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Suhail H, Peng H, Matrougui K, Rhaleb NE. Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1352222. [PMID: 38495093 PMCID: PMC10940518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1352222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and cardiac fibrosis are prevalent pathophysiologic conditions associated with hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers the cells to activate unfolded protein responses (UPRs) and upregulate the ER stress chaperon, enzymes, and downstream transcription factors to restore normal ER function. The mechanisms that link ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and NF-κB activation that results in cardiac inflammation and collagen production remain elusive. N-Acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP), a natural tetrapeptide that negatively regulates inflammation and fibrosis, has been reported. Whether it can inhibit ER stress-induced collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. We aimed to study whether Ac-SDKP inhibits tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress signaling, NF-κB signaling, the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, and collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). HCFs were pre-treated with Ac-SDKP (10 nM) and then stimulated with TM (0.25 μg/mL). We found that Ac-SDKP inhibits TM-induced collagen production by attenuating ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and CHOP/NF-κB transcriptional signaling pathways. CHOP deletion by specific shRNA maintains the inhibitory effect of Ac-SDKP on NF-κB and type-1 collagen (Col-1) expression at both protein and mRNA levels. Attenuating ER stress-induced UPR sensor signaling by Ac-SDKP seems a promising therapeutic strategy to combat detrimental cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Suhail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Hongmei Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- Department of Physiology Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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2
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Liu S, Jin R, Zheng G, Wang Y, Li Q, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Mao N, Wei Z, Li G, Fan Y, Xu H, Li S, Yang F. Ac-SDKP promotes KIF3A-mediated β-catenin suppression through a ciliary mechanism to constrain silica-induced epithelial-myofibroblast transition. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115411. [PMID: 37651800 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115411] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin family member 3 A (KIF3A) decrease have been reported in silicotic patients and rats. However, the detailed mechanisms of KIF3A in silicosis remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that KIF3A effectively blocked the expression of β-catenin and downstream myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A/serum response factor (SRF) signaling, thus inhibiting silica-induced epithelial-myofibroblast transition (EMyT). Moreover, KIF3A was identified as a downstream mediator of an antifibrotic tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP). Knockdown of KIF3A expression reactivated β-catenin/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A/serum response factor (SRF) signaling that was attenuated by Ac-SDKP in vitro. Collectively, our findings suggest that Ac-SDKP plays its anti-fibrosis role via KIF3A-mediated β-catenin suppression, at least in part, in both in vivo model of silicosis and in vitro model of EMyT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupeng Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruotong Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Gaigai Zheng
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Tian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Na Mao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Gengxu Li
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yuhang Fan
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Health Science Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 100029 Beijing, China.
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.
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Han L, Song B, Zhang P, Zhong Z, Zhang Y, Bo X, Wang H, Zhang Y, Cui X, Zhou W. PC3T: a signature-driven predictor of chemical compounds for cellular transition. Commun Biol 2023; 6:989. [PMID: 37758874 PMCID: PMC10533498 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular transitions hold great promise in translational medicine research. However, therapeutic applications are limited by the low efficiency and safety concerns of using transcription factors. Small molecules provide a temporal and highly tunable approach to overcome these issues. Here, we present PC3T, a computational framework to enrich molecules that induce desired cellular transitions, and PC3T was able to consistently enrich small molecules that had been experimentally validated in both bulk and single-cell datasets. We then predicted small molecule reprogramming of fibroblasts into hepatic progenitor-like cells (HPLCs). The converted cells exhibited epithelial cell-like morphology and HPLC-like gene expression pattern. Hepatic functions were also observed, such as glycogen storage and lipid accumulation. Finally, we collected and manually curated a cell state transition resource containing 224 time-course gene expression datasets and 153 cell types. Our framework, together with the data resource, is freely available at http://pc3t.idrug.net.cn/ . We believe that PC3T is a powerful tool to promote chemical-induced cell state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 100850, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilin Zhang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Zhong
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 100850, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiuliang Cui
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200438, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenxia Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 100850, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing, China.
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4
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Jin F, Li Y, Wang X, Yang X, Li T, Xu H, Wei Z, Liu H. Effect of Sex Differences in Silicotic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214203. [PMID: 36430681 PMCID: PMC9697950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of silicosis, caused by the inhalation of silica are still unclear, and the effect of sex on silicosis has rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sex affects the silicotic lesions and the progressive fibrotic responses in silicosis. Our study showed that sex had no significant effect on the area of silicon nodules and the collagen deposition after a one-time bronchial perfusion of silica. Immunohistochemical staining showed that CD68 and the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were positive in male and female silicotic mice. In addition, the western blot results showed that the fibrosis-related factors type I collagen (COL I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, TGF-β1, p-SMAD2/3, inflammatory-related factors interleukin 6 (IL 6), interleukin 1β (IL 1β), and senescence-related factors p16 and p21 were up-regulated in silicotic mice and there was no difference between female or male mice exposed to silica. The expression of TGF-β1, p-SMAD2/3, p16, and p21 were downregulated in the early stage of female silicotic mice, compared to the males. Thus, despite differences in the expression of certain factors, there was no overall difference in the progressive fibrosis between female and male mice in silicosis. These results thus provide a new perspective for studying the pathological development of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-0315-8816236 (Z.W.); +86-139-3349-9300 (H.L.)
| | - Heliang Liu
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-0315-8816236 (Z.W.); +86-139-3349-9300 (H.L.)
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5
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Cozier GE, Newby EC, Schwager SLU, Isaac RE, Sturrock ED, Acharya KR. Structural basis for the inhibition of human angiotensin-1 converting enzyme by fosinoprilat. FEBS J 2022; 289:6659-6671. [PMID: 35653492 PMCID: PMC9796954 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has two isoforms, somatic ACE (sACE) and testis ACE (tACE). The functions of sACE are widespread, with its involvement in blood pressure regulation most extensively studied. sACE is composed of an N-domain (nACE) and a C-domain (cACE), both catalytically active but have significant structural differences, resulting in different substrate specificities. Even though ACE inhibitors are used clinically, they need much improvement because of serious side effects seen in patients (~ 25-30%) with long-term treatment due to nonselective inhibition of nACE and cACE. Investigation into the distinguishing structural features of each domain is therefore of vital importance for the development of domain-specific inhibitors with minimal side effects. Here, we report kinetic data and high-resolution crystal structures of both nACE (1.75 Å) and cACE (1.85 Å) in complex with fosinoprilat, a clinically used inhibitor. These structures allowed detailed analysis of the molecular features conferring domain selectivity by fosinoprilat. Particularly, altered hydrophobic interactions were observed to be a contributing factor. These experimental data contribute to improved understanding of the structural features that dictate ACE inhibitor domain selectivity, allowing further progress towards designing novel 2nd-generation domain-specific potent ACE inhibitors suitable for clinical administration, with a variety of potential future therapeutic benefits. DATABASE: The atomic coordinates and structure factors for nACE-fosinoprilat and cACE-fosinoprilat structures have been deposited with codes 7Z6Z and 7Z70, respectively, in the RCSB Protein Data Bank, www.pdb.org.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma C. Newby
- Department of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of BathUK
| | - Sylva L. U. Schwager
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Edward D. Sturrock
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
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Wang W, Jia W, Zhang C. The Role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP Axis in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13282. [PMID: 36362069 PMCID: PMC9655242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process in which parenchymal cells are necrotic and excess extracellular matrix (ECM) is accumulated due to dysregulation of tissue injury repair. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a 43 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide that is involved in wound healing. Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is the main enzyme that hydrolyzes Tβ4 to produce its derivative N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) which is found to play a role in the regulation of fibrosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis widely exists in various tissues and organs including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and participates in the process of fibrogenesis. Herein, we aim to elucidate the role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis in hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Based on this, we attempted to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the regulation of tissue damage repair and anti-fibrosis therapy. The Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis exerts protective effects against organ fibrosis. It is promising that appropriate dosing regimens that rely on this axis could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating organ fibrosis in the early and late stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wenning Jia
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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7
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Li Y, Jin F, Li T, Yang X, Cai W, Li S, Gao X, Mao N, Liu H, Xu H, Yang F. Minute Cellular Nodules as Early Lesions in Rats with Silica Exposure via Inhalation. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060251. [PMID: 35737303 PMCID: PMC9227695 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of silicosis have yet to be clarified, and pathological conditions are inaccurately described in some experimental studies on silicosis. This study was aimed at describing initial lesions in silicosis, as observed in rats with silica exposure via inhalation, and major histopathologic alterations. Male Wistar rats were exposed to silica for 24 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated the presence of “cellular nodule+ macrophage alveolitis” in rats exposed to silica from the 2–16 weeks time points and “fibrotic cellular + cellular nodule” in rats exposed to silica via inhalation for 24 weeks. By immunohistochemistry, the following were noted: a continual increase in the positive expression of CD68 in macrophages in the lungs of rats exposed to silica; hyperplasia in alveolar type II cells (AT2); loss of original phenotypes in fibrotic cellular nodules, macrophages, and AT2 cells; loss of endothelial cells in silicotic nodules; and positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin in macrophages. Typical pathological changes in silicosis were also summarized. Among these changes were macrophage alveolitis, cellular nodules, and fibrotic cellular nodules, including an increase in minute cellular nodules in the early stages and the formation of fibrotic cellular nodules in the late stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Xu
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-151-33967479 (H.X.); +86-188-32571018 (F.Y.)
| | - Fang Yang
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-151-33967479 (H.X.); +86-188-32571018 (F.Y.)
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8
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Thalidomide Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Silica in Mice by Inhibiting ER Stress and the TLR4-NF-κB Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105656. [PMID: 35628464 PMCID: PMC9144898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is the most prevalent occupational disease in China. It is a form of pulmonary fibrosis caused by the inhalation of silicon particles. As there is no cure for the potentially lethal and progressive condition, the treatment of silicotic fibrosis is an important and difficult problem to address. Thalidomide, a drug with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, has been reported to have lung-protective effects. The purpose of this study was to observe the therapeutic effect of thalidomide on silicotic mice and to determine the protective mechanism. By using silicotic mice models and MH-S cells, we found the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway as well as inflammation-related factors were upregulated in the macrophages of silicotic mice. The same indexes were detected in silica-stimulated MH-S cells, and the results were consistent with those in vivo. That is, silica activated ER stress and the TLR4-NF-κB pathway as well as the inflammatory response in vitro. Treating both silicotic mice and silica-stimulated MH-S cells with thalidomide inhibited ER stress and the TLR4-NF-κB pathway as well as the inflammatory response. The present study demonstrates thalidomide as a potential therapeutic agent against silicosis.
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Early Identification, Accurate Diagnosis, and Treatment of Silicosis. Can Respir J 2022; 2022:3769134. [PMID: 35509892 PMCID: PMC9061058 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3769134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a global problem, and it has brought about great burdens to society and patients' families. The etiology of silicosis is clear, preventable, and controllable, but the onset is hidden and the duration is long. Thus, it is difficult to diagnose it early and treat it effectively, leaving workers unaware of the consequences of dust exposure. As such, a lack of details in the work history and a slow progression of lung disease contribute to the deterioration of patients until silicosis has advanced to fibrosis. These issues are the key factors impeding the diagnosis and the treatment of silicosis. This article reviews the literature on the early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of silicosis as well as analyzes the difficulties in the diagnosis and the treatment of silicosis and discusses its direction of future development.
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Ramasamy V, Ntsekhe M, Sturrock E. Investigating the antifibrotic potential of N-acetyl seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline sequence peptides. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1558-1565. [PMID: 34347311 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13565] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a physiological antifibrotic peptide that is hydrolysed by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). The beneficial antifibrotic effects of ACE inhibitors have been attributed, in part, to its inhibition of Ac-SDKP cleavage. There is indirect evidence that the SDK fragment of Ac-SDKP is the main component required for its antiproliferative action. However, the exact component of the physiological peptide that is responsible for its antifibrotic effect has yet to be determined. Ac-SDKP-derived analogues that are resistant to ACE degradation may provide a new avenue for fibrosis therapy. We tested the antifibrotic potential of various Ac-SDKP peptide sequences and an analogue resistant to ACE degradation in lung fibroblasts. We investigated the contribution and molecular mechanism of action of the amino acid residues in the Ac-SDKP sequence to its antifibrotic effects, and the effects of Ac-SDKP peptides in the prevention of collagen deposition in cells. The Ac-DKP fragment moderately inhibited endothelin-1 (ET-1) mediated transforming growth factor-β (TGF- β) expression, and could be slowly cleaved by ACE, revealing a different sequence requirement for the antifibrotic action of Ac-SDKP. The Ac-SDψKP analogue (where the peptide bond between the aspartate and lysine is reduced) inhibited TGF-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad)-3 signalling and collagen deposition. The Ac-SDKP peptide, in combination with ACEi, demonstrated a greater inhibition of hydroxyproline as compared to Ac-SDKP alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinasha Ramasamy
- Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mpiko Ntsekhe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Sturrock
- Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mao N, Yang H, Yin J, Li Y, Jin F, Li T, Yang X, Sun Y, Liu H, Xu H, Yang F. Glycolytic Reprogramming in Silica-Induced Lung Macrophages and Silicosis Reversed by Ac-SDKP Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810063. [PMID: 34576239 PMCID: PMC8465686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycolytic reprogramming is an important metabolic feature in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the specific mechanism of glycolysis in silicosis is still not clear. In this study, silicotic models and silica-induced macrophage were used to elucidate the mechanism of glycolysis induced by silica. Expression levels of the key enzymes in glycolysis and macrophage activation indicators were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, IHC, and IF analyses, and by using a lactate assay kit. We found that silica promotes the expression of the key glycolysis enzymes HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and macrophage activation factors iNOS, TNF-α, Arg-1, IL-10, and MCP1 in silicotic rats and silica-induced NR8383 macrophages. The enhancement of glycolysis and macrophage activation induced by silica was reduced by Ac-SDKP or siRNA-Ldha treatment. This study suggests that Ac-SDKP treatment can inhibit glycolytic reprogramming in silica-induced lung macrophages and silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Mao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Honghao Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Jie Yin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Tian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Ying Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Heliang Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-15133967479 (H.X.); +86-18832571018 (F.Y.); Fax: +86-315-8805522 (F.Y.)
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-15133967479 (H.X.); +86-18832571018 (F.Y.); Fax: +86-315-8805522 (F.Y.)
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12
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Cozier GE, Lubbe L, Sturrock ED, Acharya KR. Angiotensin-converting enzyme open for business: structural insights into the subdomain dynamics. FEBS J 2020; 288:2238-2256. [PMID: 33067882 PMCID: PMC8048788 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and kinin systems where it cleaves angiotensin I and bradykinin peptides, respectively. However, ACE also participates in numerous other physiological functions, can hydrolyse many peptide substrates and has various exo‐ and endopeptidase activities. ACE achieves this complexity by containing two homologous catalytic domains (N‐ and C‐domains), which exhibit different substrate specificities. Here, we present the first open conformation structures of ACE N‐domain and a unique closed C‐domain structure (2.0 Å) where the C terminus of a symmetry‐related molecule is observed inserted into the active‐site cavity and binding to the zinc ion. The open native N‐domain structure (1.85 Å) enables comparison with ACE2, a homologue previously observed in open and closed states. An open S2_S′‐mutant N‐domain structure (2.80 Å) includes mutated residues in the S2 and S′ subsites that effect ligand binding, but are distal to the binding site. Analysis of these structures provides important insights into how structural features of the ACE domains are able to accommodate the wide variety of substrates and allow different peptidase activities. Database The atomic coordinates and structure factors for Open nACE, Open S2_S′‐nACE and Native G13‐cACE structures have been deposited with codes 6ZPQ, 6ZPT and 6ZPU, respectively, in the RCSB Protein Data Bank, www.pdb.org
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyles E Cozier
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Lizelle Lubbe
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward D Sturrock
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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13
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ACE-domain selectivity extends beyond direct interacting residues at the active site. Biochem J 2020; 477:1241-1259. [PMID: 32195541 PMCID: PMC7148434 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is best known for its formation of the vasopressor angiotensin II that controls blood pressure but is also involved in other physiological functions through the hydrolysis of a variety of peptide substrates. The enzyme contains two catalytic domains (nACE and cACE) that have different affinities for ACE substrates and inhibitors. We investigated whether nACE inhibitor backbones contain a unique property which allows them to take advantage of the hinging of nACE. Kinetic analysis showed that mutation of unique nACE residues, in both the S2 pocket and around the prime subsites (S′) to their C-domain counterparts, each resulted in a decrease in the affinity of nACE specific inhibitors (SG6, 33RE and ketoACE-13) but it required the combined S2_S′ mutant to abrogate nACE-selectivity. However, this was not observed with the non-domain-selective inhibitors enalaprilat and omapatrilat. High-resolution structures were determined for the minimally glycosylated nACE with the combined S2_S′ mutations in complex with the ACE inhibitors 33RE (1.8 Å), omapatrilat (1.8 Å) and SG6 (1.7 Å). These confirmed that the affinities of the nACE-selective SG6, 33RE and ketoACE-13 are not only affected by direct interactions with the immediate environment of the binding site, but also by more distal residues. This study provides evidence for a more general mechanism of ACE inhibition involving synergistic effects of not only the S2, S1′ and S2′ subsites, but also residues involved in the sub-domain interface that effect the unique ways in which the two domains stabilize active site loops to favour inhibitor binding.
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14
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Wang J, Qian Y, Gao X, Mao N, Geng Y, Lin G, Zhang G, Li H, Yang F, Xu H. Synthesis and Identification of a Novel Peptide, Ac-SDK (Biotin) Proline, That Can Elicit Anti-Fibrosis Effects in Rats Suffering from Silicosis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:4315-4326. [PMID: 33116418 PMCID: PMC7585281 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s262716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a short peptide with an anti-silicosis effect. However, the short biological half-life and low plasma concentration of Ac-SDKP hamper discovery of specific targets in organisms and reduce the anti-silicosis effect. A novel peptide, Ac-SDK (biotin) proline, termed “Ac-B”, with anti-fibrotic properties was synthesized. Methods Ac-B was detected quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography. Phagocytosis of Ac-B by the alveolar epithelial cell line A549 was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. To further elucidate the cellular-uptake mechanism of Ac-B, chemical inhibitors of specific uptake pathways were used. After stimulation with transforming growth factor-β1, the effects of Ac-B on expression of the myofibroblast marker vimentin and accumulation of collagen type I in A549 cells were analyzed by Western blotting. Sirius Red staining and immunohistochemical analyses of the effect of Ac-B on expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in a rat model of silicosis were undertaken. Results Ac-B had good traceability during the uptake, entry, and distribution in cells. Ac-B treatment prevented an increase in α-SMA expression in vivo and in vitro and was superior to that of Ac-SDKP. Caveolae-mediated uptake of Ac-B by A549 cells led to achieving anti-epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) effects. Conclusion Ac-B had an anti-fibrotic effect and could be a promising agent for the fibrosis observed in silicosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Qian
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Mao
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucong Geng
- Department of Pathology, Haigang Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaojie Lin
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Guibin Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
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15
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Li S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang M, Jin F, Wei Z, Yang Y, Gao X, Mao N, Ge X, Xu H, Yang F. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Asparyl-Lysyl-Proline regulates lung renin angiotensin system to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition in silicotic mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 408:115255. [PMID: 33007385 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Silicosis is a major public health concern with various contributing factors. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS)is a critical regulator in the pathogenesis of this disease. We focused on two key RAS enzymes, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to elucidate the activation of the ACE-angiotensin II (Ang II)-angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1) axis and the inhibition of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]-Mas receptor axis in C57BL/6mice following SiO2 treatment. Silica exposure caused nodule formation, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, and impaired lung function in mice. These effects were attenuated by the inhibition of ACE (captopril), blockade of the AT1(losartan), or systemic knockdown of the Ace gene. These effects were exacerbated by the inhibition of ACE2 (MLN-4760), blockade of the Mas (A779), or knockdown of the Ace2 gene. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Asparyl-Lysyl-Proline (Ac-SDKP), an anti-fibrotic peptide, ameliorated the silica-exposure-induced pathological changes by targeting the RAS system by activating the protective ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis and inhibiting the deleterious ACE-Ang II-AT1 axis, thereby exerting a protective effect. This was confirmed in mouse lung type II epithelial cells (MLE-12) pretreated with Ang II and/or gene silencing separately targeting Ace and Ace2.The effects of Ac-SDKP were similar to those produced by Ace gene silencing and were partly attenuated by Ace2 deficiency. These findings suggested that RAS plays critical roles in the pathomechanism of silicosis fibrosis and that Ac-SDKP regulates lung RAS to inhibit EMT in silicotic mice and MLE-12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xingchen Ge
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China.
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16
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In situ evidence of collagen V and signaling pathway of found inflammatory zone 1 (FIZZ1) is associated with silicotic granuloma in lung mice. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153094. [PMID: 32825961 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Inhalation of silica particles causes silicosis: an occupational lung disease characterized by persistent inflammation with granuloma formation that leads to tissue remodeling and impairment of lung function. Although silicosis has been studied intensely, little is known about the crucial cellular mechanisms that initiate and drive the process of inflammation and fibrosis. Recently, found in inflammatory zone 1 (FIZZ1) protein, produced by alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts have been shown to induce the proliferation of myofibroblasts and their transdifferentiation, causing tissue fibrosis. Moreover, autoimmunogenic collagen V, produced by alveolar epithelial cells and fibroblasts, is involved in the pathophysiology of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Based on the aforementioned we hypothesized that FIZZ1 and collagen V may be involved in the silicotic granuloma process in mice lungs. Male C57BL/6 mice (N = 20) received intratracheal administration of silica particles (Silica; 20 mg in 50 μL saline) or saline (Control; 50 μL). After 15 days, the lung histology was performed through immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis. Within silicotic granulomas, collagen V and FIZZ1 increased, while peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) positive cells decreased. In addition, the expression of proteins Notch-1, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and macrophages163 (CD163) were higher in silicotic granulomas than control lungs. A significant positive correlation was found between collagen V and FIZZ1 (r = 0.70; p < 0.05), collagen V and Notch-1 (r = 0.72; p < 0.05), whereas Collagen V was inversely associated with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (r=-0.69; p < 0.05). These findings suggested that collagen V association with FIZZ1, Notch-1 and PPARγ might be a key pathogenic mechanism for silicotic granulomas in mice lungs.
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17
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Gao X, Xu D, Li S, Wei Z, Li S, Cai W, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Yi X, Liu H, Xu H, Yang F. Pulmonary Silicosis Alters MicroRNA Expression in Rat Lung and miR-411-3p Exerts Anti-fibrotic Effects by Inhibiting MRTF-A/SRF Signaling. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:851-865. [PMID: 32464548 PMCID: PMC7256439 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To identify potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica, we studied the effects of this disease on the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the lung. Rattus norvegicus pulmonary silicosis models were used in conjunction with high-throughput screening of lung specimens to compare the expression of miRNAs in control and pulmonary silicosis tissues. A total of 70 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between control and pulmonary silicosis tissues. This included 41 miRNAs that were upregulated and 29 that were downregulated relative to controls. Among them, miR-292-5p, miR-155-3p, miR-1193-3p, miR-411-3p, miR-370-3p, and miR-409a-5p were found to be similarly altered in rat lung and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced cultured fibroblasts. Using miRNA mimics and inhibitors, we found that miR-1193-3p, miR-411-3p, and miR-370-3p exhibited potent anti-fibrotic effects, while miR-292-5p demonstrated pro-fibrotic effects in TGF-β1-stimulated lung fibroblasts. Moreover, we also found that miR-411-3p effectively reduced pulmonary silicosis in the mouse lung by regulating Mrtfa expression, as demonstrated using biochemical and histological assays. In conclusion, our findings indicate that miRNA expression is perturbed in pulmonary silicosis and suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting specific miRNAs might be effective in the treatment of this occupational disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Gao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Xue Yi
- Department of Basic Medicine, Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Accurate Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, 361023 Fujian, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China.
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China.
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18
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Kanasaki K. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is a valuable endogenous antifibrotic peptide for kidney fibrosis in diabetes: An update and translational aspects. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:516-526. [PMID: 31997585 PMCID: PMC7232267 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous peptide that has been confirmed to show excellent organ-protective effects. Even though originally discovered as a modulator of hemotopoietic stem cells, during the recent two decades, AcSDKP has been recognized as valuable antifibrotic peptide. The antifibrotic mechanism of AcSDKP is not yet clear; we have established that AcSDKP could target endothelial-mesenchymal transition program through the induction of the endothelial fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway. Also, recent reports suggested the clinical significance of AcSDKP. The aim of this review was to update recent advances of the mechanistic action of AcSDKP and discuss translational research aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Internal Medicine 1Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
- Department of Diabetology and EndocrinologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and TechnologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
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19
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Li S, Li Y, Xu H, Wei Z, Yang Y, Jin F, Zhang M, Wang C, Song W, Huo J, Zhao J, Yang X, Yang F. ACE2 Attenuates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in MLE-12 Cells Induced by Silica. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:1547-1559. [PMID: 32368013 PMCID: PMC7183338 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s252351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in silicosis remains unknown, although previous studies have suggested that ACE2 may be beneficial. We, therefore, investigated the effect of ACE2 on silicosis, particularly with regard to its role in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by silica, with the aim to uncover a new potential target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and Methods We employed wild-type mice treated with diminazene aceturate (DIZE, an ACE2 activator, 15 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks), hACE2-transgenic mice (overexpress the ACE2 gene), and the mouse lung type II epithelial cell line treated with DIZE (10-7 M for 48 h) or angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] (10-4 M for 48 h), following induced fibrotic responses to determine the protective potential of ACE2. Silicosis models were established by orotracheal instillation of SiO2 (2.5 mg/mouse). Immunostaining was used to determine α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. The activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 and the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of ACE and ACE2, and protein expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components and EMT indicators were studied by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results DIZE treatment and overexpression of ACE2 markedly inhibited the formation of silica-induced lung fibrosis and increased the level of E-cadherin, with concomitant downregulation of pro-collagen, vimentin, and α-SMA via RAS signaling. Furthermore, DIZE and Ang-(1-7) attenuated the EMT and collagen deposition induced by silica in MLE-12 cells. Moreover, these effects were abrogated by MLN-4760 (a specific ACE2 inhibitor) and A779 (a specific Mas receptor blocker). Conclusion The overexpression of ACE2 and treatment with DIZE can ameliorate EMT in silicotic mice via activation of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis, and these changes are accompanied by suppression of the ACE-Ang II-AT1 receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- Academic Affairs Office, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingchen Huo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuhong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
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20
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Zhang Q, Gan C, Liu H, Wang L, Li Y, Tan Z, You J, Yao Y, Xie Y, Yin W, Ye T. Cryptotanshinone reverses the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process and attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Phytother Res 2020; 34:2685-2696. [PMID: 32281701 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic interstitial pneumonia that causes pulmonary tissue damage and functional impairment. To investigate the effects of cryptotanshinone on pulmonary fibrosis, the expression of NIH/3T3, HPF, and rat primary pulmonary fibroblasts was measured and found to be inhibited by CPT in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and the upregulation of α-SMA expression in NIH/3T3 and HPF cells, which had been stimulated by TGFβ-1, was decreased after CPT administration. We observed that CPT could reverse the increase in α-SMA expression and vimentin and the decrease in E-cad expression in A549 cells, which had been induced by 5 ng/mL TGFβ-1, indicating that CPT has inhibitory effects in the EMT process. A BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The lung coefficient and hydroxyproline content increased significantly in the BLM-induced group and were decreased in the CPT-treated group. The expression levels of collagen-I and α-SMA and the phosphorylation level of Stat3 were significantly increased, and CPT treatment decreased these levels. Furthermore, the results from the flow cytometry analysis indicated that, in lung tissues, the frequencies of MDSCs, macrophages, DCs and T cells were considerably increased in the BLM-induced group, while CPT treatment reduced these immunocyte populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key of Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Public Health and Heathy Food Evaluation Research Center and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key of Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key of Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Wang
- West China School of Public Health and Heathy Food Evaluation Research Center and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Li
- West China School of Public Health and Heathy Food Evaluation Research Center and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zui Tan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key of Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia You
- West China School of Public Health and Heathy Food Evaluation Research Center and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- West China School of Public Health and Heathy Food Evaluation Research Center and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmei Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key of Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenya Yin
- West China School of Public Health and Heathy Food Evaluation Research Center and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key of Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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21
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Cai W, Xu H, Zhang B, Gao X, Li S, Wei Z, Li S, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Liu H, Yang F. Differential expression of lncRNAs during silicosis and the role of LOC103691771 in myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109980. [PMID: 32028236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-related pathways in silicosis have not been elucidated clearly. The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of lncRNAs during silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and verify the function and molecular mechanism of LOC103691771 in myofibroblast differentiation induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). METHODS RNA-sequencing was performed to assess differential expression of lncRNAs in control and silicotic rat lungs. Differential expression of lncRNAs was analyzed by Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to identify their biological roles. LOC103691771, LOC102549714, LOC102550137, LOC103693125, and LOC103692016 were selected to verify their expression by real-time PCR of silicotic rat lung tissue and lung fibroblasts stimulated by TGF-β1. Specific small interfering RNA and an LOC103691771 overexpression plasmid were used to analyze the molecular mechanism in myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1. RESULT A total of 306 lncRNAs were expressed differentially in silicotic rat lungs, including 224 upregulated and 82 downregulated lncRNAs. The expression of LOC103691771, LOC102549714 and LOC102550137 was upregulated, while the expression of LOC103693125 and LOC103692016 was downregulated in silicotic rat lungs and TGF-β1-induced fibroblast, which was consistent with the results of RNA-sequencing. Furthermore, LOC103691771 gene silencing attenuated myofibroblast differentiation, whereas LOC103691771 overexpression promoted myofibroblast differentiation via regulation of the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that differential expression of lncRNAs was related to the development of silicosis, and LOC103691771 played a major role in myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China.
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22
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Gao X, Xu H, Xu D, Li S, Wei Z, Li S, Cai W, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Yi X, Liu H, Yang F. MiR-411-3p alleviates Silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating Smurf2/TGF-β signaling. Exp Cell Res 2020; 388:111878. [PMID: 32004504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to silica dust particles was the major cause of pulmonary fibrosis, and many miRNAs have been demonstrated to regulate target mRNAs in silicosis. In the present study, we found that a decreasing level of miR-411-3p in silicosis rats and lung fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. Enlargement of miR-411-3p could inhibit the cell proliferation and migration in lung fibroblasts with TGF-β1 treatment and attenuate lung fibrosis in silicotic mice. In addition, a mechanistic study showed that miR-411-3p exert its inhibitory effect on Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) expression and decrease ubiquitination degradation of Smad7 regulated by smurf2, result in blocking of TGF-β/Smad signaling. We proposed that increased expression of miR-411-3p abrogates silicosis by blocking activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling through decreasing ubiquitination degradation effect of smurf2 on Smad7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Gao
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical Collage, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Labortary of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xianmen, Fujian, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical Collage, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China.
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Li S, Wei Z, Li G, Zhang Q, Niu S, Xu D, Mao N, Chen S, Gao X, Cai W, Zhu Y, Zhang G, Li D, Yi X, Yang F, Xu H. Silica Perturbs Primary Cilia and Causes Myofibroblast Differentiation during Silicosis by Reduction of the KIF3A-Repressor GLI3 Complex. Theranostics 2020; 10:1719-1732. [PMID: 32042332 PMCID: PMC6993221 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Kinesin family member 3A (KIF3A) on primary cilia and myofibroblast differentiation during silicosis by regulating Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signalling. Methods: Changes in primary cilia during silicosis and myofibroblast differentiation were detected in silicotic patients, experimental silicotic rats, and a myofibroblast differentiation model induced by SiO2. We also explored the mechanisms underlying KIF3A regulation of Glioma-associated oncogene homologs (GLIs) involved in myofibroblast differentiation. Results: Primary cilia (marked by ARL13B and Ac-α-Tub) and ciliary-related proteins (IFT 88 and KIF3A) were increased initially and then decreased as silicosis progressed. Loss and shedding of primary cilia were also found during silicosis. Treatment of MRC-5 fibroblasts with silica and then transfection of KIF3A-siRNA blocked activation of SHH signalling, but increased GLI2FL as a transcriptional activator of SRF, and reduced the inhibitory effect of GLI3R on ACTA2. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that primary cilia are markedly altered during silicosis and the loss of KIF3A may promote myofibroblast differentiation induced by SiO2.
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Liu D, Zhou G, Shi H, Chen B, Sun X, Zhang X. Downregulation of Transmembrane protein 40 by miR-138-5p Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Mobility in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 18:e2270. [PMID: 32884956 PMCID: PMC7461706 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2019.85193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents approximately 70% of RCC,as the most frequent histological subtype of RCC. MiR-138-5p, a tumor-related microRNA (miRNA), has been reported to be implicated in the diverse types of human malignancies, but its role in ccRCCremains unclear. Objective The study was designed to investigate the functional behaviors and regulatory mechanisms of miR-138-5p in ccRCC. Materials and Methods Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to determine the expression of miR-138-5p and TMEM40 in ccRCC tissues. Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to evaluate the correlation between miR-138-5p and TMEM40 expression. The function of miR-138-5p and TMEM40 in the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells (786-O and ACHN) was assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the direct binding of miR-138-5p to the target gene TMEM40. Results We found the expression of miR-138-5p was significantly down-regulated, while TMEM40 was remarkably up-regulated in ccRCC tissues. TMEM40 expression was discovered to be inversely correlated with miR-138-5p expression in ccRCC tissues. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-138-5p overexpression or TMEM40 knockdown significantly suppressed ccRCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Notably, we experimentally confirmed that miR-138-5p directly recognizes the 3'-UTR of the TMEM40 transcript and down-regulated its expression in ccRCC cells. Conclusions Taken together, our findings provide the first clues regarding the role of miR-138-5p as a tumor suppressor in ccRCC by directly targeting of TMEM40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongcao Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Guang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Hongbo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xiaosong Sun
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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Chen Y, Xu D, Yao J, Wei Z, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Zhu Y, Li S, Liu H, Yang F, Xu H. Inhibition of miR-155-5p Exerts Anti-Fibrotic Effects in Silicotic Mice by Regulating Meprin α. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 19:350-360. [PMID: 31877411 PMCID: PMC6939030 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a fatal profession-related disease linked to long-term inhalation of silica. The present study aimed to determine whether meprin α, a master regulator of anti-fibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), is diminished by miR-155-5p in silicotic and control lung macrophages and fibroblasts upon activation. NR8383 macrophages, primary lung fibroblasts, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts were used to evaluate the expression and function of meprin α and miR-155-5p. In vitro meprin α manipulation was performed by recombinant mouse meprin α protein, actinonin (its inhibitor), and small interfering RNA knockdown. Macrophage and fibroblast activation was assessed by western blotting, real-time PCR, matrix deposition, and immunohistochemical staining. The roles of meprin α and miR-155-5p were also investigated in mice exposed to silica. We found that the meprin α level was stably repressed in silicotic rats. In vitro, silica decreased meprin α, and exogenous meprin α reduced activation of macrophages and fibroblasts induced by profibrotic factors. miR-155-5p negatively regulated Mep1a by binding to the 3′ untranslated region. Treatment with anti-miR-155-5p elevated meprin α, ameliorated macrophage and fibroblast activation, and attenuated lung fibrosis in mice induced by silica. The sustained repression of meprin α and beneficial effects of its rescue by inhibition of miR-155-5p during silicosis indicate that miR-155-5p/meprin α are two of the major regulators of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Jingxin Yao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China.
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Pathological Study on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Silicotic Lung Lesions in Rat. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6030070. [PMID: 31480326 PMCID: PMC6789520 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6030070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis, caused by the inhalation of crystalline silicon dioxide or silica, is one of the most severe occupational diseases. Persistent inflammation and progressive massive pulmonary fibrosis are the most common histological changes caused by silicosis. Association of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hyperplastic type II epithelial cells with the fibrotic events of pulmonary fibrosis has been suggested in in vitro silica-exposed cultured cell models, patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and bleomycin-induced experimental models. Histological features of EMT, however, are not fully described in silicotic lungs in in vivo. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate EMT of hyperplastic type II epithelial cells in the developmental process of progressive massive pulmonary fibrosis in the lungs of rats exposed to silica. F344 female rats were intratracheally instilled with 20 mg of crystalline silica (Min-U-Sil-5), followed by sacrifice at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after instillation. Fibrosis, characterized by the formation of silicotic nodules, progressive massive fibrosis, and diffuse interstitial fibrosis, was observed in the lungs of the treated rats; the effects of fibrosis intensified in a time-dependent manner. Hyperplasia of the type II epithelial cells, observed in the massive fibrotic lesions, dominated in the lungs of rats at 6 and 12 months after the treatment. Immunohistochemistry of the serial sections of the lung tissues demonstrated positive labeling for cytokeratin, vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin in spindle cells close to the foci of hyperplasia of type II epithelial cells. Spindle cells, which exhibited features of both epithelial cells and fibroblasts, were also demonstrated with bundles of collagen fibers in the fibrotic lesions, using electron microscopy. Increased expression of TGF-β was shown by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in the lungs of the treated rats. These findings suggested that enhanced TGF-β expression and EMT of hyperplastic type II epithelial cells are involved in the development process of progressive massive pulmonary fibrosis during silicosis.
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Gao X, Xu H, Zhang B, Tao T, Liu Y, Xu D, Cai W, Wei Z, Li S, Zhang H, Mao N, Zhang G, Li D, Jin F, Li S, Zhang L, Liu H, Hao X, Yang F. Interaction of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in silicotic rats. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:1562-1574. [PMID: 31290182 DOI: 10.1113/ep087515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What are the effects of the antifibrotic peptide acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis during the occurrence and progression of silicosis? What is the main finding and its importance? Ac-SDKP inhibited lung fibrosis in rats exposed to silica by activation of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis. Angiotensin-(1-7) potentially promotes Ac-SDKP by increasing the level of meprin α, the major synthetase of Ac-SDKP. Thus, the interaction Ac-SDKP and angiotesin-(1-7) in silicosis could provide a new therapeutic strategy. ABSTRACT The central role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the occurrence and progression of silicosis has been established. The antifibrotic peptide acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) can be degraded by ACE. The ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis is protective and acts to counterbalance the detrimental effects of ACE-angiotensin II (Ang II)-Ang II type 1 receptor and exerts antifibrotic effects. Here, we demonstrate an interaction between Ac-SDKP and Ang-(1-7) in the inhibition of collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation in rats exposed to silica. Treatment with Ac-SDKP increased the level of ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas in rats or in cultured fibroblasts and decreased the levels of collagen type I and α-smooth muscle actin. Furthermore, exogenous Ang-(1-7) had similar antifibrotic effects and increased the level of meprin α, a major Ac-SDKP synthetase, both in vivo and in vitro. Compared with non-silicotic patients exposed to silica, the level of serum ACE was increased in patients with silicosis phase III; the levels of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) were high in patients with silicosis phase II; and the level of Ac-SDKP was high in the silicosis phase III group. These data imply that Ac-SDKP and Ang-(1-7) have an interactive effect as regulatory peptides of the renin-angiotensin system and exert antifibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Gao
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Foreign Languages College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yalou Liu
- Foreign Languages College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Dan Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaohui Hao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Zhang ZQ, Shao B, Han GZ, Liu GY, Zhang CZ, Lin L. Location and dynamic changes of inflammation, fibrosis, and expression levels of related genes in SiO 2-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats in vivo. J Toxicol Pathol 2019; 32:253-260. [PMID: 31719752 PMCID: PMC6831492 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2019-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a serious occupational disease characterized by pulmonary fibrosis, and its mechanism and progression have not been fully elucidated yet. In this study, silicosis models of rat were established by a one-time dusting method, and the rats were sacrificed after 30, 60, and 120 days (herein referred to as the 30, 60, and 120 days groups, respectively). The rats without dust exposure were used as the control. The lungs were removed to observe pathological changes using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining and transmission electron microscopy, and the degree of collagen type I and III deposition in the lung was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were measured by spectrophotometry, and the expression levels of fibrosis-related genes (transforming growth factor beta 1, type I collagen, type III collagen) were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results suggested that the rats in the model groups exhibited obvious collagen fibrosis and that the severity of the lung injury increased as the time after exposure to SiO2 increased. There was a significant response to lung inflammation in the model rats, especially in the 30 days group. The degree of lipid peroxidation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells and lung tissues in experiment group rats significantly increased. Among the three fibrosis-related genes, transforming growth factor beta 1was elevated in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells and lung tissues of the experiment group rats, while collagen type I and III were only elevated in lung tissues. Hence, we concluded that as silicosis progressed, inflammation, fibrosis, and the expression of fibrosis-related genes showed different time-dependent changes and that a number of causal relationships existed among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, 45 Jianshe South Road, Jining city, Shandong Province 272113, China
| | - Bo Shao
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, 45 Jianshe South Road, Jining city, Shandong Province 272113, China
| | - Gui-Zhi Han
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, 45 Jianshe South Road, Jining city, Shandong Province 272113, China
| | - Gen-Yi Liu
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, 45 Jianshe South Road, Jining city, Shandong Province 272113, China
| | - Chun-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, 45 Jianshe South Road, Jining city, Shandong Province 272113, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, 45 Jianshe South Road, Jining city, Shandong Province 272113, China
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Zhang BN, Zhang X, Xu H, Gao XM, Zhang GZ, Zhang H, Yang F. Dynamic Variation of RAS on Silicotic Fibrosis Pathogenesis in Rats. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:551-559. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kassem KM, Vaid S, Peng H, Sarkar S, Rhaleb NE. Tβ4-Ac-SDKP pathway: Any relevance for the cardiovascular system? Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:589-599. [PMID: 30854877 PMCID: PMC6824425 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last 20 years witnessed the emergence of the thymosin β4 (Tβ4)-N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) pathway as a new source of future therapeutic tools to treat cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this review article, we attempted to shed light on the numerous experimental findings pertaining to the many promising cardiovascular therapeutic avenues for Tβ4 and (or) its N-terminal derivative, Ac-SDKP. Specifically, Ac-SDKP is endogenously produced from the 43-amino acid Tβ4 by 2 successive enzymes, meprin α and prolyl oligopeptidase. We also discussed the possible mechanisms involved in the Tβ4-Ac-SDKP-associated cardiovascular biological effects. In infarcted myocardium, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP facilitate cardiac repair after infarction by promoting endothelial cell migration and myocyte survival. Additionally, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in the arteries, heart, lungs, and kidneys, and stimulate both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. The effects of Tβ4 can be mediated directly through a putative receptor (Ku80) or via its enzymatically released N-terminal derivative Ac-SDKP. Despite the localization and characterization of Ac-SDKP binding sites in myocardium, more studies are needed to fully identify and clone Ac-SDKP receptors. It remains promising that Ac-SDKP or its degradation-resistant analogs could serve as new therapeutic tools to treat cardiac, vascular, and renal injury and dysfunction to be used alone or in combination with the already established pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M Kassem
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- b Internal Medicine Department, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Sonal Vaid
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- c Internal Medicine Department, St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
| | - Hongmei Peng
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Sarah Sarkar
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- d Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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31
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Role of Nephronectin in Pathophysiology of Silicosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102581. [PMID: 31130697 PMCID: PMC6566895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a typical form of pneumoconiosis and is characterized as a type of lung fibrosis. Silica particles are captured and recognized upon by alveolar macrophages via the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) scavenger receptor, and thereafter the inflammasome is activated. Thereafter, various chemokines/cytokines play their roles to eventually form fibrosis. Additionally, silica particles chronically activate T helper cells which sets the background for the formation of silicosis-associated autoimmune disturbances. The occurrence and progression of lung fibrosis, the extracellular matrix-related molecules such as integrins and their ligands including fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, and collagens, all play important roles. Here, the roles of these molecules in silicosis-related lung fibrosis are reviewed from the literature. Additionally, the measurement of serum nephronectin (Npnt), a new member of the integrin family of ligands, is discussed, together with investigations attempting to delineate the role of Npnt in silica-induced lung fibrosis. Serum Npnt was found to be higher in silicosis patients compared to healthy volunteers and seems to play a role in the progression of fibrosis with other cytokines. Therefore, serum Npnt levels may be employed as a suitable marker to monitor the progression of fibrosis in silicosis patients.
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Carvedilol attenuates experimentally induced silicosis in rats via modulation of P-AKT/mTOR/TGFβ1 signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 70:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Cui X, Shang S, Lv X, Zhao J, Qi Y, Liu Z. Perspectives of small molecule inhibitors of activin receptor‑like kinase in anti‑tumor treatment and stem cell differentiation (Review). Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:5053-5062. [PMID: 31059090 PMCID: PMC6522871 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Activin receptor‑like kinases (ALKs), members of the type I activin receptor family, belong to the serine/threonine kinase receptors of the transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β) superfamily. ALKs mediate the roles of activin/TGF‑β in a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes, ranging from cell differentiation and proliferation to apoptosis. For example, the activities of ALKs are associated with an advanced tumor stage in prostate cancer and the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, potent and selective small molecule inhibitors of ALKs would not only aid in investigating the function of activin/TGF‑β, but also in developing treatments for these diseases via the disruption of activin/TGF‑β. In recent studies, several ALK inhibitors, including LY‑2157299, SB‑431542 and A‑83‑01, have been identified and have been confirmed to affect stem cell differentiation and tumor progression in animal models. This review discusses the therapeutic perspective of small molecule inhibitors of ALKs as drug targets in tumor and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Cui
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shumi Shang
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xinran Lv
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Wei Z, Xu H, Zhang Y, Yi X, Yang X, Chen Y, Mao N, Li S, Xu D, Li S, Zhang H, Li D, Zhang G, Zhang B, Jin F, Gao X, Cai W, Zhang L, Wang R, Yang F. Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor α silencing attenuates silicosis by inhibiting RhoA/Rho kinase signalling. Exp Cell Res 2019; 380:131-140. [PMID: 31029634 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) alters the fibroblast phenotype by promoting transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, which exhibit the ability to promote collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, thereby playing a significant role in the pathology of silicosis. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms involved in myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor α (RhoGDIα) was upregulated following myofibroblast transdifferentiation stimulated by TGF-β1. We hypothesised that RhoGDIα may induce myofibroblast transdifferentiation and thus result in silicosis. Accordingly, the biological significance of RhoGDIα in cell proliferation and apoptosis was investigated by deletion of RhoGDIα in MRC-5 cells. In addition, a mechanistic study showed that fasudil, an inhibitor of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signalling pathway, reduced the levels of RhoGDIα, RhoA, and phospho-myosin phosphatase (phospho-MYPT) in MRC-5 cells and silicosis model rats. Knockdown of RhoGDIα inhibited myofibroblast transdifferentiation and collagen deposition through RhoGDIα/RhoA/ROCK signalling in silicosis model mice. Overall, downregulation of RhoGDIα may significantly promote cell apoptosis and inhibit cell growth, resulting in reversal of myofibroblast transdifferentiation by RhoA/ROCK in vitro and in vivo. These data will facilitate further exploration of the potential use of RhoGDIα as a target for silicosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Department of Basic Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Na Mao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- College of Preventive Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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35
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Na M, Hong X, Fuyu J, Dingjie X, Sales D, Hui Z, Zhongqiu W, Shifeng L, Xuemin G, Wenchen C, Dan L, Guizhen Z, Bonan Z, Lijuan Z, Shumin L, Ying Z, Jin W, Mingwang R, Summer R, Fang Y. Proteomic profile of TGF-β1 treated lung fibroblasts identifies novel markers of activated fibroblasts in the silica exposed rat lung. Exp Cell Res 2019; 375:1-9. [PMID: 30641040 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We performed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on control and TGF-β1-exposed rat lung fibroblasts to identify proteins differentially expressed between cell populations. A total of 196 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in response to TGF-β1 treatment. Guided by these results, we next determined whether similar changes in protein expression were detectable in the rat lung after chronic exposure to silica dust. Of the five proteins selected for further analysis, we found that levels of all proteins were markedly increased in the silica-exposed rat lung, including the proteins for the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and the transmembrane (type I) heparin sulfate proteoglycan called syndecan 2 (SDC2). Because VLDLR and SDC2 have not, to our knowledge, been previously linked to the pathobiology of silicosis, we next examined whether knockdown of either gene altered responses to TGF-β1 in MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. Interestingly, we found knockdown of either VLDLR or SDC2 dramatically reduced collagen production to TGF-β1, suggesting that both proteins might play a novel role in myofibroblast biology and pathogenesis of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In summary, our findings suggest that performing LC-MS/MS on TGF-β1 stimulated lung fibroblasts can uncover novel molecular targets of activated myofibroblasts in silica-exposed lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Na
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xu Hong
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jin Fuyu
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xu Dingjie
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Dominic Sales
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhang Hui
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Wei Zhongqiu
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Li Shifeng
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Gao Xuemin
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Cai Wenchen
- School of public health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Li Dan
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhang Guizhen
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhang Bonan
- School of public health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhang Lijuan
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Li Shumin
- School of public health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhu Ying
- School of public health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Wang Jin
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Rui Mingwang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ross Summer
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yang Fang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; School of public health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; The Hebei key laboratory for organ fibrosis research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.
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36
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Li H, Li Q, Zhang X, Zheng X, Zhang Q, Hao Z. Thymosin β4 suppresses CCl4
-induced murine hepatic fibrosis by down-regulating transforming growth factor β receptor-II. J Gene Med 2018; 20:e3043. [PMID: 29972714 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanchao Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xueting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Qiannan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
| | - Zhiming Hao
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi Province China
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37
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Cao H, Zhao X, Lu S, Wang Z. Prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor suppresses the upregulation of ACSDKP in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:5431-5435. [PMID: 29904422 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to measure the expression of acetyl-N-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (ACSDKP) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the effect of prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor (POPi) on the bone marrow stromal cells of these patients. Serum and bone marrow stromal cell samples were collected from 33 patients with AML admitted to Wuxi Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University between September 2011 and August 2016. ACSDKP levels were measured using a highly specific competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Bone marrow stromal cells were treated with synthetic ACSDKP (10 µM/ml) or different concentrations of POPi S17092 (25, 50 and 100 µg/ml). Cells that received no treatment were used as control. An MTT assay was conducted to measure the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells. The results demonstrated that serum levels of ACSDKP in patients with AML were significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.05). Following treatment with ACSDKP, cell proliferation was significantly increased compared with untreated cells (P<0.05). However, following treatment with different concentrations of POPi, the expression of ACSDKP was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Furthermore, the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells was also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that ACSDKP levels were increased in the serum and bone marrow stromal cells of patients with AML and that ACSDKP promoted the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells of these patients, which was inhibited by POPi. These results may identify a novel target for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwu Cao
- Department of Hematology, Wuxi Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohong Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Wuxi Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, P.R. China
| | - Shiyun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Wuxi Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Wuxi Second People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214002, P.R. China
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38
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Zhang Y, Yang F, Liu Y, Peng HB, Geng YC, Li SF, Xu H, Zhu LY, Yang XH, Brann D. Influence of the interaction between Ac‑SDKP and Ang II on the pathogenesis and development of silicotic fibrosis. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7467-7476. [PMID: 29620193 PMCID: PMC5983938 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a natural tetrapeptide that is released from thymosin β4 by prolyl oligopeptides. It is hydrolyzed by the key enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations in Ac-SDKP and the ACE/angiotensin II (Ang II)/angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor axis and its impact on the pathogenesis and development of silicotic fibrosis. For in vivo studies, a HOPE MED 8050 exposure control apparatus was used to establish different stages of silicosis in a rat model treated with Ac-SDKP. For in vitro studies, cultured primary lung fibroblasts were induced to differentiate into myofibroblasts by Ang II, and were pretreated with Ac-SDKP and valsartan. The results of the present study revealed that, during silicosis development, ACE/Ang II/AT1 expression in local lung tissues increased, whereas that of Ac-SDKP decreased. Ac-SDKP and the ACE/AT1/Ang II axis were inversely altered in the development of silicotic fibrosis. Ac-SDKP treatment had an anti-fibrotic effect in vivo. Compared with the silicosis group, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen (Col) I, Fibronectin (Fn) and AT1 were significantly downregulated, whereas matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and the MMP-1/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) ratio was increased in the Ac-SDKP treatment group. In vitro, pre-treatment with Ac-SDKP or valsartan attenuated the expression of α-SMA, Col I, Fn and AT1 in Ang II-induced fibroblasts. In addition, MMP-1 expression and the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio were significantly higher in Ac-SDKP and valsartan pre-treatment groups compared with the Ang II group. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that an imbalance between Ac-SDKP and ACE/Ang II/AT1 molecules promotes the development of silicosis and that Ac-SDKP protects against silicotic fibrosis by inhibiting Ang II-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Bing Peng
- Ji Tang College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Cong Geng
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Feng Li
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Li-Yan Zhu
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Hong Yang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, P.R. China
| | - Darrell Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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39
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O'Reilly PJ, Ding Q, Akthar S, Cai G, Genschmer KR, Patel DF, Jackson PL, Viera L, Roda M, Locy ML, Bernstein EA, Lloyd CM, Bernstein KE, Snelgrove RJ, Blalock JE. Angiotensin-converting enzyme defines matrikine-regulated inflammation and fibrosis. JCI Insight 2017; 2:91923. [PMID: 29202450 PMCID: PMC5752376 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neutrophil chemoattractant proline-glycine-proline (PGP) is generated from collagen by matrix metalloproteinase-8/9 (MMP-8/9) and prolyl endopeptidase (PE), and it is concomitantly degraded by extracellular leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) to limit neutrophilia. Components of cigarette smoke can acetylate PGP, yielding a species (AcPGP) that is resistant to LTA4H-mediated degradation and can, thus, support a sustained neutrophilia. In this study, we sought to elucidate if an antiinflammatory system existed to degrade AcPGP that is analogous to the PGP-LTA4H axis. We demonstrate that AcPGP is degraded through a previously unidentified action of the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Pulmonary ACE is elevated during episodes of acute inflammation, as a consequence of enhanced vascular permeability, to ensure the efficient degradation of AcPGP. Conversely, we suggest that this pathway is aberrant in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) enabling the accumulation of AcPGP. Consequently, we identify a potentially novel protective role for AcPGP in limiting pulmonary fibrosis and suggest the pathogenic function attributed to ACE in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) to be a consequence of overzealous AcPGP degradation. Thus, AcPGP seemingly has very divergent roles: it is pathogenic in its capacity to drive neutrophilic inflammation and matrix degradation in the context of COPD, but it is protective in its capacity to limit fibrosis in IPF. ACE degrades the collagen-derived matrikine, acetylate proline–glycine–proline, to limit pulmonary inflammation and promote repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J O'Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Samia Akthar
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guoqiang Cai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kristopher R Genschmer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Dhiren F Patel
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia L Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham V.A. Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Liliana Viera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mojtaba Roda
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Morgan L Locy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ellen A Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Clare M Lloyd
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth E Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert J Snelgrove
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Edwin Blalock
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Li J, Shi S, Srivastava SP, Kitada M, Nagai T, Nitta K, Kohno M, Kanasaki K, Koya D. FGFR1 is critical for the anti-endothelial mesenchymal transition effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline via induction of the MAP4K4 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2965. [PMID: 28771231 PMCID: PMC5596544 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been shown to contribute to organ fibrogenesis, and we have reported that the anti-EndMT effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is associated with restoring expression of diabetes-suppressed fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), the key anti-EndMT molecule. FGFR1 is the key inhibitor of EndMT via the suppression of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) inhibits integrin β1, a key factor in activating TGFβ signaling and EndMT. Here, we showed that the close proximity between AcSDKP and FGFR1 was essential for the suppression of TGFβ/smad signaling and EndMT associated with MAP4K4 phosphorylation (P-MAP4K4) in endothelial cells. In cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), the anti-EndMT and anti-TGFβ/smad effects of AcSDKP were lost following treatment with a neutralizing FGFR1 antibody (N-FGFR1) or transfection of FRS2 siRNA. The physical interaction between FGFR1 and P-MAP4K4 in HMVECs was confirmed by proximity ligation analysis and an immunoprecipitation assay. AcSDKP induced P-MAP4K4 in HMVECs, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with either N-FGFR1 or FRS2 siRNA. Furthermore, MAP4K4 knockdown using specific siRNAs induced smad3 phosphorylation and EndMT in HMVECs, which was not suppressed by AcSDKP. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic CD-1 mice exhibited suppression of both FGFR1 and P-MAP4K4 expression levels associated with the induction of TGFβ/smad3 signaling and EndMT in their hearts and kidneys; those were restored by AcSDKP treatment. These data demonstrate that the AcSDKP-FGFR1-MAP4K4 axis has an important role in combating EndMT-associated fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Li
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Sen Shi
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kohno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
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Li J, Yao W, Zhang L, Bao L, Chen H, Wang D, Yue Z, Li Y, Zhang M, Hao C. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in lung fibroblasts co-cultured with silica-exposed alveolar macrophages. Respir Res 2017; 18:91. [PMID: 28499430 PMCID: PMC5429546 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-017-0576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to crystalline silica is considered to increase the risk of lung fibrosis. The primary effector cell, the myofibroblast, plays an important role in the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). DNA methylation change is considered to have a potential effect on myofibroblast differentiation. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of lung fibroblasts co-cultured with alveolar macrophages exposed to crystalline silica in vitro. Methods AM/fibroblast co-culture system was established. CCK8 was used to assess the toxicity of AMs. mRNA and protein expression of collagen I, α-SMA, MAPK9 and TGF-β1 of fibroblasts after AMs exposed to 100 μg /ml SiO2 for 0–, 24–, or 48 h were determined by means of quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Genomic DNA of fibroblasts was isolated using MeDIP-Seq to sequence. R software, GO, KEGG and Cytoscape were used to analyze the data. Results SiO2 exposure increased the expression of collagen I and α-SMA in fibroblasts in co-culture system. Analysis of fibroblast methylome identified extensive methylation changes involved in several signaling pathways, such as the MAPK signaling pathway and metabolic pathways. Several candidates, including Tgfb1 and Mapk9, are hubs who can connect the gene clusters. MAPK9 mRNA expression was significantly higher in fibroblast exposed to SiO2 in co-culture system for 48 h. MAPK9 protein expression was increased at both 24-h and 48-h treatment groups. TGF-β1 mRNA expression of fibroblast has a time-dependent manner, but we didn’t observe the TGF-β1 protein expression. Conclusion Tgfb1 and Mapk9 are helpful to explore the mechanism of myofibroblast differentiation. The genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of fibroblasts in this experimental silicosis model will be useful for future studies on epigenetic gene regulation during myofibroblast differentiation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12931-017-0576-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Wu Yao
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Lei Bao
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Huiting Chen
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Di Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Zhongzheng Yue
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Yiping Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China
| | - Changfu Hao
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Road, Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China.
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Peng HB, Wang RX, Deng HJ, Wang YH, Tang JD, Cao FY, Wang JH. Protective effects of oleanolic acid on oxidative stress and the expression of cytokines and collagen by the AKT/NF-κB pathway in silicotic rats. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3121-3128. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Sellamuthu R, Umbright C, Roberts JR, Young SH, Richardson D, McKinney W, Chen BT, Li S, Kashon M, Joseph P. Molecular mechanisms of pulmonary response progression in crystalline silica exposed rats. Inhal Toxicol 2017; 29:53-64. [PMID: 28317464 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2017.1282064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of the mechanisms underlying diseases is critical for their prevention. Excessive exposure to crystalline silica is a risk factor for silicosis, a potentially fatal pulmonary disease. Male Fischer 344 rats were exposed by inhalation to crystalline silica (15 mg/m3, six hours/day, five days) and pulmonary response was determined at 44 weeks following termination of silica exposure. Additionally, global gene expression profiling in lungs and BAL cells and bioinformatic analysis of the gene expression data were done to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of pulmonary response to silica. A significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity and albumin content in BAL fluid (BALF) suggested silica-induced pulmonary toxicity in the rats. A significant increase in the number of alveolar macrophages and infiltrating neutrophils in the lungs and elevation in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in BALF suggested the induction of pulmonary inflammation in the silica exposed rats. Histological changes in the lungs included granuloma formation, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, thickening of alveolar septa and positive response to Masson's trichrome stain. Microarray analysis of global gene expression detected 94 and 225 significantly differentially expressed genes in the lungs and BAL cells, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis of the gene expression data identified significant enrichment of several disease and biological function categories and canonical pathways related to pulmonary toxicity, especially inflammation. Taken together, these data suggested the involvement of chronic inflammation as a mechanism underlying the progression of pulmonary response to exposure of rats to crystalline silica at 44 weeks following termination of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Sellamuthu
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Christina Umbright
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Jenny R Roberts
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Shih-Houng Young
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Diana Richardson
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Walter McKinney
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Bean T Chen
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Shengqiao Li
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Michael Kashon
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Pius Joseph
- a Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
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Liu Y, Xu H, Geng Y, Xu D, Zhang L, Yang Y, Wei Z, Zhang B, Li S, Gao X, Wang R, Zhang X, Brann D, Yang F. Dibutyryl-cAMP attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by blocking myofibroblast differentiation via PKA/CREB/CBP signaling in rats with silicosis. Respir Res 2017; 18:38. [PMID: 28222740 PMCID: PMC5320641 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-017-0523-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofibroblasts play a major role in the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the stimulation of these cells is thought to play an important role in the development of silicosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) on rats induced by silica. METHODS A HOPE MED 8050 exposure control apparatus was used to create the silicosis model. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1)controls for 16 w; 2)silicosis for 16 w; 3)db-cAMP pre-treatment; 4) db-cAMP post-treatment. Rat pulmonary fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and divided into 4 groups as follows: 1) controls; 2) 10-7mol/L angiotensin II (Ang II); 3) Ang II +10-4 mol/L db-cAMP; and 4) Ang II + db-cAMP+ 10-6 mol/L H89. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Van Gieson staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to observe the histomorphology of lung tissue. The levels of cAMP were detected by enzyme immunoassay. Double-labeling for α-SMA with Gαi3, protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (p-CREB), and p-Smad2/3 was identified by immunofluorescence staining. Protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis. The interaction between CREB-binding protein (CBP) and Smad2/3 and p-CREB were measured by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). RESULTS Db-cAMP treatment reduced the number and size of silicosis nodules, inhibited myofibroblast differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition in vitro and in vivo. In addition, db-cAMP regulated Gαs protein and inhibited expression of Gαi protein, which increased endogenous cAMP. Db-cAMP increased phosphorylated cAMP-response element-binding protein (p-CREB) via protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, and decreased nuclear p-Smad2/3 binding with CREB binding protein (CBP), which reduced activation of p-Smads in fibroblasts induced by Ang II. CONCLUSIONS This study showed an anti-silicotic effect of db-cAMP that was mediated via PKA/p-CREB/CBP signaling. Furthermore, the findings offer novel insight into the potential use of cAMP signaling for therapeutic strategies to treat silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang city, Hebei province, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Yucong Geng
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063009, China
| | - Xianghong Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang city, Hebei province, China
| | - Darrell Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Fang Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, No. 361 Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang city, Hebei province, China.
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Umbright C, Sellamuthu R, Roberts JR, Young SH, Richardson D, Schwegler-Berry D, McKinney W, Chen B, Gu JK, Kashon M, Joseph P. Pulmonary toxicity and global gene expression changes in response to sub-chronic inhalation exposure to crystalline silica in rats. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:1349-1368. [PMID: 29165057 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1384773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to crystalline silica results in serious adverse health effects, most notably, silicosis. An understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying silica-induced pulmonary toxicity is critical for the intervention and/or prevention of its adverse health effects. Rats were exposed by inhalation to crystalline silica at a concentration of 15 mg/m3, 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 3, 6 or 12 weeks. Pulmonary toxicity and global gene expression profiles were determined in lungs at the end of each exposure period. Crystalline silica was visible in lungs of rats especially in the 12-week group. Pulmonary toxicity, as evidenced by an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and albumin content and accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), was seen in animals depending upon silica exposure duration. The most severe histological changes, noted in the 12-week exposure group, consisted of chronic active inflammation, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and fibrosis. Microarray analysis of lung gene expression profiles detected significant differential expression of 38, 77, and 99 genes in rats exposed to silica for 3-, 6-, or 12-weeks, respectively, compared to time-matched controls. Among the significantly differentially expressed genes (SDEG), 32 genes were common in all exposure groups. Bioinformatics analysis of the SDEG identified enrichment of functions, networks and canonical pathways related to inflammation, cancer, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling in response to silica exposure. Collectively, these results provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary toxicity following sub-chronic inhalation exposure to crystalline silica in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Umbright
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Rajendran Sellamuthu
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Jenny R Roberts
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Shih-Houng Young
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Diana Richardson
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Diane Schwegler-Berry
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Walter McKinney
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Bean Chen
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Ja Kook Gu
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Michael Kashon
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
| | - Pius Joseph
- a Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Morgantown , WV , USA
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Abdelaziz RR, Elkashef WF, Said E. Tadalafil reduces airway hyperactivity and protects against lung and respiratory airways dysfunction in a rat model of silicosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 40:530-541. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lubbe L, Sewell BT, Sturrock ED. The influence of angiotensin converting enzyme mutations on the kinetics and dynamics of N-domain selective inhibition. FEBS J 2016; 283:3941-3961. [PMID: 27636235 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc metalloprotease that plays a major role in blood pressure regulation via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. ACE consists of two domains with differences in inhibitor binding affinities despite their 90% active site identity. While the C-domain primarily controls blood pressure, the N-domain is selective for cleavage of the antifibrotic N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro. Inhibitors, such as 33RE, that selectively bind to the N-domain thus show potential for treating fibrosis without affecting blood pressure. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of this selectivity. ACE inhibition by 33RE was characterized using a continuous kinetic assay with fluorogenic substrate. The N-domain displayed nanomolar (Ki = 11.21 ± 0.74 nm) and the C-domain micromolar (Ki = 11 278 ± 410 nm) inhibition, thus 1000-fold selectivity. Residues predicted to contribute to selectivity based on the N-domain-33RE co-crystal structure were subsequently mutated to their C-domain counterparts. S2 subsite mutation with resulting loss of a hydrogen bond drastically decreased the affinity (Ki = 2 794 ± 156 nm), yet did not entirely account for selectivity. Additional substitution of all unique S2 ' residues, however, completely abolished selectivity (Ki = 10 009 ± 157 nm). Interestingly, these residues do not directly bind 33RE. All mutants were therefore subjected to molecular dynamics simulations in the presence and absence of 33RE. Trajectory analyses highlighted the importance of these S2 ' residues in formation of a favourable interface between the ACE subdomains and thus a closed, ligand-bound complex. This study provides a molecular basis for the intersubsite synergism governing 33RE's 1000-fold N-selectivity and aids the future design of novel inhibitors for fibrosis treatment. ENZYMES Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizelle Lubbe
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian T Sewell
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.,Structural Biology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward D Sturrock
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Acetylated α-Tubulin Regulated by N-Acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline(Ac-SDKP) Exerts the Anti-fibrotic Effect in Rat Lung Fibrosis Induced by Silica. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32257. [PMID: 27577858 PMCID: PMC5006047 DOI: 10.1038/srep32257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is the most serious occupational disease in China. The objective of this study was to screen various proteins related to mechanisms of the pathogenesis of silicosis underlying the anti-fibrotic effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) using proteomic profile analysis. We also aimed to explore a potential mechanism of acetylated α-tubulin (α-Ac-Tub) regulation by Ac-SDKP. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) were used to assess the different protein expression profiles between control and silicosis rats treated with or without Ac-SDKP. Twenty-nine proteins were identified to be potentially involved in the progression of silicosis and the anti-fibrotic effect of Ac-SDKP. Our current study finds that 1) the lost expression of Ac-Tub-α may be a new mechanism in rat silicosis; 2) treatment of silicotic rats with N-acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline (Ac-SDKP) inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition accompanied by stabilizing the expression of α-Ac-Tub in vivo and in vitro, which is related with deacetylase family member 6 (HDAC6) and α-tubulin acetyl transferase (α-TAT1). Our data suggest that α-Ac-Tub regulation by Ac-SDKP may potentially be a new anti-fibrosis mechanism.
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Kumar N, Nakagawa P, Janic B, Romero CA, Worou ME, Monu SR, Peterson EL, Shaw J, Valeriote F, Ongeri EM, Niyitegeka JMV, Rhaleb NE, Carretero OA. The anti-inflammatory peptide Ac-SDKP is released from thymosin-β4 by renal meprin-α and prolyl oligopeptidase. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2016; 310:F1026-34. [PMID: 26962108 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00562.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a natural tetrapeptide with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Previously, we have shown that prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is involved in the Ac-SDKP release from thymosin-β4 (Tβ4). However, POP can only hydrolyze peptides shorter than 30 amino acids, and Tβ4 is 43 amino acids long. This indicates that before POP hydrolysis takes place, Tβ4 is hydrolyzed by another peptidase that releases NH2-terminal intermediate peptide(s) with fewer than 30 amino acids. Our peptidase database search pointed out meprin-α metalloprotease as a potential candidate. Therefore, we hypothesized that, prior to POP hydrolysis, Tβ4 is hydrolyzed by meprin-α. In vitro, we found that the incubation of Tβ4 with both meprin-α and POP released Ac-SDKP, whereas no Ac-SDKP was released when Tβ4 was incubated with either meprin-α or POP alone. Incubation of Tβ4 with rat kidney homogenates significantly released Ac-SDKP, which was blocked by the meprin-α inhibitor actinonin. In addition, kidneys from meprin-α knockout (KO) mice showed significantly lower basal Ac-SDKP amount, compared with wild-type mice. Kidney homogenates from meprin-α KO mice failed to release Ac-SDKP from Tβ4. In vivo, we observed that rats treated with the ACE inhibitor captopril increased plasma concentrations of Ac-SDKP, which was inhibited by the coadministration of actinonin (vehicle, 3.1 ± 0.2 nmol/l; captopril, 15.1 ± 0.7 nmol/l; captopril + actinonin, 6.1 ± 0.3 nmol/l; P < 0.005). Similar results were obtained with urinary Ac-SDKP after actinonin treatment. We conclude that release of Ac-SDKP from Tβ4 is mediated by successive hydrolysis involving meprin-α and POP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kumar
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Pablo Nakagawa
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Branislava Janic
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Cesar A Romero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Morel E Worou
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sumit R Monu
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Edward L Peterson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jiajiu Shaw
- 21st Century Therapeutics, Inc., Detroit, Michigan
| | - Frederick Valeriote
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Elimelda M Ongeri
- Department of Biology, North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | | | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Oscar A Carretero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan;
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Conte E, Iemmolo M, Fruciano M, Fagone E, Gili E, Genovese T, Esposito E, Cuzzocrea S, Vancheri C. Effects of thymosin β4 and its N-terminal fragment Ac-SDKP on TGF-β-treated human lung fibroblasts and in the mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S211-21. [PMID: 26098610 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1026804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) and its amino-terminal fragment comprising N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) have been reported to act as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agents in vitro and in vivo. In recent papers, we have shown that Tβ4 exerts a widely protective role in mice treated with bleomycin, and in particular, we have demonstrated its inhibitory effects on both inflammation and early fibrosis. OBJECTIVES In this study, the putative anti-proliferative and anti-fibrogenic effects of Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP were evaluated in vitro. In addition, the effects of Tβ4 up to 21 days were evaluated in the bleomycin mouse model of lung fibrosis. METHODS We utilized both control and TGF-β-stimulated primary human lung fibroblasts isolated from both idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and control tissues. The in vivo effects of Tβ4 were assessed in CD1 mice treated with bleomycin. RESULTS In the in vitro experiments, we observed significant anti-proliferative effects of Ac-SDKP in IPF fibroblasts. In those cells, Ac-SDKP significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA and collagen expression, hallmarks of fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts triggered by TGF-β. In vivo, despite its previously described protective role in mice treated with bleomycin at 7 days, Tβ4 failed to prevent fibrosis induced by the drug at 14 and 21 days. CONCLUSION We conclude that, compared to Tβ4, Ac-SDKP may have greater potential as an anti-fibrotic agent in the lung. Further in vivo experiments are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Conte
- University of Catania, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania , Italy +39 095 378 1254 ; +39 095 378 1427 ;
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