1
|
Shankar R, Saha A, Dhull RS, Shroff R, Nangia A, Sharma S. Activin A: a marker of mineral bone disorder in children with chronic kidney disease? Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:2773-2777. [PMID: 38744714 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activin A has been shown to enhance osteoclast activity and its inhibition results in bone growth. The potential role of activin A as a marker of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) and its relationship with other markers has not been studied in children with CKD. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted among 40 children aged 2 to 18 years with CKD (Stage 2 to 5; 10 in each stage) and 40 matched controls. Activin A, cathepsin K, FGF-23, PTH, serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase in both groups were measured and compared. The correlation of activin A and markers of CKD-MBD was studied. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS The mean age of children with CKD was 9.30 ± 3.64 years. Mean levels of activin A in cases were 485.55 pg/ml compared to 76.19 pg/ml in controls (p < 0.001). FGF-23 levels in cases were 133.18 pg/ml while in controls it was 6.93 pg/ml (p < 0.001). Mean levels of cathepsin K were also significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. There was a progressive increase in activin A and cathepsin K levels with increasing stage of CKD. Activin A had a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine (r = 0.51; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Activin A levels progressively rise with advancing CKD stage. These findings suggest that activin A can be a potential early marker of CKD-MBD in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raagul Shankar
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhijeet Saha
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi, India.
| | - Rachita Singh Dhull
- Renal Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital and Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Rukshana Shroff
- Renal Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Hospital and Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Anita Nangia
- Department of Pathology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunita Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zheng F, Dahlmanns M, Kessler P, Alzheimer C. Increase in activin A may counteract decline in synaptic plasticity with age. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1382492. [PMID: 38646448 PMCID: PMC11026702 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1382492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, is widely recognized for its neurotrophic and neuroprotective function in the developing and injured brain, respectively. Moreover, in the healthy adult brain, activin A has been shown to tune signal processing at excitatory synapses in a fashion that improves cognitive performance. Because its level in human cerebrospinal fluid rises with age, we wondered whether activin A has a role in mitigating the gradual cognitive decline that healthy individuals experience in late-life. To interrogate the role of activin A in synaptic plasticity in the aging brain, we used an established transgenic mouse line, in which expression of a dominant-negative mutant of activin receptor IB (dnActRIB) serves to disrupt activin receptor signaling in a forebrain-specific fashion. In brain slices of young adult dnActRIB mice (2-4 months old), the NMDA receptor-dependent and -independent forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 pyramidal cell synapse of the hippocampus were equally impaired relative to the extent of LTP measured in the wild-type preparation. Unexpectedly, the difference between the genotypes disappeared when the two forms of LTP were re-examined in slices from middle-aged mice (13-16 months old). Since the level of activin A and endogenous ActRIB both displayed a significant elevation in middle-aged hippocampus, we reasoned that with such a rise, the dominant-negative effect of the mutant receptors could be overcome. Substantiating this idea, we found that administration of recombinant activin A was indeed capable of restoring full-blown LTP in slices from young dnActRIB mice. Our data suggest that, beginning in the middle-aged brain, endogenous activin receptor signaling appears to become strengthened in an attempt to stave off cognitive decline. If further corroborated, this concept would also hold promise for new therapeutic venues to preserve cognitive functions in the aged brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Qiu W, Kuo CY, Tian Y, Su GH. Dual Roles of the Activin Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070821. [PMID: 34356885 PMCID: PMC8301451 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is involved in many physiological processes, such as embryonic development and follicle development, as well as in multiple human diseases including cancer. Genetic mutations in the activin signaling pathway have been reported in many cancer types, indicating that activin signaling plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Recent evidence reveals that activin signaling may function as a tumor-suppressor in tumor initiation, and a promoter in the later progression and metastasis of tumors. This article reviews many aspects of activin, including the signaling cascade of activin, activin-related proteins, and its role in tumorigenesis, particularly in pancreatic cancer development. The mechanisms regulating its dual roles in tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated. Further understanding of the activin signaling pathway may identify potential therapeutic targets for human cancers and other diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Qiu
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chia-Yu Kuo
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gloria H. Su
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Armstrong VS, Fitzgerald LW, Bathe OF. Cancer-Associated Muscle Wasting-Candidate Mechanisms and Molecular Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239268. [PMID: 33291708 PMCID: PMC7729509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive muscle loss is commonly observed in cancer patients and its association with poor prognosis has been well-established. Cancer-associated sarcopenia differs from age-related wasting in that it is not responsive to nutritional intervention and exercise. This is related to its unique pathogenesis, a result of diverse and interconnected mechanisms including inflammation, disordered metabolism, proteolysis and autophagy. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the tumor is the driver of muscle wasting by its elaboration of mediators that influence each of these pro-sarcopenic pathways. In this review, evidence for these tumor-derived factors and putative mechanisms for inducing muscle wasting will be reviewed. Potential targets for future research and therapeutic interventions will also be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S. Armstrong
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (V.S.A.); (L.W.F.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Liam W. Fitzgerald
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (V.S.A.); (L.W.F.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Oliver F. Bathe
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; (V.S.A.); (L.W.F.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Departments of Surgery and Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-403-521-3275
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhong X, Pons M, Poirier C, Jiang Y, Liu J, Sandusky GE, Shahda S, Nakeeb A, Schmidt CM, House MG, Ceppa EP, Zyromski NJ, Liu Y, Jiang G, Couch ME, Koniaris LG, Zimmers TA. The systemic activin response to pancreatic cancer: implications for effective cancer cachexia therapy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2019; 10:1083-1101. [PMID: 31286691 PMCID: PMC6818463 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a particularly lethal malignancy partly due to frequent, severe cachexia. Serum activin correlates with cachexia and mortality, while exogenous activin causes cachexia in mice. METHODS Isoform-specific activin expression and activities were queried in human and murine tumours and PDAC models. Activin inhibition was by administration of soluble activin type IIB receptor (ACVR2B/Fc) and by use of skeletal muscle specific dominant negative ACVR2B expressing transgenic mice. Feed-forward activin expression and muscle wasting activity were tested in vivo and in vitro on myotubes. RESULTS Murine PDAC tumour-derived cell lines expressed activin-βA but not activin-βB. Cachexia severity increased with activin expression. Orthotopic PDAC tumours expressed activins, induced activin expression by distant organs, and produced elevated serum activins. Soluble factors from PDAC elicited activin because conditioned medium from PDAC cells induced activin expression, activation of p38 MAP kinase, and atrophy of myotubes. The activin trap ACVR2B/Fc reduced tumour growth, prevented weight loss and muscle wasting, and prolonged survival in mice with orthotopic tumours made from activin-low cell lines. ACVR2B/Fc also reduced cachexia in mice with activin-high tumours. Activin inhibition did not affect activin expression in organs. Hypermuscular mice expressing dominant negative ACVR2B in muscle were protected for weight loss but not mortality when implanted with orthotopic tumours. Human tumours displayed staining for activin, and expression of the gene encoding activin-βA (INHBA) correlated with mortality in patients with PDAC, while INHBB and other related factors did not. CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumours are a source of activin and elicit a systemic activin response in hosts. Human tumours express activins and related factors, while mortality correlates with tumour activin A expression. PDAC tumours also choreograph a systemic activin response that induces organ-specific and gene-specific expression of activin isoforms and muscle wasting. Systemic blockade of activin signalling could preserve muscle and prolong survival, while skeletal muscle-specific activin blockade was only protective for weight loss. Our findings suggest the potential and need for gene-specific and organ-specific interventions. Finally, development of more effective cancer cachexia therapy might require identifying agents that effectively and/or selectively inhibit autocrine vs. paracrine activin signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IUPUI Center for Cachexia Innovation, Research and TherapyIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Marianne Pons
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Christophe Poirier
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Yanlin Jiang
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - George E. Sandusky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Safi Shahda
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Attila Nakeeb
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - C. Max Schmidt
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Michael G. House
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Eugene P. Ceppa
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Nicholas J. Zyromski
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- IUPUI Center for Cachexia Innovation, Research and TherapyIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Center for Computational Biology and BioinformaticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal HealthIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Guanglong Jiang
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Marion E. Couch
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal HealthIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Leonidas G. Koniaris
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IUPUI Center for Cachexia Innovation, Research and TherapyIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal HealthIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Teresa A. Zimmers
- Department of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- IUPUI Center for Cachexia Innovation, Research and TherapyIndianapolisINUSA
- IU Simon Cancer CenterIndianapolisINUSA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal HealthIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & PhysiologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nordholm A, Egstrand S, Gravesen E, Mace ML, Morevati M, Olgaard K, Lewin E. Circadian rhythm of activin A and related parameters of mineral metabolism in normal and uremic rats. Pflugers Arch 2019; 471:1079-1094. [PMID: 31236663 PMCID: PMC6614158 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is a new fascinating player in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), which is implicated in progressive renal disease, vascular calcification, and osteodystrophy. Plasma activin A rises early in the progression of renal disease. Disruption of circadian rhythms is related to increased risk of several diseases and circadian rhythms are observed in mineral homeostasis, bone parameters, and plasma levels of phosphate and PTH. Therefore, we examined the circadian rhythm of activin A and CKD-MBD-related parameters (phosphate, PTH, FGF23, and klotho) in healthy controls and CKD rats (5/6 nephrectomy) on high-, standard- and low-dietary phosphate contents as well as during fasting conditions. Plasma activin A exhibited circadian rhythmicity in healthy control rats with fourfold higher values at acrophase compared with nadir. The rhythm was obliterated in CKD. Activin A was higher in CKD rats compared with controls when measured at daytime but not significantly when measured at evening/nighttime, stressing the importance of time-specific reference intervals when interpreting plasma values. Plasma phosphate, PTH, and FGF23 all showed circadian rhythms in control rats, which were abolished or disrupted in CKD. Plasma klotho did not show circadian rhythm. Thus, the present investigation shows, for the first time, circadian rhythm of plasma activin A. The rhythmicity is severely disturbed by CKD and is associated with disturbed rhythms of phosphate and phosphate-regulating hormones PTH and FGF23, indicating that disturbed circadian rhythmicity is an important feature of CKD-MBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Nordholm
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Egstrand
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Gravesen
- Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria L Mace
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marya Morevati
- Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Olgaard
- Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Lewin
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. .,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute the largest subdivision of the transforming growth factor-β family of ligands. BMPs exhibit widespread utility and pleiotropic, context-dependent effects, and the strength and duration of BMP pathway signaling is tightly regulated at numerous levels via mechanisms operating both inside and outside the cell. Defects in the BMP pathway or its regulation underlie multiple human diseases of different organ systems. Yet much remains to be discovered about the BMP pathway in its original context, i.e., the skeleton. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intricacies of the BMP pathway and its inhibitors in bone development, homeostasis, and disease. We frame the content of the review around major unanswered questions for which incomplete evidence is available. First, we consider the gene regulatory network downstream of BMP signaling in osteoblastogenesis. Next, we examine why some BMP ligands are more osteogenic than others and what factors limit BMP signaling during osteoblastogenesis. Then we consider whether specific BMP pathway components are required for normal skeletal development, and if the pathway exerts endogenous effects in the aging skeleton. Finally, we propose two major areas of need of future study by the field: greater resolution of the gene regulatory network downstream of BMP signaling in the skeleton, and an expanded repertoire of reagents to reliably and specifically inhibit individual BMP pathway components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Lowery
- Division of Biomedical Science, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana ; and Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vicki Rosen
- Division of Biomedical Science, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine , Indianapolis, Indiana ; and Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bian X, Griffin TP, Zhu X, Islam MN, Conley SM, Eirin A, Tang H, O’Shea PM, Palmer AK, McCoy RG, Herrmann SM, Mehta RA, Woollard JR, Rule AD, Kirkland JL, Tchkonia T, Textor SC, Griffin MD, Lerman LO, Hickson LJ. Senescence marker activin A is increased in human diabetic kidney disease: association with kidney function and potential implications for therapy. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2019; 7:e000720. [PMID: 31908790 PMCID: PMC6936543 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activin A, an inflammatory mediator implicated in cellular senescence-induced adipose tissue dysfunction and profibrotic kidney injury, may become a new target for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and chronic kidney diseases. We tested the hypothesis that human DKD-related injury leads to upregulation of activin A in blood and urine and in a human kidney cell model. We further hypothesized that circulating activin A parallels kidney injury markers in DKD. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In two adult diabetes cohorts and controls (Minnesota, USA; Galway, Ireland), the relationships between plasma (or urine) activin A, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and DKD injury biomarkers were tested with logistic regression and correlation coefficients. Activin A, inflammatory, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and senescence markers were assayed in human kidney (HK-2) cells incubated in high glucose plus transforming growth factor-β1 or albumin. RESULTS Plasma activin A levels were elevated in diabetes (n=206) compared with controls (n=76; 418.1 vs 259.3 pg/mL; p<0.001) and correlated inversely with eGFR (rs=-0.61; p<0.001; diabetes). After eGFR adjustment, only albuminuria (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.09) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (OR 6.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 38.00) associated with the highest activin tertile. Albuminuria also related to urinary activin (rs=0.65; p<0.001). Following in vitro HK-2 injury, activin, inflammatory, EMT genes and supernatant activin levels were increased. CONCLUSIONS Circulating activin A is increased in human DKD and correlates with reduced kidney function and kidney injury markers. DKD-injured human renal tubule cells develop a profibrotic and inflammatory phenotype with activin A upregulation. These findings underscore the role of inflammation and provide a basis for further exploration of activin A as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in DKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Bian
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tomás P Griffin
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Xiangyang Zhu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Md Nahidul Islam
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sabena M Conley
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alfonso Eirin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hui Tang
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paula M O’Shea
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Allyson K Palmer
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rozalina G McCoy
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sandra M Herrmann
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ramila A Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - John R Woollard
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew D Rule
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - James L Kirkland
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tamar Tchkonia
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stephen C Textor
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew D Griffin
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Nephrology, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lilach O Lerman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - LaTonya J Hickson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Han YQ, Ming SL, Wu HT, Zeng L, Ba G, Li J, Lu WF, Han J, Du QJ, Sun MM, Yang GY, Wang J, Chu BB. Myostatin knockout induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells via elevated reactive oxygen species generation. Redox Biol 2018; 19:412-428. [PMID: 30241032 PMCID: PMC6146590 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Myostatin (Mstn) is postulated to be a key determinant of muscle loss and cachexia in cancer. However, no experimental evidence supports a role for Mstn in cancer, particularly in regulating the survival and growth of cancer cells. In this study, we showed that the expression of Mstn was significantly increased in different tumor tissues and human cancer cells. Mstn knockdown inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells. A knockout (KO) of Mstn created by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells. Furthermore, KO of Mstn reduced the lipid content. Molecular analyses demonstrated that the expression levels of fatty acid oxidation-related genes were upregulated and then increased rate of fatty acid oxidation. Mstn deficiency-induced apoptosis took place along with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevated fatty acid oxidation, which may play a role in triggering mitochondrial membrane depolarization, the release of cytochrome c (Cyt-c), and caspase activation. Importantly, apoptosis induced by Mstn KO was partially rescued by antioxidants and etomoxir, thereby suggesting that the increased level of ROS was functionally involved in mediating apoptosis. Overall, our findings demonstrate a novel function of Mstn in regulating mitochondrial metabolism and apoptosis within cancer cells. Hence, inhibiting the production and function of Mstn may be an effective therapeutic intervention during cancer progression and muscle loss in cachexia. Mstn is expressed in different tumor tissues and human cancer cells. Mstn knockdown inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. Mstn KO induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells. Mstn KO increases the rate of fatty acid oxidation. ROS generation induces apoptosis in HeLa/Mstn KO cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qian Han
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Sheng-Li Ming
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Hong-Tao Wu
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Lei Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Gen Ba
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Wei-Fei Lu
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China; Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Qia-Jun Du
- Clinical Laboratory, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Miao-Miao Sun
- The Pathology Department of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Guo-Yu Yang
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Jiang Wang
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China.
| | - Bei-Bei Chu
- College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Systemic Activation of Activin A Signaling Causes Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092490. [PMID: 30142896 PMCID: PMC6163495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The high cardiovascular mortality associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused in part by the CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) syndrome. The CKD-MBD consists of skeletal, vascular and cardiac pathology caused by metabolic derangements produced by kidney disease. The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis resulting from the skeletal component of the CKD-MBD, renal osteodystrophy (ROD), in patients with CKD exceeds that of the general population and is a major public health concern. That CKD is associated with compromised bone health is widely accepted, yet the mechanisms underlying impaired bone metabolism in CKD are not fully understood. Therefore, clarification of the molecular mechanisms by which CKD produces ROD is of crucial significance. We have shown that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β super family, is an important positive regulator of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis with Smad-mediated signaling being crucial for inducing osteoclast development and function. Recently, we have demonstrated systemic activation of activin receptors and activin A levels in CKD mouse models, such as diabetic CKD and Alport (AL) syndrome. In these CKD mouse models, bone remodeling caused by increased osteoclast numbers and activated osteoclastic bone resorption was observed and treatment with an activin receptor ligand trap repaired CKD-induced-osteoclastic bone resorption and stimulated individual osteoblastic bone formation, irrespective of parathyroid hormone (PTH) elevation. These findings have opened a new field for exploring mechanisms of activin A-enhanced osteoclast formation and function in CKD. Activin A appears to be a strong candidate for CKD-induced high-turnover ROD. Therefore, the treatment with the decoy receptor for activin A might be a good candidate for treatment for CKD-induced osteopenia or osteoporosis, indicating that the new findings from in these studies will lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for CKD-related and osteopenia and osteoporosis in general. In this review, we describe the impact of CKD-induced Smad signaling in osteoclasts, osteoblasts and vascular cells in CKD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Loumaye A, de Barsy M, Nachit M, Lause P, van Maanen A, Trefois P, Gruson D, Thissen JP. Circulating Activin A predicts survival in cancer patients. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2017; 8:768-777. [PMID: 28712119 PMCID: PMC5659049 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several experimental evidences pinpoint the possible role of Activin A (ActA) as a driver of cancer cachexia. Supporting this hypothesis, we showed recently that human cancer cachexia is associated with high ActA levels. Moreover, ActA levels were correlated with body weight loss and skeletal muscle density, two prognostic factors in cancer patients. Our goal was therefore to investigate the value of ActA to predict survival in cancer patients. METHODS Patients with colorectal or lung cancer were prospectively enrolled at the time of diagnosis or relapse between January 2012 and March 2014. At baseline, patients had clinical, nutritional, and functional assessment. Body composition and skeletal muscle density were measured by CT scan, and plasma ActA concentrations were determined. Overall survival (OS) was analysed since inclusion to 24 months later. RESULTS Survival data were available for 149 patients out of 152. Patients with high ActA (≥408 pg/mL) had lower OS than those with low levels, regardless the type of cancer (OS in colorectal cancer, 50% vs. 79%, P < 0.05; and in lung cancer, 27% vs. 67%, P = 0.001). The multivariable analysis confirmed the prognostic value of ActA independently of tumour stage or inflammatory markers, particularly in lung cancer. Low muscularity was also an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that high ActA level is an independent prognosis factor of survival in cancer patients. More than a basic marker of the severity of the neoplastic disease or of the inflammatory process, ActA seems to influence survival by contributing to the development of cachexia and loss of skeletal muscle mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Loumaye
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie de Barsy
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Nachit
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lause
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline van Maanen
- King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Trefois
- Medical Imaging Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory Medicine Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Thissen
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Merfeld-Clauss S, Lu H, Wu X, March KL, Traktuev DO. Hypoxia-induced activin A diminishes endothelial cell vasculogenic activity. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:173-184. [PMID: 28834227 PMCID: PMC5742743 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute ischaemia causes a significant loss of blood vessels leading to deterioration of organ function. Multiple ischaemic conditions are associated with up‐regulation of activin A, but its effect on endothelial cells (EC) in the context of hypoxia is understudied. This study evaluated the role of activin A in vasculogenesis in hypoxia. An in vitro vasculogenesis model, in which EC were cocultured with adipose stromal cells (ASC), was used. Incubation of cocultures at 0.5% oxygen led to decrease in EC survival and vessel density. Hypoxia up‐regulated inhibin BA (monomer of activin A) mRNA by 4.5‐fold and activin A accumulation in EC‐conditioned media by 10‐fold, but down‐regulated activin A inhibitor follistatin by twofold. Inhibin BA expression was also increased in human EC injected into ischaemic mouse muscles. Activin A secretion was positively modulated by hypoxia mimetics dimethyloxalylglycine and desferrioxamine. Silencing HIF1α or HIF2α expression decreased activin A secretion in EC exposed to hypoxia. Introduction of activin A to cocultures decreased EC number and vascular density by 40%; conversely, blockade of activin A expression in EC or its activity improved vasculogenesis in hypoxia. Activin A affected EC survival directly and by modulating ASC paracrine activity leading to diminished ability of the ASC secretome to support EC survival and vasculogenesis. In conclusion, hypoxia up‐regulates EC secretion of activin A, which, by affecting both EC and adjacent mesenchymal cells, creates a micro‐environment unfavourable for vasculogenesis. This finding suggests that blockade of activin A signalling in ischaemic tissue may improve preservation of the affected tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Merfeld-Clauss
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,VA Center for Regenerative Medicine, R.L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,VA Center for Regenerative Medicine, R.L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Keith L March
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,VA Center for Regenerative Medicine, R.L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dmitry O Traktuev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Indiana Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,VA Center for Regenerative Medicine, R.L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aykul S, Martinez-Hackert E. Transforming Growth Factor-β Family Ligands Can Function as Antagonists by Competing for Type II Receptor Binding. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:10792-804. [PMID: 26961869 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.713487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family ligands are pleiotropic cytokines. Their physiological activities are not determined by a simple coupling of stimulus and response, but depend critically on context, i.e. the interplay of receptors, ligands, and regulators that form the TGF-β signal transduction system of a cell or tissue. How these different components combine to regulate signaling activities remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a ligand-mediated mechanism of signaling regulation. Based on the observation that the type II TGF-β family receptors ActRIIA, ActRIIB, and BMPRII interact with a large group of overlapping ligands at overlapping epitopes, we hypothesized high affinity ligands compete with low affinity ligands for receptor binding and signaling. We show activin A and other high affinity ligands directly inhibited signaling by the low affinity ligands BMP-2, BMP-7, and BMP-9. We demonstrate activin A functions as a competitive inhibitor that blocks the ligand binding epitope on type II receptors. We propose binding competition and signaling antagonism are integral functions of the TGF-β signal transduction system. These functions could help explain how activin A modulates physiological signaling during extraordinary cellular responses, such as injury and wound healing, and how activin A could elicit disease phenotypes such as cancer-related muscle wasting and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Aykul S, Martinez-Hackert E. New Ligand Binding Function of Human Cerberus and Role of Proteolytic Processing in Regulating Ligand-Receptor Interactions and Antagonist Activity. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:590-602. [PMID: 26802359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cerberus is a key regulator of vertebrate embryogenesis. Its biological function has been studied extensively in frog and mouse embryos. Its ability to bind and antagonize the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family ligand Nodal is well established. Strikingly, the molecular function of Cerberus remains poorly understood. The underlying reason is that Cerberus is a complex, multifunctional protein: It binds and inhibits multiple TGF-β family ligands, it may bind and inhibit some Wnt family members, and two different forms with distinct activities have been described. In addition, sequence homology between frog and mammalian Cerberus is low, suggesting that previous studies, which analyzed frog Cerberus function, may not accurately describe the function of mammalian Cerberus. We therefore undertook to determine the molecular activities of human Cerberus in TGF-β family signaling. Using purified proteins, surface plasmon resonance, and reporter gene assays, we discovered that human Cerberus bound and inhibited the TGF-β family ligands Activin B, BMP-6, and BMP-7, but not the frog Cerberus ligand BMP-2. Notably, full-length Cerberus successfully blocked ligand binding to type II receptors, but the short form was less effective. In addition, full-length Cerberus suppressed breast cancer cell migration but the short form did not. Thus, our findings expand the roles of Cerberus as TGF-β family signaling inhibitor, provide a molecular rationale for the function of the N-terminal region, and support the idea that Cerberus could have regulatory activities beyond direct inhibition of TGF-β family signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1319, USA
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1319, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhu J, Mishra RK, Schiltz GE, Makanji Y, Scheidt KA, Mazar AP, Woodruff TK. Virtual High-Throughput Screening To Identify Novel Activin Antagonists. J Med Chem 2015; 58:5637-48. [PMID: 26098096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activin belongs to the TGFβ superfamily, which is associated with several disease conditions, including cancer-related cachexia, preterm labor with delivery, and osteoporosis. Targeting activin and its related signaling pathways holds promise as a therapeutic approach to these diseases. A small-molecule ligand-binding groove was identified in the interface between the two activin βA subunits and was used for a virtual high-throughput in silico screening of the ZINC database to identify hits. Thirty-nine compounds without significant toxicity were tested in two well-established activin assays: FSHβ transcription and HepG2 cell apoptosis. This screening workflow resulted in two lead compounds: NUCC-474 and NUCC-555. These potential activin antagonists were then shown to inhibit activin A-mediated cell proliferation in ex vivo ovary cultures. In vivo testing showed that our most potent compound (NUCC-555) caused a dose-dependent decrease in FSH levels in ovariectomized mice. The Blitz competition binding assay confirmed target binding of NUCC-555 to the activin A:ActRII that disrupts the activin A:ActRII complex's binding with ALK4-ECD-Fc in a dose-dependent manner. The NUCC-555 also specifically binds to activin A compared with other TGFβ superfamily member myostatin (GDF8). These data demonstrate a new in silico-based strategy for identifying small-molecule activin antagonists. Our approach is the first to identify a first-in-class small-molecule antagonist of activin binding to ALK4, which opens a completely new approach to inhibiting the activity of TGFβ receptor superfamily members. in addition, the lead compound can serve as a starting point for lead optimization toward the goal of a compound that may be effective in activin-mediated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,‡Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Rama K Mishra
- §Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- §Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Yogeshwar Makanji
- †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Karl A Scheidt
- §Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,⊥Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, 60208, Illinois, United States.,∥Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Andrew P Mazar
- ∥Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,□Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-250, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States.,‡Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,□Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lowery JW, Intini G, Gamer L, Lotinun S, Salazar VS, Ote S, Cox K, Baron R, Rosen V. Loss of BMPR2 leads to high bone mass due to increased osteoblast activity. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:1308-15. [PMID: 25663702 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.156737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalances in the ratio of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) versus activin and TGFβ signaling are increasingly associated with human diseases yet the mechanisms mediating this relationship remain unclear. The type 2 receptors ACVR2A and ACVR2B bind BMPs and activins but the type 2 receptor BMPR2 only binds BMPs, suggesting that type 2 receptor utilization might play a role in mediating the interaction of these pathways. We tested this hypothesis in the mouse skeleton, where bone mass is reciprocally regulated by BMP signaling and activin and TGFβ signaling. We found that deleting Bmpr2 in mouse skeletal progenitor cells (Bmpr2-cKO mice) selectively impaired activin signaling but had no effect on BMP signaling, resulting in an increased bone formation rate and high bone mass. Additionally, activin sequestration had no effect on bone mass in Bmpr2-cKO mice but increased bone mass in wild-type mice. Our findings suggest a novel model whereby BMPR2 availability alleviates receptor-level competition between BMPs and activins and where utilization of ACVR2A and ACVR2B by BMPs comes at the expense of activins. As BMP and activin pathway modulation are of current therapeutic interest, our findings provide important mechanistic insight into the relationship between these pathways in human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Lowery
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giuseppe Intini
- Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura Gamer
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sutada Lotinun
- Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Valerie S Salazar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Satoshi Ote
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karen Cox
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roland Baron
- Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vicki Rosen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
DeFilippis RA, Fordyce C, Patten K, Chang H, Zhao J, Fontenay GV, Kerlikowske K, Parvin B, Tlsty TD. Stress signaling from human mammary epithelial cells contributes to phenotypes of mammographic density. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5032-5044. [PMID: 25172842 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomere malfunction and other types of DNA damage induce an activin A-dependent stress response in mortal nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial cells that subsequently induces desmoplastic-like phenotypes in neighboring fibroblasts. Some characteristics of this fibroblast/stromal response, such as reduced adipocytes and increased extracellular matrix content, are observed not only in tumor tissues but also in disease-free breast tissues at high risk for developing cancer, especially high mammographic density tissues. We found that these phenotypes are induced by repression of the fatty acid translocase CD36, which is seen in desmoplastic and disease-free high mammographic density tissues. In this study, we show that epithelial cells from high mammographic density tissues have more DNA damage signaling, shorter telomeres, increased activin A secretion and an altered DNA damage response compared with epithelial cells from low mammographic density tissues. Strikingly, both telomere malfunction and activin A expression in epithelial cells can repress CD36 expression in adjacent fibroblasts. These results provide new insights into how high mammographic density arises and why it is associated with breast cancer risk, with implications for the definition of novel invention targets (e.g., activin A and CD36) to prevent breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Anna DeFilippis
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Colleen Fordyce
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Kelley Patten
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Hang Chang
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Karla Kerlikowske
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Bahram Parvin
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Thea D Tlsty
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Much of the focus on the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily in cancer has revolved around the TGFβ ligands themselves. However, it is now becoming apparent that deregulated signalling by many of the other superfamily members also has crucial roles in both the development of tumours and metastasis. Furthermore, these signalling pathways are emerging as plausible therapeutic targets. Their roles in tumorigenesis frequently reflect their function in embryonic development or in adult tissue homeostasis, and their influence extends beyond the tumours themselves, to the tumour microenvironment and more widely to complications of cancer such as cachexia and bone loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalage M Wakefield
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4255, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Winbanks CE, Weeks KL, Thomson RE, Sepulveda PV, Beyer C, Qian H, Chen JL, Allen JM, Lancaster GI, Febbraio MA, Harrison CA, McMullen JR, Chamberlain JS, Gregorevic P. Follistatin-mediated skeletal muscle hypertrophy is regulated by Smad3 and mTOR independently of myostatin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 197:997-1008. [PMID: 22711699 PMCID: PMC3384410 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201109091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin is essential for skeletal muscle development and growth, but the intracellular signaling networks that regulate follistatin-mediated effects are not well defined. We show here that the administration of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing follistatin-288aa (rAAV6:Fst-288) markedly increased muscle mass and force-producing capacity concomitant with increased protein synthesis and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. These effects were attenuated by inhibition of mTOR or deletion of S6K1/2. Furthermore, we identify Smad3 as the critical intracellular link that mediates the effects of follistatin on mTOR signaling. Expression of constitutively active Smad3 not only markedly prevented skeletal muscle growth induced by follistatin but also potently suppressed follistatin-induced Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling. Importantly, the regulation of Smad3- and mTOR-dependent events by follistatin occurred independently of overexpression or knockout of myostatin, a key repressor of muscle development that can regulate Smad3 and mTOR signaling and that is itself inhibited by follistatin. These findings identify a critical role of Smad3/Akt/mTOR/S6K/S6RP signaling in follistatin-mediated muscle growth that operates independently of myostatin-driven mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Winbanks
- Division of Metabolism and Obesity, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Andersen GØ, Ueland T, Knudsen EC, Scholz H, Yndestad A, Sahraoui A, Smith C, Lekva T, Otterdal K, Halvorsen B, Seljeflot I, Aukrust P. Activin A levels are associated with abnormal glucose regulation in patients with myocardial infarction: potential counteracting effects of activin A on inflammation. Diabetes 2011; 60:1544-51. [PMID: 21464440 PMCID: PMC3292329 DOI: 10.2337/db10-1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE On the basis of the role of activin A in inflammation, atherogenesis, and glucose homeostasis, we investigated whether activin A could be related to glucometabolic abnormalities in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Activin A measurement and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed in patients (n = 115) with acute MI, without previously known diabetes, and repeated after 3 months. Release of activin A and potential anti-inflammatory effects of activin A were measured in human endothelial cells. Activin A effects on insulin secretion and inflammation were tested in human pancreatic islet cells. RESULTS 1) In patients with acute MI, serum levels of activin A were significantly higher in those with abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) compared with those with normal glucose regulation. Activin A levels were associated with the presence of AGR 3 months later (adjusted odds ratio 5.1 [95% CI 1.73-15.17], P = 0.003). 2) In endothelial cells, glucose enhanced the release of activin A, whereas activin A attenuated the release of interleukin (IL)-8 and enhanced the mRNA levels of the antioxidant metallothionein. 3) In islet cells, activin A attenuated the suppressive effect of inflammatory cytokines on insulin release, counteracted the ability of these inflammatory cytokines to induce mRNA expression of IL-8, and induced the expression of transforming growth factor-β. CONCLUSIONS We found a significant association between activin A and newly detected AGR in patients with acute MI. Our in vitro findings suggest that this association represents a counteracting mechanism to protect against inflammation, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geir Ø Andersen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Activin receptor signaling regulates prostatic epithelial cell adhesion and viability. Neoplasia 2009; 11:365-76. [PMID: 19308291 DOI: 10.1593/neo.81544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Revised: 01/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutational changes coupled with endocrine, paracrine, and/or autocrine signals regulate cell division during carcinogenesis. The hormone signals remain undefined, although the absolute requirement in vitro for fetal serum indicates the necessity for a fetal serum factor(s) in cell proliferation. Using prostatic cancer cell (PCC) lines as a model of cancer cell proliferation, we have identified the fetal serum component activin A and its signaling through the activin receptor type II (ActRII), as necessary, although not sufficient, for PCC proliferation. Activin A induced Smad2 phosphorylation and PCC proliferation, but only in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Conversely, activin A antibodies and inhibin A suppressed FBS-induced PCC proliferation confirming activin A as one of multiple serum components required for PCC proliferation. Basic fibroblast growth factor was subsequently shown to synergize activin A-induced PCC proliferation. Inhibition of ActRII signaling using a blocking antibody or antisense-P decreased mature ActRII expression, Smad2 phosphorylation, and the apparent viability of PCCs and neuroblastoma cells grown in FBS. Suppression of ActRII signaling in PCC and neuroblastoma cells did not induce apoptosis as indicated by the ratio of active/inactive caspase 3 but did correlate with increased cell detachment and ADAM-15 expression, a disintegrin whose expression is strongly correlated with prostatic metastasis. These findings indicate that ActRII signaling is required for PCC and neuroblastoma cell viability, with ActRII mediating cell fate via the regulation of cell adhesion. That ActRII signaling governs both cell viability and cell adhesion has important implications for developing therapeutic strategies to regulate cancer growth and metastasis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Yndestad A, Larsen KO, Øie E, Ueland T, Smith C, Halvorsen B, Sjaastad I, Skjønsberg OH, Pedersen TM, Anfinsen OG, Damås JK, Christensen G, Aukrust P, Andreassen AK. Elevated levels of activin A in clinical and experimental pulmonary hypertension. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2009; 106:1356-64. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90719.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, is involved in regulation of tissue remodeling and inflammation. Herein, we wanted to explore a role for activin A in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Circulating levels of activin A and its binding protein follistatin were measured in patients with PH ( n = 47) and control subjects ( n = 14). To investigate synthesis and localization of pulmonary activin A, we utilized an experimental model of hypoxia-induced PH. In mouse lungs, we also explored signaling pathways that can be activated by activin A, such as phosphorylation of Smads, which are mediators of TGF-β signaling. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms initiated by activin A were explored by exposing pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in culture to this cytokine. Elevated levels of activin A and follistatin were found in patients with PH, and activin A levels were significantly related to mortality. Immunohistochemistry of lung autopsies from PH patients and lungs with experimental PH localized activin A primarily to alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Mice with PH exhibited increased pulmonary levels of mRNA for activin A and follistatin in the lungs, and also elevated pulmonary levels of phosphorylated Smad2. Finally, we found that activin A increased proliferation and induced gene expression of endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, mediators that could contribute to vascular remodeling. Our findings in both clinical and experimental studies suggest a role for activin A in the development of various types of PH.
Collapse
|
23
|
Centanni M, Viceconti N, Luisi S, Reis FM, Gargano L, Maiani F, Franchi A, Canettieri G, Petraglia F. Reversible increase of serum activin A levels in women with Graves' disease. J Endocrinol Invest 2002; 25:967-70. [PMID: 12553556 DOI: 10.1007/bf03344069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the serum levels of activin A in hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease. Serum activin A and FSH levels were measured in a total of 93 females (64 regularly cycling and 29 post-menopausal). Of these, 20 were hyperthyroid patients with Graves disease, 33 were euthyroid goitrous patients (20 had autoimmune thyroiditis AT and 13 only had goiter) representing the internal control group and 40 were healthy subjects representing the external control group. Serum levels of activin A were higher in goitrous patients with AT than in control subjects (p=0.0388). Activin A levels were almost doubled in the cycling and in post-menopausal hyperthyroid women (0.91+/-0.21 vs 0.43+/-0.07 microg/l; p<0.0001 and 0.92+/-0.22 vs 0.48+/-0.24 microg/l; p=0.0001, respectively). In 10 cycling hyperthyroid patients, studied even after methimazole treatment, that increase was substantially reversed, once euthyroidism was attained (p=0.002). These findings indicate that thyroid function and autoimmune processes significantly affect serum levels of activin A in patients with Graves' disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Centanni
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|