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Ross MO, Xie Y, Owyang RC, Ye C, Zbihley ONP, Lyu R, Wu T, Wang P, Karginova O, Olopade OI, Zhao M, He C. PTPN2 copper-sensing rapidly relays copper level fluctuations into EGFR/CREB activation and associated CTR1 transcriptional repression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555401. [PMID: 37693440 PMCID: PMC10491225 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluxes in human intra- and extracellular copper levels recently garnered attention for roles in cellular signaling, including affecting levels of the signaling molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We herein applied an unbiased temporal evaluation of the whole-genome transcriptional activities modulated by fluctuations in copper levels to identify the copper sensor proteins responsible for driving these activities. We found that fluctuations in physiologically-relevant copper levels rapidly modulate EGFR/MAPK/ERK signal transduction and activation of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Both intracellular and extracellular assays support Cu 1+ inhibition of the EGFR-phosphatase PTPN2 (and potentially the homologous PTPN1)-via direct ligation to the PTPN2 active site cysteine side chain-as the underlying mechanism of copper-stimulated EGFR signal transduction activation. Depletion of copper represses this signaling pathway. We additionally show i ) copper supplementation drives transcriptional repression of the copper importer CTR1 and ii ) CREB activity is inversely correlated with CTR1 expression. In summary, our study reveals PTPN2 as a physiological copper sensor and defines a regulatory mechanism linking feedback control of copper-stimulated MAPK/ERK/CREB-signaling and CTR1 expression, thereby uncovering a previously unrecognized link between copper levels and cellular signal transduction.
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Bale S, Verma P, Yalavarthi B, Scarneo SA, Hughes P, Amin MA, Tsou PS, Khanna D, Haystead TA, Bhattacharyya S, Varga J. Pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 prevents and induces regression of experimental organ fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e165358. [PMID: 37306632 PMCID: PMC10443806 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165358] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiorgan fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) accounts for substantial mortality and lacks effective therapies. Lying at the crossroad of TGF-β and TLR signaling, TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) might have a pathogenic role in SSc. We therefore sought to evaluate the TAK1 signaling axis in patients with SSc and to investigate pharmacological TAK1 blockade using a potentially novel drug-like selective TAK1 inhibitor, HS-276. Inhibiting TAK1 abrogated TGF-β1 stimulation of collagen synthesis and myofibroblasts differentiation in healthy skin fibroblasts, and it ameliorated constitutive activation of SSc skin fibroblasts. Moreover, treatment with HS-276 prevented dermal and pulmonary fibrosis and reduced the expression of profibrotic mediators in bleomycin-treated mice. Importantly, initiating HS-276 treatment even after fibrosis was already established prevented its progression in affected organs. Together, these findings implicate TAK1 in the pathogenesis of SSc and identify targeted TAK1 inhibition using a small molecule as a potential strategy for the treatment of SSc and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bale
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Priyanka Verma
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bharath Yalavarthi
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Philip Hughes
- EydisBio Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M. Asif Amin
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Timothy A.J. Haystead
- EydisBio Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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3
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Rayford KJ, Cooley A, Strode AW, Osi I, Arun A, Lima MF, Misra S, Pratap S, Nde PN. Trypanosoma cruzi dysregulates expression profile of piRNAs in primary human cardiac fibroblasts during early infection phase. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1083379. [PMID: 36936778 PMCID: PMC10017870 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1083379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas Disease, causes severe morbidity, mortality, and economic burden worldwide. Though originally endemic to Central and South America, globalization has led to increased parasite presence in most industrialized countries. About 40% of infected individuals will develop cardiovascular, neurological, and/or gastrointestinal pathologies. Accumulating evidence suggests that the parasite induces alterations in host gene expression profiles in order to facilitate infection and pathogenesis. The role of regulatory gene expression machinery during T. cruzi infection, particularly small noncoding RNAs, has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aim to evaluate dysregulation of a class of sncRNAs called piRNAs during early phase of T. cruzi infection in primary human cardiac fibroblasts by RNA-Seq. We subsequently performed in silico analysis to predict piRNA-mRNA interactions. We validated the expression of these selected piRNAs and their targets during early parasite infection phase by stem loop qPCR and qPCR, respectively. We found about 26,496,863 clean reads (92.72%) which mapped to the human reference genome. During parasite challenge, 441 unique piRNAs were differentially expressed. Of these differentially expressed piRNAs, 29 were known and 412 were novel. In silico analysis showed several of these piRNAs were computationally predicted to target and potentially regulate expression of genes including SMAD2, EGR1, ICAM1, CX3CL1, and CXCR2, which have been implicated in parasite infection, pathogenesis, and various cardiomyopathies. Further evaluation of the function of these individual piRNAs in gene regulation and expression will enhance our understanding of early molecular mechanisms contributing to infection and pathogenesis. Our findings here suggest that piRNAs play important roles in infectious disease pathogenesis and can serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J. Rayford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ayorinde Cooley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Anthony W. Strode
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Inmar Osi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ashutosh Arun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Maria F. Lima
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Smita Misra
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
- Bioinformatics Core, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Pius N. Nde
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
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4
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Yao Y, Chen LF, Li J, Chen J, Tian XL, Wang H, Mei ZJ, Xie CH, Zhong YH. Altered DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Profiles in Radiation-Induced Heart Fibrosis of Sprague-Dawley Rats. Radiat Res 2022; 198:154-161. [PMID: 35476803 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00130.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a serious side effect of radiotherapy for thoracic tumors. Advanced myocardial fibrosis in the late phase of RIHD can lead to myocardial remodeling, heart function impairing and heart failure, resulting in serious clinical consequences, and its pathogenesis remains vague. DNA methylation is one of the important epigenetic mechanisms which often occurs in response to environmental stimuli and is crucial in regulating gene expression. We hypothesized DNA methylation may contribute to pathogenesis in radiation-induced heart fibrosis (RIHF) and altered DNA methylation patterns probably influenced the genes expression in RIHF. In present study, we found genome-wide differences in DNA methylation status and RNA expression were demonstrated and we screened out 44 genes whose altered expression maybe were regulated by CpG island methylation within the gene promoter in RIHF of Sprague-Dawley rat by employing gene expression arrays and human CpG island microarrays. Gene expression and CpG island methylation levels of several candidate genes were further validated. Our investigation provided a new dimension to reveal the specific mechanisms of RIHF and explore the potential therapeutic targets for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Li-Feng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cardiovascular Sciences, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiao-Li Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zi-Jie Mei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Cong-Hua Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ya-Hua Zhong
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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“Hey! Whatever happened to hemangiopericytoma and fibrosarcoma?” An update on selected conceptual advances in soft tissue pathology which have occurred over the past 50 years. Hum Pathol 2020; 95:113-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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6
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Differential Interleukin-2 Transcription Kinetics Render Mouse but Not Human T Cells Vulnerable to Splicing Inhibition Early after Activation. Mol Cell Biol 2019; 39:MCB.00035-19. [PMID: 31160491 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00035-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells are nodal players in the adaptive immune response against pathogens and malignant cells. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in T cell activation, which is analyzed mainly at later time points upon stimulation. Here we have discovered a 2-h time window early after stimulation where optimal splicing efficiency or, more generally, gene expression efficiency is crucial for successful T cell activation. Reducing the splicing efficiency at 4 to 6 h poststimulation significantly impaired murine T cell activation, which was dependent on the expression dynamics of the Egr1-Nab2-interleukin-2 (IL-2) pathway. This time window overlaps the time of peak IL-2 de novo transcription, which, we suggest, represents a permissive time window in which decreased splicing (or transcription) efficiency reduces mature IL-2 production, thereby hampering murine T cell activation. Notably, the distinct expression kinetics of the Egr1-Nab2-IL-2 pathway between mouse and human render human T cells refractory to this vulnerability. We propose that the rational temporal modulation of splicing or transcription during peak de novo expression of key effectors can be used to fine-tune stimulation-dependent biological outcomes. Our data also show that critical consideration is required when extrapolating mouse data to the human system in basic and translational research.
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7
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NAB 2-Expressing Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Promotes HNSCC Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030388. [PMID: 30893927 PMCID: PMC6468532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-specific proteins serve as both prognostic biomarkers and targets for anticancer drugs. In this study, we investigated the role of NGFI-A-binding protein (NAB)2 derived from CAFs in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patient-derived HNSCC and paired metastatic lymph node tissues were examined for NAB2 expression by immunohistochemistry. Primary CAF cultures were established from HNSCC patient tissue, with paired non-tumor fibroblasts (NTFs) serving as a control. CAF or NTF was used to evaluate the effect of NAB2 on HNSCC progression using FaDu cell spheroids and an in vivo mouse xenograft model. NAB2 was detected in interstitial CAFs in primary and metastatic lymph node tissues of HNSCC patients. NAB2 mRNA and protein levels were higher in CAFs as compared to paired NTFs. Conditioned medium (CM) of NAB2-overexpressing CAFs increased the invasion of FaDu spheroids in the Matrigel invasion assay as compared to CM of NTF. Co-injection of NAB2-overexpressing CAFs with FaDu spheroids into mice enhanced the growth of tumors. These data suggest that NAB2-overexpressing CAFs promotes HNSCC progression and is a potential therapeutic target for preventing HNSCC metastasis.
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8
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Wang Y, Terrell AM, Riggio BA, Anand D, Lachke SA, Duncan MK. β1-Integrin Deletion From the Lens Activates Cellular Stress Responses Leading to Apoptosis and Fibrosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3896-3922. [PMID: 28763805 PMCID: PMC5539801 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previous research showed that the absence of β1-integrin from the mouse lens after embryonic day (E) 13.5 (β1MLR10) leads to the perinatal apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) resulting in severe microphthalmia. This study focuses on elucidating the molecular connections between β1-integrin deletion and this phenotype. Methods RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially regulated genes (DRGs) in β1MLR10 lenses at E15.5. By using bioinformatics analysis and literature searching, Egr1 (early growth response 1) was selected for further study. The activation status of certain signaling pathways (focal adhesion kinase [FAK]/Erk, TGF-β, and Akt signaling) was studied via Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Mice lacking both β1-integrin and Egr1 genes from the lenses were created (β1MLR10/Egr1−/−) to study their relationship. Results RNA sequencing identified 120 DRGs that include candidates involved in the cellular stress response, fibrosis, and/or apoptosis. Egr1 was investigated in detail, as it mediates cellular stress responses in various cell types, and is recognized as an upstream regulator of numerous other β1MLR10 lens DRGs. In β1MLR10 mice, Egr1 levels are elevated shortly after β1-integrin loss from the lens. Further, pErk1/2 and pAkt are elevated in β1MLR10 LECs, thus providing the potential signaling mechanism that causes Egr1 upregulation in the mutant. Indeed, deletion of Egr1 from β1MLR10 lenses partially rescues the microphthalmia phenotype. Conclusions β1-integrin regulates the appropriate levels of Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in LECs, whereas its deficiency results in the overexpression of Egr1, culminating in reduced cell survival. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the microphthalmia observed in β1MLR10 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Anne M Terrell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Brittany A Riggio
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
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9
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Koelsche C, Schweizer L, Renner M, Warth A, Jones DTW, Sahm F, Reuss DE, Capper D, Knösel T, Schulz B, Petersen I, Ulrich A, Renker EK, Lehner B, Pfister SM, Schirmacher P, von Deimling A, Mechtersheimer G. Nuclear relocation of STAT6 reliably predicts NAB2-STAT6 fusion for the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumour. Histopathology 2014; 65:613-22. [PMID: 24702701 DOI: 10.1111/his.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Nuclear relocation of STAT6 has been shown in tumours with NAB2-STAT6 fusion, and has been proposed as an ancillary marker for the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs). The aim of this study was to verify the utility of STAT6 immunohistology in diagnosing SFT. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 689 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumours comprising 35 pleural SFTs and 654 other mesenchymal tumours were investigated for STAT6 expression using immunohistochemistry. Nine dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLSs) and five SFTs were also examined for the presence of NAB2-STAT6 fusion at the protein level using the proximity ligation assay (PLA), and for copy number variants (CNVs) with the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation450 array. Thirty-four of 35 SFTs showed strong nuclear STAT6 expression. Furthermore, five of 68 DDLSs, two of 130 undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas and one of 63 cases of nodular fasciitis showed moderate to strong nuclear STAT6 expression. The PLA indicated the presence of NAB2-STAT6 fusion protein in SFTs, but signal was also detected in some DDLSs. Copy number analysis showed an overall low frequency of chromosomal imbalances in SFTs, but complex karyotypes in DDLSs, including amplification of STAT6 and MDM2 loci. CONCLUSIONS The detection of nuclear relocation of STAT6 with immunohistochemistry is a characteristic of SFTs, and may serve as a diagnostic marker that indicates NAB2-STAT6 fusion and helps to discriminate SFTs from histological mimics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Koelsche
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), CCU Neuropathology German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Kosla J, Dvorakova M, Dvorak M, Cermak V. Effective myofibroblast dedifferentiation by concomitant inhibition of TGF-β signaling and perturbation of MAPK signaling. Eur J Cell Biol 2013; 92:363-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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11
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Mohajeri A, Tayebwa J, Collin A, Nilsson J, Magnusson L, von Steyern FV, Brosjö O, Domanski HA, Larsson O, Sciot R, Debiec-Rychter M, Hornick JL, Mandahl N, Nord KH, Mertens F. Comprehensive genetic analysis identifies a pathognomonicNAB2/STAT6fusion gene, nonrandom secondary genomic imbalances, and a characteristic gene expression profile in solitary fibrous tumor. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2013; 52:873-86. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Mohajeri
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Johnbosco Tayebwa
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Anna Collin
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Jenny Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Linda Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | | | - Otte Brosjö
- Department of Orthopedics; Karolinska University Hospital; Solna; Sweden
| | - Henryk A. Domanski
- Department of Pathology; University and Regional Laboratories; Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Olle Larsson
- Department of Pathology; Karolinska University Hospital; Solna; Sweden
| | - Raf Sciot
- Department of Pathology; KU Leuven and University Hospitals; Leuven; Belgium
| | | | - Jason L. Hornick
- Department of Pathology; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston; USA
| | - Nils Mandahl
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Karolin H. Nord
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
| | - Fredrik Mertens
- Department of Clinical Genetics; University and Regional Laboratories, Lund University; Lund; Sweden
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12
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Assessment of Brd4 inhibition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung fibroblasts and in vivo models of lung fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:470-9. [PMID: 23759512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease of high unmet medical need. Although bromodomain (Brd) and extra terminal domain isoforms have recently been implicated in mediating inflammatory and oncologic indications, their roles in lung fibrosis have not been comprehensively assessed. We investigated the role of Brd on the profibrotic responses of lung fibroblasts (LFs) in patients with rapidly progressing IPF and a mouse bleomycin model of lung fibrosis. The enhanced migration, proliferation, and IL-6 release observed in LFs from patients with rapidly progressing IPF are attenuated by pharmacologic inhibition of Brd4. These changes are accompanied by enhanced histone H4 lysine5 acetylation and association of Brd4 with genes involved in the profibrotic responses in IPF LFs as demonstrated using chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative PCR. Oral administration of 200 mg/kg per day Brd4 inhibitor JQ1 in a therapeutic dosing regimen substantially attenuated lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, this study shows that the Brd4 inhibitor JQ1, administered in a therapeutic dosage, is capable of inhibiting the profibrotic effects of IPF LFs and attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. These results suggest that Brd4 inhibitors may represent a novel therapy for the treatment of rapidly progressing IPF.
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Chmielecki J, Crago AM, Rosenberg M, O'Connor R, Walker SR, Ambrogio L, Auclair D, McKenna A, Heinrich MC, Frank DA, Meyerson M. Whole-exome sequencing identifies a recurrent NAB2-STAT6 fusion in solitary fibrous tumors. Nat Genet 2013; 45:131-2. [PMID: 23313954 PMCID: PMC3984043 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors. Here, we describe the identification of a NAB2-STAT6 fusion from whole-exome sequencing of 17 SFTs. Analysis in 53 tumors confirmed the presence of 7 variants of this fusion transcript in 29 tumors (55%), representing a lower bound for fusion frequency at this locus and suggesting that the NAB2-STAT6 fusion is a distinct molecular feature of SFTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann Chmielecki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Bhattacharyya S, Fang F, Tourtellotte W, Varga J. Egr-1: new conductor for the tissue repair orchestra directs harmony (regeneration) or cacophony (fibrosis). J Pathol 2012; 229:286-97. [PMID: 23132749 DOI: 10.1002/path.4131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the key effector cells executing physiological tissue repair leading to regeneration on the one hand, and pathological fibrogenesis leading to chronic fibrosing conditions on the other. Recent studies identify the multifunctional transcription factor early growth response-1(Egr-1) as an important mediator of fibroblast activation triggered by diverse stimuli. Egr-1 has potent stimulatory effects on fibrotic gene expression, and aberrant Egr-1 expression or function is associated with animal models of fibrosis and human fibrotic disorders, including emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and systemic sclerosis. Pharmacological suppression or genetic targeting of Egr-1 blocks fibrotic responses in vitro and ameliorates experimental fibrosis in the skin and lung. In contrast, Egr-1 appears to act as a negative regulator of hepatic fibrosis in mouse models, suggesting a context-dependent role in fibrosis. The Egr-1-binding protein Nab2 is an endogenous inhibitor of Egr-1-mediated signalling and abrogates the stimulation of fibrotic responses induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). Moreover, mice deficient in Nab2 show excessive collagen accumulation in the skin. These observations highlight a previously unsuspected fundamental physiological function for the Egr-1-Nab2 signalling axis in regulating fibrogenesis, and suggest that Egr-1 may be a potential novel therapeutic target in human diseases complicated by fibrosis. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the regulation and complex functional role of Egr-1 and its related proteins and inhibitors in pathological fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bhattacharyya
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Bhattacharyya S, Kelley K, Melichian DS, Tamaki Z, Fang F, Su Y, Feng G, Pope RM, Budinger GRS, Mutlu GM, Lafyatis R, Radstake T, Feghali-Bostwick C, Varga J. Toll-like receptor 4 signaling augments transforming growth factor-β responses: a novel mechanism for maintaining and amplifying fibrosis in scleroderma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 182:192-205. [PMID: 23141927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Because recent studies implicate Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, we sought to investigate the in vitro and in vivo role and mechanism of TLR4-mediated fibroblast responses in fibrogenesis. We found that TLR4 was constitutively expressed, and accumulation of endogenous TLR4 ligands significantly elevated, in lesional skin and lung tissues from patients with scleroderma. Activation of TLR4 signaling in explanted fibroblasts resulted in enhanced collagen synthesis and increased expression of multiple genes involved in tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Moreover, TLR4 dramatically enhanced the sensitivity of fibroblasts to the stimulatory effect of transforming growth factor-β1. These profibrotic responses were abrogated by both genetic and pharmacological disruption of TLR4 signaling in vitro, and skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin in vivo was attenuated in mice harboring a mutated TLR4. Activation of TLR4 in fibroblasts augmented the intensity of canonical Smad signaling, and was accompanied by suppression of anti-fibrotic microRNA expression. Together, these results suggest a novel model to account for persistent fibrogenesis in scleroderma, in which activation of fibroblast TLR4 signaling, triggered by damage-associated endogenous TLR4 ligands, results in augmented transforming growth factor-β1 sensitivity with increased matrix production and progressive connective tissue remodeling. Under these conditions, fibroblast TLR4 serves as the switch for converting self-limited tissue repair into intractable fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
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Usategui A, del Rey MJ, Pablos JL. Fibroblast abnormalities in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2011; 7:491-8. [PMID: 21790292 DOI: 10.1586/eci.11.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by autoimmunity, vascular lesions and progressive fibrosis. The fibrotic component is dominant in SSc compared with other vascular or autoimmune diseases and determines its prognosis and therapeutic refractoriness. Fibroblasts are responsible for abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation. Studies in cultured SSc skin fibroblasts have facilitated the identification of potential pathways involved in their profibrotic phenotype. Profibrotic fibroblasts characterized by abnormal growth and extracellular matrix synthesis may differentiate or expand from normal resident fibroblasts. Recruitment of bone marrow-derived progenitors and transdifferentiation of different cell lineages might also be involved. Multiple factors and signaling pathways appear to be involved in the development or persistence of the SSc fibroblast phenotype. Although their relative relevance and interplay are unclear, aberrant TGF-β signaling seems pivotal and constitutes the best characterized therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Usategui
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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Bhattacharyya S, Wei J, Varga J. Understanding fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: shifting paradigms, emerging opportunities. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2011; 8:42-54. [PMID: 22025123 PMCID: PMC3954787 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2011.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis in multiple organs is a prominent pathological finding and distinguishing hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Findings during the past 5 years have contributed to a more complete understanding of the complex cellular and molecular underpinning of fibrosis in SSc. Fibroblasts, the principal effector cells, are activated in the profibrotic cellular milieu by cytokines and growth factors, developmental pathways, endothelin 1 and thrombin. Innate immune signaling via Toll-like receptors, matrix-generated biomechanical stress signaling via integrins, hypoxia and oxidative stress seem to be implicated in perpetuating the process. Beyond chronic fibroblast activation, fibrosis represents a failure to terminate tissue repair, coupled with an expanded population of mesenchymal cells originating from bone marrow and transdifferentiation of epithelial cells, endothelial cells and pericytes. In addition, studies have identified intrinsic alterations in SSc fibroblasts resulting from epigenetic changes, as well as altered microRNA expression that might underlie the cell-autonomous, persistent activation phenotype of these cells. Precise characterization of the deregulated extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways, mediators and cellular differentiation programs that contribute to fibrosis in SSc will facilitate the development of selective, targeted therapeutic strategies. Effective antifibrotic therapy will ultimately involve novel compounds and repurposing of drugs that are already approved for other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, McGaw M300, 240 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Wei J, Melichian D, Komura K, Hinchcliff M, Lam AP, Lafyatis R, Gottardi CJ, MacDougald OA, Varga J. Canonical Wnt signaling induces skin fibrosis and subcutaneous lipoatrophy: a novel mouse model for scleroderma? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:1707-17. [PMID: 21370225 DOI: 10.1002/art.30312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because aberrant Wnt signaling has been linked with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and pulmonary fibrosis, we sought to investigate the effect of Wnt-10b on skin homeostasis and differentiation in transgenic mice and in explanted mesenchymal cells. METHODS The expression of Wnt-10b in patients with SSc and in a mouse model of fibrosis was investigated. The skin phenotype and biochemical characteristics of Wnt-10b-transgenic mice were evaluated. The in vitro effects of ectopic Wnt-10b were examined in explanted skin fibroblasts and preadipocytes. RESULTS The expression of Wnt-10b was increased in lesional skin biopsy specimens from patients with SSc and in those obtained from mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Transgenic mice expressing Wnt-10b showed progressive loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue accompanied by dermal fibrosis, increased collagen deposition, fibroblast activation, and myofibroblast accumulation. Wnt activity correlated with collagen gene expression in these biopsy specimens. Explanted skin fibroblasts from transgenic mice demonstrated persistent Wnt/β-catenin signaling and elevated collagen and α-smooth muscle actin gene expression. Wnt-10b infection of normal fibroblasts and preadipocytes resulted in blockade of adipogenesis and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-independent up-regulation of fibrotic gene expression. CONCLUSION SSc is associated with increased Wnt-10b expression in the skin. Ectopic Wnt-10b causes loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue and TGFβ-independent dermal fibrosis in transgenic mice. These findings suggest that Wnt-10b switches differentiation of mesenchymal cells toward myofibroblasts by inducing a fibrogenic transcriptional program while suppressing adipogenesis. Wnt-10b-transgenic mice represent a novel animal model for investigating Wnt signaling in the setting of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Bhattacharyya S, Wu M, Fang F, Tourtellotte W, Feghali-Bostwick C, Varga J. Early growth response transcription factors: key mediators of fibrosis and novel targets for anti-fibrotic therapy. Matrix Biol 2011; 30:235-42. [PMID: 21511034 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a deregulated and ultimately defective form of tissue repair that underlies a large number of chronic human diseases, as well as obesity and aging. The pathogenesis of fibrosis involves multiple cell types and extracellular signals, of which transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is pre-eminent. The prevalence of fibrosis is rising worldwide, and to date no agents has shown clinical efficacy in the attenuating or reversing the process. Recent studies implicate the immediate-early response transcription factor Egr-1 in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Egr-1 couples acute changes in the cellular environment to sustained alterations in gene expression, and mediates a broad spectrum of biological responses to injury and stress. In contrast to other ligand-activated transcription factors such as NF-κB, c-jun and Smad2/3 that undergo post-translational modification such as phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, Egr-1 activity is regulated via its biosynthesis. Aberrant Egr-1 expression or activity is implicated in cancer, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and ischemic injury and recent studies now indicate an important role for Egr-1 in TGF-ß-dependent profibrotic responses. Fibrosis in various animal models and human diseases such as scleroderma (SSc) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is accompanied by aberrant Egr-1 expression. Moreover Egr-1 appears to be required for physiologic and pathological connective tissue remodeling, and Egr-1-null mice are protected from fibrosis. As a novel profibrotic mediator, Egr-1 thus appears to be a promising potential target for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
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Van Rheen Z, Fattman C, Domarski S, Majka S, Klemm D, Stenmark KR, Nozik-Grayck E. Lung extracellular superoxide dismutase overexpression lessens bleomycin-induced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2011; 44:500-8. [PMID: 20539010 PMCID: PMC3095923 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0065oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease is a devastating disease in humans that can be further complicated by the development of secondary pulmonary hypertension. Accumulating evidence indicates that the oxidant superoxide can contribute to the pathogenesis of both interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. We used a model of pulmonary hypertension secondary to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis to test the hypothesis that an imbalance in extracellular superoxide and its antioxidant defense, extracellular superoxide dismutase, will promote pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. We exposed transgenic mice overexpressing lung extracellular superoxide dismutase and wild-type littermates to a single dose of intratracheal bleomycin, and evaluated the mice weekly for up to 35 days. We assessed pulmonary vascular remodeling and the expression of several genes critical to lung fibrosis, as well as pulmonary hypertension and mortality. The overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase protected against late remodeling within the medial, adventitial, and intimal layers of the vessel wall after the administration of bleomycin, and attenuated pulmonary hypertension at the same late time point. The overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase also blocked the early up-regulation of two key genes in the lung known to be critical in pulmonary fibrosis and vascular remodeling, the transcription factor early growth response-1 and transforming growth factor-β. The overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase attenuated late pulmonary hypertension and significantly improved survival after exposure to bleomycin. These data indicate an important role for an extracellular oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with secondary pulmonary hypertension attributable to bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Van Rheen
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Cheryl Fattman
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shannon Domarski
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan Majka
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Dwight Klemm
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kurt R. Stenmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eva Nozik-Grayck
- Department of Pediatrics and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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