3-shRNA prevented OSM-induced senescence. OSM promoted a protein complex involving activated-STAT3 and SMAD3, induced the nuclear localization of SMAD3, and enhanced SMAD3-mediated transcription responsible for senescence. In contrast, expression of MYC (c-MYC) from a constitutive promoter abrogated senescence and strikingly, cooperated with OSM to promote a transformed phenotype, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasiveness. Our findings suggest that a novel STAT3/SMAD3-signaling axis is required for OSM-mediated senescence that is coopted during the transformation process to confer aggressive cancer cell properties. Understanding how developing cancer cells bypass OSM/STAT3/SMAD3-mediated senescence may help identify novel targets for future "pro-senescence" therapies aiming to reengage this hidden tumor-suppressive response.