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Miguel V, Alcalde-Estévez E, Sirera B, Rodríguez-Pascual F, Lamas S. Metabolism and bioenergetics in the pathophysiology of organ fibrosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 222:85-105. [PMID: 38838921 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.06.001] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the tissue scarring characterized by excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, mainly collagens. A fibrotic response can take place in any tissue of the body and is the result of an imbalanced reaction to inflammation and wound healing. Metabolism has emerged as a major driver of fibrotic diseases. While glycolytic shifts appear to be a key metabolic switch in activated stromal ECM-producing cells, several other cell types such as immune cells, whose functions are intricately connected to their metabolic characteristics, form a complex network of pro-fibrotic cellular crosstalk. This review purports to clarify shared and particular cellular responses and mechanisms across organs and etiologies. We discuss the impact of the cell-type specific metabolic reprogramming in fibrotic diseases in both experimental and human pathology settings, providing a rationale for new therapeutic interventions based on metabolism-targeted antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Miguel
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Alcalde-Estévez
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain; Department of Systems Biology, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Belén Sirera
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Pascual
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Lamas
- Program of Physiological and Pathological Processes, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO) (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.
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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Gumede DB, Abrahamse H, Houreld NN. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its interplay with TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways for the treatment of chronic wounds. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:244. [PMID: 38671406 PMCID: PMC11046856 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is a tightly regulated process that ensures tissue repair and normal function following injury. It is modulated by activation of pathways such as the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Dysregulation of this process causes poor wound healing, which leads to tissue fibrosis and ulcerative wounds. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in all phases of wound healing, primarily in the proliferative phase for formation of granulation tissue. This review focuses on the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in wound healing, and its transcriptional regulation of target genes. The crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and the TGF-β signaling pathways, as well as the deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronic wounds are also considered, with a special focus on diabetic ulcers. Lastly, we discuss current and prospective therapies for chronic wounds, with a primary focus on strategies that target the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway such as photobiomodulation for healing diabetic ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimakatso B Gumede
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Nicolette N Houreld
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
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Omer HA, Janson C, Amin K. The role of inflammatory and remodelling biomarkers in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Cent Eur J Immunol 2023; 48:330-337. [PMID: 38558564 PMCID: PMC10976650 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2023.133725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biomarkers play a crucial role in evaluating the prognosis, diagnosis, and monitoring of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to compare the levels of inflammatory and remodelling biomarkers among patients with NSCLC and healthy controls (HCs) and to investigate the correlation between these biomarkers. Material and methods Blood samples were taken from 93 NSCLC and 84 HCs. Each sample was analysed for the inflammatory biomarkers transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2) and the remodelling biomarkers Wingless-related integration site (Wnt3a) and α-catenin (CTNN-β1). Results The patients with NSCLC had significantly higher levels of all the measured biomarkers. In the NSCLC patients, TGF-β1 correlated significantly with SMAD2 (r = 0.34, p = 0.0008), Wnt3a (r = 0.328, p = 0.0013), and CTNN-β1 levels (r = 0.30, p = 0.004). SMAD2 correlated significantly with CTNN-β1 (r = 0.546, p = 0.0001) and Wnt3a (r = 0.598, p = 0.0001). CTNN-β1 level also correlated with the level of Wnt3a (r = 0.61, p = 0.0001). No correlation was found between biomarkers and symptom scores. Discussion In this study, patients with NSCLC had higher inflammatory and remodelling biomarker levels than HCs. In the NSCLC, there were significant associations between inflammatory and remodelling biomarkers. This indicates that measuring biomarkers could be valuable in the workup of NSCLC patients. Conclusions Our investigation showed that inflammatory and remodelling biomarkers might play a role in future immunologic response and pharmacologically targeted NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemn Abdalla Omer
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Suleimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Science, Respiratory Medicine, and Allergology, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kawa Amin
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Suleimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Medical Science, Respiratory Medicine, and Allergology, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Florio F, Vencato S, Papa FT, Libergoli M, Kheir E, Ghzaiel I, Rando TA, Torrente Y, Biressi S. Combinatorial activation of the WNT-dependent fibrogenic program by distinct complement subunits in dystrophic muscle. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17405. [PMID: 37927228 PMCID: PMC10701616 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317405] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is associated with compromised muscle functionality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We report observations with tissues from dystrophic patients and mice supporting a model to explain fibrosis in DMD, which relies on the crosstalk between the complement and the WNT signaling pathways and the functional interactions of two cellular types. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors and macrophages, which populate the inflamed dystrophic muscles, act as a combinatorial source of WNT activity by secreting distinct subunits of the C1 complement complex. The resulting aberrant activation of the WNT signaling in responsive cells, such as fibro-adipogenic progenitors, contributes to fibrosis. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition of the C1r/s subunits in a murine model of DMD mitigated the activation of the WNT signaling pathway, reduced the fibrogenic characteristics of the fibro-adipogenic progenitors, and ameliorated the dystrophic phenotype. These studies shed new light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for fibrosis in muscular dystrophy and open to new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Florio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Neurology UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Sara Vencato
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Filomena T Papa
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela Libergoli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Eyemen Kheir
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Imen Ghzaiel
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Broad Stem Cell Research CenterUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Neurology UnitFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Biressi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute at University of TrentoTrentoItaly
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Saracino AM, Kelberman D, Otto GW, Gagunashvili A, Abraham DJ, Denton CP. Unravelling morphoea aetiopathogenesis by next-generation sequencing of paired skin biopsies. Arch Dermatol Res 2023; 315:2035-2056. [PMID: 36912952 PMCID: PMC10366313 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphoea can have a significant disease burden. Aetiopathogenesis remains poorly understood, with very limited existing genetic studies. Linear morphoea (LM) may follow Blascho's lines of epidermal development, providing potential pathogenic clues. OBJECTIVE The first objective of this study was to identify the presence of primary somatic epidermal mosaicism in LM. The second objective was tTo explore differential gene expression in morphoea epidermis and dermis to identify potential pathogenic molecular pathways and tissue layer cross-talk. METHODOLOGY Skin biopsies from paired affected and contralateral unaffected skin were taken from 16 patients with LM. Epidermis and dermis were isolated using a 2-step chemical-physical separation protocol. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS; n = 4 epidermal) and RNA-seq (n = 5-epidermal, n = 5-dermal) with gene expression analysis via GSEA-MSigDBv6.3 and PANTHER-v14.1 pathway analyses, were performed. RTqPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to replicate key results. RESULTS Sixteen participants (93.8% female, mean age 27.7 yrs disease-onset) were included. Epidermal WGS identified no single affected gene or SNV. However, many potential disease-relevant pathogenic variants were present, including ADAMTSL1 and ADAMTS16. A highly proliferative, inflammatory and profibrotic epidermis was seen, with significantly-overexpressed TNFα-via-NFkB, TGFβ, IL6/JAKSTAT and IFN-signaling, apoptosis, p53 and KRAS-responses. Upregulated IFI27 and downregulated LAMA4 potentially represent initiating epidermal 'damage' signals and enhanced epidermal-dermal communication. Morphoea dermis exhibited significant profibrotic, B-cell and IFN-signatures, and upregulated morphogenic patterning pathways such as Wnt. CONCLUSION This study supports the absence of somatic epidermal mosaicism in LM, and identifies potential disease-driving epidermal mechanisms, epidermal-dermal interactions and disease-specific dermal differential-gene-expression in morphoea. We propose a potential molecular narrative for morphoea aetiopathogenesis which could help guide future targeted studies and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Saracino
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Melbourne Dermatology Clinic, 258 Park Street, South Melbourne, VIC, 3205, Australia.
| | - Daniel Kelberman
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georg W Otto
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrey Gagunashvili
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormand Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Abraham
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissues Diseases, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Taye N, Singh M, Baldock C, Hubmacher D. Secreted ADAMTS-like 2 promotes myoblast differentiation by potentiating WNT signaling. Matrix Biol 2023; 120:24-42. [PMID: 37187448 PMCID: PMC10238107 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.003] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Myogenesis is the process that generates multinucleated contractile myofibers from muscle stem cells during skeletal muscle development and regeneration. Myogenesis is governed by myogenic regulatory transcription factors, including MYOD1. Here, we identified the secreted matricellular protein ADAMTS-like 2 (ADAMTSL2) as part of a Wnt-dependent positive feedback loop, which augmented or sustained MYOD1 expression and thus promoted myoblast differentiation. ADAMTSL2 depletion resulted in severe retardation of myoblast differentiation in vitro and its ablation in myogenic precursor cells resulted in aberrant skeletal muscle architecture. Mechanistically, ADAMTSL2 potentiated WNT signaling by binding to WNT ligands and WNT receptors. We identified the WNT-binding ADAMTSL2 peptide, which was sufficient to promote myogenesis in vitro. Since ADAMTSL2 was previously described as a negative regulator of TGFβ signaling in fibroblasts, ADAMTSL2 now emerges as a signaling hub that could integrate WNT, TGFβ and potentially other signaling pathways within the dynamic microenvironment of differentiating myoblasts during skeletal muscle development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandaraj Taye
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Mukti Singh
- Division of Cell-Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clair Baldock
- Division of Cell-Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk Hubmacher
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Leni & Peter W. May Department of Orthopedics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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Ligresti G, Raslan AA, Hong J, Caporarello N, Confalonieri M, Huang SK. Mesenchymal cells in the Lung: Evolving concepts and their role in fibrosis. Gene 2023; 859:147142. [PMID: 36603696 PMCID: PMC10068350 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells in the lung are crucial during development, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common and deadly form of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases. Originally thought to behave as supporting cells for the lung epithelium and endothelium with a singular function of producing basement membrane, mesenchymal cells encompass a variety of cell types, including resident fibroblasts, lipofibroblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes, which all occupy different anatomic locations and exhibit diverse homeostatic functions in the lung. During injury, each of these subtypes demonstrate remarkable plasticity and undergo varying capacity to proliferate and differentiate into activated myofibroblasts. Therefore, these cells secrete high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to tissue repair, or in pathologic situations, scarring and fibrosis. Whereas epithelial damage is considered the initial trigger that leads to lung injury, lung mesenchymal cells are recognized as the ultimate effector of fibrosis and attempts to better understand the different functions and actions of each mesenchymal cell subtype will lead to a better understanding of why fibrosis develops and how to better target it for future therapy. This review summarizes current findings related to various lung mesenchymal cells as well as signaling pathways, and their contribution to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US.
| | - Ahmed A Raslan
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US
| | - Jeongmin Hong
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, US
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Steven K Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, US
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Atanasova VS, de Jesus Cardona C, Hejret V, Tiefenbacher A, Mair T, Tran L, Pfneissl J, Draganić K, Binder C, Kabiljo J, Clement J, Woeran K, Neudert B, Wohlhaupter S, Haase A, Domazet S, Hengstschläger M, Mitterhauser M, Müllauer L, Tichý B, Bergmann M, Schweikert G, Hartl M, Dolznig H, Egger G. Mimicking Tumor Cell Heterogeneity of Colorectal Cancer in a Patient-derived Organoid-Fibroblast Model. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1391-1419. [PMID: 36868311 PMCID: PMC10141529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patient-derived organoid cancer models are generated from epithelial tumor cells and reflect tumor characteristics. However, they lack the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which is a key driver of tumorigenesis and therapy response. Here, we developed a colorectal cancer organoid model that incorporates matched epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. METHODS Primary fibroblasts and tumor cells were isolated from colorectal cancer specimens. Fibroblasts were characterized for their proteome, secretome, and gene expression signatures. Fibroblast/organoid co-cultures were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and compared with their tissue of origin, as well as on gene expression levels compared with standard organoid models. Bioinformatics deconvolution was used to calculate cellular proportions of cell subsets in organoids based on single-cell RNA sequencing data. RESULTS Normal primary fibroblasts, isolated from tumor adjacent tissue, and cancer associated fibroblasts retained their molecular characteristics in vitro, including higher motility of cancer associated compared with normal fibroblasts. Importantly, both cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts supported cancer cell proliferation in 3D co-cultures, without the addition of classical niche factors. Organoids grown together with fibroblasts displayed a larger cellular heterogeneity of tumor cells compared with mono-cultures and closely resembled the in vivo tumor morphology. Additionally, we observed a mutual crosstalk between tumor cells and fibroblasts in the co-cultures. This was manifested by considerably deregulated pathways such as cell-cell communication and extracellular matrix remodeling in the organoids. Thrombospondin-1 was identified as a critical factor for fibroblast invasiveness. CONCLUSION We developed a physiological tumor/stroma model, which will be vital as a personalized tumor model to study disease mechanisms and therapy response in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velina S Atanasova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Václav Hejret
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andreas Tiefenbacher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Mair
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Loan Tran
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Janette Pfneissl
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Draganić
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Binder
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julijan Kabiljo
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria; Clinic of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Janik Clement
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Woeran
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Neudert
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Astrid Haase
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Domazet
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Boris Tichý
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Bergmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria; Clinic of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Schweikert
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Tübingen, Germany; Division of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Hartl
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Mass Spectrometry Facility, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gerda Egger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Emerging Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Progression and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043941. [PMID: 36835352 PMCID: PMC9964606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Tumor cells recruit and remodel various types of stromal and inflammatory cells to form a tumor microenvironment (TME), which encompasses cellular and molecular entities, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), immune cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), immune checkpoint molecules and cytokines that promote cancer cell growth, as well as their drug resistance. HCC usually arises in the context of cirrhosis, which is always associated with an enrichment of activated fibroblasts that are owed to chronic inflammation. CAFs are a major component of the TME, providing physical support in it and secreting various proteins, such as extracellular matrices (ECMs), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor 1/2 (ILGF1/2) and cytokines that can modulate tumor growth and survival. As such, CAF-derived signaling may increase the pool of resistant cells, thus reducing the duration of clinical responses and increasing the degree of heterogeneity within tumors. Although CAFs are often implicated to be associated with tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance, several studies have reported that CAFs have significant phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and some CAFs display antitumor and drug-sensitizing properties. Multiple studies have highlighted the relevance of crosstalk between HCC cells, CAFs and other stromal cells in influence of HCC progression. Although basic and clinical studies partially revealed the emerging roles of CAFs in immunotherapy resistance and immune evasion, a better understanding of the unique functions of CAFs in HCC progression will contribute to development of more effective molecular-targeted drugs. In this review article, molecular mechanisms involved in crosstalk between CAFs, HCC cells and other stromal cells, as well as the effects of CAFs on HCC-cell growth, metastasis, drug resistance and clinical outcomes, are comprehensively discussed.
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Ni B, Sun M, Zhao J, Wang J, Cao Z. The role of β-catenin in cardiac diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1157043. [PMID: 37033656 PMCID: PMC10073558 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1157043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a classical Wnt pathway that regulates the stability and nuclear localization of β-catenin and plays an important role in adult heart development and cardiac tissue homeostasis. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have implicated the dysregulation of this signaling pathway in a variety of cardiac diseases, such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathies, and myocardial hypertrophy. The morbidity and mortality of cardiac diseases are increasing, which brings great challenges to clinical treatment and seriously affects patient health. Thus, understanding the biological roles of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in these diseases may be essential for cardiac disease treatment and diagnosis to improve patient quality of life. In this review, we summarize current research on the roles of β-catenin in human cardiac diseases and potential inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin, which may provide new strategies for cardiac disease therapies.
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12
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Mohawk impedes angiofibrosis by preventing the differentiation of tendon stem/progenitor cells into myofibroblasts. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20003. [PMID: 36411329 PMCID: PMC9678895 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24195-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult tendons heal via fibrovascular scarring with inferior biomechanical properties. Mohawk (Mkx) emerged as a pivotal actor in tenolineage commitment. However, its precise function in tendinopathy remains poorly understood. This study investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Mkx' role in fibrovascular healing. Human samples were collected to test fibrovascular markers. We then performed RNAseq on Mkx-/- mice compared to their wild type littermates to decipher Mkx regulome. We therefore sought to reproduce TSPCs transition to myofibroblasts in-vitro by over-expressing MyoD and followed by phenotypic and experimental cells' characterization using microscopy, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry sorting, presto-blue cell viability assay and immunofluorescence. Two different in vivo models were used to assess the effect of the MyoD-expressing myofibroblasts: transplantation in the dorsal area of immunodeficient mice and in an adult Achilles tendon injury model. To prevent angiofibrosis, we tested the molecule Xav939 and proceeded with histological stainings, q-RT PCR transcriptional quantification of angifibrotic markers, mechanical tests, and immunofluorescence. Tendinopathy samples showed fibrovascular healing with decreased tenolineage phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis of Mkx-/- tendons revealed myofibroblast-associated biological processes. Over-expression of MyoD in WT tendon stem progenitor cells (TSPCs) gave rise to myofibroblasts reprogramming in-vitro and fibrovascular scarring in-vivo. MKX directly binds to MyoD promoter and underlies global regulative processes related to angiogenesis and Wnt signaling pathway. Blocking Wnt signaling with the small molecule Xav393 resulted in higher histological and biomechanical properties. Taken together, our data provide the first in vivo and in-vitro evidence of tendon stem progenitor cells to myofibroblasts transition and show improved tendon healing via angiofibrosis modulation, thus opening potential therapeutic avenues to treat tendinopathy patients.
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13
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Protective effect of berberine in diabetic nephropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis revealing the mechanism of action. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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14
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Cucu I, Nicolescu MI, Busnatu ȘS, Manole CG. Dynamic Involvement of Telocytes in Modulating Multiple Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Cytoarchitecture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5769. [PMID: 35628576 PMCID: PMC9143034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac interstitium is a complex and dynamic environment, vital for normal cardiac structure and function. Telocytes are active cellular players in regulating main events that feature myocardial homeostasis and orchestrating its involvement in heart pathology. Despite the great amount of data suggesting (microscopically, proteomically, genetically, etc.) the implications of telocytes in the different physiological and reparatory/regenerative processes of the heart, understanding their involvement in realizing the heart's mature cytoarchitecture is still at its dawn. Our scrutiny of the recent literature gave clearer insights into the implications of telocytes in the WNT signaling pathway, but also TGFB and PI3K/AKT pathways that, inter alia, conduct cardiomyocytes differentiation, maturation and final integration into heart adult architecture. These data also strengthen evidence for telocytes as promising candidates for cellular therapies in various heart pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Cucu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefan-Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardiology-“Bagdasar Arseni” Emergency Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălin Gabriel Manole
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Pathology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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15
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Bachmann JC, Baumgart SJ, Uryga AK, Bosteen MH, Borghetti G, Nyberg M, Herum KM. Fibrotic Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: The Dual Roles of Fibrosis in HFpEF and CAD. Cells 2022; 11:1657. [PMID: 35626694 PMCID: PMC9139546 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerosis-driven coronary artery disease (CAD) will have ongoing fibrotic remodeling both in the myocardium and in atherosclerotic plaques. However, the functional consequences of fibrosis differ for each location. Thus, cardiac fibrosis leads to myocardial stiffening, thereby compromising cardiac function, while fibrotic remodeling stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby reducing the risk of plaque rupture. Although there are currently no drugs targeting cardiac fibrosis, it is a field under intense investigation, and future drugs must take these considerations into account. To explore similarities and differences of fibrotic remodeling at these two locations of the heart, we review the signaling pathways that are activated in the main extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, namely human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although these signaling pathways are highly overlapping and context-dependent, effects on ECM remodeling mainly act through two core signaling cascades: TGF-β and Angiotensin II. We complete this by summarizing the knowledge gained from clinical trials targeting these two central fibrotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kate M. Herum
- Research and Early Development, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark; (J.C.B.); (S.J.B.); (A.K.U.); (M.H.B.); (G.B.); (M.N.)
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16
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Lamontagne JO, Zhang H, Zeid AM, Strittmatter K, Rocha AD, Williams T, Zhang S, Marneros AG. Transcription factors AP-2α and AP-2β regulate distinct segments of the distal nephron in the mammalian kidney. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2226. [PMID: 35468900 PMCID: PMC9038906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors AP-2α and AP-2β have been suggested to regulate the differentiation of nephron precursor populations towards distal nephron segments. Here, we show that in the adult mammalian kidney AP-2α is found in medullary collecting ducts, whereas AP-2β is found in distal nephron segments except for medullary collecting ducts. Inactivation of AP-2α in nephron progenitor cells does not affect mammalian nephrogenesis, whereas its inactivation in collecting ducts leads to defects in medullary collecting ducts in the adult. Heterozygosity for AP-2β in nephron progenitor cells leads to progressive distal convoluted tubule abnormalities and β-catenin/mTOR hyperactivation that is associated with renal fibrosis and cysts. Complete loss of AP-2β in nephron progenitor cells caused an absence of distal convoluted tubules, renal cysts, and fibrosis with β-catenin/mTOR hyperactivation, and early postnatal death. Thus, AP-2α and AP-2β have non-redundant distinct spatiotemporal functions in separate segments of the distal nephron in the mammalian kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph O Lamontagne
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Alia M Zeid
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Karin Strittmatter
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Alicia D Rocha
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sheryl Zhang
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Alexander G Marneros
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
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17
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Signaling pathways and targeted therapy for myocardial infarction. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:78. [PMID: 35273164 PMCID: PMC8913803 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) has improved considerably, it is still a worldwide disease with high morbidity and high mortality. Whilst there is still a long way to go for discovering ideal treatments, therapeutic strategies committed to cardioprotection and cardiac repair following cardiac ischemia are emerging. Evidence of pathological characteristics in MI illustrates cell signaling pathways that participate in the survival, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, monocytes, and stem cells. These signaling pathways include the key players in inflammation response, e.g., NLRP3/caspase-1 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB; the crucial mediators in oxidative stress and apoptosis, for instance, Notch, Hippo/YAP, RhoA/ROCK, Nrf2/HO-1, and Sonic hedgehog; the controller of myocardial fibrosis such as TGF-β/SMADs and Wnt/β-catenin; and the main regulator of angiogenesis, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Sonic hedgehog, etc. Since signaling pathways play an important role in administering the process of MI, aiming at targeting these aberrant signaling pathways and improving the pathological manifestations in MI is indispensable and promising. Hence, drug therapy, gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy, and exosome therapy have been emerging and are known as novel therapies. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic strategies for MI by regulating these associated pathways, which contribute to inhibiting cardiomyocytes death, attenuating inflammation, enhancing angiogenesis, etc. so as to repair and re-functionalize damaged hearts.
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18
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Guo X, Sunil C, Adeyanju O, Parker A, Huang S, Ikebe M, Tucker TA, Idell S, Qian G. PD-L1 mediates lung fibroblast to myofibroblast transition through Smad3 and β-catenin signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3053. [PMID: 35197539 PMCID: PMC8866514 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07044-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint protein that has been linked with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT). However, it remains largely unclear how PD-L1 mediates this process. We found significantly increased PD-L1 in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and mice with pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin and TGF-β. In primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs), TGF-β induced PD-L1 expression that is dependent on both Smad3 and p38 pathways. PD-L1 knockdown using siRNA significantly attenuated TGF-β-induced expression of myofibroblast markers α-SMA, collagen-1, and fibronectin in normal and IPF HLFs. Further, we found that PD-L1 interacts with Smad3, and TGF-β induces their interaction. Interestingly, PD-L1 knockdown reduced α-SMA reporter activity induced by TGF-β in HLFs, suggesting that PD-L1 might act as a co-factor of Smad3 to promote target gene expression. TGF-β treatment also phosphorylates GSK3β and upregulates β-catenin protein levels. Inhibiting β-catenin signaling with the pharmaceutical inhibitor ICG001 significantly attenuated TGF-β-induced FMT. PD-L1 knockdown also attenuated TGF-β-induced GSK3β phosphorylation/inhibition and β-catenin upregulation, implicating GSK3β/β-catenin signaling in PD-L1-mediated FMT. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that fibroblast PD-L1 may promote pulmonary fibrosis through both Smad3 and β-catenin signaling and may represent a novel interventional target for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
| | - Christudas Sunil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
| | - Oluwaseun Adeyanju
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
| | - Andrew Parker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
| | - Steven Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Mitsuo Ikebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
| | - Torry A Tucker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Steven Idell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA.
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19
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Choi S, Yoon M, Choi KY. Approaches for Regenerative Healing of Cutaneous Wound with an Emphasis on Strategies Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2022; 11:70-86. [PMID: 33573472 PMCID: PMC9831250 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2020.1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance: In adult mammals, spontaneous repair of a cutaneous wound occurs slowly and leaves a scar with skin adnexa deficiencies. To accelerate cutaneous wound-healing rates and avoid scar formation, current studies have focused on regenerative therapies. Recent Advances: Emerging therapeutics for regenerative wound healing often focus on the use of growth factors and stem cells. However, these therapeutic approaches have limited routine clinical use due to high costs and technical requirements. Critical Issue: Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways for cutaneous wound healing and neogenic synthesis of the skin components is important for identification of novel targets for the development of regenerative wound-healing agents. Future Directions: The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a well-known key player for enhancement of the overall healing process involving tissue regeneration via crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Strategies that activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via modulation of the pathway-controlling regulatory factors could provide effective therapeutic approaches for regenerative wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minguen Yoon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang-Yell Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,CK Biotech, Inc., Seodaemun-Gu, Korea.,Correspondence: CK Biotech, Inc., Room 417, Engineering Research Park, 50 Yonsei Ro, Seodaemun-Gu 03722, Korea
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20
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y, Vallée JN. The Key Role of the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway in Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancers under Normoxic Conditions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215557. [PMID: 34771718 PMCID: PMC8582658 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway is upregulated in cancers and plays a major role in proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Recent studies have shown that cancer processes are involved under normoxic conditions. These findings completely change the way of approaching the study of the cancer process. In this review, we focus on the fact that, under normoxic conditions, the overstimulation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway leads to modifications in the tumor micro-environment and the activation of the Warburg effect, i.e., aerobic glycolysis, autophagy and glutaminolysis, which in turn participate in tumor growth. Abstract The canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway is upregulated in cancers and plays a major role in proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Nuclear β-catenin accumulation is associated with cancer. Hypoxic mechanisms lead to the activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, promoting glycolytic and energetic metabolism and angiogenesis. However, HIF-1α is degraded by the HIF prolyl hydroxylase under normoxia, conditions under which the WNT/β-catenin pathway can activate HIF-1α. This review is therefore focused on the interaction between the upregulated WNT/β-catenin pathway and the metabolic processes underlying cancer mechanisms under normoxic conditions. The WNT pathway stimulates the PI3K/Akt pathway, the STAT3 pathway and the transduction of WNT/β-catenin target genes (such as c-Myc) to activate HIF-1α activity in a hypoxia-independent manner. In cancers, stimulation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway induces many glycolytic enzymes, which in turn induce metabolic reprogramming, known as the Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis, leading to lactate overproduction. The activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway induces gene transactivation via WNT target genes, c-Myc and cyclin D1, or via HIF-1α. This in turn encodes aerobic glycolysis enzymes, including glucose transporter, hexokinase 2, pyruvate kinase M2, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and lactate dehydrogenase-A, leading to lactate production. The increase in lactate production is associated with modifications to the tumor microenvironment and tumor growth under normoxic conditions. Moreover, increased lactate production is associated with overexpression of VEGF, a key inducer of angiogenesis. Thus, under normoxic conditions, overstimulation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway leads to modifications of the tumor microenvironment and activation of the Warburg effect, autophagy and glutaminolysis, which in turn participate in tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation (DRCI), Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien (GHEF), 6-8 Rue Saint-Fiacre, 77100 Meaux, France;
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Amiens Picardie, Université Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), 80054 Amiens, France;
- Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), UMR, CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
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21
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Sharma A, Mir R, Galande S. Epigenetic Regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:681053. [PMID: 34552611 PMCID: PMC8450413 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.681053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies over the past four decades have elucidated the role of Wnt/β-catenin mediated regulation in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. These processes are fundamental to embryonic development, regeneration potential of tissues, as well as cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic players which influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via modulation of its components and coordinated regulation of the Wnt target genes. The role played by crosstalk with other signaling pathways mediating tumorigenesis is also elaborated. The Hippo/YAP pathway is particularly emphasized due to its extensive crosstalk via the Wnt destruction complex. Further, we highlight the recent advances in developing potential therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenetic machinery based on the characterization of these regulatory networks for effective treatment of various cancers and also for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Sharma
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Rafeeq Mir
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
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22
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Działo E, Czepiel M, Tkacz K, Siedlar M, Kania G, Błyszczuk P. WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Promotes TGF-β-Mediated Activation of Human Cardiac Fibroblasts by Enhancing IL-11 Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810072. [PMID: 34576234 PMCID: PMC8468519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process associated with the development of heart failure. TGF-β and WNT signaling have been implicated in pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis, however, little is known about molecular cross-talk between these two pathways. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous canonical WNT3a and non-canonical WNT5a in TGF-β-activated human cardiac fibroblasts. We found that WNT3a and TGF-β induced a β-catenin-dependent response, whereas WNT5a prompted AP-1 activity. TGF-β triggered profibrotic signatures in cardiac fibroblasts, and co-stimulation with WNT3a or co-activation of the β-catenin pathway with the GSK3β inhibitor CHIR99021 enhanced collagen I and fibronectin production and development of active contractile stress fibers. In the absence of TGF-β, neither WNT3a nor CHIR99021 exerted profibrotic responses. On a molecular level, in TGF-β-activated fibroblasts, WNT3a enhanced phosphorylation of TAK1 and production and secretion of IL-11 but showed no effect on the Smad pathway. Neutralization of IL-11 activity with the blocking anti-IL-11 antibody effectively reduced the profibrotic response of cardiac fibroblasts activated with TGF-β and WNT3a. In contrast to canonical WNT3a, co-activation with non-canonical WNT5a suppressed TGF-β-induced production of collagen I. In conclusion, WNT/β-catenin signaling promotes TGF-β-mediated fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition by enhancing IL-11 production. Thus, the uncovered mechanism broadens our knowledge on a molecular basis of cardiac fibrogenesis and defines novel therapeutic targets for fibrotic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Działo
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Marcin Czepiel
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Karolina Tkacz
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland;
| | - Przemysław Błyszczuk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland; (E.D.); (M.C.); (K.T.); (M.S.)
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-658-24-86
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23
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Guo F, Seldin M, Péterfy M, Charugundla S, Zhou Z, Lee SD, Mouton A, Rajbhandari P, Zhang W, Pellegrini M, Tontonoz P, Lusis AJ, Shih DM. NOTUM promotes thermogenic capacity and protects against diet-induced obesity in male mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16409. [PMID: 34385484 PMCID: PMC8361163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently showed that NOTUM, a liver-secreted Wnt inhibitor, can acutely promote browning of white adipose. We now report studies of chronic overexpression of NOTUM in liver indicating that it protects against diet-induced obesity and improves glucose homeostasis in mice. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors were used to overexpress GFP or mouse Notum in the livers of male C57BL/6J mice and the mice were fed an obesifying diet. After 14 weeks of high fat, high sucrose diet feeding, the AAV-Notum mice exhibited decreased obesity and improved glucose tolerance compared to the AAV-GFP mice. Gene expression and immunoblotting analysis of the inguinal fat and brown fat revealed increased expression of beige/brown adipocyte markers in the AAV-Notum group, suggesting enhanced thermogenic capacity by NOTUM. A β3 adrenergic receptor agonist-stimulated lipolysis test suggested increased lipolysis capacity by NOTUM. The levels of collagen and C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in the epididymal white adipose tissue of the AAV-Notum mice were significantly reduced, suggesting decreased fibrosis and inflammation, respectively. RNA sequencing analysis of inguinal white adipose of 4-week chow diet-fed mice revealed a highly significant enrichment of extracellular matrix (ECM) functional cluster among the down-regulated genes in the AAV-Notum group, suggesting a potential mechanism contributing to improved glucose homeostasis. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that recombinant human NOTUM protein blocked the inhibitory effects of WNT3A on brown adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, NOTUM attenuated WNT3A’s effects on upregulation of TGF-β signaling and its downstream targets. Overall, our data suggest that NOTUM modulates adipose tissue function by promoting thermogenic capacity and inhibiting fibrosis through inhibition of Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfei Guo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-237 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA
| | - Marcus Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Miklós Péterfy
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Sarada Charugundla
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-237 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-237 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA
| | - Stephen D Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Alice Mouton
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Prashant Rajbhandari
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Wenchao Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-237 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA.,The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Peter Tontonoz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Aldons J Lusis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-237 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA
| | - Diana M Shih
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, A2-237 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1679, USA.
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Adenosine and Cordycepin Accelerate Tissue Remodeling Process through Adenosine Receptor Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Stimulation by Regulating GSK3b Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115571. [PMID: 34070360 PMCID: PMC8197479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is a cellular metabolite with diverse derivatives that possesses a wide range of physiological roles. We investigated the molecular mechanisms of adenosine and cordycepin for their promoting effects in wound-healing process. The mitochondrial energy metabolism and cell proliferation markers, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) and Ki67, were enhanced by adenosine and cordycepin in cultured dermal fibroblasts. Adenosine and cordycepin stimulated adenosine receptor signaling via elevated cAMP. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b) and Wnt target genes such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2/4 and lymphoid enhancer binding factor (Lef) 1 were activated. The enhanced gene expression by adenosine and cordycepin was abrogated by adenosine A2A and A2B receptor inhibitors, ZM241385 and PSH603, and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89, indicating the involvement of adenosine receptor A2A, A2B and PKA. As a result of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, the secretion of growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) 3 was increased, previously reported to facilitate the wound healing process. In addition, in vitro fibroblast migration was also increased, demonstrating their possible roles in facilitating the wound healing process. In conclusion, our data strongly demonstrate that adenosine and cordycepin stimulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling through the activation of adenosine receptor, possibly promoting the tissue remodeling process and suggest their therapeutic potential for treating skin wounds.
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Saadat S, Noureddini M, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Nazemi S, Shojaie L, Aschner M, Maleki B, Abbasi-Kolli M, Rajabi Moghadam H, Alani B, Mirzaei H. Pivotal Role of TGF-β/Smad Signaling in Cardiac Fibrosis: Non-coding RNAs as Effectual Players. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 7:588347. [PMID: 33569393 PMCID: PMC7868343 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.588347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Unintended cardiac fibroblast proliferation in many pathophysiological heart conditions, known as cardiac fibrosis, results in pooling of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the heart muscle. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) as a pivotal cytokine/growth factor stimulates fibroblasts and hastens ECM production in injured tissues. The TGF-β receptor is a heterodimeric receptor complex on the plasma membrane, made up from TGF-β type I, as well as type II receptors, giving rise to Smad2 and Smad3 transcription factors phosphorylation upon canonical signaling. Phosphorylated Smad2, Smad3, and cytoplasmic Smad4 intercommunicate to transfer the signal to the nucleus, culminating in provoked gene transcription. Additionally, TGF-β receptor complex activation starts up non-canonical signaling that lead to the mitogen-stimulated protein kinase cascade activation, inducing p38, JNK1/2 (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2), and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2) signaling. TGF-β not only activates fibroblasts and stimulates them to differentiate into myofibroblasts, which produce ECM proteins, but also promotes fibroblast proliferation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulators of numerous pathways along with cellular procedures. MicroRNAs and circular long ncRNAs, combined with long ncRNAs, are capable of affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling, leading to cardiac fibrosis. More comprehensive knowledge based on these processes may bring about new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for different cardiac disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Saadat
- Physiology Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Noureddini
- Physiology Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sina Nazemi
- Vascular and Thorax Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Layla Shojaie
- Department of Medicine, Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Behnaz Maleki
- Physiology Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasi-Kolli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Rajabi Moghadam
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Behrang Alani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Thooyamani AS, Mukhopadhyay A. PDGFRα mediated survival of myofibroblasts inhibit satellite cell proliferation during aberrant regeneration of lacerated skeletal muscle. Sci Rep 2021; 11:63. [PMID: 33420132 PMCID: PMC7794387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regeneration or fibrosis in muscle is the denouement of deregulated cellular and molecular events that alter original tissue architecture due to accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix. The severity of the insult to the skeletal muscle determines the nature of regeneration. Numerous attempts at deciphering the mechanism underlying fibrosis and the subsequent strategies of drug therapies have yielded temporary solutions. Our intent is to understand the interaction between the myofibroblasts (MFs) and the satellite cells (SCs), during skeletal muscle regeneration. We hypothesize that MFs contribute to the impairment of SCs function by exhibiting an antagonistic influence on their proliferation. A modified laceration based skeletal muscle injury model in mouse was utilized to evaluate the dynamics between the SCs and MFs during wound healing. We show that the decline in MFs’ number through inhibition of PDGFRα signaling consequently promotes proliferation of the SCs and exhibits improved skeletal muscle remodeling. We further conclude that in situ administration of PDGFRα inhibitor prior to onset of fibrosis may attenuate aberrant regeneration. This opens new possibility for the early treatment of muscle fibrosis by specific targeting of MFs rather than transplantation of SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abinaya Sundari Thooyamani
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India. .,, Abi Nivas, Subbanapalya Extension, Bangalore, 560043, India.
| | - Asok Mukhopadhyay
- Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India. .,, AA-602, Ashabari, Patuli, Kolkata, 700094, India.
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An R, Wang X, Yang L, Zhang J, Wang N, Xu F, Hou Y, Zhang H, Zhang L. Polystyrene microplastics cause granulosa cells apoptosis and fibrosis in ovary through oxidative stress in rats. Toxicology 2020; 449:152665. [PMID: 33359712 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are receiving increased attention as a harmful environmental pollutant. Studies have investigated that MPs have reproductive toxicity, but the mechanism is little known. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on ovary in rats and the underlying molecular mechanisms. in vivo, thirty-two female Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5 μm PS-MPs at different concentrations (0, 0.015, 0.15 and 1.5 mg/d) for 90 days. And then, all animals were sacrificed, ovaries and blood were collected for testing. in vitro, granulosa cells (GCs) were separated from rat ovary and treated with 0、1、5、25 μg/mL PS-MPs and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) respectively. Our results showed that PS-MPs could enter into GCs and result in the reducing of growing follicles number. And the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) manifested that PS-MPs could obviously decrease the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). In addition, PS-MPs induced oxidative stress, apoptosis of GCs and ovary fibrosis evidenced by assay kits, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining. Moreover, the western blot assay manifested that PS-MPs exposure significantly increased the expression levels of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways-related proteins (Wnt, β-catenin, p-β-catenin) and the main fibrosis markers (transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Additionally, the expression levels of Wnt and p-β-catenin, apoptosis of GCs decreased after NAC treatment. In summary, polystyrene microplastics cause fibrosis via Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway activation and granulosa cells apoptosis of ovary through oxidative stress in rats, both of which ultimately resulted in decrease of ovarian reserve capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru An
- College of Clinical Medicine, Bin Zhou Medical University, Yan Tai, PR China
| | - Xifeng Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai, PR China
| | - Long Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Bin Zhou Medical University, Yan Tai, PR China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China
| | - Nana Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Bin Zhou Medical University, Yan Tai, PR China
| | - Feibo Xu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China; College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China
| | - Yun Hou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China; College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China; College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China
| | - Lianshuang Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China; College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, PR China.
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28
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Lai Benjamin FL, Lu Rick X, Hu Y, Davenport HL, Dou W, Wang EY, Radulovich N, Tsao MS, Sun Y, Radisic M. Recapitulating pancreatic tumor microenvironment through synergistic use of patient organoids and organ-on-a-chip vasculature. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:2000545. [PMID: 33692660 PMCID: PMC7939064 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202000545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor progression relies heavily on the interaction between the neoplastic epithelial cells and their surrounding stromal partners. This cell cross-talk affects stromal development, and ultimately the heterogeneity impacts drug efflux and efficacy. To mimic this evolving paradigm, we have micro-engineered a three-dimensional (3D) vascularized pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue in a tri-culture system composed of patient derived pancreatic organoids, primary human fibroblasts and endothelial cells on a perfusable InVADE platform situated in a 96-well plate. Uniquely, through synergistic engineering we combined the benefits of cellular fidelity of patient tumor derived organoids with the addressability of a plastic organ-on-a-chip platform. Validation of this platform included demonstrating the growth of pancreatic tumor organoids by monitoring the change in metabolic activity of the tissue. Investigation of tumor microenvironmental behavior highlighted the role of fibroblasts in symbiosis with patient organoid cells, resulting in a six-fold increase of collagen deposition and a corresponding increase in tissue stiffness in comparison to fibroblast free controls. The value of a perfusable vascular network was evident in drug screening, as perfusion of gemcitabine into a stiffened matrix did not show the dose-dependent effects on tumor viability as those under static conditions. These findings demonstrate the importance of studying the dynamic synergistic relationship between patient cells with stromal fibroblasts, in a 3D perfused vascular network, to accurately understand and recapitulate the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Lai Benjamin
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - X Lu Rick
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yangshuo Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huyer Locke Davenport
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenkun Dou
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika Y Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikolina Radulovich
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ming S Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu Sun
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Li T, Weng X, Cheng S, Wang D, Cheng G, Gao H, Li Y. Wnt3a upregulation is involved in TGFβ1-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Cytokine 2020; 138:155376. [PMID: 33243628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy, characterized by enlarged cell size and fetal gene reactivation, ultimately leads to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. The expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is often elevated in experimental models of cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we observed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in TGFβ1-induced cardiac hypertrophy. TGFβ1 stimulation decreased the phosphorylation levels of β-catenin and triggered the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. In turn, TGFβ1 enhanced the expression of c-Myc, which is a transcriptional target of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Knockdown of β-catenin completely blocked TGFβ1-induced c-Myc upregulation. Wnt3a is an important Wnt ligand associated with cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Further investigation revealed that TGFβ1 can upregulate Wnt3a expression in an ALK5-Smad2/3-dependent manner. A consensus Smad binding sequence is located within the Wnt3a promoter, and TGFβ1 stimulation enhanced recruitment of Smad2/3 onto the Wnt3a promoter. Meanwhile, Wnt3a overexpression also stimulated TGFβ1 expression. Chemical inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling partially attenuated TGFβ1-induced hypertrophic responses. These findings suggest crosstalk between TGFβ1 and canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways in cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China
| | - Xiaofei Weng
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China
| | - Siya Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province 475000, China
| | - Dongxing Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province 475000, China
| | - Guanchang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province 475000, China
| | - Hai Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yanming Li
- Department of Cardiology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province 475000, China.
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30
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Chen Q, Jiao J, Wang Y, Mai Z, Ren J, He S, Li X, Chen Z. Egr-1 mediates low-dose arecoline induced human oral mucosa fibroblast proliferation via transactivation of Wnt5a expression. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:80. [PMID: 33167868 PMCID: PMC7653895 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-020-00325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Arecoline is an alkaloid natural product found in the areca nut that can induce oral submucous fibrosis and subsequent development of cancer. However, numerous studies have shown that arecoline may inhibit fibroblast proliferation and prevent collagen synthesis. Results High doses of arecoline (> 32 μg/ml) could inhibit human oral fibroblast proliferation, while low doses of arecoline (< 16 μg/ml) could promote the proliferation of human oral fibroblasts. Wnt5a was found to be both sufficient and necessary for the promotion of fibroblast proliferation. Egr-1 could mediate the expression of Wnt5a in fibroblasts, while NF-κB, FOXO1, Smad2, and Smad3 did not. Treatment with siRNAs specific to Egr-1, Egr inhibitors, or Wnt5a antibody treatment could all inhibit arecoline-induced Wnt5a upregulation and fibroblast proliferation. Conclusions Egr-1 mediates the effect of low dose arecoline treatment on human oral mucosa fibroblast proliferation by transactivating the expression of Wnt5a. Therefore, Egr inhibitors and Wnt5a antibodies are potential therapies for treatment of oral submucosal fibrosis and oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- Department of Stomatology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600 Tianhe road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiuyang Jiao
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youyuan Wang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Mai
- Department of Stomatology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600 Tianhe road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jing Ren
- Department of Stomatology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600 Tianhe road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Sijie He
- The fourth people's hospital of Nanhai district of Foshan city, Foshan, China.
| | - Xiaolan Li
- Guanghua School of stomatology & hospital of stomatology, Guangdong province key laboratory of stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Stomatology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600 Tianhe road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, is a common pathophysiologic companion of many different myocardial conditions. Fibrosis may reflect activation of reparative or maladaptive processes. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the main source of matrix proteins. Immune cells, vascular cells and cardiomyocytes may also acquire a fibrogenic phenotype under conditions of stress, activating fibroblast populations. Fibrogenic growth factors (such as transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factors), cytokines [including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4], and neurohumoral pathways trigger fibrogenic signalling cascades through binding to surface receptors, and activation of downstream signalling cascades. In addition, matricellular macromolecules are deposited in the remodelling myocardium and regulate matrix assembly, while modulating signal transduction cascades and protease or growth factor activity. Cardiac fibroblasts can also sense mechanical stress through mechanosensitive receptors, ion channels and integrins, activating intracellular fibrogenic cascades that contribute to fibrosis in response to pressure overload. Although subpopulations of fibroblast-like cells may exert important protective actions in both reparative and interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, ultimately fibrotic changes perturb systolic and diastolic function, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. This review article discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis in various myocardial diseases, including myocardial infarction, heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, genetic cardiomyopathies, and diabetic heart disease. Development of fibrosis-targeting therapies for patients with myocardial diseases will require not only understanding of the functional pluralism of cardiac fibroblasts and dissection of the molecular basis for fibrotic remodelling, but also appreciation of the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of fibrosis-associated myocardial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Forchheimer G46B, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Shati AA, Alfaifi MY. Salidroside protects against diabetes mellitus-induced kidney injury and renal fibrosis by attenuating TGF-β1 and Wnt1/3a/β-catenin signalling. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1692-1704. [PMID: 32472701 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated if the nephroprotective effect of Salidroside in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) involves modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. Control or Streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg, iv)-induced T1DM adult male Wister rats were treated with the vehicle and Salidroside (100 mg/kg, orally) for 8 weeks daily. As compared to T1DM-induced rats, Salidroside improved kidney structure, reduced urinary protein and albumin level, increased creatinine clearance, and suppressed renal fibrosis. It also decreased mRNA and protein levels of Wnt1, Wnt3, and TGF-β1, phosphorylation of Smad-3, total and nuclear levels of β-catenin, and levels and activities of cleaved caspase-3. Concomitantly, Salidroside significantly increased the levels of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37 /Thr41 ) and suppressed protein levels of Axin-2, fibronectin, and, mRNA and protein levels of collagen IIIa, the main targets of β-catenin. In both control and T1DM rats, Salidroside significantly lowered fasting glucose levels and reduced renal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) p-and GS3Kβ (Ser9) but significantly increased levels of SOD and GSH. In conclusion, Salidroside protected the kidney of rats against T1DM-induced injury and fibrosis by activating GS3Kβ-induced inhibition of Wnt1/Wnt3a β-catenin. This was associated with hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Shati
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University (KKU), Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Ray HC, Corliss BA, Bruce AC, Kesting S, Dey P, Mansour J, Seaman SA, Smolko CM, Mathews C, Dey BK, Owens GK, Peirce SM, Yates PA. Myh11+ microvascular mural cells and derived mesenchymal stem cells promote retinal fibrosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15808. [PMID: 32978500 PMCID: PMC7519078 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal diseases are frequently characterized by the accumulation of excessive scar tissue found throughout the neural retina. However, the pathophysiology of retinal fibrosis remains poorly understood, and the cell types that contribute to the fibrotic response are incompletely defined. Here, we show that myofibroblast differentiation of mural cells contributes directly to retinal fibrosis. Using lineage tracing technology, we demonstrate that after chemical ocular injury, Myh11+ mural cells detach from the retinal microvasculature and differentiate into myofibroblasts to form an epiretinal membrane. Inhibition of TGFβR attenuates Myh11+ retinal mural cell myofibroblast differentiation, and diminishes the subsequent formation of scar tissue on the surface of the retina. We demonstrate retinal fibrosis within a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy resulting from the intravitreal injection of adipose Myh11-derived mesenchymal stem cells, with ensuing myofibroblast differentiation. In this model, inhibiting TGFβR signaling does not significantly alter myofibroblast differentiation and collagen secretion within the retina. This work shows the complexity of retinal fibrosis, where scar formation is regulated both by TGFβR and non-TGFβR dependent processes involving mural cells and derived mesenchymal stem cells. It also offers a cautionary note on the potential deleterious, pro-fibrotic effects of exogenous MSCs once intravitreally injected into clinical patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Clifton Ray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bruce A Corliss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Anthony C Bruce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sam Kesting
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Paromita Dey
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Mansour
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Scott A Seaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Christian M Smolko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Corbin Mathews
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bijan K Dey
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Gary K Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shayn M Peirce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Paul A Yates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, PO Box 800715, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Pan Q, Guo CJ, Xu QY, Wang JZ, Li H, Fang CH. miR-16 integrates signal pathways in myofibroblasts: determinant of cell fate necessary for fibrosis resolution. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:639. [PMID: 32801294 PMCID: PMC7429878 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts and poor response to treatment. This can be attributed to the myofibroblast-specific resistance to phenotype reversal. In this study, we complemented miR-16 into miR-16-deficient myofibroblasts and analyzed the global role of miR-16 using transcriptome profiling and generating a pathway-based action model underlying transcriptomic regulation. Phenotypic analysis of myofibroblasts and fibrogenic characterization were used to understand the effect of miR-16 on phenotypic remodeling of myofibroblasts. miR-16 expression altered the transcriptome of myofibroblasts to resemble that of HSCs. Simultaneous targeting of Smad2 and Wnt3a, etc. by miR-16 integrated signaling pathways of TGF-β and Wnt, etc., which underlay the comprehensive regulation of transcriptome. The synergistic effect of miR-16 on the signaling pathways abolished the phenotypic characteristics of myofibroblasts, including collagen production and inhibition of adipogenesis. In vivo, myofibroblast-specific expression of miR-16 not only eliminated mesenchymal cells with myofibroblast characteristics but also restored the phenotype of HSCs in perisinusoidal space. This phenotypic remodeling resolved liver fibrosis induced by chronic wound healing. Therefore, miR-16 may integrate signaling pathways crucial for the fate determination of myofibroblasts. Its global effect induces the reversal of HSC-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and, subsequently, the resolution of fibrogenesis. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of miR-16 as a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Can-Jie Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren-Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qing-Yang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jin-Zhi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xin-Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chun-Hua Fang
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Tong-Ji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
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Monavarian M, Kader S, Moeinzadeh S, Jabbari E. Regenerative Scar-Free Skin Wound Healing. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2020; 25:294-311. [PMID: 30938269 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2018.0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Millions of people every year develop scars in response to skin injuries after surgery, trauma, or burns with significant undesired physical and psychological effects. This review provides an update on engineering strategies for scar-free wound healing and discusses the role of different cell types, growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular components in regenerative wound healing. The use of pro-regenerative matrices combined with engineered cells with less intrinsic potential for fibrogenesis is a promising strategy for achieving scar-free skin tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Monavarian
- 1Biomimetic Materials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Safaa Kader
- 1Biomimetic Materials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Seyedsina Moeinzadeh
- 1Biomimetic Materials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Esmaiel Jabbari
- 1Biomimetic Materials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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36
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AP-2β/KCTD1 Control Distal Nephron Differentiation and Protect against Renal Fibrosis. Dev Cell 2020; 54:348-366.e5. [PMID: 32553120 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The developmental mechanisms that orchestrate differentiation of specific nephron segments are incompletely understood, and the factors that maintain their terminal differentiation after nephrogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, the transcription factor AP-2β is shown to be required for the differentiation of distal tubule precursors into early stage distal convoluted tubules (DCTs) during nephrogenesis. In contrast, its downstream target KCTD1 is essential for terminal differentiation of early stage DCTs into mature DCTs, and impairment of their terminal differentiation owing to lack of KCTD1 leads to a severe salt-losing tubulopathy. Moreover, sustained KCTD1 activity in the adult maintains mature DCTs in this terminally differentiated state and prevents renal fibrosis by repressing β-catenin activity, whereas KCTD1 deficiency leads to severe renal fibrosis. Thus, the AP-2β/KCTD1 axis links a developmental pathway in the nephron to the induction and maintenance of terminal differentiation of DCTs that actively prevents their de-differentiation in the adult and protects against renal fibrosis.
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Yousefi F, Shabaninejad Z, Vakili S, Derakhshan M, Movahedpour A, Dabiri H, Ghasemi Y, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Nikoozadeh A, Savardashtaki A, Mirzaei H, Hamblin MR. TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: non-coding RNAs come into focus. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:87. [PMID: 32517807 PMCID: PMC7281690 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis describes the inappropriate proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), leading to accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the cardiac muscle, which is found in many pathophysiological heart conditions. A range of molecular components and cellular pathways, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on the TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways, and their mutual interaction, which have emerged as important factors involved in cardiac pathophysiology. The molecular and cellular processes involved in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis are summarized. We focus on TGF-β and WNT signaling in cardiac fibrosis, ECM production, and myofibroblast transformation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are one of the main players in the regulation of multiple pathways and cellular processes. MicroRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular long non-coding RNAs can all interact with the TGF-β/WNT signaling axis to affect cardiac fibrosis. A better understanding of these processes may lead to new approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many cardiac conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yousefi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shabaninejad
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Derakhshan
- Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Movahedpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Student research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Dabiri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cell and Development Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Azin Nikoozadeh
- Pathology Department, School of Medicine,Mashhad Univesity of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. .,Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
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38
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Tikhomirov R, Reilly-O’Donnell B, Catapano F, Faggian G, Gorelik J, Martelli F, Emanueli C. Exosomes: From Potential Culprits to New Therapeutic Promise in the Setting of Cardiac Fibrosis. Cells 2020; 9:E592. [PMID: 32131460 PMCID: PMC7140485 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a significant global health problem associated with many inflammatory and degenerative diseases affecting multiple organs, individually or simultaneously. Fibrosis develops when extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling becomes excessive or uncontrolled and is associated with nearly all forms of heart disease. Cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the main effectors of ECM deposition and scar formation. The heart is a complex multicellular organ, where the various resident cell types communicate between themselves and with cells of the blood and immune systems. Exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles, (EVs), contribute to cell-to-cell communication and their pathophysiological relevance and therapeutic potential is emerging. Here, we will critically review the role of endogenous exosomes as possible fibrosis mediators and discuss the possibility of using stem cell-derived and/or engineered exosomes as anti-fibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Tikhomirov
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (R.T.); (B.R.-O.); (F.C.); (J.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Cardiovascular Science, The University of Verona, Policlinico G., B. Rossi, P.le. La Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy; (G.F.); (F.M.)
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese Milano, Italy
| | - Benedict Reilly-O’Donnell
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (R.T.); (B.R.-O.); (F.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Francesco Catapano
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (R.T.); (B.R.-O.); (F.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Faggian
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Cardiovascular Science, The University of Verona, Policlinico G., B. Rossi, P.le. La Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy; (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Julia Gorelik
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (R.T.); (B.R.-O.); (F.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Cardiovascular Science, The University of Verona, Policlinico G., B. Rossi, P.le. La Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy; (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (R.T.); (B.R.-O.); (F.C.); (J.G.)
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Contreras O, Soliman H, Theret M, Rossi FMV, Brandan E. TGF-β-driven downregulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin transcription factor TCF7L2/TCF4 in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs.242297. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.242297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors essential for organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and scar formation. Tissue injury upregulates TGF-β signaling, which modulates myofibroblast fate, extracellular matrix remodeling, and fibrosis. However, the molecular determinants of MSCs differentiation and survival remain poorly understood. The canonical Wnt Tcf/Lef transcription factors regulate development and stemness, but the mechanisms by which injury-induced cues modulate their expression remain underexplored. Here, we studied the cell-specific gene expression of Tcf/Lef and, more specifically, we investigated whether damage-induced TGF-β impairs the expression and function of TCF7L2, using several models of MSCs, including skeletal muscle fibro-adipogenic progenitors. We show that Tcf/Lefs are differentially expressed and that TGF-β reduces the expression of TCF7L2 in MSCs but not in myoblasts. We also found that the ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates TCF7L2 proteostasis and participates in TGF-β-mediated TCF7L2 protein downregulation. Finally, we show that TGF-β requires HDACs activity to repress the expression of TCF7L2. Thus, our work found a novel interplay between TGF-β and Wnt canonical signaling cascades in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts and suggests that this mechanism could be targeted in tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Contreras
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular and Center for Aging and Regeneration (CARE-ChileUC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile
- Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Medical Genetics and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Present address: Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Hesham Soliman
- Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Medical Genetics and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, 61519 Minia, Egypt
| | - Marine Theret
- Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Medical Genetics and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fabio M. V. Rossi
- Biomedical Research Centre, Department of Medical Genetics and School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z3 Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Enrique Brandan
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular and Center for Aging and Regeneration (CARE-ChileUC), Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 8331150 Santiago, Chile
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
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40
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Vallée A, Lecarpentier Y. TGF-β in fibrosis by acting as a conductor for contractile properties of myofibroblasts. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:98. [PMID: 31827764 PMCID: PMC6902440 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are non-muscle contractile cells that play a key physiologically role in organs such as the stem villi of the human placenta during physiological pregnancy. They are able to contract and relax in response to changes in the volume of the intervillous chamber. Myofibroblasts have also been observed in several diseases and are involved in wound healing and the fibrotic processes affecting several organs, such as the liver, lungs, kidneys and heart. During the fibrotic process, tissue retraction rather than contraction is correlated with collagen synthesis in the extracellular matrix, leading to irreversible fibrosis and, finally, apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The molecular motor of myofibroblasts is the non-muscle type IIA and B myosin (NMMIIA and NMMIIB). Fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts is largely governed by the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). This system controls the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway in a positive manner, and PPARγ in a negative manner. The WNT/β-catenin pathway promotes fibrosis, while PPARγ prevents it. This review focuses on the contractile properties of myofibroblasts and the conductor, TGF-β1, which together control the opposing interplay between PPARγ and the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- 1Délégation à la Recherche Clinique (DRCI), Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France.,DACTIM-MIS, Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), CNRS, UMR 7348, Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien (GHEF), Meaux, France
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41
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Penke LR, Peters-Golden M. Molecular determinants of mesenchymal cell activation in fibroproliferative diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4179-4201. [PMID: 31563998 PMCID: PMC6858579 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled scarring, or fibrosis, can interfere with the normal function of virtually all tissues of the body, ultimately leading to organ failure and death. Fibrotic diseases represent a major cause of death in industrialized countries. Unfortunately, no curative treatments for these conditions are yet available, highlighting the critical need for a better fundamental understanding of molecular mechanisms that may be therapeutically tractable. The ultimate indispensable effector cells responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix proteins that comprise scars are mesenchymal cells, namely fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In this review, we focus on the biology of these cells and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their pertinent functions. We discuss key pro-fibrotic mediators, signaling pathways, and transcription factors that dictate their activation and persistence. Because of their possible clinical and therapeutic relevance, we also consider potential brakes on mesenchymal cell activation and cellular processes that may facilitate myofibroblast clearance from fibrotic tissue-topics that have in general been understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loka R Penke
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 6301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5642, USA
| | - Marc Peters-Golden
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 6301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5642, USA.
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42
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Chiarelli N, Ritelli M, Zoppi N, Colombi M. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Classical, Vascular, and Hypermobile Ehlers‒Danlos Syndromes. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E609. [PMID: 31409039 PMCID: PMC6723307 DOI: 10.3390/genes10080609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers‒Danlos syndromes (EDS) constitute a heterogenous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin abnormalities, and vascular fragility. The latest nosology recognizes 13 types caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding collagens and other molecules involved in collagen processing and extracellular matrix (ECM) biology. Classical (cEDS), vascular (vEDS), and hypermobile (hEDS) EDS are the most frequent types. cEDS and vEDS are caused respectively by defects in collagen V and collagen III, whereas the molecular basis of hEDS is unknown. For these disorders, the molecular pathology remains poorly studied. Herein, we review, expand, and compare our previous transcriptome and protein studies on dermal fibroblasts from cEDS, vEDS, and hEDS patients, offering insights and perspectives in their molecular mechanisms. These cells, though sharing a pathological ECM remodeling, show differences in the underlying pathomechanisms. In cEDS and vEDS fibroblasts, key processes such as collagen biosynthesis/processing, protein folding quality control, endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, autophagy, and wound healing are perturbed. In hEDS cells, gene expression changes related to cell-matrix interactions, inflammatory/pain responses, and acquisition of an in vitro pro-inflammatory myofibroblast-like phenotype may contribute to the complex pathogenesis of the disorder. Finally, emerging findings from miRNA profiling of hEDS fibroblasts are discussed to add some novel biological aspects about hEDS etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Chiarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Ritelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Zoppi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Colombi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy.
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43
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Vallée A, Vallée JN, Lecarpentier Y. Metabolic reprogramming in atherosclerosis: Opposed interplay between the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway and PPARγ. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 133:36-46. [PMID: 31153873 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and age-related disease, is a complex mechanism presenting a dysregulation of vessel structures. During this process, the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway is increased whereas PPARγ is downregulated. The two systems act in an opposite manner. This paper reviews the opposing interplay of these systems and their metabolic-reprogramming pathway in atherosclerosis. Activation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway enhances the transcription of targets involved in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and vascular calcification. This complex mechanism, which is partly controlled by the WNT/β-catenin pathway, presents several metabolic dysfunctions. This phenomenon, called aerobic glycolysis (or the Warburg effect), consists of a shift in ATP production from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, leading to the overproduction of intracellular lactate. This mechanism is partially due to the injury of mitochondrial respiration and an increase in the glycolytic pathway. In contrast, PPARγ agonists downregulate the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Therefore, the development of therapeutic targets, such as PPARγ agonists, for the treatment of atherosclerosis could be an interesting and innovative way of counteracting the canonical WNT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Diagnosis and Therapeutic Center, Hypertension and Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Hotel-Dieu Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
| | - Jean-Noël Vallée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Amiens Picardie, Université Picardie Jules Verne (UPJV), 80054 Amiens, France; Laboratoire de Mathématiques et Applications (LMA), UMR CNRS 7348, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Yves Lecarpentier
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Grand Hôpital de l'Est Francilien (GHEF), 6-8 rue Saint-fiacre, 77100 Meaux, France
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44
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Vitamin D and Wnt3A have additive and partially overlapping modulatory effects on gene expression and phenotype in human colon fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8085. [PMID: 31147591 PMCID: PMC6542853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44574-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is essential for intestinal epithelium homeostasis, but its aberrant activation is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies indicate that the bioactive vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) inhibits proliferation and promotes epithelial differentiation of colon carcinoma cells in part through antagonism of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. It is now accepted that stromal fibroblasts are crucial in healthy and pathologic intestine: pericryptal myofibroblasts are constituents of the stem cell niche and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to CRC progression. However, studies on the combined action of 1,25(OH)2D3 and Wnt factors in colon fibroblasts are lacking. Here we show by global transcriptomic studies that 1,25(OH)2D3 and Wnt3A have profound, additive, partially overlapping effects on the gene expression profile of CCD-18Co human colon myofibroblasts. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 and Wnt3A inhibit CCD-18Co cell proliferation and migration, while 1,25(OH)2D3 reduces, but Wnt3A increases, their capacity to contract collagen gels (a marker of fibroblast activation). These data were largely confirmed in patient-derived primary colon normal fibroblasts and CAFs, and in fibroblasts from other origins. Our results indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 and Wnt3A are strong regulators of colon fibroblast biology and contribute to a better knowledge of intestinal homeostasis and stromal fibroblast action in CRC.
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LXRα limits TGFβ-dependent hepatocellular carcinoma associated fibroblast differentiation. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:36. [PMID: 31097694 PMCID: PMC6522550 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is deposited in the extracellular space of diverse tissues. Resident fibroblasts respond to TGFβ and undergo myofibroblastic differentiation during tissue wound healing and cancer progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) communicate with tumor cells during cancer progression, under the guidance of TGFβ signaling. We report that agonist-activated liver X receptors (LXR) limit the expression of key components of myofibroblast differentiation, including the α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) gene in liver cancer cells. CAFs derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) express high αSMA and low LXRα levels, whereas hepatocarcinoma cells exhibit an inverse expression pattern. All hepatoma cells analyzed responded to the LXRα agonist T0901317 by inducing fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression. On the other hand, T0901317 antagonized TGFβ-induced fibroblastic marker responses, such as fibronectin and calponin, in a subset of hepatoma cells and all CAFs analyzed. Mechanistically, LXRα antagonized TGFβ signaling at the transcriptional level. Smad3 and LXRα were recruited to adjacent DNA motifs of the ACTA2 promoter. Upon cloning the human ACTA2 promoter, we confirmed its transcriptional induction by TGFβ stimulation, and LXRα overexpression repressed the promoter activity. Hepatosphere formation by HCC cells was enhanced upon co-culturing with CAFs. T0901317 suppressed the positive effects exerted on hepatosphere growth by CAFs. Taken together, the data suggest that LXRα agonists limit TGFβ-dependent CAF differentiation, potentially limiting primary HCC growth.
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts: how do they contribute to metastasis? Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:71-86. [PMID: 30847799 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-019-09959-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. They are one of the most prominent cell types in the stroma and produce large amounts of extracellular matrix molecules, chemokines, cytokines and growth factors. Importantly, CAFs promote cancer progression and metastasis by multiple pathways. This, together with their genetic stability, makes them an interesting target for cancer therapy. However, CAF heterogeneity and limited knowledge about the function of the different CAF subpopulations in vivo, are currently major obstacles for identifying specific molecular targets that are of value for cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss recent major findings on CAF development and their metastasis-promoting functions, as well as open questions to be addressed in order to establish successful cancer therapies targeting CAFs.
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Wnt signaling pathways in myocardial infarction and the therapeutic effects of Wnt pathway inhibitors. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:9-12. [PMID: 30002488 PMCID: PMC6318317 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most serious health threats, resulting in huge physical and economic burdens worldwide. Wnt signaling pathways play an important role in developmental processes such as tissue patterning, cell differentiation and cell division. Appropriate regulation of the activities of Wnt signaling pathways is also important for heart development and healing in post-MI heart. Moreover, Wnt pathway inhibitors have been identified as novel antitumor drugs and applied in ongoing clinical trials. This research progress has generated increasing interests for investigating the effects of Wnt pathway inhibitors on MI healing. In this short review, we summarize the roles of Wnt signaling pathways in post-MI heart and the therapeutic effects of Wnt pathway inhibitors on MI, and discuss the underlying mechanisms of Wnt pathway inhibitors in cardiac repairing.
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Multipoint targeting of TGF-β/Wnt transactivation circuit with microRNA 384-5p for cardiac fibrosis. Cell Death Differ 2018; 26:1107-1123. [PMID: 30206318 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common precursor to ventricular dysfunction and eventual heart failure, and cardiac fibrosis begins with cardiac fibroblast activation. Here we have demonstrated that the TGF-β signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway formed a transactivation circuit during cardiac fibroblast activation and that miR-384-5p is a key regulator of the transactivation circuit. The results of in vitro study indicated that TGF-β activated an auto-positive feedback loop by increasing Wnt production in cardiac fibroblasts, and Wnt neutralizing antibodies disrupted the feedback loop. Also, we demonstrated that miR-384-5p simultaneously targeted the key receptors of the TGF-β/Wnt transactivation circuit and significantly attenuated both TGF-β-induced cardiac fibroblast activation and ischemia-reperfusion-induced cardiac fibrosis. In addition, small molecule that prevented pro-fibrogenic stimulus-induced downregulation of endogenous miR-384-5p significantly suppressed cardiac fibroblast activation and cardiac fibrosis. In conclusion, modulating a key endogenous miRNA targeting multiple components of the TGF-β/Wnt transactivation circuit can be an effective means to control cardiac fibrosis and has great therapeutic potential.
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Frangogiannis NG. Cardiac fibrosis: Cell biological mechanisms, molecular pathways and therapeutic opportunities. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 65:70-99. [PMID: 30056242 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathophysiologic companion of most myocardial diseases, and is associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmogenesis, and adverse outcome. Because the adult mammalian heart has negligible regenerative capacity, death of a large number of cardiomyocytes results in reparative fibrosis, a process that is critical for preservation of the structural integrity of the infarcted ventricle. On the other hand, pathophysiologic stimuli, such as pressure overload, volume overload, metabolic dysfunction, and aging may cause interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the absence of infarction. Activated myofibroblasts are the main effector cells in cardiac fibrosis; their expansion following myocardial injury is primarily driven through activation of resident interstitial cell populations. Several other cell types, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells may contribute to the fibrotic process, by producing proteases that participate in matrix metabolism, by secreting fibrogenic mediators and matricellular proteins, or by exerting contact-dependent actions on fibroblast phenotype. The mechanisms of induction of fibrogenic signals are dependent on the type of primary myocardial injury. Activation of neurohumoral pathways stimulates fibroblasts both directly, and through effects on immune cell populations. Cytokines and growth factors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-10, chemokines, members of the Transforming Growth Factor-β family, IL-11, and Platelet-Derived Growth Factors are secreted in the cardiac interstitium and play distinct roles in activating specific aspects of the fibrotic response. Secreted fibrogenic mediators and matricellular proteins bind to cell surface receptors in fibroblasts, such as cytokine receptors, integrins, syndecans and CD44, and transduce intracellular signaling cascades that regulate genes involved in synthesis, processing and metabolism of the extracellular matrix. Endogenous pathways involved in negative regulation of fibrosis are critical for cardiac repair and may protect the myocardium from excessive fibrogenic responses. Due to the reparative nature of many forms of cardiac fibrosis, targeting fibrotic remodeling following myocardial injury poses major challenges. Development of effective therapies will require careful dissection of the cell biological mechanisms, study of the functional consequences of fibrotic changes on the myocardium, and identification of heart failure patient subsets with overactive fibrotic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer G46B, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Ye X, Cheng S, Dong Y, Ren J, Su L, Liu J, Zhou J, Liu Q, Zhu N. Exendin-4 promotes proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells through PI3K/Akt-Wnt signaling pathways. Neurosci Lett 2018; 685:196-202. [PMID: 29920298 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) transplantation has emerged as a potential tool for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and skin wounds. However, with a limited renewal capacity and the need for mass cells during the engraftment, strategies are needed to enhance ADSC proliferative capacity. In this study, we explored the effects of Exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog, on the growth of ADSCs, focusing in particular on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) and Wnt signaling pathways. Firstly, ADSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. Then, flow cytometry demonstrated that ADSCs were positive for CD44, CD90 and CD29 but negative for CD31, CD34, and CD45. Exendin-4 (0-200 nM) treatment increased ADSC proliferation. In order to examine specific signaling pathways, a western blotting assay was performed. Our results demonstrate that after treated with 50 nM Exendin-4 for 48 h, the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and GSK3β were increased and phosphorylation of β-catenin was decreased. From these results, we concluded that PI3K-Akt and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways mediate Exendin-4 induced ADSC proliferation, the function of which might contribute to the regulation of ADSC proliferation. Our findings provided new insights into the function of the mechanisms underlying Exendin-4 of ADSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Ye
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Shimeng Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Yabing Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Lina Su
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Jianlan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Qingmei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China
| | - Ningwen Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, PR China.
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