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Chen J, Wu L, Li Y. FGL1 and FGL2: emerging regulators of liver health and disease. Biomark Res 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 38816776 PMCID: PMC11141035 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a complex group of diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, emerging as a major global health concern. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of fibrinogen-like proteins, specifically fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) and fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), in the regulation of various liver diseases. FGL1 plays a crucial role in promoting hepatocyte growth, regulating lipid metabolism, and influencing the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing significantly to liver repair, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver cancer. On the other hand, FGL2 is a multifunctional protein known for its role in modulating prothrombin activity and inducing immune tolerance, impacting viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplantation. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of fibrinogen-like proteins is essential for the development of effective therapeutic approaches for liver diseases. Additionally, FGL1 has demonstrated potential as a disease biomarker in radiation and drug-induced liver injury as well as HCC, while FGL2 shows promise as a biomarker in viral hepatitis and liver transplantation. The expression levels of these molecules offer exciting prospects for disease assessment. This review provides an overview of the structure and roles of FGL1 and FGL2 in different liver conditions, emphasizing the intricate molecular regulatory processes and advancements in targeted therapies. Furthermore, it explores the potential benefits and challenges of targeting FGL1 and FGL2 for liver disease treatment and the prospects of fibrinogen-like proteins as biomarkers for liver disease, offering insights for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongming Chen
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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2
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Galpin KJC, Rodriguez GM, Maranda V, Cook DP, Macdonald E, Murshed H, Zhao S, McCloskey CW, Chruscinski A, Levy GA, Ardolino M, Vanderhyden BC. FGL2 promotes tumour growth and attenuates infiltration of activated immune cells in melanoma and ovarian cancer models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:787. [PMID: 38191799 PMCID: PMC10774293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51217-1] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment is infiltrated by immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), which contribute to tumour escape and impede immunotherapy outcomes. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2), a Treg effector protein, inhibits immune cell populations, via receptors FcγRIIB and FcγRIII, leading to downregulation of CD86 in antigen presenting cells and limiting T cell activation. Increased FGL2 expression is associated with tumour progression and poor survival in several different cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme, lung, renal, liver, colorectal, and prostate cancer. Querying scRNA-seq human cancer data shows FGL2 is produced by cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly monocytes and macrophages as well as T cells and dendritic cells (DCs), while cancer cells have minimal expression of FGL2. We studied the role of FGL2 exclusively produced by cells in the TME, by leveraging Fgl2 knockout mice. We tested two murine models of cancer in which the role of FGL2 has not been previously studied: epithelial ovarian cancer and melanoma. We show that absence of FGL2 leads to a more activated TME, including activated DCs (CD86+, CD40+) and T cells (CD25+, TIGIT+), as well as demonstrating for the first time that the absence of FGL2 leads to more activated natural killer cells (DNAM-1+, NKG2D+) in the TME. Furthermore, the absence of FGL2 leads to prolonged survival in the B16F10 melanoma model, while the absence of FGL2 synergizes with oncolytic virus to prolong survival in the ID8-p53-/-Brca2-/- ovarian cancer model. In conclusion, targeting FGL2 is a promising cancer treatment strategy alone and in combination immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristianne J C Galpin
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Galaxia M Rodriguez
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Vincent Maranda
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David P Cook
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Macdonald
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Humaira Murshed
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Shan Zhao
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Curtis W McCloskey
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Andrzej Chruscinski
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gary A Levy
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Barbara C Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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3
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Fu L, Liu Z, Liu Y. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 in inflammatory diseases: A future therapeutic target. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109799. [PMID: 36764282 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109799] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), a member of the fibrinogen family, exists as a membrane-bound protein with immune-associated coagulation activity and a soluble form possessing immunosuppressive functions. The immunomodulatory role of FGL2 is evident in fibrin deposition-associated inflammatory diseases and cancer, suggesting that FGL2 expression could be exploited as a disease biomarker and a therapeutic target. Recently, in vitro studies and knockout and transgenic animal FGL2 models have been used by us and others to reveal the involvement of FGL2 in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the immunomodulatory role of FGL2 in inflammatory diseases and examines the role of FGL2 as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Research Center for Nasal Inflammatory Diseases, Wuhan, China.
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4
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Zhang S, Rao G, Heimberger A, Li S. Fibrinogen-like protein 2: Its biological function across cell types and the potential to serve as an immunotherapy target for brain tumors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 69:73-79. [PMID: 36085259 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are among the 10 leading causes of cancer-related death and present unique treatment challenges due to their critical location, genetic heterogeneity, and the blood-brain barrier. Recent advances in targeted immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blocking therapy provide alternative therapeutic strategies for brain tumors. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), which induces transformation from low-grade glioma to high-grade glioblastoma, is a type II membrane protein that is highly expressed in both host immune cells and tumor cells. Studies have uncovered multiple forms of FGL2 proteins with a broad range of roles in inducing immune tolerance and avoiding immune surveillance in tumor cells. Of note, presence of FGL2 transforms low grade to high grade brain tumors via promoting Treg, macrophages, and perhaps stemness. Absence (knockout) of FGL2 in tumor cells (not in host cells) induces CD103 DC cells, which triggers tumor specific CD8 +T cell activity to reject brain tumor progression. Immunotherapies targeting FGL2 have shown great promise in improving survival time in murine models. In this article, we will summarize the biological function of FGL2 in immune and tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ganesh Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amy Heimberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Pediatrics Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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5
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Wang C, Gao N, Yang L, Guo Y, Fang Y, Wang T, Xu C, Li GF, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Wen Q, Qiao H. Stat4 rs7574865 polymorphism promotes the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the Stat4/CYP2E1/FGL2 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:130. [PMID: 35136014 PMCID: PMC8826371 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04584-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although there are many studies on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and the incidence of diseases, mechanisms are rarely known. We report the mechanism by which signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (stat4) rs7574865 promotes the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that the GG genotype at stat4 rs7574865 was a risk genotype, and STAT4 levels in serum and peritumoral tissue from HCC patients with the GG genotype were significantly higher than those found in TT or TG carriers. Furthermore, HCC patients with the GG genotype or elevated STAT4 levels had poor prognoses. In vitro experiments demonstrated that STAT4 silencing promoted apoptosis and inhibited the invasion and migration of HepG2 and L02 cells. Proteomic analysis of HCC peritumors identified 273 proteins related to STAT4, of which CYP2E1 activity and FGL2 content exhibited the highest positive correlation. The relationship between CYP2E1 and FGL2 was also confirmed in cyp2e1−/− mice and in CYP2E1 inhibitor-treated mice. In conclusion, this study elucidates the mechanism by which the stat4 rs7574865 polymorphism promotes the occurrence and progression of HCC via the Stat4/CYP2E1/FGL2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caie Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Na Gao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lukui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yan Fang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Gui Fang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yunfei Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiang Wen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hailing Qiao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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6
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Pulkka OP, Viisanen L, Tynninen O, Laaksonen M, Reichardt P, Reichardt A, Eriksson M, Hall KS, Wardelmann E, Nilsson B, Sihto H, Joensuu H. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 in gastrointestinal stromal tumour. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1083-1094. [PMID: 35029030 PMCID: PMC8831987 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract, can be treated effectively with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib. Cancer immune therapy has limited efficacy, and little is known about the immune suppressive factors in GISTs. Fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (FGL2) is expressed either as a membrane‐associated protein or as a secreted soluble protein that has immune suppressive functions. We found that GISTs expressed FGL2 mRNA highly compared to other types of cancer in a large human cancer transcriptome database. GIST expressed FGL2 frequently also when studied using immunohistochemistry in two large clinical series, where 333 (78%) out of the 425 GISTs were FGL2 positive. The interstitial cells of Cajal, from which GISTs may originate, expressed FGL2. FGL2 expression was associated with small GIST size, low mitotic counts and low tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) counts. Patients whose GIST expressed FGL2 had better recurrence‐free survival than patients whose GIST lacked expression. Imatinib upregulated FGL2 in GIST cell lines, and the patients with FGL2‐negative GIST appeared to benefit most from long duration of adjuvant imatinib. We conclude that GISTs express FGL2 frequently and that FGL2 expression is associated with low TIL counts and favourable survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olli-Pekka Pulkka
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leevi Viisanen
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Tynninen
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Peter Reichardt
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Reichardt
- Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mikael Eriksson
- Department of Oncology, Skane University Hospital and Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kirsten Sundby Hall
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bengt Nilsson
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Harri Sihto
- Rare Cancers Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Joensuu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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7
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Hao X, Sun G, Zhang Y, Kong X, Rong D, Song J, Tang W, Wang X. Targeting Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of HCC: New Opportunities and Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:775462. [PMID: 34869376 PMCID: PMC8633569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.775462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune associated cells in the microenvironment have a significant impact on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have received more and more attention. Different types of immune-associated cells play different roles, including promoting/inhibiting HCC and several different types that are controversial. It is well known that immune escape of HCC has become a difficult problem in tumor therapy. Therefore, in recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the immune microenvironment of HCC, explored many mechanisms worth identifying tumor immunosuppression, and developed a variety of immunotherapy methods as targets, laying the foundation for the final victory in the fight against HCC. This paper reviews recent studies on the immune microenvironment of HCC that are more reliable and important, and provides a more comprehensive view of the investigation of the immune microenvironment of HCC and the development of more immunotherapeutic approaches based on the relevant summaries of different immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Hao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangshun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Yu J, Li J, Shen J, Du F, Wu X, Li M, Chen Y, Cho CH, Li X, Xiao Z, Zhao Y. The role of Fibrinogen-like proteins in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1079-1087. [PMID: 33867830 PMCID: PMC8040309 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.56748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen-associated protein (FREP) family is a family of proteins with a fibrin domain at the carboxyl terminus. Recent investigations illustrated that two members of FREP family, fibrinogen-like protein-1 (FGL1) and fibrinogen-like protein-2 (FGL2), play crucial roles in cancer by regulating the proliferation, invasion, and migration of tumor cells, or regulating the functions of immune cells in tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, they are potential targets for medical intervention of tumor development. In this review, we discussed the structure, and the roles of FGL1 and FGL2 in tumors, especially the roles in regulating immune cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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9
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Zhan D, Zhang C, Long W, Wei L, Jin S, Du C, Li Z, Guo S, Huang L, Ning Q, Luo X. Intrauterine inflammation induced white matter injury protection by fibrinogen-like protein 2 deficiency in perinatal mice. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1706-1714. [PMID: 33075801 PMCID: PMC8249236 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01211-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND White matter injury (WMI) induced by intrauterine inflammation can cause adverse neurological outcomes. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2)/fibroleukin is an important trigger of inflammatory responses and is involved in some cerebral diseases. However, the role of FGL2 in intrauterine inflammation-induced WMI remains unclear. METHODS Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally injected into wild-type and FGL2 knockout mice to induce intrauterine inflammation. Body weight and brain weight of offspring were monitored. Major basic protein (MBP) expression was evaluated to demonstrate the myelination of offspring. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of FGL2, cytokine expression, microglial polarization, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in the offspring were analyzed. RESULTS Upon LPS exposure, FGL2 knockout offspring showed a significant increase in body weight loss. MBP reduction induced by LPS was prevented in FGL2 knockout offspring. Expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α, and M1 marker CD86 were suppressed, while the expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and M2 marker CD206 were increased. FGL2 deficiency significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) protein. CONCLUSIONS FGL2 deficiency can ameliorate WMI induced by intrauterine inflammation, reducing inflammatory cascade and improving hypomyelination, through the regulation of microglial polarization and MAPK signaling pathways. IMPACT Intrauterine inflammation induces WMI leading to severe neurological sequelae. FGL2 plays an important role in the progression of WMI induced by intrauterine inflammation. FGL2 deficiency can protect against WMI by inhibiting p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation, regulating microglia polarization, and reducing inflammation response. FGL2 could be a novel molecular target for protecting against WMI induced by intrauterine inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhan
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Cai Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Wenjun Long
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Lan Wei
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Shengjuan Jin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Caiqi Du
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Zhuxi Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Shusen Guo
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Lianjing Huang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Qin Ning
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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10
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Yuan X, Li Y, Zhang AZ, Jiang CH, Li FP, Xie YF, Li JF, Liang WH, Zhang HJ, Liu CX, Pang LJ, Shen XH, Li F, Hu JM. Tumor-associated macrophage polarization promotes the progression of esophageal carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:2049-2072. [PMID: 33323552 PMCID: PMC7880404 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The immune response facilitated by tumor-associated macrophages is a vital determinant of tumor progression. We identified differentially expressed genes between various macrophage phenotypes in the Gene Expression Omnibus, and used Kaplan-Meier Plotter to determine which of them altered the prognosis of esophageal carcinoma patients. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2), an immunosuppressive factor in the tumor microenvironment of various cancers, was upregulated in M2 macrophages, and higher FGL2 expression was associated with poorer survival in esophageal carcinoma patients. Using the TIMER database, we found that FGL2 expression correlated positively with the levels of immune markers of infiltrating B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells in esophageal carcinoma samples. Correlation analyses in cBioPortal revealed that the mRNA levels of FGL2 correlated strongly with those of interleukin 10, matrix metalloproteinase 9, C-C motif chemokine ligand 5, T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3, interleukin 13, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, macrophage colony-stimulating factor and fibroblast growth factor 7 in esophageal carcinoma tissues. The same cytokines were upregulated when esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells were co-cultured with M2-like tumor-associated macrophages. Thus, by secreting FGL2, M2-like tumor-associated macrophages may create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that induces the occurrence and progression of esophageal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - An Zhi Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Chen Hao Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Fan Ping Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Yu Fang Xie
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Jiang Fen Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Wei Hua Liang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Hai Jun Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Chun Xia Liu
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Li Juan Pang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Xi Hua Shen
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China.,Department of Pathology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jian Ming Hu
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Xinjiang 832000, China
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11
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Ostapchuk YO, Perfilyeva YV, Kali A, Tleulieva R, Yurikova OY, Stanbekova GE, Karalnik BV, Belyaev NN. Fc Receptor is Involved in Nk Cell Functional Anergy Induced by Miapaca2 Tumor Cell Line. Immunol Invest 2020; 51:138-153. [PMID: 32865068 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2020.1813757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Impaired NK cytotoxicity has been linked to poor cancer prognosis, but its mechanisms are not clearly established. Increasing data demonstrate that NK cells lose cytotoxicity after interaction with NK cell-sensitive tumor cells. In this paper, we provide evidence that the human adenocarcinoma cell line MiaPaCa2 and TNFα and TGFβ-treated MiaPaCa2 cultures (MiaPaCa2-TT) induced functional anergy of NK cells via FGL2 protein. MiaPaCa2-TT cultures decreased expression of IFNγ, CD107a, DNAM-1, and stimulated expression of PD1 by NK cells, as well as inhibited their cytotoxic activity in a greater manner compared to the parental culture. More importantly, we found that co-cultivation with anergized NK cells decreased expression of IFNγ and CD107a by naïve NK cells, which supports the hypothesis of NK cell functional anergy transmission. The obtained results suggest a mechanism by which tumor cells may inhibit cytotoxic functions of tumor-infiltrating and circulating NK cells in cancer. ABBREVIATIONS CFSE: Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester; CSCs: Cancer stem cells; FGL2: Fibrinogen-like protein 2; mAbs: Monoclonal antibodies; MiaPaCa2: Human adenocarcinoma cell line; MiaPaCa2-ТТ: Adenocarcinoma cell line MiaPaCa2 cells stimulated with TNFα and TGFβ-1; PI: Propidium iodide; TGFβ: Transforming growth factor beta; TME: Tumor microenvironment; TNFα: Tumor necrosis factor alfa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekaterina O Ostapchuk
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuliya V Perfilyeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Aikyn Kali
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan.,Biomedical Research Center, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Raikhan Tleulieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Oxana Yu Yurikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulshan E Stanbekova
- Laboratory of Protein and Nucleic Acids, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Boris V Karalnik
- Scientific Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology named after Kh. Zhumatov, Natioanl Public Health Center, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nikolai N Belyaev
- Department of New Technologies, Saint-Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
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12
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Hu J, Wang H, Li X, Liu Y, Mi Y, Kong H, Xi D, Yan W, Luo X, Ning Q, Wang X. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 aggravates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis via interaction with TLR4, eliciting inflammation in macrophages and inducing hepatic lipid metabolism disorder. Theranostics 2020; 10:9702-9720. [PMID: 32863955 PMCID: PMC7449923 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The functions of fibrinogen-like protein 2 (fgl2) have been studied in many inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, but the role of fgl2 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of fgl2 in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: Hepatic fgl2 expression was tested in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or NASH and controls. Wild-type and fgl2-/- C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish NASH models. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated with LPS or free fatty acids were used for the in vitro study. Results: In both humans and mice with NASH, macrophage accumulation was concomitant with significantly increased fgl2 expression in the liver. Fgl2 deficiency attenuated liver steatosis and inflammation in diet-induced murine models of NASH. In both liver tissues and BMDMs from NASH mice, fgl2 deficiency resulted in reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with levels in wild-type controls. Activation of NF-κB, p38-MAPK and NLRP3 inflammasomes was also suppressed upon fgl2 disruption. Moreover, lipogenic genes (Fasn and SREBP-2) were downregulated while lipolytic genes (PPAR and CPT1A) were upregulated in the livers of fgl2-/- NASH mice. Primary hepatocytes incubated with the medium collected from fgl2-/- BMDMs showed less fat deposition than those incubated with WT BMDMs. Furthermore, we discovered that fgl2 combined with TLR4 mediates the activation of the Myd88-dependent signaling pathway, which may contribute to inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders. Conclusions: These data suggest that fgl2 aggravates the progression of NASH through activation of NF-κB, p38-MAPK and NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages, which consequently induces overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and lipid metabolism disorders. An interaction of fgl2 and TLR4 may in part contribute to the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjian Hu
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongwu Wang
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xitang Li
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuqiang Mi
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyan Kong
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dong Xi
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weiming Yan
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department and institute of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department and institute of infectious diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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