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Roy T, Boateng ST, Uddin MB, Banang-Mbeumi S, Yadav RK, Bock CR, Folahan JT, Siwe-Noundou X, Walker AL, King JA, Buerger C, Huang S, Chamcheu JC. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds. Cells 2023; 12:1671. [PMID: 37371141 PMCID: PMC10297376 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in various immune-mediated inflammatory and hyperproliferative dermatoses such as acne, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, psoriasis, wounds, and vitiligo, and is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Improved comprehension of the consequences of the dysregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in patients with inflammatory dermatoses has resulted in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Nonetheless, more studies are necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and to create more effective preventive and treatment methods for a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. Several studies have revealed that certain natural products and synthetic compounds can obstruct the expression/activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, underscoring their potential in managing common and persistent skin inflammatory disorders. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of the activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and associated components in immune-mediated inflammatory dermatoses and discusses the potential of bioactive natural products, synthetic scaffolds, and biologic agents in their prevention and treatment. However, further research is necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and develop more effective therapies for inflammatory skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tithi Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Samuel T. Boateng
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Mohammad B. Uddin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Center for Research on Environmental Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Sergette Banang-Mbeumi
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
- Division for Research and Innovation, POHOFI Inc., Madison, WI 53744, USA
- School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Louisiana Delta Community College, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Rajesh K. Yadav
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Chelsea R. Bock
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Joy T. Folahan
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Xavier Siwe-Noundou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 218, Pretoria 0208, South Africa;
| | - Anthony L. Walker
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Judy A. King
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
- College of Medicine, Belmont University, 900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Claudia Buerger
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinic of the Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA;
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Jean Christopher Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
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Low Baseline Expression of Fibrotic Genes in an Ex Vivo Human Skin Model is a Potential Indicator of Excessive Skin Scarring. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022; 10:e4626. [PMID: 36389611 PMCID: PMC9653186 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED One of the challenges plastic surgeons face is the unpredictability of postoperative scarring. The variability of wound healing and subsequent scar formation across patients makes it virtually impossible to predict if a patient's surgery will result in excessive fibrosis and scarring, possibly amounting to keloids or hypertrophic scars. There is a need to find predictive molecular indicators of patients or skin location with high risk of excessive scarring. We hypothesized that baseline expression levels of fibrotic genes in the skin can serve as a potential indicator of excessive scarring. METHODS An ex vivo model of skin fibrosis was used with abdominal and breast skin tissue from 45 patients undergoing breast reduction and/or abdominoplasty. Fibrosis was induced in skin explants in organ culture with transforming growth factor-β (TFGβ). Fibrotic gene response was assessed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and correlated with skin location, age, and baseline levels of fibrotic genes. RESULTS The increase in TFGβ-induced fibronectin1 (FN1) gene expression in skin explants was significantly higher than for Collagen 1A1, alpha smooth muscle actin, and connective tissue growth factor. Also, FN1 expression positively correlated with donor age. Moreover, lower expression of the fibrotic genes FN1, Collagen 1A1, and alpha smooth muscle actin correlated with a more pronounced fibrotic response, represented by higher induction levels of these genes. CONCLUSIONS Skin sites exhibit different baseline levels of profibrotic genes. Further, low baseline expression levels of fibrotic genes FN1, Collagen 1A1, and alpha smooth muscle actin, in donor skin may indicate a potential for excessive scarring of the skin.
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Gong F, Qu R, Li Y, Lv Y, Dai J. Astragalus Mongholicus: A review of its anti-fibrosis properties. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:976561. [PMID: 36160396 PMCID: PMC9490009 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.976561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibrosis-related diseases (FRD) include cerebral fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, etc. The effects of fibrosis can be severe, resulting in organ dysfunction, functional decline, and even organ failure, which can cause serious health problems.Aim: Currently, there is no effective modern medicine for anti-fibrosis in the clinics; however, Chinese medicine has a certain beneficial effect on treating such diseases. Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) has rich medicinal value, and its anti-fibrosis effect has been recently investigated. In recent years, more and more experimental studies have been conducted on the intervention of astragaloside IV (AS-IV), astragalus polysaccharide (APS), astragalus flavone, cycloastragalus alcohol, astragalus water extract and other pharmacological components in fibrosis-related diseases, attracting the interest of researchers. We aim to provide ideas for future research by summarizing recent research advances of AM in treating fibrosis-related diseases.Methods: A literature search was conducted from the core collections of electronic databases such as Baidu Literature, Sciencen.com, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct using the above keywords and the pharmacological and phytochemical details of the plant.Results: AM can be used to intervene in fibrosis-disease progression by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, the immune system, and metabolism.Conclusion: AS-IV, APS, and astragalus flavone were studied and discussed in detail. These components have high potential anti-fibrosis activity. Overall, this review aims to gain insight into the AM’s role in treating fibro-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Gong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Lv, ; Jingxing Dai,
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Lv, ; Jingxing Dai,
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Identification of Impacted Pathways and Transcriptomic Markers as Potential Mediators of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice Expressing Human IGFBP5. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212609. [PMID: 34830489 PMCID: PMC8619832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) component overproduction and remodeling. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in fibrotic tissues and promotes fibrosis. We used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary lung fibroblasts (pFBs) of homozygous (HOMO) transgenic mice expressing human IGFBP5 (hIGFBP5) and wild type mice (WT). The results of the differential expression analysis showed 2819 DEGs in hIGFBP5 pFBs. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed the pro-fibrotic character of IGFBP5 and revealed its impact on fundamental signaling pathways, including cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, AGE-RAGE signaling, calcium signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, to name a few. Noticeably, 7% of the DEGs in hIGFBP5-expressing pFBs are receptors and integrins. Furthermore, hub gene analysis revealed 12 hub genes including Fpr1, Bdkrb2, Mchr1, Nmur1, Cnr2, P2ry14, and Ptger3. Validation assays were performed to complement the RNAseq data. They confirmed significant differences in the levels of the corresponding proteins in cultured pFBs. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism(s) of IGFBP5-associated pulmonary fibrosis through possible receptor interactions that drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
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5
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Renaud L, da Silveira WA, Takamura N, Hardiman G, Feghali-Bostwick C. Prominence of IL6, IGF, TLR, and Bioenergetics Pathway Perturbation in Lung Tissues of Scleroderma Patients With Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:383. [PMID: 32210969 PMCID: PMC7075854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleroderma-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are two of many chronic fibroproliferative diseases that are responsible for nearly 45% of all deaths in developed countries. While sharing several pathobiological characteristics, they also have very distinct features. Currently no effective anti-fibrotic treatments exist that can halt the progression of PF or reverse it. Our goal is to uncover potential gene targets for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies efficacious in both diseases, and those specific to SSc-PF, by identifying universal pathways and molecules driving fibrosis in SSc-PF and IPF tissues as well as those unique to SSc-PF. Using DNA microarray data, a meta-analysis of the differentially expressed (DE) genes in SSc-PF and IPF lung tissues (diseased vs. normal) was performed followed by a full systems level analysis of the common and unique transcriptomic signatures obtained. Protein-protein interaction networks were generated to identify hub proteins and explore the data using the centrality principle. Our results suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting IL6 trans-signaling, IGFBP2, IGFL2, and the coagulation cascade may be efficacious in both SSc-PF and IPF. Further, our data suggest that the expression of matrikine-producing collagens is also perturbed in PF. Lastly, an overall perturbation of bioenergetics, specifically between glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism, was uncovered in SSc-PF. Our findings provide insights into potential targets for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies that could be effective in both IPF and SSc-PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Naoko Takamura
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Gary Hardiman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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6
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Phillips CA, Reading BJ, Livingston M, Livingston K, Ashwell CM. Evaluation via Supervised Machine Learning of the Broiler Pectoralis Major and Liver Transcriptome in Association With the Muscle Myopathy Wooden Breast. Front Physiol 2020; 11:101. [PMID: 32158398 PMCID: PMC7052112 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00101] [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: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The muscle myopathy wooden breast (WB) has recently appeared in broiler production and has a negative impact on meat quality. WB is described as hard/firm consistency found within the pectoralis major (PM). In the present study, we use machine learning from our PM and liver transcriptome dataset to capture the complex relationships that are not typically revealed by traditional statistical methods. Gene expression data was evaluated between the PM and liver of birds with WB and those that were normal. Two separate machine learning algorithms were performed to analyze the data set including the sequential minimal optimization (SMO) of support vector machines (SVMs) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Machine learning algorithms were compared to identify genes within a gene expression data set of approximately 16,000 genes for both liver and PM, which can be correctly classified from birds with or without WB. The performance of both machine learning algorithms SMO and MLP was determined using percent correct classification during the cross-validations. By evaluating the WB transcriptome datasets by 5× cross-validation using ANNs, the expression of nine genes ranked based on Shannon Entropy (Information Gain) from PM were able to correctly classify if the individual bird was normal or exhibited WB 100% of the time. These top nine genes were all protein coding and potential biomarkers. When PM gene expression data were evaluated between normal birds and those with WB using SVMs they were correctly classified 95% of the time using 450 of the top genes sorted ranked based on Shannon Entropy (Information Gain) as a preprocessing step. When evaluating the 450 attributes that were 95% correctly classified using SVMs through Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) there was an overlap in top genes identified through MLP. This analysis allowed the identification of critical transcriptional responses for the first time in both liver and muscle during the onset of WB. The information provided has revealed many molecules and pathways making up a complex molecular mechanism involved with the progression of wooden breast and suggests that the etiology of the myopathy is not limited to activity in the muscle alone, but is an altered systemic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea A. Phillips
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Benjamin J. Reading
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Matthew Livingston
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly Livingston
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Chris M. Ashwell
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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7
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Yasuoka H, Garrett SM, Nguyen XX, Artlett CM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. NADPH oxidase-mediated induction of reactive oxygen species and extracellular matrix deposition by insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2019; 316:L644-L655. [PMID: 30810066 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00106.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) induces production of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components collagen and fibronectin both in vitro and in vivo and is overexpressed in patients with fibrosing lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the mechanism by which IGFBP-5 exerts its fibrotic effect is incompletely understood. Recent reports have shown a substantial role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in fibrosis; thus we hypothesized that IGFBP-5 induces production of ROS to mediate the profibrotic process. In vitro analyses revealed that ROS production was induced by recombinant and adenoviral vector-mediated IGFBP-5 (AdBP5) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, regulated through MEK/ERK and JNK signaling, and primarily mediated by NADPH oxidase (Nox). Silencing IGFBP-5 in SSc and IPF fibroblasts reduced ROS production. The antioxidants diphenyleneiodonium and N-acetylcysteine blocked IGFBP-5-stimulated ECM production in normal, SSc, and IPF human primary lung fibroblasts. In murine fibroblasts lacking critical components of the Nox machinery, AdBP5-stimulated ROS production and fibronectin expression were reduced compared with wild-type fibroblasts. IGFBP-5 stimulated transcriptional expression of Nox3 in human fibroblasts while selective knockdown of Nox3 reduced ROS production by IGFBP-5. Thus IGFBP-5 mediates fibrosis through production of ROS in a Nox-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekata Yasuoka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine , Aichi , Japan
| | - Sara M Garrett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Xinh-Xinh Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Carol M Artlett
- Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Carol A Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
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8
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Zhang LQ, Cui H, Yu YB, Shi HQ, Zhou Y, Liu MJ. MicroRNA-141-3p inhibits retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma mice through the inactivation of Docking protein 5-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:8873-8887. [PMID: 30515784 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization occurs in various ocular disorders including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and secondary neovascular glaucoma, resulting in blindness. This paper aims to investigate the effect of microRNA-141-3p (miR-141-3p) on retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma mice through the Docking protein 5 (DOK5)-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Chip retrieval and difference analysis were used for the potential mechanism of miR-141-3p on glaucoma. All modeled mice were transfected with different expression of mimic or inhibitor. The expressions of miR-141-3p, DOK5, and related genes and proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway were detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, lumen formation, and apoptosis in the retinal vascular epithelial cells and RGCs were detected using Matrigel angiogenesis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays. Moreover, a total of 63 and 294 differentially expressed genes were obtained in GSE2378 and GSE9944 chips, and 4 genes were within the intersection of the chips. In addition, the results showed that miR-141-3p was found to inhibit the DOK5 gene and activate the MAPK pathway. The number of RGCs, the expression of p38, extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), IGF-1, VEGF, HIF1-α, Bax, caspase-3, and the extent of p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylated were decreased with miR-141-3p upregulation. Lastly, the results obtained showed that miR-141-3p inhibited the proliferation of retinal vascular epithelial cells and inhibited angiogenesis, as well as promoted apoptosis of RGCs. The study suggests that miR-141-3p inhibits retinal neovascularization in glaucoma mice by impeding the activation of the DOK5-mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qiong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yong-Bin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huan-Qi Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mei-Jiao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Mebarki S, Désert R, Sulpice L, Sicard M, Desille M, Canal F, Dubois-Pot Schneider H, Bergeat D, Turlin B, Bellaud P, Lavergne E, Le Guével R, Corlu A, Perret C, Coulouarn C, Clément B, Musso O. De novo HAPLN1 expression hallmarks Wnt-induced stem cell and fibrogenic networks leading to aggressive human hepatocellular carcinomas. Oncotarget 2018; 7:39026-39043. [PMID: 27191501 PMCID: PMC5129911 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
About 20% hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) display wild-type β-catenin, enhanced Wnt signaling, hepatocyte dedifferentiation and bad outcome, suggesting a specific impact of Wnt signals on HCC stem/progenitor cells. To study Wnt-specific molecular pathways, cell fates and clinical outcome, we fine-tuned Wnt/β-catenin signaling in liver progenitor cells, using the prototypical Wnt ligand Wnt3a. Cell biology assays and transcriptomic profiling were performed in HepaRG hepatic progenitors exposed to Wnt3a after β-catenin knockdown or Wnt inhibition with FZD8_CRD. Gene expression network, molecular pathology and survival analyses were performed on HCCs and matching non-tumor livers from 70 patients by real-time PCR and tissue micro-array-based immunohistochemistry. Wnt3a reprogrammed liver progenitors to replicating fibrogenic myofibroblast-like cells displaying stem and invasive features. Invasion was inhibited by 30 nM FZD7 and FZD8 CRDs. Translation of these data to human HCCs revealed two tight gene networks associating cell surface Wnt signaling, stem/progenitor markers and mesenchymal commitment. Both networks were linked by Hyaluronan And Proteoglycan Link Protein 1 (HAPLN1), that appeared de novo in aggressive HCCs expressing cytoplasmic β-catenin and stem cell markers. HAPLN1 was independently associated with bad overall and disease-free outcome. In vitro, HAPLN1 was expressed de novo in EPCAM¯/NCAM+ mesoderm-committed progenitors, upon spontaneous epithelial-mesenchymal transition and de-differentiation of hepatocyte-like cells to liver progenitors. In these cells, HAPLN1 knockdown downregulated key markers of mesenchymal cells, such as Snail, LGR5, collagen IV and α-SMA. In conclusion, HAPLN1 reflects a signaling network leading to stemness, mesenchymal commitment and HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihem Mebarki
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Romain Désert
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Sulpice
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,CHU de Rennes, Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Rennes, France
| | - Marie Sicard
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Mireille Desille
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,CHU de Rennes, Centre de Ressources Biologiques Santé, Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Canal
- Inserm, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Cnrs, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Damien Bergeat
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,CHU de Rennes, Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Rennes, France
| | - Bruno Turlin
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,CHU de Rennes, Centre de Ressources Biologiques Santé, Rennes, France
| | - Pascale Bellaud
- Université de Rennes 1, UMS 18 Biosit, Biogenouest, Rennes, France
| | - Elise Lavergne
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Rémy Le Guével
- Université de Rennes 1, UMS 18 Biosit, Biogenouest, ImPACcellCore Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Anne Corlu
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UMS 18 Biosit, Biogenouest, ImPACcellCore Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Christine Perret
- Inserm, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Cnrs, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Bruno Clément
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Orlando Musso
- Inserm, UMR991, Liver Metabolisms and Cancer, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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Nguyen XX, Muhammad L, Nietert PJ, Feghali-Bostwick C. IGFBP-5 Promotes Fibrosis via Increasing Its Own Expression and That of Other Pro-fibrotic Mediators. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:601. [PMID: 30374330 PMCID: PMC6196226 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a hallmark of diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To date, the therapeutic options for patients with pulmonary fibrosis are limited, and organ transplantation remains the most effective option. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in SSc and IPF. In this study, we demonstrate that both exogenous and adenovirally expressed IGFBP-5 promote fibrosis by increasing the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and the expression of pro-fibrotic genes in primary human lung fibroblasts. IGFBP-5 increased expression of the pro-fibrotic growth factor CTGF and levels of the matrix crosslinking enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX). Silencing of IGFBP-5 had different effects in lung fibroblasts from normal donors and patients with SSc or IPF. Moreover, we show that IGFBP-5 increases expression of ECM genes, CTGF, and LOX in human lung tissues maintained in organ culture. Together, our data extend our previous findings and demonstrate that IGFBP-5 exerts its pro-fibrotic activity by directly inducing expression of ECM and pro-fibrotic genes. Further, IGFBP-5 promotes its own expression, generating a positive feedback loop. This suggests that IGFBP-5 likely acts in concert with other growth factors to drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinh-Xinh Nguyen
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Lutfiyya Muhammad
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Paul J. Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- *Correspondence: Carol Feghali-Bostwick
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Optimization of a murine and human tissue model to recapitulate dermal and pulmonary features of systemic sclerosis. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28651005 PMCID: PMC5484495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The murine bleomycin (BLM)-induced fibrosis model is the most widely used in systemic sclerosis (SSc) studies. It has been reported that systemic delivery of BLM via continuous diffusion from subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps can cause fibrosis of the skin, lungs, and other internal organs. However, the mouse strain, dosage of BLM, administration period, and additional important features differ from one report to the next. In this study, by employing the pump model in C57BL/6J mice, we show a dose-dependent increase in lung fibrosis by day 28 and a transient increase in dermal thickness. Dermal thickness and the level of collagen in skin treated with high-dose BLM was significantly higher than in skin treated with low dose BLM or vehicle. A reduction in the thickness of the adipose layer was noted in both high and low dose groups at earlier time points suggesting that the loss of the fat layer precedes the onset of fibrosis. High-dose BLM also induced dermal fibrosis and increased expression of fibrosis-associated genes ex vivo in human skin, thus confirming and extending the in vivo findings, and demonstrating that a human organ culture model can be used to assess the effect of BLM on skin. In summary, our findings suggest that the BLM pump model is an attractive model to analyze the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis and test the efficacy of potential therapies. However, the choice of mouse strain, duration of BLM administration and dose must be carefully considered when using this model.
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The mighty fibroblast and its utility in scleroderma research. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2017; 2:69-134. [PMID: 29270465 DOI: 10.5301/jsrd.5000240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the effector cells of fibrosis characteristic of systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) and other fibrosing conditions. The excess production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is the hallmark of fibrosis in different organs, such as skin and lung. Experiments designed to assess the pro-fibrotic capacity of factors, their signaling pathways, and potential inhibitors of their effects that are conducted in fibroblasts have paved the way for planning clinical trials in SSc. As such, fibroblasts have proven to be valuable tools in the search for effective anti-fibrotic therapies for fibrosis. Herein we highlight the characteristics of fibroblasts, their role in the etiology of fibrosis, utility in experimental assays, and contribution to drug development and clinical trials in SSc.
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Su Y, Nishimoto T, Feghali-Bostwick C. IGFBP-5 Promotes Fibrosis Independently of Its Translocation to the Nucleus and Its Interaction with Nucleolin and IGF. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130546. [PMID: 26103640 PMCID: PMC4478026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-5 levels are increased in systemic sclerosis (SSc) skin and lung. We previously reported that IGFBP-5 is a pro-fibrotic factor that induces extracellular matrix (ECM) production and deposition. Since IGFBP-5 contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS) that facilitates its nuclear translocation, we sought to examine the role of nuclear translocation on the fibrotic activity of IGFBP-5 and identify IGFBP-5 binding partners relevant for its nuclear compartmentalization. METHODS We generated functional wild type IGFBP-5 and IGFBP-5 with a mutated NLS or a mutated IGF binding site. Abrogation of nuclear translocation in the NLS mutant was confirmed using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting of nuclear and cytoplasmic cellular extracts. Abrogation of IGF binding was confirmed using western ligand blot. The fibrotic activity of wild type and mutant IGFBP-5 was examined in vitro in primary human fibroblasts and ex vivo in human skin. We identified IGFBP-5 binding partners using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. We examined the effect of nucleolin on IGFBP-5 localization and function via sequence-specific silencing in primary human fibroblasts. RESULTS Our results show that IGFBP-5-induced ECM production in vitro in primary human fibroblasts is independent of its nuclear translocation. The NLS-mutant also induced fibrosis ex vivo in human skin, thus confirming and extending the in vitro findings. Similar findings were obtained with the IGF-binding mutant. Nucleolin, a nucleolar protein that can serve as a nuclear receptor, was identified as an IGFBP-5 binding partner. Silencing nucleolin reduced IGFBP-5 translocation to the nucleus but did not block the ability of IGFBP-5 to induce ECM production and a fibrotic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS IGFBP-5 transport to the nucleus requires an intact NLS and nucleolin. However, nuclear translocation is not necessary for IGFBP-5 fibrotic activity; neither is IGF binding. Our data provide further insights into the role of cellular compartmentalization in IGFBP-5-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Su
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tetsuya Nishimoto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
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